OK...I have a 2 part question. My 2 year old had stuffed a couple of pennies into the cd player rendering it useless. I am hoping that my husband can fix this and admittedly haven't been too worried about it because I've been using my portable with the AUX jack.
However, I do want it fixed but he can't figure out how to pop the radio out to fix...help?

Now the more worrisome second part of this question...just yesterday as we were driving, the radio stopped working for no reason and then today the doors would not lock unless the key was in the ignition. Yes, I'm feeling like a very bad Element Owner. I am hoping that all of the above will be linked to a shortage so...could someone give me advice on how to go about fixing this problem?

[quote:bec280a337=" "]However, I do want it fixed but he can't figure out how to pop the radio out to fix...help?[/quote:bec280a337]

Your husband or your son? :)

You have to pop off the the trim immediately around the radio. Best thing to do is look at the guides for installing DX radios...the PDFs on this page under the "View Installation Instructions" contain the info you need:

http://www.handa-accessories.com/elementelect.html

After you remove the radio, he'll need to take it apart...there's no documentation on that, but it looks pretty simple to me (looking at mine which is on the shelf).

Finally remember: if the radio is removed, you'll need to dig out the security code card that came with the EX to re-activate the radio.

The shop towel is important in removing that first piece...it's *REALLY* easy to scratch the dash removing this piece.

[quote:bec280a337=" "]Now the more worrisome second part of this question...just yesterday as we were driving, the radio stopped working for no reason and then today the doors would not lock unless the key was in the ignition. Yes, I'm feeling like a very bad Element Owner. I am hoping that all of the above will be linked to a shortage so...could someone give me advice on how to go about fixing this problem?[/quote:bec280a337]

Ok, this is more of a problem.

I'd first see if you or your husband can fix the radio yourself, perhaps. If so, at that point bring it to the dealer for the other electrical problems...

...sounds perhaps like a blown fuse...or a bad relay...or a loose connection or...I'm not sure. You're still under warranty at this point. Fixing the radio, if possible might simplify the problem (esp. since the damange from pennies aren't covered under warranty!)

-brendan