Alright guys so I am installing an aftermarket iPod integration unit. I got the AudioLink because of some of the things I read on the forum. I want to thank guys like ByThaBay, SuperFan, and l008com for their DIY posts. Without them I would never have been able to get started. So I followed the directions of everybody. Removed the shit knob, popped the middle console, removed the ashtray, and then it came down to getting that pesky bolt.

Here is the problem. Someone must have been working on my radio before I got it because that bolt appears to be missing. I can't seem to find it behind the two bolts that are there. So assuming that the bolt was already out, I proceeded to unscrew the two bolts under the ashtray to remove the stereo. I attempted to pull it out but it won't come out. The bottom of the stereo will move slightly but the rest won't come out, even with a good tug. I'm afraid to break something.

Where that bolt is supposed to be there is a hole but no screw in it. I assume that is where it should be but it's not there. So, I assumed that the directions were followed correctly, but now I can't get the radio to pop out. I've enclosed a few pics of where the screw should be, (or so I think), I just want to verify that it is the screw that should have been removed.

Secondly, I want to know if anyone has any suggestions why the radio won't just pop out. I have a navigation unit -- the DIY guides, none of them had a nav unit, so I was wondering if that has anything to do with why it appears to be stuck.

Sorry for the long winded message. Here are the three pics.

The first pic shows the two screws and then what appears the to a hole where the screw should be.

The second pic shows the two infamous screws that everyone says "those aren't the screws, the screw is behind it"

And the third pic shows the hole where the screw should be.

I took those three pics just to verify that I am looking at the right screw or where it should be atleast. Thinking maybe I'm looking at the wrong thing and thats why the radio isn't releasing and popping out.


Again, sorry for the long winded message, just tried to explain it thoroughly. If you have suggestions please help me. Thank you.

That is indeed the correct bolt, or at least where it should be. If you are having problems getting the radio out you can try pulling harder or pushing it from the back. I find it is easiest to push from the back. In which case you just need to remove the glovebox.

There are good instruction for glovebox removal here:
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=8353.html

After that you can easily reach behind the radio and push it out. I find this method much easier than trying to pull it from the front and it doesn't feel like I am going to snap the faceplate in half like it does when you pull from the bottom.

Hope this helps, Happy Holidays!

that isnt the screw...

look for a brass colored one a little bit higher up

Nope...that is the right bolt...or lack of bolt. I've heard sometimes that the bolt could be on the passenger side, but I have no idea how you would get back there to put it in or pull it. I would go with what Juice said and pull the glovebox and push the radio from the back while someone else is pulling on it slightly.

Thanks guys. Devilboi you were the first thread I read about a thirD party iPod adapter. I got the radio out. That was the bolt but I didn't realize that there were five clips holding it in. I used a taped up screwdrive to pry it out and it finally came out. The install was rather easy other than that trouble. I made sure all the wires were installed cleanly and thread into my center console.

Thanks to all your replies though and special thanks to everyone who posted threads elsewhere that I used for reference and help.