How to Remove a Kenwood Car Stereo

by Robert Vaux

Kenwood car stereos are straightforward and reliable pieces of equipment, designed to be installed by anyone with a decent knowledge of a car's electrical system. When the time comes to upgrade them, you may wish to consult a car stereo professional. If you know what you're doing, however, you can remove a Kenwood car stereo reasonably quickly, leaving the dash space free for whatever new piece of equipment you intend to install in its place

Step 1

Turn off the car and disconnect the wire from the negative terminal of the battery. That prevents electricity from running through your car's system and allows you to work safely.

Step 2

Detach the plastic frame around the Kenwood car stereo. It should pop off with a little gentle prodding from a small screw driver. Remove it with care so you don't accidentally mar its surface.

Step 3

Slide a pair of stereo removal tools or radio keys into the two catch pins on either side of the stereo. There should be four pins in totem: two on the upper half of the slots and two on the lower half of the slots.

Step 4

Remove the rubber frame of the Kenwood stereo and set it aside.

Step 5

Unscrew the M4x8 screw on the back panel of the stereo to detach it from the dash frame.

Step 6

Insert the radio keys or stereo removal tools into either side of the car stereo and press gently but firmly inward. Slowly pull the stereo out using the tools.

Step 7

Disconnect the wires from the back of the stereo (you shouldn't need any tools for this). Remove them one at a time and mark which one goes where. You should see wires for the power control and antenna control, as well as pairs of colored wires for the various front and rear speakers. The exact configuration depends on your Kenwood stereo, but if you note each wire and its pertinent location, you shouldn't have any trouble reattaching them to the new stereo.