How Do I Remove the Radio From Nissan Cars

by Contributing WriterUpdated June 12, 2017

The stock radio in a Nissan car was an AM/FM radio with a cassette tape player. Although that unit may have worked out great in Nissan car stereos today have satellite radio, in-dash CD-changers and even phone connections via Bluetooth. If you want to upgrade your stock stereo to something a bit newer or modern that has more features, install an aftermarket stereo.

Under The Hood:

 How Do I Remove the Radio From a 1996 Altima?

Place the head of the nylon pry bar between the center console and the black trim panel around the shifter. Pull it up to pull the shifter trim off the console. Remove the four screws underneath the panel, using a Phillips-head screwdriver.

Remove the two Phillips-head screws (with the Phillips-head screwdriver) that are located above the radio. Remove the screw in the knee panel, just to the left of the steering column underneath the fuse block. Again, use the Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull off the rubber edge seal around the door with your hands.

Use your hands to pull the dash panel below the steering wheel off the dash. Remove the screw in the top left corner of the cavity that is now left by removing the panel. Pull the center area around the stereo off the dashboard with your hands.

Unscrew the stereo from the dashboard using the Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the stereo out of the dash and unplug the connections on the stereo's backside.

Items you will need

  • Phillips-head screwdriver

  • Nylon pry bar

 How to Remove the Radio From a Nissan Versa

Remove the cluster panel above the radio storage compartment. This panel is held on by five tabs (two up front, three in the back). Pull up the front part first, and then pull the rear part to disconnect the panel.

Remove the two Phillips screws behind the cluster panel. With the screws removed, pull the radio panel forward to lower it. Unhook the hazard light connection.

Open the hood and disconnect the negative (-) battery cable. Use your pliers to loosen the nut and pull the cable away from the battery.

Remove the four radio screws, located on the bottom half of the radio. Slide the radio toward you, away from the dash.

Disconnect the radio connections (harness and antenna). The radio and its factory mounting bracket will be free. If you wish to remove the radio from the mounting bracket, then remove the screws on the bracket's side.

Items you will need

  • Phillips screwdriver

  • Pliers

 How to Remove the Radio in a 2000 Nissan Maxima

Move the Maxima's gearshift to "Neutral" and set the parking brake. Turn the engine off and disconnect the negative battery cable (with the pliers) before beginning.

Unclip the vent panel above the radio. Use a trim panel tool to help release the clips and pull the panel off. For non-Bose radios, the panel extends beneath the radio.

Open the ashtray and remove the ashtray insert, with your hand. Remove the single Phillips-head screw behind the insert.

Remove the trim piece surrounding the gearshift selector. This piece extends upward to the bottom of the radio. Use the trim tool to pry it up around the gearshift, and then detach the entire panel. Unplug the adapter for the power outlet and set the panel aside.

Remove the four screws mounting the radio (two on top, two on bottom). Pull the radio and the A/C panel out (they are connected). Unplug the wiring harness, antenna cable and amplifier cable.

Turn the assembly over and remove the Phillips-head screws attaching the radio to the A/C panel. Pull the radio away from the panel to separate it.

Items you will need

  • Pliers

  • Trim tool

  • Phillips screwdriver

 How to Remove the Radio in a Nissan Quest

Lift out the small tab on the bottom of the gear shift. While holding the tab, slide the gear shift up to remove it from the center console.

Open the glove box to expose the two screws on the left of the glove box. Unscrew them with a Phillips screwdriver.

Locate the screw under the steering column that is under the dash panel. Unscrew it with a Phillips screwdriver.

Unclip the panel under the driver dash by pulling up and away from the dash. Place it to the side.

Unclip the panel clips on both sides of the center console at the bottom of the console. Pull the console off and place it to the side.

Unclip the driver-side console panel and pull it away from the console by hand. Place it to the side.

Unscrew the two screws at the bottom center of the console with a Phillips screwdriver. This will free the console so it can be removed.

Unclip the upper console panel. Lift up and out of the way.

Unclip the small trim to the right and left of the cupholder. This will assist in freeing the console for removal.

Unclip the center console from the dash. Pull it off and to the side.

Unbolt the four bolts securing the radio body to the vehicle. Pull the radio up out of the center. Disconnect the wiring harness at the bottom. Unplug the antenna wire from the bottom of the radio.

Place the radio to the side.

Items you will need

  • Phillips screwdriver

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