Make 2005 gm radio work in 2003 Monte Carlo?

[joelink]

Hello all,

I recently purchased a GM AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio (#15216905) which has all the features of my existing factory radio plus MP3. Installing the radio was simple, and all functions except for steering wheel controls work while in accessory mode. After a couple of starts, however, the unit displays 'Locked' and cannot be used at all until I clear it (by shorting the battery cables). It does this repeatedly.

I took it to a dealer to have it reprogrammed, and it seems that scan tools won't allow it because this radio was not an option for the 2003 Monte Carlo. They did take the time to contact GM technical people and they say it isn't possible to work around that.

It appears that this radio was first introduced in '05 Trailblazers and Silverados. Has anyone found a way to make these newer radios work in older, but still Class II data bus, cars?

Thanks,
Joe

[mike1224]

joe, i believe your talking about the theftlocII. hope this helps Just press and hold preset buttons 2 and 3 or 1 and 4 on your radio. Copy the digits displayed by your radio. Let go of the buttons. Next press the am/fm button and copy the next 3 digits. You now should have a six digit code. Call (800) 537-5140 and enter 139010 or 202107. After this, you will be prompted to input your six digit code. Put in your code using your phone buttons and this service center will then give you the unlock code for your car. Simple. Don't pay the dealer or anyone else for this service.

[joelink]

Thanks for the quick response. While the code retrieval method may work for the existing 2003 radio (the dealer implied it might), it does not work for the 2005 models (the dealer flat out stated it would not). Also, when the 2005 model locks, it displays only 'Locked' (not 'Loc') and all buttons are disabled. I have tried a variety of button combinations on it (including your suggestions) and all are met with no response.

[mike1224]

i'm assuming it was purchased new? If so, naybe it could be taken back as "defective" since it is not serving its purpose and providing tunes.

[joelink]

heh. I may take it back. I am just hoping there might be an easy way to subvert whatever is preventing it from working.

[mike1224]

for what you paid, probably get a nice aftermarket head unit.

[joelink]

I got it for 150 as a pull out of a new car. I don't like aftermarket head units in the double-din openings gm has. I'll survive without the mp3 feature. I only risk crashing while i repeatedly rummage for cds to play.

[mike1224]

ipod......you can get an adapter that goes into CD changer slot

[nuku]

Joelink;

I am in the same situation as you are, own a 2001 impala LS (W body car like the montecarlo with class II serial communications on the existing RDS CD HU)

I think they use the same Radio Headunits..

got a radio off ebay (part # 15216905) with mp3 capabilities

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...3903406&rd=1,1

Radio shows locked ,as expected, no problem so far, got a dealer to hook up the scan tool but when trying to setup the radio it would fail to communicate so was not able to clear/do vin learn. Was able to watch over the tech's shoulder and saw how it would fail to talk to the radio... Tech even tried selecting other year cars/models too..

just frustrated as if I pull the radio fuse for a few seconds I can temporarily bypass/clear the theftlock until the next time I start the engine. The radio then will work great, play mp3's and it communicates over the class II bus with the rest of the car fine, chimes are there, onstar works with it switching the audio source and showing 'phone' on the radio display when used, panel lights dim accordingly matching on cluster lights, shuts off when ignition is off and door is opened, etc

Seems so close but yet so far...

Wondering if you ever made out any better than I did?

If I can't get the vin clear I am looking at 2 other options;

1) Rig a push button to the radio fuse so I can interrup power to the radio and do a temp theftlock bypass everytime. (Sucks, lose the time and not elegant)

2) pulled apart the old RDS CD HU to find if I could find an eeprom or something that is used to store the VIN and other settings, did find something that based on hours of research is likely to contain the vin and considering trying to transplant it to the new MP3 HU and see if this will fly...
Can provide more details about this if interested

Thanks!!

['97ventureowner]

Please do not bring up old threads to add new stuff to. Start a new thread and link to the old one if you have something new to say. By the way the member you are trying to ask the questions hasn't had any activity on this board since the end of October 2005,(19 months ago.)That is one reason why it is not a good idea to bring up old threads, many members who once posted are no longer active.
Thread closed.