This is super easy, but never found pictures on any post when researching it. So I figured I'd post a few pictures and list out the steps for everyone's future reference.

Pcar radios are 'locked' in place by tabs on their sides. The tabs extend outward to lock it into the console, and need to be pulled back in for the radio to slide out.
There are special "keys" that fit into the two small slots on the lower left and right of the radio's front face. The keys are less than $5 from any Pcar dealer, and are PN: 00-721-957-01.

To remove:
1) Fully insert the keys into the radio's front face (the keys are not symmetrical, there is a right and a left). They will bottom out and go no further.

2) Pull on the keys and the radio will come out with them. The radio can be a snug fit, so it's OK to pull on the keys with another tool (the key's loops can be sharp for your fingers!) A pair of screwdrivers can be put thru the key's loops which can then be grabbed like handles.

3) Disconnect the cables from the back of the radio. Note where they go! My radio had multiple connections on the back, and the harness had connectors that would fit into a few of them; maybe it wouldn't have mattered, but just to be safe...

To reinstall:
1) You need to remove the keys from the radio. To do this, you need to push down on each side tab with a screwdriver (or whatever), and while pushing down the key can be pulled out. Repeat on the other side.

The tab will already have been "pushed in" by the key being inserted, so there's little movement left when you push on it, but it will go in just enough for the key to be released.

2) Reconnect the wiring harness to the back of the radio, and shove the radio straight back in (careful not pinch any wires). It will feel like it stops halfway in, at which point you can tilt the front face of the radio up (which tilts the back down) and allows the radio to get beneath two sheet metal "clamps" inside the console which are springy and keep the radio tight in the chassis. My radio wouldn't go back in without tilting, but yours might. The "clamps" in my car didn't have enough lead-in to allow them to push up and over the top of the radio if shoving straight in.


I wrote waaaaaay too many words for such a simple procedure, but figure the more info the better.
Enjoy.

 

I always wondered if it is possible to swap the location of the radio and the cupholders, with the cupholders being lower? What do you think? Makes more sense to me.

 

Not 100% sure, but I think the radio can go into either slot in the dash console. But, as I found out (https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...idnt-work.html) the HVAC unit won't go into either in the bottom cosole. Doh!

Why would you want to put the cup holders below the radio though? Any drinks in there would obscure the radio, and you'd have to move them to change stations. Just my 2 cents.

 

do you have a pix of the key itself, the part that is in the radio?

 

There you go, I just added it to the original post.

 

I do not have the keys but want to connect my Iphone to the radio. I have never tried it but have heard you can use other objects such as a zip cord in place of the ties. Does any one know what can be used instead of the keys?

 

Why don't you want to get the keys? They're like $3 from the dealer.

Something might fit inside, but the keys are used to unlock the tabs from the side as well as providing a handler to physically pull the radio out of the console. You might find something that unlocks the tabs, but might not lock into the radio to allow it to be grabbed onto. If you stick something in there and it gets stuck and you can't pull out the radio, you could be a tad screwed.

 

Yep...I know they are cheep. I just don't have a dealer near me and wanted to do it this weekend. My mechanic is going to loan me a set so I am good.

 

I just bought a set of radio keys from Becker Audio when I bought my iPod cable. I paid $11 for them. The cable was $110. and shipping was $12. Feeling a bit ripped-off at the moment.

Oh, and it was a bitch getting the radio out, and tough to get it back in.

 

Sweet they are the same as Audi radio keys...

 

I have been reading as many posts as I can and this is the first post stating there is a left key and a right key. For a procedure that mosts posts state is a simple task getting my radio out is sure getting complicated. My radio seems to be bolted in when I pull on it. I sure hope I didn't mess something up by getting the right and left key reversed.

 

Adding to my post above. I eventually got my radio out. It pulled so hard I thought I would tear out the keys.

The other thing is both keys were unmarked and no left or right key to worry about.

 

Does the windshield antenna plug directly into the back of the radio unit? My reception is worse than lousy, and I'm wondering if the antenna is loose or disconnected.

 

Many late model P-cars have an amplifier in the antenna wire circuit. In addition to a loose connection, its possible the amplifier is either gone south, or maybe its not getting 12V.

 

Thanks Tony. Is the amplifier located in the a-pillar or somewhere else? Cheers, --H