Radio Codes?

[gsetter]

Does anyone know of an easy way to get a radio code? We would like to buy a stock stereo w/cd player to replace our son's stock cassette player for his 99 grand am se. The seller says you have to get the code for the stereos from Pontiac .... but how?
thanks

[ctesla]

is it the simple fact that you want to keep the red display?
the stock units are usually (unless premium; Bose, Monsoon, Infinity, etc.) inferior to newer aftermarket stereos, and will cost extremely more from the dealer, or about the same for a recycled on from a salvage yard, that a new one would cost, including the harness and installation at a store or shop.
Sony, Dual, Pioneer all make MP3/CD stereos with red displays, that will look, sound, and last better and longer than an OEM radio.
if you have already made the purchase of an older unit, on its casing will be a model and serial#. this will be needed by any GM dealer to find or re-program a LOCking code into the system. some dealers will do this free of charge, if they feel you will be utilizing their services for future work; some dealers will charge for the LOC code. the service department and/or service mgr would be the ones to talk to.
make sure it is an interchangeable unit with your vehicle. salvage yards will have a Hollander Exchange Catalog that will show which radio units swap into different vehicles. if the harness is different you may be cutting and splicing, or purchasing a harness kit ($15-40.) which will allow everything to work properly.

hope this helps

[gsetter]

Originally Posted by ctesla

is it the simple fact that you want to keep the red display?
the stock units are usually (unless premium; Bose, Monsoon, Infinity, etc.) inferior to newer aftermarket stereos, and will cost extremely more from the dealer, or about the same for a recycled on from a salvage yard, that a new one would cost, including the harness and installation at a store or shop.
Sony, Dual, Pioneer all make MP3/CD stereos with red displays, that will look, sound, and last better and longer than an OEM radio.
if you have already made the purchase of an older unit, on its casing will be a model and serial#. this will be needed by any GM dealer to find or re-program a LOCking code into the system. some dealers will do this free of charge, if they feel you will be utilizing their services for future work; some dealers will charge for the LOC code. the service department and/or service mgr would be the ones to talk to.
make sure it is an interchangeable unit with your vehicle. salvage yards will have a Hollander Exchange Catalog that will show which radio units swap into different vehicles. if the harness is different you may be cutting and splicing, or purchasing a harness kit ($15-40.) which will allow everything to work properly.

hope this helps

Thank you for the info. We were just hoping to keep things simple by purchasing a similar unit to fit properly in place of the old unit. Replacing the cassette for the CD player was the major intent. I am not familiar with stereos & other car electronics & was hoping to find an easy solution to changing out his original cassette stereo with a matching cd stereo that fit. We haven't purchased one yet. Just trying to find out info on the situation right now. We have seen units for his 99 grand am se for around $60. I'm sure he would love a nicer unit & they are better sounding ... but for the price & that I want to keep the car simple/clean looking as possible (matching trims, & leaving current speakers) I was hoping this would be an easy solution to getting a cd player.
thanks again.

[ctesla]

if you take the vehicle to a Best Buy or Circuit City (the likes), they have most units on display, and many under $100. w/free install (cost of harness extra), but also what is extra is they have trim components that will split the coverage, making the factory trim appear as it (the new deck and trim) would be original/stock.
look into it. if it were mine, this is what I would do, and have done in the past, if I don't want to mess with it. the factory units do look good in the large hole, but the aftermarket one, they will add the harness, won't cut into your factory wiring, and can use all the existing speakers
(even if there blown), as you will only add the stereo, and then can price, and/or install your own speakers at a later time...
hope this helps,
chris