Where can you get those U-shaped keys to remove factory Ford radios?

[TomO]

Where can you get the little U-shaped keys or whatever they're called for removing factory Ford radios from the dash?


Also, I think I've heard of people using bent coat hanger wire also -- anyone done this?

Thanks

[marquisman]

you can get em at wallmart. or anywhere that sells car audio for that matter.

[TomO]

you can get em at wallmart. or anywhere that sells car audio for that matter.

I had just called Car Toys and they said they didn't have them and had no idea where to get them. I figured if anyone had them, they would. But, I'll run up to Wally World and see if they have them. The problem with them is most of the time the sales associates are clueless -- if you can find one, that is.

[jaywish]

You local parts store will likely have them. They are common.

[Pesty351]

Anything metal that will fit in the holes will work. I usually use nails.

[TomO]

Thanks for all the info and help. I just ran up to Wally World. They had a set for $6.

By the way, how do you know if your radio is "code protected?" The instructions in the removal tools said that if your radio is "code protected" you will need a code to get the radio to work when you reinstall it after taking it out.

[gadget73]

that'd be on the modern ones. If its in a box, its definitely not code protected. I dont know when they started doing that though, probably late 1990s.

[TomO]

that'd be on the modern ones. If its in a box, its definitely not code protected. I dont know when they started doing that though, probably late 1990s.

One of the radios I'll be dealing with is in a '97 Aero Panther. Another is in a '00 Focus. They are both factory Ford radios.

[miamibob]

What year car/make are we talking about?

[miamibob]

Just saw the latest post - those are probably protected.

[TomO]

What year car/make are we talking about?

:wave: Hahaha! We posted the question and answer at exactly the same time.

[TomO]

Just saw the latest post - those are probably protected.

By protected, you mean I will need some sort of code to make them work? Where do I get the code and how do I enter it?

[miamibob]

I think that is a "dealer issue" - not sure if there is a "hack" around it.

[jaywish]

The 97 panther should be no problem, no code. I do not know anything about The focus.

[zoomie]

as far as i know the focus has no code, i had one, but i never did put the stock radio back in though i doubt it has a code.

[miamibob]

Can always call the dealer. If you get an honest Service Manager you're all set!

[1980c10]

I have an 03 focus and have had the radio in and out of it a ton and never had to put a code in.

[TomO]

Thanks for the help, guys. I appreciate it a lot. I got my $9 Ford 1.5 DIN Ford AM/FM bone yard radio installed in my '97 Aero, and it works great. I had to put another on/off/volume switch in it though because the original one wouldn't stay pushed in, so the radio was always "on." I found the same type of switch in another bone yard radio and swapped them.

I need to take my Focus radio out so I can see if I can fix the clock set button that somehow got pushed into the radio.

Thanks again for your help.