Kia Optima sedans come equipped with factory-installed radios, but many audio enthusiasts wish to upgrade the performance and capabilities of the factory radio with an aftermarket model. The first step in this process is to remove the factory radio. Although this involves removing some trim from the dashboard, it's a job that most anyone can do with the right tools and instructions.
Instructions
1. Pry around the edges of the trim that surrounds the gear shift. As you pry, retaining clips will release and the trim will come loose. Pull it straight up and out after it is entirely loosened.
2. Loosen the two Phillips screws at the bottom of the trim panel that surrounds the radio and climate controls by turning them counterclockwise. The screws were exposed by the removal of the trim in Step 1.
3. Pry around the edges of the receiver/climate control trim panel with your panel tool. As the retaining clips are released, pull the trim panel away from the radio. Unplug the wiring harnesses that are connected to the back and put the trim panel aside.
4. Take out the four Phillips screws securing the radio by turning them counterclockwise. Pull the radio straight out of the dash opening and unplug the wiring connectors on the back of the radio. Remove the radio.
Tags: trim panel, around edges, factory radio, Phillips screws, radio Remove, retaining clips