Removing a car stereo can seem daunting, especially when faced with the prospect of buying specialized tools for a one-time job. If you’re looking to upgrade your Kenwood car stereo or need to access the wiring behind it, you might be wondering if you need to spend extra money on removal tools. The good news is, with a little ingenuity, you can safely remove your Kenwood car stereo using simple, homemade tools. This guide will show you how to create your own Kenwood Car Stereo Removal Tool and get the job done without breaking the bank.
Understanding Kenwood Car Stereo Removal
Kenwood car stereos, like many in-car entertainment systems, are secured in your dashboard using spring clips. These clips engage when the stereo is pushed into place, holding it firmly. To remove the stereo, you need to disengage these clips, allowing the unit to slide out. Specialized car stereo removal tools are designed to do just that, but you can achieve the same result with DIY tools.
Identifying the Removal Slots
Before you start crafting your tools, it’s important to understand where to insert them. On most Kenwood car stereo models, you’ll find small slots on the faceplate, typically on the sides. These slots are specifically designed for the insertion of removal tools. Often, these are revealed once you remove the trim panels on either side of the stereo face. You’ll usually find three holes on each side: two round holes and one oval or oblong hole in between.
Crafting Your DIY Removal Tools
For this DIY method, you’ll need to create two types of tools:
- U-Shaped Tools (Pair): These mimic the function of standard DIN removal keys. They are inserted into the round holes to push in and disengage the retaining clips.
- Large Flat Tool: This tool is inserted into the oblong holes and used to pull the stereo unit out once the clips are disengaged.
Common household items can be repurposed to create these tools. Stiff wire, like coat hanger wire, is a popular choice. You can also use thin strips of metal or even sturdy plastic.
To create the U-shaped tools:
- Cut two pieces of stiff wire, approximately 4-5 inches long.
- Bend each piece into a U-shape, ensuring the arms of the “U” are long enough to insert into the round holes and reach the retaining clips. Refer to online guides or forums for specific dimension examples if needed, or measure the distance between the round holes on your stereo faceplate to estimate the U-shape width.
To create the large flat tool:
- Cut a piece of thicker, but still somewhat flexible, material. A wider section of coat hanger or a strip of thin metal would work well. This tool needs to be strong enough to pull the stereo out. The length should be sufficient to comfortably grip and pull, around 6-8 inches.
Step-by-Step Kenwood Stereo Removal Process
Now that you have your homemade Kenwood car stereo removal tool set, let’s proceed with the removal process:
Step 1: Exposing the Removal Slots
Carefully remove the trim panels located on the sides of your Kenwood car stereo. These panels usually snap off or are gently pried off. Refer to your car’s manual or online videos for specific instructions for your vehicle model to avoid damaging the dashboard. Once these panels are removed, you’ll clearly see the round and oblong holes on each side of the stereo faceplate.
Step 2: Inserting the U-Shaped Tools
Take your two U-shaped tools and insert one into each of the round holes on either side of the stereo. Push them in firmly but gently until you feel them go in a bit further – this indicates they are engaging and pushing past the retaining clips. You might hear a faint click.
Step 3: Using the Large Tool for Extraction
Next, take the large flat tool. Insert each end of this tool into the oblong holes on each side of the stereo. Position it so it’s inside the U-shaped tools you’ve already inserted. The large tool will act as handles to pull the unit out.
Step 4: Final Removal and Tips
While keeping the U-shaped tools pushed slightly outwards (this helps to fully disengage the clips), gently but firmly pull outwards on the large flat tool. The Kenwood car stereo should now start to slide out of the dashboard.
If you’re doing this alone, it might require a bit of wiggling and patience. If possible, having a second person to help can be beneficial. One person can focus on maintaining pressure on the U-shaped tools while the other pulls the stereo out using the large tool.
Tips for a Smooth Kenwood Stereo Removal
- Be Gentle: Avoid forcing anything. If the stereo doesn’t slide out easily, double-check that the U-shaped tools are fully inserted and are disengaging the clips.
- Double Check Tool Engagement: Ensure the U-shaped tools are properly inserted into the round holes and you feel them engaging the clips. If they are not deep enough, they won’t disengage the mechanism.
- Patience is Key: Sometimes it takes a little bit of maneuvering to get the stereo to release. Don’t rush and risk damaging your dashboard or the stereo unit.
- Consider Gloves: Wearing gloves can improve your grip and protect your hands.
Conclusion
Removing your Kenwood car stereo without specialized tools is absolutely achievable. By crafting your own Kenwood car stereo removal tool from simple materials and following these steps, you can save money and successfully remove your stereo for upgrades or maintenance. Remember to take your time, be gentle, and enjoy the satisfaction of DIY car audio work!
