This information is from Darell's VW TDI Maintanance Page URL: www.vwtdirepair.com. To view the photos and other content go to Darell's page ( Project 42).

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Project 42 How To Remove The Radio in a 2002 VW Beetle TDI

Warning

The Beetle is equipped with an anti-theft radio. Before disconnecting the battery, make sure you have the activation code for the radio installed in your Beetle.

Figure 42-1 Typical Memory Keeper

    Special tools are required to remove the radio from the Beetle. You cannot use a flat-blade screwdriver, or paper clip to achieve this task. Two (2) grip hook keys are needed to remove the radio. One (1) key is marked with an "L" and one (1) key is marked with a "R". The left key to inserted into the slot on the left side of the radio. The right key is inserted in the slot on the right side of the radio. The larger radio used in the A4 series uses four (4) grip hook keys for radio removal.

    The kit that we used for this procedure was ordered from the Harbor Freight Web Site. (P/N 96675). The keys are an exact replica of the grip hooks used by technicians' at a VW factory service center. Figure 42-2 shows the grip hooks used for removal of the radio in the Beetle.

Figure 42-2 Beetle Radio Grip Hooks

   Following the below repair steps, you can remove the radio from your Beetle and save MONEY on professional repairs:

Project Repair Steps

Step 1 - Insert the key marked with the letter "L" in the slot on the left side of the radio ( See Figure 42-3).

Figure 42-3 Installing Grip Hooks in Radio Slots For Removal

Step 2 - Insert the key marked with the letter "R" in the slot on the right side of the radio (Figure 42-4). Figure 42-5 shows the grip hooks installed in slots for removal of the Beetle's radio.

Figure 42-4 Installing Grip Hook in Right Slot of Radio

Figure 42-5 Installed Grip Hooks In Radio Slots

Step 3 - Using the forefingers, pull the grip hooks forward toward the body (See Figure 42-6)

Figure 42-6 Removing Radio From Console With Grip Hooks

Step 4 - Remove the power connectors and radio antenna connector to the radio (See Figure 42-7). Figure 42-8 shows the radio power connectors removed from the Beetle's radio.

Figure 42-7 Removing Radio Power Connectors

Figure 42-8 Connectors to Radio

Step 5 - To remove the grip hooks from their slots, insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or paper clip in the release tab on back of radio. Remove the key from its slot (See Figure 42-9).

Figure 42-9 Removing Grip Hook From Radio

Step 6 - Reinstall the radio in the dash console reversing the steps from which it was removed.

Tools and Equipment

Two (2) grip hooks from Kit # 96675

Small flat-blade screwdriver

Activation code

Memory keeper

Paper clip (optional)