Things You'll Need:
- Trim removal tool or flat-head screwdriver
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Step 1
Pull on the sides of the trim. The simplest dash setups will allow the trim to come free by just pulling on it. Put your hands on either side of the trim and use your fingertips to push both sides inward. The clips holding the dash might come free with just a little pressure.
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Step 2
Use a trim removal tool. These specially designed tools are built for removing hard-to-remove pieces from the interior of your car. They often come as multipurpose tools with one component that is made for dash trim removal. Consult the instructions that come with the tool to remove the trim. You will basically be using it to pry the trim away from the dash.
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Step 3
Use a screwdriver. Since a screwdriver is not specifically designed to be gentle on your trim, you will need to be more careful with it than you would have to be with a trim-removal tool. You can use a flat-head screwdriver in the same way. Insert the tip of the screwdriver into the edge of the trim and gently pry the trim away.
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Step 4
Locate the screws that are holding the trim in place. Some cars, especially older ones, will have screws that are holding the trim around the stereo in place, as well as the retainer clips. These screws are usually well hidden in places like the ashtray and on the underside of the dash beneath the stereo. If you're lucky, there will be a guide in your owner's manual, but most owner's manuals leave this information out. So you will just have to search for them.
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Step 5
Remove all the screws from the trim. Once you have located the screws and taken them out, you should be able to pop the trim free from the retainer clips.
