How to remove the headliner on CX-9

[gavilan_pr]

Has anyone removed the headliner on the CX-9. I’m planning to install a flipmount dvd myself and would like to know if it’s easy or hard to have it removed. It’s not equped with a moon roof. I’m pretty good with DIY proyects and if I can save the install money I’ll go on line and buy one. Since the same flipmount dvd that are sold in store you could find them online for about $75 to $85 less.

Thanks

[ceric]

gavilan:

No. I haven't. If you need a page (or two) from MAZDA workshop manual of HOW TO REMOVE HEADLINER, I certainly can scan one for you tonight.
Is that what you need?

On a side note. Do you plan to buy the Mazda OE flipdown DVD or certain aftermarket brand?
Where do you plan to tap the power from?
AV stores typically charge between $200-$300 for installation (AFAIK).
Please share some photos of your installation process.

[gavilan_pr]

ceric:

YES! That'll be great and could be very useful.
I’d appreciate that information. I’m planning to buy an aftermarket flip down DVD. It’s a Tview T90DVFD not every expensive but my girls won't notice a diffrence. I went to an AV store and they had it for $249.99 and the install for about $150.00 with 1 a year warranty, but I found the sameone on eBay for $ 159.99 with a 2 year warranty. I’ll save a lot and in these times we need to.

Now, on the power tapping I was planning getting the power from the middle dome light but, if you have a better suggestion pass it on. Do you think I’ll need any special attachments to hold the filpdown DVD to the headliner? I don’t think so, since the weight of the equipment is 4.8 lbs. If you could send the sacan to

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2009 Sport 2WD - LIQUID SILVER METALLIC

[ceric]

gavilan,
Will do.

P.S. You might want to remove the email address from your post.
Otherwise, you will start to get spam very soon.
Internet bots scan forum and webpages for email addresses to sell.

[gavilan_pr]

Thank you! for the headsup

[CX9 SportOwner]

If you can avoid removing or flexing the headliner, do so. It is not a rigid piece and breaks easily if bent. Then you will have ugly creases all over it where it cracked.

Also, you're not going to get enough power from thew dome light, other than to power the dome light in the unit. Those circuits are current limited, providing only enough for the lights.

[ceric]

Please see the attached page for headliner removal from WorkShop manual.
It consists of many steps, each refers to another subsection.
As SportsOwner said, it seems very involved to take out the headliner.
Do you really have to do that?

If you need a manual page for a specific area (certain trim), let me know.
For now, I don't think scanning 20 pages to you makes any sense.

[gavilan_pr]

SportsOwner:

From where could be the best placed to get the power....

Ceric & SportsOwner:

How else could I install the Flipdown DVD? I want to know where I'm screwing the eqpt and I would not want to damage the roof.

[ceric]

For $200, I don't think that the AV store technician will take the headliner entirely off to do the job. Last time I asked (for my minivan once), they seemed to cut into the headliner and use some kind of adhesive to fix the unit to the roof. I am not entirely sure. Try google (or Bing) it on the web to see if anyone has done it and posted photos.

As I said, if you have troubles removing any specific piece, let me know, I will post the corresponding page for you.

[gavilan_pr]

ceric:

How and where did you get that info. Do you work for mazda....any tips for the power.

[CX9 SportOwner]

The easiest route should be over to the side, down the B pillar, under the front passenger threshold, and into the fuse block behind the glove box with a tap.

[ceric]

I have no tips for the power tapping, but SportsOwner's suggestion sounds good to me.
I have Workshop manual, which you can also buy one if you are interested. Another useful one is the Wiring Diagram, which I have not acquired yet. These are useful in preventing DIYer from messing up. Kind of "look before you leap".
If you need instruction on how to remove B-pillar trim, I can send you the page.

[gavilan_pr]

ceric:

Yes, please send me the instructions on how to remove the b-pillar trim lower and upper also could you send me on how to remove the A-pillars, the front scuff plate inner and the front map light. I'm thinking in removing that front part so I can lower the headliner and take a good look of what's in between the headliner and the roof and find a good spot where I can secure the DVD flipmount....

[gavilan_pr]

Sportsowner:

In the fuse box behind the glove box find a spare fuse slot or tap in to a working fuse if so witch one could be ideal......I guess it depends on the power consumption of the DVD player.

[CX9 SportOwner]

You find an open one, preferably switched with the ignition. I understand there is a 15 amp slot for the towing power that you can use if you don't have the towing package. A fuse tap plugs into the empty slot like a fuse, but has a fused pigtail on it.

http://www.cooperbussmann.com/images/49377357-4055-4945-a6a2-1e7bb04a08b9.JPG

You can pick up ground locally, just don't drill a hole in your roof.

[gavilan_pr]

ceric:

Yes, please send me the instructions on how to remove the b-pillar trim lower and upper also could you send me on how to remove the A-pillars, the front scuff plate inner and the front map light. I'm thinking in removing that front part so I can lower the headliner and take a good look of what's in between the headliner and the roof and find a good spot where I can secure the DVD flipmount....

[ceric]

Sure. I will send it to you as Private Messages tonight.
A-pillar is slightly tricky. Read the manual pages carefully.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Remember, don't FLEX any of the parts. The headliner will break, and you will end up with a permanent white spot on the hard plastic parts.

[gavilan_pr]

CX9:

I'll have that in mind. I'm thinking in pulling it down just enough to take a look and find a secure spot to mount and route the pwr. Also to make sure a don't damage any wires.....

[ceric]

gavilan_pr,
Just sent you the link to 3 jpgs of A/B pillar removal thru Private Message.

Good Luck

[tomiller97]

So how did it go? I'm in the same boat with my 2 year old son that I'd like to invest in a flip down DVD player. At first I was assuming I could save the money and do it myself as I've installed car stereo systems in my other cars....but this is a little different.

Were you successful installing it yourself? Any major problems?

Unfortunately I have the moonroof so I think I'm going to have to claim defeat and have it installed.....so that I don't ruin anything on the interior.