removing the stereo

[bluesforsalvador]

Hello, I accidentally put a credit card sized card into my CD player of my Sonic LTZ hatchback.

it's a card that unlocks a gate via RFID.

I tried contacting a dealer and they said they don't do "repair work" for audio systems, just replacements.

I tried getting the card out with a plastic knife and double sided tape, but I think it's lodged pretty good in there.

I was wondering if you all had some ideas, maybe someone whose replaced their factory CD player with an aftermarket head unit would want to sell me their factory CD player?

Anyone know of a online store that would sell a factory CD player?

I'm considering taking apart the stereo console, is this a difficult process? I looked on youtube and saw that it didn't look too bad.

I was thinking about taking the stereo out, then opening the CD player and trying to dislodge the card inside, then re-assembling.


Thanks for any help you can provide!

edit: spelling

 

[Fit4Sonic]

I've checked out removing the stereo, and have a friend who's already removed his (Sonic LTZ). It's fairly straight forward. So you're right... it will not be difficult at all. Just use proper plastic removal tools and safeguard against gouging your plastics when using ANY tool. A screwdriver with a towel wrapped the point can be used for prying out [stereo] clips too... but I would go with a proper removal tool. Been there, done that... MANY times.

As far as removing the credit card from your CD player? I had that happen once to me -- a kid pushed one into the slot and I couldn't get it out. I removed the audio system, then removed the cover and the card was wedged in there somehow. Piece of cake.

I think removing the audio system and then removing the card from the CD player via minor disassembly of the unit is your best bet.

Have you priced a new Sonic audio system? I don't think you will want to completely replace the system for a simple credit card stuck in your CD slot, nor do you want to pay GM's price for a new system. It's not THAT GREAT of a system for what GM charges to replace one... trust me!

Remove the stereo, remove the card from the player. Fairly simple, and VERY CHEAP. That is, unless you just want to p!$$ away your money unnecessarily.

Good as new!!!

 

[bluesforsalvador]

Thanks for the response.

Do you have a link to the "proper" plastic removal tools? or should I just buy some plastic pry tools (or use the screwdriver and a towel method)?

Also, does anyone have an illustrated step by step guide to removing the stereo?

The youtube video I saw show only one perspective and I want to make sure I can reverse the process once I'm done.

Again thanks for the info!

 

[sonic007]

Theres a few. Panel around radio pops straight out. Remove the 4 7mms around the radio and thats it.

 

[Fit4Sonic]

Thanks for the response.

Do you have a link to the "proper" plastic removal tools? or should I just buy some plastic pry tools (or use the screwdriver and a towel method)?\

As far as the towel method, just wrap a fairly dense, soft towel around the end of a flathead screwdriver and ue that end to pry the panel off.

However, like I said, in this instance (considering the Sonic stereo removal) I would go with a set of stereo/molding removal tools... less chance of scarring, marring or gouging any of your dash materials.

Try these:


Amazon.com: Auto dash and molding removal tools

Obviously a quite a list to chose from...


... but I think the ones below are the ones I purchased awhile back. I've since removed several stereos/dashes and a lot of molding and they worked extremely well for all applications, thus far. Glad I have them now.


5 Piece Automotive Body Work Trim and Molding Removal Tool, Non Marring No Scratch : Amazon.com : Automotive

They are fairly sturdy too. You'd really have to apply some serious pressure, or maybe even lift an engine with one of the tools in the kit in order to break any of them. One of the best, most handy things for auto work I've ever purchased.


Hope this helps.

 

[bluesforsalvador]

Thanks,

I will be trying this tonight as my plastic removal tools should be delivered.

Any advice on methods?
ex:disconnect the ground wire from the battery?

Does anyone have a step by step stereo removal guide?

Does anyone know how to remove the faceplate from the front of the stereo module?

Are all the wires that connect the stereo to the car easily removable?

I would want to take the stereo out completely and work on it where I have more room.


Thanks

 

[bluesforsalvador]

does anyone have the dealers repair manual for the 2012 sonic? This might have a good illustration on how to remove these things.

 

[sonic007]

No it should have 2 or 3 plugs that are easily removed. Thats pretty much the step by step lol.. The front panel pops off, then 4 7mm screws lol. Just pry carefully and you will be fine. Its very simple.

 

[Chrish051873]

No it should have 2 or 3 plugs that are easily removed. Thats pretty much the step by step lol.. The front panel pops off, then 4 7mm screws lol. Just pry carefully and you will be fine. Its very simple.

even a cave man can do it,really its that simple, be gentle enough but takes some pressure to release them clips.

 

[bluesforsalvador]

I got it!

thanks for the help all!

I took the panel off, and the stereo out, then the stereo faceplate off (all pretty simple)

after that I was just staring the cd player in the face and I pulled the card out.

CD player still works fine (as well as all the other functions)

so relieved

 

[HedgePiggy]

Thanks for this thread. Did the same thing this week. Finally got time to try to figure it out and followed this thread and got it. One more thing I did that I'll add:

Upon completion, I put a piece of tape over the CD player slot. I've never actually used the CD Player since I got the car, so I don't think this will be as much as an inconvenience as digging that damn gate access card out again.

 

[mowcowbell]

Thankfully, CD players are going the way of cassettes and 8 tracks before them. In a few years, you won't find a CD player in any new vehicle. All you need now is a USB port.

 

[Twiztid_One]

2013 Sonic LTZ w/MYLINK stereo...

There are those little pockets on each side of the stereo, once you remove the base of those pockets (they just pull down and off) there are 2 slots where you can see the stereo sides.

I used a heavy duty sponge and flat tipped screwdriver on each side the bezel just pops right off. I read all the remarks in this forum and I agree: Its super easy. The bezel comes off with barely any force.

Kinda nice when cars nowadays try to keep the average joe from doing work themselves by creating a giant molded stereo bezel that is fitted over and under the surrounding dash pieces...like Honda....

Time to install the LOC-80 and run the amp cables!

 

[sbeppel]

Thankfully, CD players are going the way of cassettes and 8 tracks before them. In a few years, you won't find a CD player in any new vehicle. All you need now is a USB port.

I old school. Or just plain old! My Sonic only has am/fm radio. Saving up for a Kenwood with cd blutoof and usb. Just purchased some surface mount Pioneer speakers for the rear deck. Hope to hook them up this weekend as step 1.

 

[sbeppel]

2013 Sonic LTZ w/MYLINK stereo...

There are those little pockets on each side of the stereo, once you remove the base of those pockets (they just pull down and off) there are 2 slots where you can see the stereo sides.

I used a heavy duty sponge and flat tipped screwdriver on each side the bezel just pops right off. I read all the remarks in this forum and I agree: Its super easy. The bezel comes off with barely any force.

Kinda nice when cars nowadays try to keep the average joe from doing work themselves by creating a giant molded stereo bezel that is fitted over and under the surrounding dash pieces...like Honda....

Time to install the LOC-80 and run the amp cables!

Those little pieces you mention at the base of the cubbies. How do they come off. I am afraid Ill break them. Do you pull them out towards yoursef? Or slide them up and out? I dont see how you can pull them down as they are already at the bottom of the openings

 

[RMinNJ]

Those little pieces you mention at the base of the cubbies. How do they come off. I am afraid Ill break them. Do you pull them out towards yoursef? Or slide them up and out? I dont see how you can pull them down as they are already at the bottom of the openings

You just pull them straight out with your hands.

 

[sbeppel]

You just pull them straight out with your hands.

Thanks. Just hope they dont break.

 

[Blue Moon Sonic]

I would personally go to your auto parts store and grab a trim puller kit. Makes pulling the trim a bit easier with out damaging it.

 

[sbeppel]

I would personally go to your auto parts store and grab a trim puller kit. Makes pulling the trim a bit easier with out damaging it.

Thanks
Since I plan on taking out the stock radio I tjink some trim pull tools a
re a must.