how to remove factory radio in a 96 RL???
 

Hi. The battery had to be removed in my 96 RL and now the radio needs the code and I don't have it. So I need to take out the radio to get the numbers off it to try and get the code from a dealership. Does anyone know how to remove the radio??? Looks like the center console and all the plastic around it will have to be taken out. I just don't want to break any of the plastic trying to do this. Thanks for your time.

Carefully pull out the triple vent thing on top of the dash. There are a bunch of metal spring clips holding it in place. Unscrew the shift nob off of the select lever. Pry up the trim around the select lever. Unplug the heated seat connectors (if equipped) and the light for the transmission position. Pull up the entire center wood trim panel. Unplug the harness going to the ashtray. There are 4 screws (2 up top and 2 below) the radio/heater controls. The whole unit comes out as one. You might be able to get the serial number off of the bottom of the radio without disconnecting all the wires in the back.

All of the trim pieces in the center are clips, so carefully pulling on them will get them free, just don't yank on anything too hard.

Thank you very much, that saves me a huge headache of trying to figure it out on my own. I really appreciate it.