How to Take Out the Stereo on a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta

The Jetta has been a part of VW's lineup since 1980.

The 2004 Volkswagen Jetta came in a wide array of trim levels, including: GL, GL TDI, GL 1.8T, GLS 2.0L, GLS TDI, GLS 1.8T and GLI. The base level GL came fitted with an eight-speaker, AM-FM radio with a cassette and CD player. When removing and installing the 2004 Jetta’s radio, you must have the security code, as the radio’s anti-theft system activates as soon as you disconnect the radio. Overall, replacing the 2004 Jetta’s radio is a straightforward task, but you need a special tool.

Things You'll Need

• Radio security code
• 4 radio-removal tools, VW part No. T10057

Instructions

Removal

1. Find the radio’s security code. This code came on a small card that the dealership included with the radio. If you do not have the code, contact your local Volkswagen dealership to obtain it.

2. Look at the face of the radio and find the four slots, one on each corner. These are the radio removal tool locator holes.

3. Look at the four radio-removal tools, VW part No. T10057, and notice that two have “Top R” printed on them and the other two have “Top L” on them. The “Top R” tools are for the right side of the radio and the “Top L” tools are for the left side of the radio.

4. Insert the four radio-removal tools into their respective locator holes in the radio, with their angled sides facing away from each other, until you feel them click into place.

5. Pull the tools outward to slide the radio from its chassis in the dashboard. Only pull the radio out far enough to access the wiring on the rear of the radio. Press and hold the unlocking button on each of the wiring harnesses on the rear of the radio and pull each harness from the radio. Pull the antenna lead from the rear of the radio.

6. Press the locking tab on the side of the radio’s body to unlock its radio-removal tool. Pull the radio removal tool from the radio. Repeat this step to remove the remaining three radio-removal tools.

Installation

1. Plug the wiring harnesses into the receptacles on the rear of the radio. Plug the antenna lead into its receptacle on the rear of the radio.

2. Line up the radio with its chassis in the dashboard.

3. Slide the radio into its chassis in the dashboard until you hear the locking tabs click into place.

Unlocking Anti-Theft Lock

1. Turn the ignition to the “Run” position, but do not start the vehicle. Turn the radio on.

2. Watch as “Safe” appears on the radio’s LCD screen, then after three seconds “1000” shows on the screen.

3. Press and release preset button “1” until the first digit matches the first number in your radio’s security code. Repeat this step with preset buttons “2,” ”3” and “4” to enter the remaining three numbers in the code.

4. Press the upward arrow of the “Seek” or “Scan” button for at least two seconds and listen for an audible signal. If you entered the code correctly, the radio’s screen will display “LSM.” Turn the ignition off.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are replacing the radio with a new one, you must visit the dealership so a technician can perform sound coding to compensate for audio features.

References

• Alldata: 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Radio Removing and Installing
• Alldata: 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Resetting Anti-Theft Radio
• Cars.com: 2004 Volkswagen Jetta Specs and Features