VW MK2 Golf / Jetta / GTI How To Remove The Radio

Overview

This is a general overview of how to remove the factory radio in a MK2.

    Category: Interior
    Difficulty: Easy Easy
    Author: DIYJus
    Date Submitted: 2007.01.23

There were a few different types of radios used over the years, so the pictures may not match exactly.
 
Note: Some factory radios will require a security code if they are unplugged or lose power. If your radio isn’t currently locked, make sure you have this BEFORE you unplug it! Otherwise, you may have to call the dealer to get the “unlock” code (as explained in our Radio Code Retrieval guide) 🙂

Tools

VW MK2 radio removal toolsHere’s a list of recommended tools to complete this job:

1) A pair of universal DIN removal tools.

In a pinch, you can get away with a couple properly-sized nails, a piece of cut and bent wire, a cut/bent coat hanger, etc..

Parts

This job shouldn’t require any parts. 🙂

Instructions

DISCLAIMER: No warranty or guarantee is provided for the information provided on this site; you use it at your own risk. Although contributors to DIYNexus have an impressive depth of knowledge, neither they, nor DIYNexus can be held liable for any technical inaccuracies, typographical errors or consequences from the use of this information. Depending on the project, it is possible to void your factory warranty, disable a safety feature, create a hazardous condition, be injured or killed. 🙁 If you are uncomfortable or inexperienced working with anything described on this site, please consider having the work done professionally.

VW MK2 radio removal holes1) If your radio has a trim bezel, go ahead and remove it. Typically, it will come off easily if you pull straight out. Once out, this exposes the two holes on the left and two holes on the right side of the radio. You need access to these for the next step.

VW MK2 radio tools inserted2) Carefully insert the DIN tools into the holes in the radio. Only insert them in about 3/4 of an inch. If you go too far, it will bind everything up. Not enough, and you won’t disengage the locking clips.

VW MK2 radio tool detail3) This picture details the latching mechanism, once outside of the dash. Look it over so you understand what is happening when you insert the tools. Once they are in correctly, just pull the radio straight out. (Sometimes it helps to put your fingers in the tape slot to get a little more leverage) Don’t slide it out further than about 6 inches because there are still wires attached in the back. We’ll get to them in the next step.

VW MK2 radio antenna plug removal4) Now that you have the radio loose, go ahead and pull one side out far enough to look behind it. I like to do the right side first. In this pic, you can see that the right side is where the antenna is plugged in. Simply remove the antenna from the back of the radio and let it hang down.

VW MK2 radio plug removal5) Lastly, we need to unplug the speaker and main wiring harnesses from the radio. In order to do this, you’ll need to press in the clip to unlock the plug, then pull the plug straight out of the back of the radio. Do this for each of the plugs and you’ll have the radio completely removed!

Comments

Please post any questions, comments or suggestions under this page’s notification post on Facebook

Did you enjoy this post? Learn how you can support our blog, without spending a dime!