'99 Grand Am radio removal

[Kalthiel]

Hey, I'm trying to work on my Uncle's 99 GA, the light that shows the radio stations doesn't show. I'm hoping it's just backlit with a bulb that can be replaced, and it's not something more annoying.

My question is, how do I get the panel covering the radio off? I can't find any screws (which I know Pontiac has had a habit of using on their radio panels in past models), It looks like it just pops off, but I don't want to risk damaging anything. If it was my car I'd just do it anyway, but...

Any advice?
Thanks,
Kalthiel

[tommy00gt1]

http://www.corvetteradios.com/

Here ya' go... I stumbled onto this website while looking for info on those darn Delco display bulbs that burn out frequently... Seems as though it is a very simple bulb replacement and easy to do. This website sells those Delco display bulbs, and they also have a step - by - step tutorial on how to remove the cover from the radio, and how to replace the bulb.
Even though the website title says " corvette radios ", there is a section for Pontiac radios. When you see the opening homepage, click the grouping of bulbs that will be in the center of your screen; that will take you to the proper section that you need.

Hope this helps you out. Have a awesome and safe holiday everyone!!!

Tommy; from Massachusetts

[Kalthiel]

Well, that definitely looks like the bulb I'll need, unfortunately they don't have any instructions (at least none that I could find) for taking off the panel (The actual part of the dash covering the radio/AC unit). I'll hit the auto store and check out a chilton manual for that though.

Thanks very much for the link with the bulbs, should make my life alot easier ^_^.

[tommy00gt1]

http://www.corvetteradios.com/home/bu6.jpg

Oh, you mean the instructions on how to take the radio out of the dash ? My mistake.. I thought you wanted directions for the actual radio cover... sorry 'bout that. But I believe that radio comes out of the dashboard easily too; at least it did on my 2000 GT1. That plastic panel comes right off; just start gently prying it off with a small screwdriver. That plastic panel pops right off. You might have to tug a bit; those connectors grasp pretty good.

Maybe somebody will read this and supply a better description of the actual radio removal.... that area is not quite my expertise....

Tommy

[Degtr]

First, you have to remove the bezel (Off/ACC/ON/Start ring) around the ignition switch. This can be pried off. Then, pull off the plastic cover that surrounds the radio, HVAC controls, and ignition. If you grab it from the middle and yank, you should be able to pop it right off. Then, you may want to release the connectors for the hazard lights, ETS, and cigarette lighter to get the cover completely out of your way. The radio is held on by 3 metric bolts. I forget what size, but a decent set of metric sockets will have the right one. Remove these and the radio slides right out. Disconnect the wire harness and the antenna wire from the back, and you're home free. REMEMBER--KNOW THE SECURITY CODE FOR THE RADIO BEFORE YOU DISCONNECT IT. If you don't know this, the radio will lock and you will be unable to unlock it when power is restored. Your only hope will be to take the serial # or VIN to a GM dealer for a reset code.

[Kalthiel]

Originally Posted by Degtr

First, you have to remove the bezel (Off/ACC/ON/Start ring) around the ignition switch. This can be pried off. Then, pull off the plastic cover that surrounds the radio, HVAC controls, and ignition. If you grab it from the middle and yank, you should be able to pop it right off. Then, you may want to release the connectors for the hazard lights, ETS, and cigarette lighter to get the cover completely out of your way. The radio is held on by 3 metric bolts. I forget what size, but a decent set of metric sockets will have the right one. Remove these and the radio slides right out. Disconnect the wire harness and the antenna wire from the back, and you're home free. REMEMBER--KNOW THE SECURITY CODE FOR THE RADIO BEFORE YOU DISCONNECT IT. If you don't know this, the radio will lock and you will be unable to unlock it when power is restored. Your only hope will be to take the serial # or VIN to a GM dealer for a reset code.

Alright thanks for all the help everyone, this should do it. In regards to the security code bit, I was under the impression that the '99 GrandAm didn't have one, but I assume I was mistaken. Can anyone let me know how to get the security code, and what to do with it to make sure I don't screw anything up? Thanks again.

Kalthiel

[Degtr]

If your uncle is the original owner, ask him if he set a code and wrote it down. If he never set a code, it may still be set to the default, which I think is 0000. Consult the owner's manual if he never set a code. If he set a code and forgot it, you'll need the dealer's intervention.

[Degtr]

I should add that I don't know whether all radios offered on the '99 GA had the security feature. I have the SE1 with the single CD player, and that one does require a security code once power has been cut.

Originally Posted by Degtr

If your uncle is the original owner, ask him if he set a code and wrote it down. If he never set a code, it may still be set to the default, which I think is 0000. Consult the owner's manual if he never set a code. If he set a code and forgot it, you'll need the dealer's intervention.