The stock radio in a 1996 Nissan Altima was an AM/FM radio with a cassette tape player. Although that unit may have worked out great in 1996, stereos today have satellite radio, in-dash CD-changers and even phone connections via Bluetooth.
If you want to upgrade your stock stereo to something a bit newer or modern that has more features, install an aftermarket stereo. First, however, you have to remove the car's stock stereo--which can be done in about 45 minutes.
Place the head of the nylon pry bar between the center console and the black trim panel around the shifter. Pull it up to pull the shifter trim off the console. Remove the four screws underneath the panel, using a Phillips-head screwdriver.
Remove the two Phillips-head screws (with the Phillips-head screwdriver) that are located above the radio. Remove the screw in the knee panel, just to the left of the steering column underneath the fuse block. Again, use the Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull off the rubber edge seal around the door with your hands.
Use your hands to pull the dash panel below the steering wheel off the dash. Remove the screw in the top left corner of the cavity that is now left by removing the panel. Pull the center area around the stereo off the dashboard with your hands.
Unscrew the stereo from the dashboard using the Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the stereo out of the dash and unplug the connections on the stereo's backside.
