Procedure to unlock the radio

[Jimmiz71]

Hi Guys, On Friday I replaced my battery, I forgot about the theftlock on my stereo. It is now in lock mode and I checked my manual and there are no directions as to how it unlocks, it simply says "To unlock, Enter secret Code" there are no numbers written down anywhere in the manual or the quick help guide (came with manual). If anyone can help in any way it is greatly appreciated. I called the dealer and they told me they cannot give me the code or any advice on how to enter it, only to make a service appointment and drop my truck off.
Thanks in advance!!
-Jimmy

[nineball481]

If you try this, please let me know if it checks out. This could save people a lot of time and money.


Date Published: 2002-05-26

Submitter's Name: Ioannis Hadjiioannou
Email Address: hex29a@hotmail.com
Corvetteforum.com Member Alias: Hex29a

The following procedure will give you a new code that you can use instead of your personal code. Using this new code, you can “unlock” your radio and then “re-lock” it with a new code if you wish. Prerequisites: The radio must be in LOC mode NOT in INOP mode. Let me explain. If you have activated the Theft-Deterrent feature of your radio and loose power, the radio goes into LOC (theftlock) mode. With the ignition on, you must use the MN and HR buttons to enter you personal code in order to unlock it (The instructions are on page 3-27 in your Y2K Owner’s manual). If you fail to enter the correct code eight (8) times, the radio goes into INOP mode. You have to wait an hour with the ignition on before the radio returns to LOC mode (go for a long drive somewhere).

Procedure:

01. Turn the ignition ON (The radio displays LOC)

02. Hold down the Radio Presets 2 and 3 buttons for six seconds

03. The radio display changes from LOC to a three-digit number. Write this number down. Don’t take forever, fifteen seconds max before the next step.

04. Press the AM/FM button

05. The radio display changes to another three-digit number. Write this number to the right of the first one.

06. You now have a six-digit number, the first three digits are from STEP 03 and the last three digits are form STEP 05

07. Call 1 800 537 5140

08. Press 1 then # (pound). You’ll hear “Invalid Code, try again”

09. Press 139010 then # (pound). You will be asked to enter your four or six digit code followed by * (start)

10. Enter the number from STEP 6 then * (star)

11. Listen to the four-digit number and write it down. It will be repeated twice

12. Turn the ignition ON (The radio displays LOC)

13. Use the MN and HR buttons to enter the code from STEP 11

14. Press the AM/FM button. The radio display changes to SEC Your radio is now “un-locked” and usable. The Theft-Deterrent feature is STILL active! If you want to disable it, use the instruction on page 3-27 in your Y2K Owner’s manual. Use the code from STEP 11 instead of your personal code.

Note: This tip originated from LOTZAHP, Austin TX (credit must be given where credit is due). I verified it on an Y2K C5 with a locked radio - mine.





I hope this helps, I found it on a corvette forum, should work fine with your radio. Again let me know how this turns out. Please.

Jake
-nineball

[kdolson]

If you need the code to unlock send me a private message with the 6 numbers and i will send you the code to unlock

kdolson

[Jimmiz71]

Hi Guys, it worked like a charm..(After a couple trys) I received those same directions yesterday from a friend but I was missing the # to enter after you get the invalid entry prompt. Thank you for taking the time to look that up for me. Im now adding a copy of this to my manual.
-Jimmy

[nineball481]

That's good to know. Sure beats paying the dealer 30-40 bucks

[Jimmiz71]

The dealer in Lowell and Woburn (MA) said to find the code may take up to an hour or two, they charge $50/hr. Id just replace it myself before paying them $100 to push four buttons. Thanks again, You guys saved me some coin.
-Jimmy

[jbeaulieu51]

what if it says cal err is there a chance at all to get this fixed

[jcamp]

Hey guys I tried this on mine and it didn't work. My says Inop for a few sec and then says lock. Help jcamp@centurytel.net

[nineball481]

Originally Posted by jcamp

Hey guys I tried this on mine and it didn't work. My says Inop for a few sec and then says lock. Help jcamp@centurytel.net

The radio must be in LOC mode NOT in INOP mode. Let me explain. If you have activated the Theft-Deterrent feature of your radio and loose power, the radio goes into LOC (theftlock) mode. With the ignition on, you must use the MN and HR buttons to enter you personal code in order to unlock it (The instructions are on page 3-27 in your Y2K Owner’s manual). If you fail to enter the correct code eight (8) times, the radio goes into INOP mode. You have to wait an hour with the ignition on before the radio returns to LOC mode (go for a long drive somewhere).

[nineball481]

bump

[silveradoking]

What are you guys talking about....'the dealer is charging you $30-$40', the dealer is charging about 2 hours at $50'....what kind of nonsense is this.... It takes less then 5 minutes to do....And I had it done about 3 different times, at 3 different dealerships who all did it for FREE.... Until I got the common sense to write down the pin, inorder to prevent future visits to the dealership.... I would be very suspicious at the huys that told me it would take him 2 hours to find the pin....what a scam.... takes less then 5 minutes.... push the 2 and 3 buttons for 15 seconds, get a 3 digit code, then push the amfm button, get a 3 digit code...and then make a 1 minute phone call....!!!!!!!!!!

[Jimmiz71]

^ I guess they do things differently (more honestly) in Canada, I contacted the dealer and explained my problem.. they told me to make a service appointment for the following Monday and drop my truck off. they would have to locate the code and they would not give me the procedure over the phone. The guy told me there was a Service charge and an additional hourly rate if the GM tech had a problem getting the code.. It sounded like BS to me so I Had a friend who is big into GM find the unlock procedure.. My neighbor who is a mechanic also came to my house with the procedure an hour after I unlocked my radio.. The point is Chevy did try to bullshit me and its how they make easy money.. I do all my own work on my truck so I would be dammed if I pay them up to $100 dollars to unlock my radio.. like I said before.. I would rip it out and put an aftermarket radio in first..
My point is... it did sound like nonsense and that's why I found a solution to my problem without visiting the dealer Once.
Don't come onto the forum and BS us about how easy it is to unlock when you made 3 trips to the dealer yourself.. The owners manual does not tell you how to enter the code even if you had it.. Which in my case was part of the problem.. But your lucky you got help from an honest service tech..
-Jimmy

[nineball481]

bump.... Hey admins, Think we could sticky this post at the top? Thanks.

[miltystu]

I cant get get this to work on my 05 radio. Any suggestions besides going to the dealer. Thanks

[eliziajane]

I need help my Cd player on my 2000 Sliv just stop taking in the Cd's it want feed anything the cd will not go in Please help