How to Remove a Car Stereo That Needs Clips to Take it Out
The process for removing a stereo from the stereo mounting dock of a vehicle can vary widely between types of vehicles. Most vehicles require the removal of dash panels to access the stereo itself. The complicated procedures for stereo removal are not an issue of old versus newer; 2010 Toyota models often require an extremely arduous process for factory stereo removal. Ford, Mazda, Volvo and some models of Mercedes employ a removal process that requires clips, or DIN removal keys, to extract the stock stereo. For these vehicles you can remove the factory head unit without having to disrupt the dashboard assembly.
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Instructions
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1
Remove the grounding cable from the negative battery lead to avoid shorting the vehicle's electrical system. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the cable's bolt.
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2
Squeeze the removal keys (or clips) to align the prongs with the receiving slots at either end of the factory stereo.
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Slide the tools into the openings and push them until they snap into place.
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4
Pull outward on the clips to engage the spring-loaded mechanism in the stereo mounting dock of the vehicle.
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5
Pull the stereo straight from the dock while maintaining the outward tension on the removal keys.
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Pull the stereo from the dashboard far enough to reach the wiring connections to the back panel of the radio.
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Pull the wiring connections from the outlets on the back of the radio. Grab the wiring by the plastic connectors, not the individual wires themselves.
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8
Pull the black FM antenna cable from the back of the radio to completely disconnect the radio from the vehicle.
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Tips & Warnings
The DIN removal keys can be purchased from the dealership or retail car audio outlet.
References
- Photo Credit autoradio 2 image by Nathalie P from Fotolia.com
