How do you remove the CD player from 2003 Ford Escape?

Answer 1

If you have one of the factory units, there are 4 small holes near the corners. Using a pair of special radio removal tools (one for each side; readily available from any auto parts store for a noiminal price) which insert into these holes and release the locking clips holding the unit in the dash. You can then angle the tools outward (toward the outside of the car) slightly and pull the radio/cd player out. You can also make your own version of the tools from heavy, stiff wire (a heavy coat hanger works) bent into a "U" shape. But the coathanger is a bit harder - the radio tools have small hooks cut into the ends to grab the radio and make it much easier to remove.