Can anyone help? Who knows about car stereos???

[Big Chris]

Have finally plucked the courage up to trade in the MGF as it was just causing me too many problems. As part of the trade in deal the garage want me to remove the CD player i had installed. This isnt a problem as i still have the original naff stereo however i dont really want to pay to have my one removed.

Does anyone know how to remove a stereo quickly or do i need some special tools? Im not bothered about putting the old on back in, i just want to get mine out.

Help please.

[loserkid]

Nip down to your local MAX POWER type place they'll tell you in 30 seconds.

[pdv6]

If you have a CD changer, don't leave the cable from the head unit to the changer in the car, as they can be a bugger to replace.

[Podie]

Chris - it's not difficult. There will probably be some holes on the side of the unit in which you put the removal tool (either supplied with the stereo, or buy some from Halfords for a few quid).

Stick them in, and pull out carefully. Then, unclip the wires, get the old unit and clips the wires on and push the unit into the dash... then dig out the security code info and that's about it.

[cotty]

a lot of sterios have a small key to release it from the cage. if you dont have the key any car sterio place will pop it out for you at no charge then its just a cace of undoing the wires at the back.

If there are two small holes at each side then cut up a wire coat hanger and insert a length (oo eerr misses) onto each hole this will release it.

If you know your going to be removing the sterio in the future its best to put bullet connectors on the wires coming from the harness that makes it easier to remove in the future.

Paul

[Alanq]

Usually the stereo will have two small holes about an inch apart at either side of the fascia. Nip down to Halfords and buy a stereo removal tool which is basically two "U" shaped bits of wire that push into these holes (should be £2-£3 ish). Shove them in until they click and then gently drag your stereo out. Alternatively ask any dodgy looking ten year old who’ll probably manage the whole thing in about ten seconds.

[raceboy]

When you bought the new head unit it should have come with some 'keys' these are usually thin strips of steel with flat ends, or an arrow type, it should all be in the manual what you do with them, there is usually a slot visable when you remove the faceplate on either side, put the keys in the slots and wiggle it about, it should then slide out and you can disconnect the wires, or the easiest option is to pop down to you local car hi-fi dealer who if you can convince he might ell something to you, or your jsut nice to them should be able to pop it out in seconds

[Big Chris]

I think the keys are already in the the unit thinking about it....not very safe i now realise.

PDV6 - You mentioned not leaving the CD cable in the car.....what does it look like?

sorry am a complete pleb when it comes to ICE in a car.

[raceboy]

Big thick multi-cable, with a large square or round multi pin connector.

[Podie]

Chris - I think the best bet, is to get someone else to do it for you... so if there is someone near you who could help, that'd be the way forward.

Alternatively, pop along to an ICE dealer, explain the situation... and ask if they'll remove it from this car and fit it to the next one for a fixed sum.

[pdv6]

raceboy said: Big thick multi-cable, with a large square or round multi pin connector.

...and another big connector at the CD changer end (or possibly 'home' style red & white stereo jacks)

[Big Chris]

Cheers people....reckon i will give it a bash on Sunday before i go get the new car. If i cock it up (more than likely) the Halfords near me has opened a 'rip speed' centre.

[raceboy]

Depending where you CD Changer is fitted you will probably have to remove a fair bit of trim to get the cable out and if you've not got the right tools it is best left to those that have

[hughjayteens]

Is it a single CD player or a changer?



>> Edited by hughjayteens on Thursday 7th November 10:48

[Big Chris]

Its a single CD player.

I mis-read the earlier post, thats why i asked about the wires.

[Paul V]

It should be fairly easy to remove, but if you go down to the local stereo shop they’ll probably do it for next to nothing, remember you need to get the cage out as well, what make of stereo is it you are taking out?

[Big Chris]

Its a Sony, its a couple of years old but never skips.

[Paul V]

Just make sure you get the wiring harness for the stereo as well.

[cotty]

If you are going to put it in another car and dont want to do it your self a Car Sterio place will charge about £25.