Removing headset (is nothing ever easy)

[lewisdmz]

I thought i'd tackle the nice easy job of finding out why one of my speakers isn't working, and typically, the bloody headunit won't budge.

Both removal keys lock into place and the right side starts to move but the left does not budge one iota. It must not be releasing the catch or something, but without being able to see in there it's impossible to see what's going on.

Frustrating is not the word, anyone got any tips? I've got two sets of removal keys and both have the same issue, also tried doubling them up on one side but still the same.

[Toms306]

In the old days you could put a finger in the tape deck and pull it out...

Now you're buggered really. Small thin screwdriver or knife could help release the tab. Or as a last resort can you get behind it by removing something else? I've had to pop the clocks out to remove a 306 one before.

[Iceman299]

Is it an aftermarket stereo?

[cully]

In the old days you could put a finger in the tape deck and pull it out...

Now you're buggered really.  Small thin screwdriver or knife could help release the tab.  Or as a last resort can you get behind it by removing something else?  I've had to pop the clocks out to remove a 306 one before.

screw a 4" wood screw into the CD slot should be able to pull it out then Tom

[lewisdmz]

Is it an aftermarket stereo?

Yeah aftermarket, on a Type R though.

[Iceman299]

Ep3?

Just take out the gearstick surround and take out the whole fascia, it's easy enough apart from the flimsy tabs on the gear surround! I think the stereo might be screwed in from the side in its own harness.
Can't 100% remember

[lewisdmz]

Yeah ep3. I put the head unit in, had to put an adapter fascia in as it still had the OE head unit. You're right it's not a hard job, bit of a pain though.

The original head unit was screwed in from each side into the harness but IIRC the aftermarket one was not.

[Iceman299]

Generally if cars have a harness, even an aftermarket stereo would screw into it as a cage wouldnt fit. In my experience anyway. 
I gutted an interior of an ep2 to make it an ep3 replica a couple of year back lol