Car batteries commonly have a red clip on the positive terminal and a black clip on the negative terminal. If the clips aren’t color-coded, look for the + or – symbols. Never let the positive and negative wires touch.

If there are bolts or screws, they might be near the bottom of the stereo trim so they’re hidden from view. Keep track of any screw or bolts you remove so you can reattach the trim later on.

If the trim is stuck, you may have missed a screw or bolt. Double check and remove anything holding the trim down. Be careful when you’re removing the trim. If you crack it, it might be expensive to replace.

On some SUVs, the panel continue down to cover the cup holders. This doesn’t change the removal process. Just keep working around the panel with the prybar until it comes off. [5] X Research source Do not use a screwdriver or metal tool to remove the dashboard panel. This can crack the plastic and you’ll need an expensive replacement. You can get a plastic prybar from an auto parts store.

If the slots sit further back, you might need a flashlight to see them. Some pickup trucks and SUVs have 2 holes on each side instead of a thin slot. In this case, you’ll need a 2-pronged tool or wire to access the stereo clips. [7] X Research source Always confirm the process to remove the radio in your car owner’s manual.

You need both keys in at the same time to release the stereo. If you don’t have radio keys, you can use any flat piece of metal that fits into the radio slots. Some choices include thin knives, files, or hangers. Radio keys are sometimes called DIN tools, if you’re looking in an auto parts store.

If you don’t hear a click but the keys stop moving, then they’re probably inserted enough. You should be able to pull the stereo out. Keep the keys inserted while you take the radio out. If you remove them, the clips will clamp back down.

Keep track of the screws and bolts you remove so you can put the radio back in.

You might have to jiggle the radio a bit to work it out of position. Don’t keep pulling once the radio comes out because it’s still plugged in.

There might be other wires attached to the back of the stereo as well. Pull these out as needed to get the stereo out.