DIY: Car Stereo Removal in a 2003 VW Jetta

The Jetta has been a staple Volkswagens lineup since the automaker introduced it as an upscale version of its Rabbit in the 1980s. The 2003 Jetta came in seven trim levels and all of them came standard with an AM-FM stereo with eight speakers, cassette player and CD player. Volkswagen also offered the Jetta with an optional "Monsoon" stereo system. The process for removing the two types of radios are similar -- the only real difference is the number and type of radio removal keys used.

Instructions

Removal

1

Find your radios four-digit security code the code given with the Jetta when it was new or included with a replacement radio. If you do not have this code, visit a local Volkswagen dealership to obtain a new code. Do not remove the radio without this code.

2

Look on the face of the radio and find the radio removal tool locator slots. On the standard radio, one slot is to the left of the Scan button and the other is to the right of the Seek button. On the Monsoon stereo system, there is one slot in each corner.

3

Insert the two radio removal keys (Volkswagen tool No. 3316) into the slots on the face of the base radio until they click into place. On the Monsoon system, insert the four radio removal keys (Volkswagen part No. JC4225) into the four slots on the face of the radio.

4

Pull the base radio straight out of the dashboard until you can access the wiring on the rear of the radio. On the Monsoon radio, grab the handle of the top-left and bottom-right radio removal keys and pull the radio outward until you can access the wiring on the rear of it.

5

Press and hold the unlocking button on each wiring harness, and pull each harness from the rear of the radio the exact number of harnesses depends on the Jettas options. Pull the antenna wire from the rear of the radio with a slight twisting motion. Remove the radio from the Jetta.

6

Press and hold the unlocking tab the half-inch-long metal tab on one side of the radios body and pull the radio removal key(s) from that side of the radio. Repeat this step on the other side of the radio.

Installation

7

Plug the wiring harnesses into their respective receptacles on the rear of the radio the harnesses are different sizes, so you can't mix them up.

8

Press the antenna cable into the circular receptacle on the rear of the radio.

9

Slide the radio into the chassis in the dashboard, as you guide the wiring in with it. Press the radio into the dashboard until the locking tabs click into place.

10

Turn the ignition to the Acc position and turn the radio on. Observe as Safe appears on the radios display, then 1000 about three seconds later.

11

Press and release the 1 preset button until the first number on the radios display matches the first number in the radios security code. Repeat this step using preset buttons 2,3 and 4 to match the second, third and fourth numbers on the radio with their respective digits in the radios code.

12

Press and hold the top Seek or Scan button until you hear a beeping sound, on the Monsoon radio. On the standard radio, press and hold the upward-pointing Seek button until you hear a beep.

13

Drive the Jetta to a local Volkswagen dealership to have the radio programmed to the audio features of your Jetta. This is a highly technical process that requires a special tool and training, so leave it to the professionals at the dealership.