[hahtubmike]

Hi folks. I'm looking for someone who REALLY has an answer for this. Got a junkyard Delco RDS radio and guess what? Doesn't come on except clock. I have searched over 100 sites and the only 3 answers are as follows;
#3 Duh... I don't know....
#2 All you have to do is press these....buttons and write down the numbers...
#1 Take it to a dealer for scan and reprogram

My comments on these comments;
#3 Self explanatory!!!
#2 The thing this answer does not take into account is that this procedure only works on Delco-Loc or Delco Theftlock radios, not RDS. Some of the unlock procedures actually work on "Lock" radios as I have used them before with success. People answering this question need to be made aware of this so they don't continue to give out false information.
#1 This is "a" correct answer but I think there is more info that can be obtained. Here are specific questions;
a) Does an RDS radio have to go back in a vehicle that is WIRED for an RDS radio. Can it be put in an older model car that only has standard speaker and power connections?
b) If I do take the RDS radio to the dealer, does it have to be installed in the vehicle or can it be out of car? Also, is the reprogramming done wirelessly or plugged into unit or pressed in by buttons?
c) We used to deactivate "Lock" on Delcos on the bench so they could go anywhere. Even though they say an RDS has to go to dealer, I find it hard to believe this is the only way. Surely someone knows a crack or hack to unlock this radio without taking it to the (thieves) dealer. From past repair experience I think there are techs out there that know the secret but won't tell because they are protecting their or fellow techs income.

Come on you smart guys, show us how smart you really are. Help us.

I'll share with you 1 trick I did find out. On an RDS radio if you press volume and seek up and 5 at the SAME time, turn ignition on. (IE the constant 12V is on and then you apply the switched 12V). This will temporarily turn on the displays so you can see if the unit is going to work. However, as soon as you turn power off you loose everything again. This does work as I just tried it and it did as said.