2003 Stereo with Nav Removal Help...

[nicke]

Hey Guys, I want to pull my stock stereo of of my 2003 SE, but am not quite sure how to attack this. I have read many other posts about radio removal, but most seem to be the non-nav unit, that has the nice slots in the front for the puller tool. Mine doesn't seem to have these. See attached pic. What the trick to getting this out? Thanks!

[tee51397]

They're on the bottom of the unit slightly to the left / right of the knobs. A real radio removal took is a big help with these units. The "hooks" are much sturdier and pull back into the unit from the left/right. If you mess up the tabs then they become a real real pain to get out.

[nicke]

Wow, I didn't even notice them on the bottom, as I was looking at the top. Thank you!

Now, hooks toward center or facing outward?
Thanks again!

[tee51397]

You want to pull them in towards the center. Here's a photo where you can see the damn grippy teeth. I bent mine in so instead of the teeth there's just a hump and I can just pull it out without the hassle.

Basically, you want that blue piece to disappear inside the radio. If all else fails, you can pull the climate control panel and get a small but long screwdriver up there to get at them from the side and pry them in.

[nicke]

Got it. I was able to pull it with ease! Thanks for the tips!
Nick