When i bought my 2000 1.8TQ a few months back i had the intent of putting my aftermarket deck in...when i bought the removal tools i found out that all the clips that hold the head unit in were broken and it could not be removed without taking the whole dash apart or breaking it. I brought it to my local sound shop and they wanted to charge me $65/hr. for approx. 3 hr. to get it out, i really dont have all that much extra cash to be spending on stupid things like that but im having alot of trouble with getting the dash appart is there any way to take off the pieces on either side of the center console w/o taking the hu out first? if anyone has any solutions they would be greatly appreciated

 

Not that I know of - I had to remove the headunit in order to get the plate off that surrounds the head unit and climate controls, and that had to be off to gain access to the screws that hold on the "body" of the center upright console.

 

Radio Systems[/align]General notes[/align]Important:
Disconnect battery earth strap before working on electrical system.
Activate the service mode of telematics control unit before disconnecting battery.=>Radio, Telephone and Navigation System Self-diagnosis; Repair group 01; Telematics Self-diagnosis; Adaption[/align]Notes:

â—†On vehicles with coded radio, obtain anti-theft code before disconnecting battery.
â—†Activate the service mode of telematics control unit before disconnecting battery.
â—†If the battery is reconnected, please ensure that the vehicle equipment (radio, clock, electric window lifters, engine) is activated as described in operating instructions and the service mode of telematics control unit is deactivated. [/ul]
Notes:

â—†A new generation of radios was introduced in model year 98. The "beta", "gamma" and "delta" radio units were replaced by the "chorus" and "concert" radio units with self-diagnosis capability.
â—†In model year '99, the radio units "chorus" and "concert" were supplemented by the "symphony" radio unit with self-diagnosis capability. The special feature of this radio unit is that the operating unit also includes a CD player in addition to the radio and cassette modes.
â—†In case of complaints, familiarity with the functions and operation of the relevant radio system is essential.
â—†Additional information [/ul]
=> Operating instructions

â—†For retrofitting, repair work and troubleshooting [/ul]
=> Current Flow Diagrams, Electrical Fault-finding and Fitting Locations
=> Installation instructions

â—†Comprehensive assembly instructions, e.g. removing and installing trims, are included in the General Body Assembly Workshop Manual.
â—†All radio systems are equipped with anti-theft codes. [/ul]
Notes on radio retrofitting:

â—†The provided connectors for genuine Audi radio systems should be used for preparing the radio.
â—†Radio units with other plug connectors must be connected using adapter leads.
â—†When connecting the speed signal (radios with GALA function) care must be taken not to cause a short circuit, as otherwise, vehicle malfunctions may occur (e.g. engine timing).
â—†Connecting the speed signal to non-Audi makes of radio can also lead to problems with the vehicle.
â—†If other radio units are fitted (vehicles 1998 â–¸), the aerial amplifier may be impaired, as original Audi radio units are fitted with a "remote powered aerial", i.e. the voltage supply for the aerial amplifier is provided via the centre conductor of the high-frequency cable.
The remote power adapter from the Volkswagen and Audi range (Votex) should therefore be used. [/ul]
Notes on CD retrofitting:
The wiring harness for the CD changer is installed in the vehicle during preparation for CD installation. The connection cable can only be used for original Audi CD changers.

the type of radio might help but the above has good tips