I want to run the wires to my Sirius unit behind the center surround (where the stereo and HVAC controls are). How do I remove it without breaking anything? I did a search and found a post but none of the pictures showed up.

I have a Lariat with the "wood" trim.

Here is where I have the unit now and I want to hide the wires coming from below up behind where the cig lighter black plate is and the bring them out in between the wood trim and the grey part of the dash.

 

open ash tray, grab right bottom corner, and left bottom corner, and pull on it...

 

I watched the tech at the Ford dealer when he replaced my ATC. He removed the ash tray, then started pulling on the bottom edges. He also had a small flat blade screw driver that he worked along the edges as he was pulling outward. I would have bet $10.00 that it was going to snap in two, but he got it off all in one piece. If I recall correctly, there were three snap in spring clips on each side.

 

Same as the previous post. But you gotta pull fairly hard to get the trim out the first time. Be patient... but use a little elbow grease.

 

I don't have a Lariat, but the process should be the same. Open your ashtray and stick a finger or two behind the center panel on each side, PULL straight out. It'll be scary the amount force needed but I've done it half a dozen times and never broke anything. Once loose work your way upwards.

Check out this gallery for pics:
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...w.cfm?num=9257

 

Thanks everyone! How do I remove the ashtray (in case I want to remove it first)?

 

You don't have to remove the ashtray, just open it about half way. Grab the trim at the top where it meets the tray on the dash and CAREFULLY pull back. Work your way down both sides until all the clips are free. Don't pull too far back at the top or you will damage the airbag status lead, unplug the lead and lay the moulding down on the console. Reverse to reinstall, just remember to reconnect the airbag wire and your done.

 

Well, I ended up moving the Sirius receiver to a spot that someone else on here has his. I like it much better where I intstalled it. I removed the trim, ran the wires (all hidden now) and then drilled a big hole in the bottom of the tray so the wires could run through. I then screwed the bracket down to the bottom of the tray and cut small slits in the tray liner for the bracket arms to slide through. I also cut a hole in the liner for the wires to run up.

I like it in the new location much better. The 2-sided tape was not holding up very well in the old location so this will work for me.

Thanks for all of you help, guys. I thought I was going to break the trim piece while removing it but I trusted that everyone knew what they were talking about.

 

Along these lines, is there a way to remove the ashtray without peeling back the trim? I went out and tried to pull it away but like you guys say, it feels like it's gonna snap, and I really don't need to take off the trim now anyways, just the ashtray so I can mount a 2-meter radio faceplate on the face.

Thanks if you know.