I may be the only one who hasn't removed a radio with the 4 "release holes" but I thought I'd pass this one should there be another.
The premade tool that I bought had the ends taper down to about 50% and then a ball on the end. I inserted each tool until it met resistance. I was of the impression that the taper and ball would "lock" the tool in, enabling extraction when you pulled outward. Nope, the tool comes out, again and again. At that point the permanent face plate of the radio came off exposing a sliver of a view of the ears that latch the radio in. Now I see how it works! With the tools inserted you push them outward to retract the ears and with your third hand you pull the radio out (I had some surface rust making extraction difficult).

 

You did better than I did, Jeffrey. I tried the coathanger method that's shown here on my sis-in-law's Ford car but it took 4 extra screwdrivers to get it out. I think the tool works only on brand new vehicles, something less than 2 weeks old. jim

 

Proper extraction with those tools does require pushing them outward before pulling----its sad there isn't better use instructions provided with them.

I've never really had any problem even with radios in place well over 10 years---that might be more a matter of good luck than anything though.

Glad you got it figured out now!

 

If you use coat hanger the wire diameter is a factor. I have only been successful with think coat hanger wire. The thin wire bent too easily in the extraction process such that the radio did not move.


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