As some of you may know the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima (sixth generation) has a very brittle plastic panel that surounds the stereo. In some cases it will already have multiple hairline cracks not really visible to the naked eye, making it very difficult to remove without damaging if you don't know how to remove the panel correctly.
Once you remove the cover around the A/C controls, which is just held in by clips. Remove the two screws securing the A/C controls over the bottom lower piece of the dash panel. Lightly unclip the lower panel fasteners.
These are the panel fasteners/clips holding the lower part of the dash panel in place.
Then grab two wide flat panel removal tools and slowly insert them about 4-5 inches in, center of the A/C vents on each side. Be careful not to put pressure on the thin delicate dash trim. When inserting put any pressure required on the soft dash itself . If you don't have any panel removal tools about three inches wide you can use those cheap plastic putty knifes typically found at any local hardware store. Once you have your flat panel removal tools inserted, Open the top pocket and apply pressure to the inside walls of the pocket while pulling out to fully remove the dash panel.
These are the clips on each side that will get stuck if you just try prying the dash panel out.
Jeremy's Car Audio Tips
