You’ve just bought a new car, and you want to add some extra horsepower to your ride. But before you do anything, you need to remove the original radio. There’s no way you can install a new one without tearing down the entire dashboard. Here’s how to remove an aftermarket radio: 1. Open the door of the car. 2. Lift up the plastic trim around the window. 3. Remove the two screws that secure the radio cover. 4. Carefully remove the cover and antenna. 5. Slide out the old radio and replace it with your new one.
What You’ll Need
In order to remove an aftermarket radio from your vehicle, you will need the following items:
-A set of Phillipshead screwsdriver
-An Allen wrench
-A flathead screwdriver
-Rag or piece of cloth to clean up the area
-Hot soapy water
-White vinegar
How to Remove an Aftermarket Radio
If you have an aftermarket radio that you no longer want or need, there are a few simple steps you can take to remove it from your vehicle.
First, confirm that the radio is actually removable. Many aftermarket radios are designed to be completely hidden in the dashboard or interior paneling of a car, and will require some creative contortionism to remove them. If the radio cannot be easily removed without damaging the car, it may not be possible to remove it at all and you’ll need to seek out a new installation location.
Second, determine where the power connector for the radio is located. Nearly all aftermarket radios use either cigarette lighter or 12-volt power sources, so locating the power connector will help you determine how to disconnect the wires necessary for removal.
Third, disengage any mounting screws that may be holding the radio in place. Sometimes these screws are tucked away behind trim pieces or other hard-to-reach areas; once they’re free, the radio can be gently pulled free from its mounting location.
Fourth and finally, disconnect any cables that are associated with the radio if necessary. This may include cables for Bluetooth technology, AM/FM reception, CD playback capabilities, etc. Once everything is disconnected, the radio can be safely removed from the vehicle and disposed of or recycled as appropriate.[1]
Conclusion
Removing an aftermarket radio from a car can be a challenging task, but with a little bit of know-how and the correct tools, it can be done quickly and without any damage. Before you start, make sure to disconnect the battery and remove any screws or bolts that are holding the radio in place. Once those are out of the way, use your hands to pry off the plastic cover. Be careful not to damage the metal chassis beneath! Now it’s time for the real work: using a wire brush or sandpaper to scrape away any rust or paint that has built up over time. Finally, reapply new adhesive and reinstall the cover (or reuse an old one if you have one). And there you have it — your aftermarket radio is now completely removed!