1998 VW Jetta GLS Radio Code

[southpaw]

I replaced the battery in my Jetta recently, and when I started it, the stereo reading read : safe

I bought the vehicle used, and have no owners guide, which would normally have the code required to enter into the stereo.

Does anyone know how I could get this code without having to take my car into the dealership?

[Deakins]

Unless you find the card someplace, no.
But the dealer usually doesn't charge you anything.

[southpaw]

That's what I thought. The dealers out here aren't that cool.
They want $60 just to enter the code.

Thanks anyways, though.

[Deakins]

Almost cheaper to buy a new head unit.

[bgdalovitt]

I have the same problem. The local dealer wants $40 for the code. How difficult is it to remove the radio?

[Deakins]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t86679.html

[carhelper]

The same thing happ'nd to me when I replaced my battery. This is what you do:
Get the VIN # off your car and give that to the dealer you bought it and tell them you need your radio code. Actually, they should reset it for free. If they wont or if they're no longer in business (which was my case) you have to reset it yourself or take to a small scale auto mechanic. I dug through my records and in the Jetta manual there is a card with the serial no. and radio code on it. its 4 digits. Mine is 1234 for example.

So the auto mech. said he'd do it for free. It took 1 minute. You hold MODE and SCAN down until it beeps (or something) Then you enter your code using the keys on your radio. For 1 you press it once, for 2 you press it twice, for 3, press three times, 4 press the button four times. Then hold MODE and SCAN again and it saves the setting and it works!

Now in my case, there was no power to my radio, it didn't even say SAFE. The mech. told me the fuse was blown. So what he did was take a hanger and cut it into two U-shaped pieces of metal. He inserted these in the four holes in the radio unit and pressed. Then he used a screw driver to pry the unit out. He replaced the fuse, and plugged the wires back and did the code thing and it worked! I am writing this b/c I needed help about this yesterday, and these msg. boards pointed me in the right direction. You should be able to do this for free. GOOD LUCK and dont over pay your dumb dealer!!!!!

[boschmann]

Sometimes you can get the code from a sticker on the side of the spare tire well (inside). The mechanic that did the pre-delivery inspection was supposed to remove it, but it was often overlooked. It might save removing the radio to get the S/N there. Then follow the instructions abpve.