How to Remove the Stock Radio for a S10
by Leonardo R. Grabkowski
The Chevy S10 was produced for 23 years, before finally being replaced by the Chevy Colorado after the 2003 model year. The stock radio on both the first- and third-generation model is mounted to the dashboard with typical bolt-screws. On both models, you need to remove a portion of the dash to access them. Although this sounds difficult, it's a rather straightforward task that should take less than 30 minutes.
1998 to 2003 S10
Step 1
Loosen the nut on the negative battery cable with pliers. Lift the cable away from the battery post. Move it to the side to prevent accidental contact with the post. This will prevent shock; it ensures your safety.
Step 2
Remove the two bolt-screws from either side of the lower steering column. Use a socket wrench or a large Phillips screwdriver.
Step 3
Grasp the top edge on the left side of the lower-steering column. Pull it down firmly to release it. It's not necessary to remove it, only to lower it. Behind it you'll find an additional bolt-screw. Remove this.
Step 4
Remove the bolt-screw from the speedometer cluster. The bolt is mounted directly above the RPM gauge.
Step 5
Grasp the the dash panel with both hands. One hand should be above the speedometer cluster; the other should be above the radio. Get a firm grip on the panel and pull it rearward. This gives you access to the radio bolts. Remove the two bolt-screws and slide the radio out. Unplug the two connections at the rear.
1986 to 1994 S10
Step 1
Loosen the nut on the negative battery cable with pliers. Lift the cable away from the battery post. Move it to the side to prevent accidental contact with the post. This will prevent shock; it ensures your safety.
Step 2
Open the ashtray beneath the stock radio. In the left corner of the ashtray compartment, you'll see a Phillips screw. Remove it.
Step 3
Open the glove compartment. Remove the two Phillips screws from the left side of the glove compartment. These screws secure the panel around the stock radio.
Step 4
Grasp the dash panel around the radio. Pull it sharply to unhook it and access the radio. Remove the two 7 mm bolt-screws from the radio. Pull the radio out. Unplug the connections behind it.
References
Tips
- The S10 had two "twin" vehicles: the GMC Sonoma and the Isuzu Hombre. The radio removal procedure is the same for each vehicle.
Things You'll Need
- Pliers
- Phillips screwdriver
- 7 mm socket wrench
Writer Bio
Leonardo R. Grabkowski has been writing professionally for more than four years. Grabkowski attended college in Oregon. He builds websites on the side and has a slight obsession with Drupal, Joomla and Wordpress.
