Head Unit Removal Using Release Keys
How to Remove a Car Stereo using the correct Release Key Tools
All Aftermarket Car Stereo's when fitted with thier cage surround will release from the vehicle using 'Car Stereo Removal Release Key Tools'. Also many factory fitted manufacturer stereo's also have the release key mechanism's for removal and refitting and can be removed using the correct specific release keys, there are several different shapes & sizes of Stereo Release Keys depending on the manufacturer standard stereo you are attempting to remove. Certain removal release keys are universal across various different car manufacturers due to their shape, size & release mechanism on the factory fitted Head Unit.
There are commonly two major variation type of Removal Release Keys - The Round Pin type & the Flat Pin style. (both types pictured)
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To determine what type of release key is required to remove the stereo, you can easily tell by the shape & size of the release key apertures on the front of the Stereo.
Typically the two Round Pin Release Keys are required for most: Peugeot, Renault, Vauxhall, Older Ford Models, Certain Citreons, Fiats & certain other vehicle manufacturers. This type of aperture is typically refereed to as an Single DIN ISO Release mechanism.
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Typically the Flat Pin Release Keys are required for certain factory fitted manufacturer Head Units such as: Audi, Volkswagen, Newer Ford Models, Mercedez, Skoda & certain other vehicle manufacturers.
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Round Pin Release Key Removal Instructions for Car Audio
- On the front of the stereo there will be either one or more commonly two release key holes either side of the stereo fascia.
- Insert the correct spaced Round Pin Release Keys until they 'click' into position (there are typically two types, Single DIN spacing * Double DIN spacing)
- Now gripping the Release Keys (one in each hand), gently push them outwards (eg: the l/h side key to the left, the r/h key to the right) & gently pull forwards which should release the retaining clips & release the stereo from the dash. Remember to disconnect the wiring harness & aerial adaptor when removing the Head Unit completely from the dashboard.
Flat Pin Release Key Removal Instructions for Car Audio
- On the front of the stereo there will be either one or two release key apertures either side of the stereo fascia (they can be either vertical or horizontal apertures) depending on the vehicle manufacturer the release key apertures can be different sizes & therefore require the specific release key tool for the vehicle manufacturer.
- Using the correct release key for the vehicle type, simply insert the keys into the apertures until they 'click' into the release mechanism.
- Once clicked into position, simply pull the stereo away from the dash (if you cannot get enough purchase to release the stereo by pulling on the release keys, use a trim removal tool to simply lever the edges around the stereo while pulling the release keys forward) & remember to disconnect the wiring harness & aerial adaptor.
* Nearly all Aftermarket Head Units also use Flat Pin Release Key mechanisms & nowadays nearly all come complete with their own release keys in the box. Although they differ slightly in shape & size, most Aftermarket Flat Pin Release Keys will release most other brand of Aftermarket stereos. Below are typical examples of certain brand Aftermarket Head Unit Release Keys.