Radio Replacement

Removing a radio depends on the design of the audio system in the car. Many modern vehicles include a separate touch screen. The radio electronics are often mounted inside the instrument panel.  Most older (and some newer) vehicles still have a one-piece radio (head unit). Removal often requires you to insert a special tool into holes on either side of the head unit. Pushing in the tool releases the radio retainers. 

If your factory head unit needs a repair or a direct replacement, please confirm what type of radio your vehicle has, or contact us for support. To remove a one-piece head unit, first remove the trim bezel around the radio to expose any fasteners or key holes. Remove any fasteners, or disengage the retainers using the manufacturer-specific tool. 

Removing a head unit depends on the design of the stereo in the car. Many modern vehicles have a touch screen that is separate from the rest of the electronics. The radio electronics are often mounted inside the instrument panel. Modern factory audio systems are usually well-integrated into a car’s electrical system. This integration may include the CAN (Controller Area Network), steering wheel controls, and climate controls.

Some newer vehicles may still have a traditional one-piece single-DIN or double-DIN head unit. Older factory radios were usually designed around the DIN standard. This standard was introduced by German automakers in the 1980’s and later adopted by most automakers.  Single-DIN is 2 inches tall by 7 inches wide, and Double-DIN is 4 inches tall by 7 inches wide. This standard is no longer common on newer vehicles. Factory head units can often be a non-standard size. If your factory head unit needs a repair or a direct replacement, please confirm what type of system your vehicle has, or contact us for support.

A car stereo upgrade can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. There are many factors to consider. Do you need Bluetooth? Do you use memory cards or USB memory sticks?  Do you need Android Auto or Apple CarPlay compatibility? Adding an amp for more power, or upgrading your speakers, can also add to the cost of your stereo upgrade. Some factory component upgrades may also require a software update. 

Touchscreens are an integrated part of the audio system. If your radio does not have a touchscreen, you will usually need to replace it with a unit that already includes one. Under some circumstances, it may be possible to upgrade a factory radio from a base unit to a higher level unit that includes a touchscreen. For more information, please contact us.