Audio Systems: 1998 firebird radio removal, pontiac firebird, gm dealer

Question
I have read many online guides and it should not be this hard, but I am having a good deal of trouble removing my factory Pontiac Firebird radio.  I removed the face plate bezel, unscrewed all the screws and when I pull on the radio it will come out a bit but it feels like the wires are holding it back.  Is there somewhere else I should be unscrewing or should I just try pulling on the radio harder and quit being so afraid of snapping the wiring?

Answer
Ben,
it's possible that the wire harness for the stereo may be hanging up on something behind the stereo such as a bracket or a part for the AC/heat controls. If you can take off any side panels you may be able to put your hand up behind the stereo to free the wire harness. On most vehicles the stero should/will be able to be pulled out far enough to remove the antenna wire and the connectors/plugs. As a last resort you could try asking your local GM dealer if they could advise or give you a print out on how to pull out the stereo. You may also want to check out your local library, some will have for ref a set of Chilton car repair guides that you look up the stereo removal instructions.


Tom,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net