Damn stereo won't come out!

[atlas]

Okay.. I've been at it for 2 hours now using that stupid little stereo removal tool. I've read this (http://www.fastcougar.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=14&threadid=14543&FTVAR_MSGDBTABLE=) thread, that helped me a lot, but the damn thing still won't budge! I put the four little clips into place (until I hear a little 'click' and can feel the clips pushing against a little spring inside) then I pull outwards on all four clips at the same time but the thing won't move! I try pulling outwards and towards me but the clips just pop out into my hand.

I'm really frustrated at the thing now, and am taking a break. Any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Darrell.

[LostRacer]

Make sure all four are in good, then try the outwards and towards you motion..but be sure they're ALL in good. Or you can try one side at a time..I use little RC car tools to get mine out.

[ttCougarLongIsland]

I'm sure you didn't push the tool in to far?, but when I first took mine out I had a little trouble. Make sure the tool is not push to far, once in place put a little pressure on the face of the stereo pushing in. Then pull outwards on the clip and towards yourself. Also try wiggling it up and down while pulling. Good luck!

[01blkcat]

A friend helps, too - just have them remove the passenger side kick panel, and push as you are 'pulling' the tools outward. Sometimes the added pressure pops out the head unit. Be aware you can bend the internal clips and make it VERY difficult to get the head unit out - so be careful!

[atlas]

I managed to get it out last night. I found it best to put the removal tool in (not too far!) and while pulling the tools outwards, wiggle the unit from top to bottom.

Thanks everyone!
Darrell.

[crazyoldcougar]

the easiest way is to put them in until you hear the clicks, then kinda pry or push the tools towards teh respective doors ie drivers side to the drivers side and likewise..THEN...let me repeat that...THEN, pull outward while pryin to the sides...will slide out in one second if the clips are properly opened..i didnt have one bit of a problem that way...

[CouGRRRL]

Originally posted by: 01blkcat
A friend helps, too - just have them remove the passenger side kick panel, and push as you are 'pulling' the tools outward. Sometimes the added pressure pops out the head unit. Be aware you can bend the internal clips and make it VERY difficult to get the head unit out - so be careful!

Yeah It sucks when that happens!!!:mad:

[slomoe]

if you bend the clips to the points they wont come out (or if they were already bent when you bought the car) its called hacksaw blade :)

[SouthernNHCougah]

where do I get the tool to remove this? I couldnt find it at crutchfield

[pablohoney]

You can buy them at Wal-Mart for around $5.

[painteddemon]

to be honest dude i went to my local instalkl shop and gave em $5 to take it out for me

[01blkcat]

Originally posted by: painteddemon
to be honest dude i went to my local instalkl shop and gave em $5 to take it out for me

Biggest waste of 5 bucks that I've every heard of... the tools are invaluable once you have them, and you could have fabricated a set from a coat hanger for about 30 cents.

[EllenD]

I just had to do this to an Explorer stereo that no on else at my dealership could get out. It must be a Ford thing because it came out the same way. If you have the stereo pullers great, if not, coathangers work. Stick them in the holes on both sides until you hear them click. Then here's the trick: once they're in the holes and you hear the click, put pressure on the wires in the outside direction (pull the wires apart from each other, in opposite directions, towards the outside edges of the stereo). Then just pull it out.

[2lincoug]

hmmm.. i didnt really know about these stereo removal tools.. i took mine out the same way i take stereos out from other cars.. with a flat head.. dat thing popped right off.. the clips werent bent or anything..