Turning up the car stereo to entertain us in our journey has become a norm for us. However, in some cases, there would be a need to remove car radios due to it being worn out.
Essentially, din radio removal tools are the most convenient way to solve this problem. But not to worry, as this article will show you ways on How to Remove a Car Stereo Without Din Tools.
How Do You Remove a Car Stereo Without Din Tools?
You can use a set of basic tools that can be found in your home or garage. These tools that you need to prepare include the following:
- Flathead screwdriver
- Slotted Screwdriver
- Small Container (for screws)
- Pry Bar
- Two Thin Knives
- Socket Wrench
- 10 mm Wrench
How Do You Remove a Car Radio Without Din Tools?
STEP 1: Unplugging the Battery’s Terminals
For your safety precaution, the first thing to do is to disconnect the car radio from the battery by unplugging the battery’s terminals in order to avoid any kind of mishaps such as short circuits or unwanted shocks.
- Open the car’s hood. You should be able to find the battery once the hood is open.
- Then, carefully unplug the wire by unscrewing the negative terminal first (black terminal marked with a “–“ sign) and put it away from metallic surfaces for safety measures.
- Next, unplug the positive terminal (red terminal marked with a “+“ sign) by unscrewing it. Make sure that it does not come in touch with the negative cable or any metallic surfaces as well to avoid sparks.
You may use a 10 mm wrench or a flathead screwdriver as your basic tools in the step to easily loosen the negative clamps.
STEP 2: Removing the Stereo’s Trim
The trim on your stereo is also the plastic cover of most radio models, including the Pioneer radio. It is held in place by screws or bolts.
These screws may not be noticeable at first glance, so inspect the bottom of the stereo. Remove them using a screwdriver. You should keep a small container handy to carefully store the screws/bolts to avoid losing them, which can be a nuisance.
Remove the trim with your flathead screwdriver by inserting it beneath the radio’s trim and applying some force. In some cases, automobile stereos can be readily pulled and yanked to gain access to the cables to which they are connected.
STEP 3: Taking Off the Dashboard Panel
Moving on to the next procedure on car stereo removal is to take out the dashboard panels. Latest and up to date vehicles’ stereos are equipped with dashboard panels. You will need to pry it open from its edges.
This is where your pry bar comes in handy. To do this, you will have to insert it in the gap of the panels’ edges and carefully pull it to come off. To this effect, your car’s stereo is now exposed.
STEP 4: Taking the Stereo out
Most modern-day vehicles have clips or slotted screws on each side. Some car manufacturing companies have a different technique in accessing these car stereo systems.
Therefore it is vital to double check your vehicle’s manual for other special instructions, especially in removing the clips or screws on both sides.
Remove the screws on both sides of the stereo system by using a slotted screwdriver or a socket wrench in the instance of clamps.
You may use two sharp and thin knives or screwdrivers that would perfectly slide into the sides of your car’s stereo.
With the right amount of pressure, slowly but surely pull the stereo out. Pulling it carelessly may break and damage the wires behind your stereo.
Typically, Radio Keys are the most convenient equipment to use in this step on removing car stereos. But without keys, thin knives or screwdrivers can do the trick.
STEP 5: Remove the Wiring
Now that the car stereo is out and exposed, it is time to disconnect its wires. The grips of these wires are secured by a clamp or a binder. You can easily squeeze and release these wires from their secure placement.
STEP 6: Storing the Old Stereo
You may opt to store your old stereo for sentimental value. You can also sell it should there be an interested buyer as long as its necessary parts are still intact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Other Helpful Tips
Do I need a flashlight to take out the car stereo?
Flashlights are also useful when it comes to locating those hidden screws underneath your car’s stereo system. For other basic or specific tools, you may want to check out ScrewFix as it is the UK’s largest retailer of basic tools, which is useful in many scenarios and instances.
Why should I acquire a new car system?
Check the quality of sound and features of your Ford stereo if it is up to date. You can consider upgrading to a newer stereo that is compatible with smartphones, has touchscreen options and GPS navigation.
What type of car stereo should I get?
There are many types of car stereos that you can pick from for your desired preference, namely the following:
- Single DIN Car Stereo
These are mostly compatible with any vehicle as it fits perfectly in the stereo’s dashboard (dimensions are 7” width x 2” height). This is compatible with CD receivers.
- Double DIN Car Stereo
Usually, double DINs have touchscreen displays and are double in height (7” width x 4” height).
- DVD receivers
These are compatible for both DVD and CD receivers and are equipped with touchscreen displays.
- Digital Media
This is where all things digital come into place, such as streaming music and the use of smartphone devices to fully maximize the digital contents.
- Navigation
Equipped with a GPS antenna, this might come in handy for frequent travelers, as it provides the user navigation for you to locate and reach your destination.
Conclusion
So that is how you successfully remove a radio from a car. Technically, it is not essential to have din tools, but as long as you have the basic garage tools and home DIYs, you are all set.
Keep in mind that safety first, and be cautious in handling electronic equipment, batteries and wiring. If you find this helpful, please feel free to share this article on How to Remove a Car Stereo Without Din Tools.