I have a small problem with my stock radio. I used the tried and true "file folder hanger" method to remove the unit a few weeks ago due to the occasional loosening of the antenna cable. After pushing the cable into the unit all worked as expected and the radio slid back into the dash. The loose cable issue re-surfaced, so I found a short cable extender on the web and next attempted to remove the unit once again. Now, however, I can't get the home-made tools to work. They go into the slots as before, but there seems to be nothing for them to hook, allowing the unit to slide out. I don't know why it worked so easily weeks ago, but not today. My alternative seems to require that I take about the center of the dashboard to get the thing out.

Am I missing something? Any advice will be appreciated.

 

You can remove the climate control head, which is easier, and then reach through to pull the radio forward.

 

Steve, I've removed a couple of these now and have thought about why they are hard to remove.
I have one out if you need more pics btw.
One you put the file folder hanger in the slots, the only thing holding the radio in is the rear bumper.
I believe this fits into a hole back in the dash.
I used flat plastic interior trim removal tools to gently pry the radio out. Much like a plastic putty knife or spatula.
I also stick my finger in the tape slot and pull from there. It will come out! Keep working it.

 

Here is how it goes. Also, I removed the rubber boot. The stereo sits tight enough without it, but it is easier to get in and out.


Push them in to depress the spring with the gaps inwards!


Move the hangers outwards.


View from underneath.


Using the gap outwards doesn't work , since the spring is in the way.

 

Yeah, they can be a bugger to remove. Even with tabs held back with plastic tools l made...it took everything l had to get the radio out, fingers in cassette hole and prying gently wherever was possible. Evidently, it popped out. Yes, lube that rubber grommet on installation...for next time.

 

Thanks to all for the great advice. I can't quite understand why it was so easy a few weeks ago and so difficult today. Maybe I damaged something when i put it back. A prior owner had installed a cheap aftermarket set and badly bent up the bracket in the back of dash. Thought I had straightened it enough for the stock unit but maybe not, so that may be holding it. I'll keep at it.

 

Agreed on ditching the rubber isolator, it's usually most of the problem. If you want to be sure your file folder jammies are in the right spot, mark them at 2 1/4" from the tip and then slide them in to the mark. This will put the tip on the leading edge of the slot they're supposed to drop into and this gives them maximum pressure on the retainer clips. Then you can be sure the clips aren't the problem and can yank away on the radio itself.

 

Great idea. Thanks,