I can seem to remove my radio on my 01 A4 1.8T, it has the Bose system. I have the 4 keys to remove it, they just dont lock in. I get one to lock the others just seem to go in. Is there some other way to get behind the deck? I need to install an iPod interface from Dice Electronics.

 

From what I recall, you'd have to break the surrounding trim to get in there - the radio overlays the center console trim, and it may even be blocking a couple of the screws that hold the trim on. Short answer - unfortunately no, I don't believe you can get in there without pulling the deck first.

 

Which at this point seems next to impossible. I can get it to wiggle but not come out. I spent 5 hours yesterday trying to get it out.

 

I know I've seen others who've said that it was a pain, and some have said that they figure the locks inside the deck that latch it into place may have been broken. You might try using coat hangers instead of the actual radio keys - it's possible there's damage to the latches, and maybe something with a slightly different shape could unlock them.

It's an infuriating design, and if I had the option, I wouldn't have asked for that type of latches in a car. Believe me, if someone wants to steal your head unit, they're going to get it. I'd rather they be able to just pull it out, so I only have to replace the radio, rather than destroy the whole center console trying to get it out, and leave me trying to replace a lot more parts later on.

 

Hey its possible that either you are doing it wrong or someone in the past has bent the locks by putting the keys in too far which will require some serious dissassembly, we will take care of it, just go to Tweeter or Sound Advice and tell them Ryan from store 0902 sent you, have them call me @ my store...