Hyundai Repair: 02 Santa Fe Car stereo issues, phillips head screws, stereo issues

Question
QUESTION: Recently, my CD/Cassette stereo experiences distorted sound when the volume is on high. This never happened before and I used to play stereo loud, now it sounds like it cracks on high. I thought it was the speakers but the radio sounds ok when played loud. The LED screen is fading in and out. Is my car stereo is need of replacement. Also, I was going to buy a replacement but I was told that codes are needed.

ANSWER: Hello Russell,
It really sounds like your radio  needs replacement. You will not need a code for replacement.

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QUESTION: Thanks for the advise, however I was going to buy a replacement radio for the Santa Fe but the site states that "VIN will be included because you may need a code from the dealer". Two questions: (1)Is that true and (2) how would I remove the center panels in order to swap out radio...

Answer
Hello Russell,
1-2002 Santa Fes do not have code protected radios.
2-First pull the ash tray out. Remove 2 phillips head screws behind it.Remove lower part of the center facia by prying it out.You might want to grab ash tray seat to get a hold of it.Sometimes it is really tight, so keep pulling it out while wiggling. After you take the lower part out, you will see 2 more screws that holds the upper part. Remove them and pry the upper part out.