How to Remove the Radio in a 2003–2006 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, or Yukon

Whether your factory radio quit, the CD player ate a disc, or you're swapping in a replacement, pulling the radio on these trucks is a ten-minute job. The dash bezel pulls off by hand and the radio is held by just a few screws. Here's exactly how we do it when we're pulling radios for the store.

What you'll need

  • An impact driver or ratchet with a socket bit
  • That's it — the bezel comes off by hand

Step 1: Pull the dash bezel trim off

Grab the top edge of the big dash bezel trim and pull it up and off. It's held by clips, so a firm pull pops it free. Set it aside.

Pulling the dash bezel trim off a 2003-2006 Silverado

Step 2: Drive out the radio screws

With the bezel off, you'll see the screws on each side of the radio holding it to the dash. Drive them out with your impact driver or ratchet.

Removing the radio mounting screws with an impact driver

Step 3: Pull the radio straight out

Grab the radio by the face and pull it straight out of the dash opening.

GIF: pulling the factory radio out of a 2003-2006 GM truck dash

Pulling the factory radio out of the dash

Step 4: Unplug the connectors

Don't yank it free — reach behind the radio and unplug the wiring harness connectors and the antenna lead from the back of the unit.

Unplugging the wiring harness connectors from the back of the radio

Step 5: The radio is out

That's the whole job. The climate controls stay in the dash — only the radio comes out. Installation is these steps in reverse.

Radio removed, empty dash opening with climate controls still in place

What to check on the replacement

  • Options: match your truck's setup — CD, cassette, and Bose vs. non-Bose are different units.
  • Theftlock: these factory radios are VIN-locked, so a used one may need to be unlocked and programmed to your truck by a dealer or shop with the right scan tool.
  • Buttons and display: check that all the buttons work and the display isn't faded before you buy.

We pull and test GM truck radios regularly — browse our used OEM radios here. Every one is photographed as-is so you can see the exact condition before you buy.

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