How to Remove a Kenwood Car Stereo Without the Official Tool

Lost your Kenwood car stereo removal keys? Don’t worry, you’re not stuck! Many car owners find themselves in this situation when they need to replace or access the wiring behind their Kenwood head unit. While the official removal tools make the job straightforward, they’re easily misplaced. The good news is that with a little ingenuity and common household items, you can safely remove your Kenwood car stereo without causing damage to your dashboard or the unit itself. This guide will walk you through several effective methods to get your stereo out without those specialized keys.

Understanding Kenwood Stereo Removal and Why You Need “Keys”

Kenwood, like many car stereo manufacturers, uses a cage system to securely mount their head units into your car’s dashboard. This cage has spring-loaded clips that lock into notches on the sides of the stereo. The official Kenwood removal keys are designed to slide into slots on the stereo’s faceplate. These keys then depress those clips, allowing you to slide the stereo out of the cage.

Without these keys, you need to find alternative ways to depress these retaining clips. The principle remains the same: you need to insert thin, sturdy objects into the release slots to disengage the mechanism.

DIY Methods for Removing Your Kenwood Stereo Without Tools

Several everyday items can be used as makeshift removal tools. The effectiveness of each method can vary slightly depending on the specific Kenwood model and the tightness of the fit, but these are the most commonly recommended and successful approaches:

1. Using Small Nails or Wire Nails

Small nails, particularly wire nails, are often cited as a surprisingly effective substitute for removal keys. Their size and relative stiffness make them suitable for engaging the release clips.

How to do it:

1. Identify the Key Slots: Locate the small, vertical slots on the left and right sides of your Kenwood stereo’s faceplate. These are where the removal keys (or your substitutes) need to go. You will typically find two slots on each side.
2. Insert the Nails: Take four small nails. Gently insert one nail into each of the four slots. You should aim to insert them straight in, pushing firmly but carefully.
3. Apply Pressure and Pull: Once the nails are inserted, apply slight outward pressure on the nails while gently pulling the stereo towards you. The clips should depress, and the stereo should start to slide out. You might need to wiggle it slightly.
4. Remove the Stereo: Once the stereo is partially out, you should be able to grip it and pull it completely free from the cage.

2. Employing Flathead Screwdrivers

For Kenwood stereos that use flat removal keys, thin flathead screwdrivers can be an excellent alternative.

How to do it:

1. Select the Right Screwdrivers: Choose four small, thin flathead screwdrivers. The blades need to be thin enough to fit into the key slots.
2. Insert the Screwdrivers: Just like with the nails, carefully insert a screwdriver into each of the four slots. Slide them in as far as they will comfortably go.
3. Leverage and Pull: Gently leverage the screwdrivers outwards, away from the stereo unit’s center, while simultaneously pulling the stereo out. The flat blades should engage the release mechanism.
4. Slide Out the Stereo: As the clips disengage, the stereo should become loose. Carefully pull it out, ensuring it slides smoothly and doesn’t snag.

3. Repurposing Coat Hangers

A wire coat hanger, bent into the correct shape, can mimic the function of both round and flat removal keys. This method requires a bit more bending and shaping but can be very effective.

How to do it:

1. Cut and Shape the Coat Hanger: Cut the coat hanger into four equal lengths of wire. Then, bend each piece into a U-shape. For flat key slots, flatten the ends of the “U” shape slightly. For round key slots, keep the rounded shape.
2. Insert the Wire “Keys”: Insert the bent coat hanger wires into the key slots, ensuring the ends go in straight and make contact with the release clips.
3. Apply Outward Pressure and Extract: Apply gentle outward pressure on the coat hanger wires while pulling the stereo out. The bent wires should depress the clips, allowing the stereo to slide out.
4. Remove the Unit: Once the stereo is loose, carefully pull it out of the dashboard.

4. Utilizing Feeler Gauges or Thin Metal Strips

Feeler gauges, or any thin, stiff metal strips (like junior hacksaw blades snapped in half, carefully!), can also work on Kenwood stereos that require flat keys.

How to do it:

1. Prepare the Metal Strips: Gather four feeler gauges of appropriate thickness or cut thin strips of metal. Be cautious if using broken hacksaw blades – the edges can be sharp.
2. Insert the Strips: Insert the metal strips into the key slots, ensuring they go in vertically and make contact with the release mechanism.
3. Push Outward and Pull: Gently push the metal strips outwards, away from the center of the stereo, while pulling the unit towards you.
4. Extract the Stereo: Once the clips are disengaged, the stereo should slide out. Carefully remove it from the dashboard.

5. Allen Keys or Teaspoons (Handle End)

For certain Kenwood models, small Allen keys or even the handles of thin teaspoons can be used, particularly if the slots seem to accommodate rounder objects.

How to do it:

1. Gather Allen Keys or Teaspoons: Collect four small Allen keys or four thin teaspoons.
2. Insert and Apply Pressure: Insert the Allen keys or the handles of the teaspoons into the key slots.
3. Wiggle and Pull: Gently wiggle the Allen keys or teaspoons while pulling the stereo out. The rounded shape might help to manipulate the release clips.
4. Remove the Stereo Unit: Once you feel the stereo loosen, carefully pull it out.

Important Considerations and Cautions

• Patience is Key: Don’t force anything. If the stereo isn’t coming out easily, re-check that your improvised tools are correctly inserted and applying pressure to the clips.
• Avoid Damage: Be gentle to prevent scratching your dashboard or damaging the stereo’s faceplate.
• Check for Hidden Screws: While most Kenwood stereos are held in by cages, some installations might include additional screws. Before attempting to pull the stereo out, visually inspect for any screws around the trim or faceplate that might need to be removed first.
• Battery Disconnection (Recommended): For safety, especially if you plan to disconnect any wiring, it’s always a good idea to disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery before starting any stereo removal process.
• Professional Help: If you’re uncomfortable with these DIY methods or are having significant trouble, it’s always best to consult a professional car audio installer. They have the correct tools and expertise to remove your stereo safely and efficiently.

Conclusion

Removing a Kenwood car stereo without the official tools is entirely possible with a bit of care and the right approach. By utilizing common household items like nails, screwdrivers, coat hangers, or feeler gauges, you can effectively bypass the need for specialized removal keys. Remember to work patiently, avoid forcing anything, and prioritize safety. With these methods, you can successfully remove your Kenwood car stereo without causing damage and get to your next automotive task.