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Posted on Dec 27, 2008
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Removal of factory stereo from 97 cavalier

How do i remove the dash to get to the stereo in my 97 cavalier so i can install a different stereo ?

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  • Anonymous Mar 30, 2009

    Wow I've tried "exploring" the dash for those screws and never found them. Thanks for the advice! Great post!!

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1 Answer

MikeRenee

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  • Expert 69 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 23, 2009
MikeRenee
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Joined: Mar 16, 2009
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First remove the vent from the middle of dash up by windshield. It has one philips head screw, then has a clip on each side.

Then you need a 7mm. First there are two screws under were the vent you just took out was. One is longer than the other.

Next take the side covers off each side of the dash, these are the sides of the dash were the door panel meets the dash. I believe there was either one or two screws on each side after the cover is popped out.

Next open the glovebox, there are two gold screws up through a hole in the top of the glovebox, they hold the airbag in. Then there are like four more along the edge of the glovebox were the top of the door would meet the dash.

After all those screws are out then you can take the top dash cover out, but your not done yet.

After the top cover is out you will have like four more screws they go straight down right behind the face of the dash. After they are out the rest is clips and unplug the wires for the lights and lighter. After its free remove it,

Now you can take the two or three screws holding the radio out and pull it out. Now just reverse the whole thing and pray for no extra screws or broken tabs.

It takes more time than it is hard, just don't try and rush it or you'll be calling salvage yards for parts. Hope this helps.

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How do I fix the clock display on my 1999 Pontiac Sunfire?
It appears to be that the radio clock display has malfunctioned, and is due for a replacement radio, which could be an aftermarket or oem radio, maybe found at a junk yard.

Tools required for oem replacement radio, torx keys set.

Before working on the radio or other electronics, disconnect the battery cables with 8mm wrench.

Replacing the oem radio is much easier, if you obtain oem radio, compared to aftermarket radio, due to being direct fit.

The radio is same for 1995 to 1999 Pontiac Sunfire and the Chevy Cavalier, regardless of sub models, such as SE,GT, VL,VLX,Z24. etc.

Parts needed for the the aftermarket radio install :Stereo assembly, stereo wiring harness adapter, radio antenna adapter, and dash install kit.wiring diagram for the wire colors / functions, along with tools, such as torx key set, screwdrivers,wire crimper, wire stripper, double ended wiring connectors, hair dryer.

The oem stereo removal video is for the 2000 to 2005 Sunfire / Cavalier, but are the same or very similar procedures.

Link to oem stereo removal procedures.
Pontiac Sunfire Radio Repair and Removal 2000 2005


Link to aftermarket stereo install / connect procedures. ( Sunfire Video )
HOW TO INSTALL AFTERMARKET STEREO PONTIAC SUNFIRE

Link to aftermarket stereo install / connect procedures. ( General Video )
How To Install Car Stereo Single Double DIN Car Audio 101


Have a nice day.


Read full answer
May 12, 2015 • 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
tip

How to install Radio in Honda Accord
Things You'll Need:

* Stereo
* Wiring harness
* Dash kit
* Phillips screwdriver
* Heat shrink
* Lighter
* Wire strippers
* Wire caps


In order to install A Radio first follow steps of Removing the Factory Radio


#1
Open the center console, and you'll see two phillips screws at the bottom. Unscrew both of them.

#2
Remove the drink tray, and unscrew three more phillips screws. The center console is now loose enough to move.

#3
Pull the center console back a few inches to expose two more screws under the plastic part of the gear shift. Remove these screws.

#4
Pull the ashtray out of the dash, and you'll see one more phillips screw. Remove this screw and pull off the plastic panel around the factory stereo.

#5
Locate the metal tray under the factory pocket (below the stereo), and pull it out of the dash. There will be two phillips screws holding it in place; remove those, and then pull the stereo out of the dash. You'll need to unplug the wiring harness that is plugged into the back of the radio.


Now Install The New Stereo

#1
Assemble the dash kit, as shown in the instructions. Put it into the dash where you just took the stereo out. There will be a rectangular opening, and a pocket underneath. The opening is where the radio will go.

#2
Secure the dash kit by screwing in the one screw in the ash tray, and the two in the opening of the panel.

#3
Insert the metal cage that came with the stereo into the opening above the pocket. Ensure that the fit is flush with the pocket. Using a screwdriver, bend the metal tabs upward, which holds the metal cage in place.

#4
Start wiring the stereo harness to the wiring harness. Match wires color by color until all of the wires are paired. For example, if you find a purple wire coming out of the aftermarket wiring harness, plug it into a purple wire from the factory harness. You aren't touching any of the wires in your dash on this step, you are simply wiring the new stereo to the wiring harness.

To connect these wires you'll want to place a piece of heat shrink over one of the wires, strip the ends, twist both ends together, and then pull the heat shrink over the exposed metal parts of the two wires. Heat the heat shrink with a lighter until it shrinks and forms a tight bond between the two wires. When done correctly, you won't be able to pull the wires apart.

#5
Plug the aftermarket harness into the factory plug, and insert the radio back into the dash. If you find wires that don't have a match, be sure to cap them so that the ends aren't exposed. Exposed wires are what cause shorts and electrical problems.

#6
Work in reverse order to put the dash back together. The radio won't be secure in the dash until the dash is put back together.

Hope this helps

Thanks
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on Oct 07, 2010 • Honda Accord Cars & Trucks
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Remove dash on 2002 chevy tracker and remove factory stereo and install new one
Glad I didn't read this page before I replaced my stereo.

Remove stereo fascia with three screws - 1 at the top, two on each side of ash tray. Remove 4 screws holding in stereo. Done - takes about 3 minutes.
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Oct 29, 2011 • 2002 Chevrolet Tracker
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How do i reinstall the stereo
The instrument panel cover (and therefore the radio bezel) is fastened to the dash frame with snap-clips which cannot be seen with the instrument panel cover installed. To remove the instrument panel cover and gain access to the radio cavity, remove the radio fuse from fuse panel located on the driver's side of truck (the one that has a thumbnail opening and is triangular shaped), visible when you open the driver's door. Then set parking brake all the way down, put key in ignition and turn to "on" but not "start" and put gearshift into "L" position.
The snap-clips are located at the upper right corner, lower right corner, upper left corner, lower left corner and a few places in between, behind the dash cover over the instrument panel. You don't need any tools, just put your fingers on the seam of the dash cover and the the dash body, and pull firmly toward you until the instrument panel cover pops out and GENTLY so as not to break the instrument panel cover, continue until the instrument panel cover is loose from the dash and resting on the steering column. The headlight switch, and 4X4 switch (if equipped) remain in the instrument panel cover and will have to be unplugged to remove the instrument panel cover from the dash completely. This is a snug fit, even with the gearshift in "L".
The aftermarket radio bezel will have two screws at the bottom under the radio on the dash frame. Remove these screws, and remove the aftermarket radio from the radio cavity in the dash. The factory radio has two guide pins on the back, and the electrical connector is made into the radio and again in the back of the radio cavity. Simply slide the factory unit into the radio cavity, firmly seat it into the connector and guide pin sockets, and re-install the two screws you took out earlier.
The instrument panel cover re-installs the reverse of removal, and to seat the snap-clips, simply strike the cover sharply with the heel of your hand over each clip location. The dash will pop right back into place, and you will never know that an aftermarket head unit had ever been in there.
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Feb 14, 2010 • 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
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I have the factory manual for a 96. 97 is
I suggest you pick up the manual for the 97-98 models. They are very different on interior designs and procedures. and i've seen many mechanics change the core without the dash completely removed, but typically it's more then 4-5 inches.
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Jan 26, 2010 • 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
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How can i replace the manufacture radio in my car and replace it with aftermarket car stereo
You best bet, because of a warranty, is to have a professional shop install your stereo. But if you are like all of us guru's here, you like to get your hands dirty.

First you need to remove the dash around your factory stereo. Be patient here and try not to break any of the dash. You may need to remove screws and pop loose plastic retainers located on the backside of the dash.

Wire the after market stereo to the harness located below by maching the colors provided. Thank the stereo companies for making this simple. Use crimp connectors or solder your connections, which ever best suits you. Tape up any remaining wires with eectrical to minimize the chance of a short.

Take the metal sleeve provided by the sereo you choose and install it into the install kit located below. Once you have removed the factory stereo, test fit the install kit and attach any tabs neccessary provided by the kit.

Now take the aftermarket stereo and place into the sleeve you installe din the install kit until it clicks into its locks. Now, the harness you wired up earlier, plug it into the factory harness and then into you stereo. Hook up the antenna, you may need to purchase a antenna adapter. Now before you install the stereo, do a test run to make sure everything is working. Once you are content that it is all working, install the new stereo and then reverse the steps in removing the dash panel and stereo.
Below are pictures of the needed hardware:
b1a0aa3.jpg

742ca2a.jpg
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Sep 14, 2009 • 2003 Pontiac Vibe
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How to hook up a kdc-105 kenwood in a sunfire
There are 3 things you need to purchase for this install. 1) The factory spec install kit. 2) The factory spec additional wiring harness. 3) Antenna adapter.

Find the easied way to remove the plastic cowling around the radio and ac controls. Usually you can locate screws helping to retain the plastic dash parts. Be careful not to break the plastic dash by taking your time and looking over and over the part ofr connection hardware. Once you have located and removed all/if any screws, carefully pry out on the piece you are removing. There are often metal clips on the back of the piece that also help to retain the dash. Once that is removed, unbolt/unclip the factory stereo and slowly pull it out of the dash. Remove the factory harness from the backside of the factory stereo. DO NOT CUT THE HARNESS!! The wiring harness you have purchased is designed to plug and play into the factory harness. All you hae to do is color match the Kenwoods harness with the one you purchased. When wiring the two harnesses together use connectors **** a **** connectors, crimp connectors so forth and so on. If there is wiring you will not be using, take some electrical tape and tape the bare wire. We don't want a short. Once you are sure and have doubled checked that all the wiring is secure and matched, reverse the order of disassembly.

The plastic install kit should replace the factory radio size difference. Just remember to take the metal sleeve tha came with the kenwood and install it into the plastic install kit via the instructions provided. Slide the Aftermarket stereo into the sleeve you just installed. Then you are ready to make all the needed connections. Before you reassemble everything make sure to do a test run with your stereo. If all is well reassemble and jam on.
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Sep 10, 2009 • 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
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03 Chevy Cavalier Replace Factory Stereo
I am currently in the process of putting in a new stereo in my 03 cavalier. It's actually quite a process but can be done with some patience. I really don't have the time for a highly detailed explanation but here is the outline. First pull the airbag fuse just in case, you'll see why. The dashboard will have to come out first. It all starts with the screw located inside the drivers side fuse box area. This will allow the dashboard to be gently pryed up and popped out, there are just clips holding. Keep an eye out for areas that are not coming up easily, there will probably be screws to take care of. (There are some in the glove box.) From here it's pretty self explanatory. The trim around the stereo must come out. Then the stereo. Not too difficult. You'll need a warning chime replacement harness. I used SCHOSHE #GMLAN2SR. You'll probably need a dash install kit depending on the size stereo you go with. You'll also need to wire the stereo to a switched source of power(12V ignition, orange). Have fun...
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Jun 02, 2009 • 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
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Remove front dash cover, 2003 cavalier & rep ac control cable
Unfortunately, you can do it, but you will have to remove your entire dash in the process.  It's not really difficult, just time consuming.  You can remove the front dash cover by opening the doors and removing the covers on each side.  They are just clips that hold them on.  Take a flat screwdriver and carefully pry them off. You will then see screws on the side that you will need to unbolt, and I believe there are 2 more screws pointed upwards that you can get to if you open your glovebox.  After those screws are removed, remove the defroster grill in the middle of your dash.  There is just one screw to remove and it unclips.  Now you can pry the entire top part of the dashboard off.  There are more clips holding it on, so just be careful when you do it. After that, you will see a bunch of screws on the top side that you can unbolt and then you will be able to remove the front cover that sits behind your steering wheel. With these pieces out of the way, you can finally unbolt the front cover where your stereo is and get at whatever your trying to get at to fix your defroster/control knob.  
I had to go through all this when I installed my aftermarket stereo.
Good Luck!  
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Dec 30, 2008 • 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
4helpful
1answer

Chevrolet Cavalier Car Stereo Removal Instruction
take off defroster grill

take out the two screws under the defroster grill

remove dash side end caps

remove one scre from each side

In the glovebox area remove the two golden colored bolts they are up through the hole in the top of the glovebox

then there are three more screws right were the top of the glovebox door would be if it were closed

lift up on the dash and pop out the locater pins above the gauge cluster

then remove the dash cover

then remove the dash face by removing the screw on each side of the gauges and the last one to the right of the center vent (these go down from the top)

then unclip from around the radio and unplug the wires and remove the face

then unbolt the radio and remove

assembly is reverse
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Dec 11, 2008 • 1997 GMC Sierra K2500
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