How to Remove the Santana Center Console Screen?
4 Answers
Follow the detailed steps in the instruction manual to remove the air vents in front of the dashboard. After removing the air vents, you will see the mounting screws for the original car stereo. Remove the original car DVD navigation unit. Insert the provided fiber optic plug into the empty socket on the original car stereo. Connect the fiber optic cable to complete the process. Reconnect all the wires, mostly original car components, as they were before to restore the original setup.
Removing the Santana's center console screen isn't actually that complicated. As someone who frequently modifies cars myself, let's start with the preparations: First, turn off the car engine to ensure the power is disconnected, then use a plastic pry tool to gently pry open the decorative trim around the screen, being careful not to apply too much force to avoid scratching the interior. Once the trim is removed, you'll see several mounting screws—use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen them and slowly pull out the screen unit. During this process, pay attention to the wiring harness behind it; first disconnect the plugs to avoid pulling them apart before completely removing the screen. After completion, remember to check that all components are intact before rushing to reassemble. If the wiring isn't handled properly, it might affect the radio function or cause short-circuit issues—when in doubt, it's best to follow an online tutorial video. My personal advice is to prepare your tools well and take it step by step to minimize mistakes.
Back when I was a newbie, I tried this too. Removing the Santana's center console screen isn't too difficult, but you need to be careful. First, turn off the vehicle's power to avoid electric shock risks. Then, use a plastic pry tool (like an interior trim removal stick) to gently pry open the gap along the screen's edge, gradually loosening the panel. Next, remove those small screws at the back and gently pull out the screen – don't rush. The key is when disconnecting the cables: pinch both ends of the connector to unplug it, don't yank forcefully. The whole process shouldn't take more than half an hour, otherwise you might get flustered and mess things up. After completion, I recommend cleaning the dust, as the center console area tends to accumulate dust which can affect new device installation. If unsure, check the manual or ask a friend – don't attempt random fixes on your own.
I believe safety is the top priority. I've disassembled the Santana's screen a few times, and the first step is always to park and turn off the engine to ensure there's no electrical current. Then, the disassembly is straightforward: use a pry tool to gently lift the edges of the panel, slowly remove the panel, and then unscrew and pull out the screen. Remember to unplug the connectors carefully to avoid damaging the wires. The entire process might take about 10 minutes, but don't get careless—pulling a wire too hard could lead to audio failure or navigation errors. After finishing, check that all parts are properly reassembled and keep the area clean to prevent dust from getting inside. Beginners should ideally do this during daylight for better visibility to avoid mistakes.
