1997 Jetta GT Radio Replacement

[mikemclellan]

Problem: Next door neighbor wants to replace the radio in his 1997 Jetta GT. However, we all know about the anti-theft feature.

Question: What can we expect to happen upon replacing the radio?

My worry is that besides disabling the anit-theft system in the car the new radio might not work.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[1997jettaGT]

You just need the factory for the unit being put in the car.

[1997jettaGT]

OOPS! You just need the factory code for the unit being put in the car.

[termitesgraffix]

the anti-theft devise is in the stock radio head itself. not in the car. there is a capacitor inside the head unit, which when the power is disconnected from it all the components and mechanisms inside it "lock" and disable. You might actually hear it all moving in your hand when you pull it out and disconect it.

The new head will go right in and work, as long as you have the right harness adapter. There won't be an anti-theft in place for this one, unless you buy a unit with one.

If your original unit is connected to the alarm, and the new head does not have an alarm connection/control, then it won't take advantage of the alarm, but the head will work.

[MethodMan420]

If I remember correctly isn't there a "shut off" switch inside the mounting bracket of the radio that acts like a switch if the radio is ever taken out..(even with power on) it is disabled.?? I may be wrong but thought you might want to be aware of this.