How to Remove a Car Stereo

One of the most inexpensive methods to upgrading a car stereo system, is removing the car stereo yourself, and then installing the new stereo. The main stereo unit is the most often changed out component. The time that it takes can take between an hour to a full afternoon. The amount of time that it takes depends on how the old stereo is mounted into the dash. Although the different car makers install their car stereos in slightly different ways, this article will describe the two methods that are most commonly used. Before you move on to the steps that are listed below, you first need to disconnect the car battery to prevent anything from shorting out.

Stereo Trim

Most car stereos have a plastic trim that goes around the head of the stereo. It looks like a picture frame that fits tightly around the stereo. The trim normally snaps into place and is held in with small plastic clips. You can purchase a special stereo removal tool, called a DIN tool. This is basically a thin strip of metal that is used to release the clips. You can also use a small flat head screwdriver to gently work the trim loose so that you can pull it off. If you are going to reinstall the stereo trim, you should use care when removing it so that you do not crack it or break off the clips.

Mounted by Spring Clips

The most common method to holding a stereo in place is with spring clips. Typically there are four clips that hold the stereo in place. You will need a DIN tool so that you can remove the stereo. Insert the DIN tool on the side of the stereo. Once properly inserted, listen for a “click” and the stereo should slide out. Normally you can see where to insert the tool. There are clips on each side of the stereo. If the car stereo is factory, you may be able to locate a diagram in the owner’s manual that gives detailed instructions on removing the stereo.

Once the stereo pulls out of the mounting bracket, you can unplug the antenna coax and remove the wiring harness. Normally a wiring harness is held in by a clip on each side. Using a small screwdriver, you can lift the clips up so that you can unplug the wiring harness.

Mounted by Bolts

Some stereos may be bolted to the dashboard, which makes it a little tougher to remove, but not impossible. With this type of installation, the brackets that mount onto the stereo are secured with bolts, instead of spring clips. If the stereo has trim, you will need to remove the trim as mentioned above. Once the trim is removed, look for any visible bolts that may be holding the stereo in place. Normally there are four bolts that are located under the stereo trim. Remove those bolts and attempt to pull the stereo out. If the stereo doesn't pull out, look for additional bolts that are attached to the bracket. Once all of the bolts are removed, the stereo will slide out and you can disconnect the wiring harness and antenna.

Photo Credits: hardwarehank

This post involves:

antenna, car battery, car makers, car stereo system, car stereos, flat head screwdriver, mounting bracket, picture frame, removal tool, spring clips, stereo unit, wiring harness

... and focuses on:

Car Tips, Stereo System

Posted by How To Car on in Car Tips, Stereo System. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.