Security Code for Stereo

[stinkysGTI]

You guys wouldn't believe the trouble I've gone through trying to get my car back to the factory stereo setup with a cd changer. I bought the car with an aftermarket stereo and changer in it, and that's where the trouble starts. I won't even go into details; this post would be way too long :)

400 bucks later and my current problem is the security code for the stereo. Anyone know of a website that has some kind of code index? I tried googling a few different things, but wasn't able to find anything useful.

The dealership can do it of course for $25, but I doubt they'd give me the code afterwards, plus I'd have to take an hour off of work and drive out of my way, just for a 20 minute fix. I tried going there just before closing hoping they'd just look it up and tell it to me, but no dice :\

So I have everything I need, but it's all useless to me without that code. Any ideas?

[twig]

i had to get that once. the stock stereo in my car wasn't the original stereo. the dealer gave me the code for free tho. that was the only place i could get it.

[stinkysGTI]

Same here. I got the stereo from someone else.

I wish the dealership people were as nice here. They gave me crap about I "could be a robber". My car was right there, without a stereo in it. I think he just wanted to go home or something :)

So that'll probably be my only choice it sounds like from what I've read on various sites. At least its only 25 bucks if they do end up charging me.

Thanks for the response, that was fast :)

[twig]

no problem. it's because i care, and not because i have nothing better to do with my time ;)

[tkoole]

stupid non-stock stereo missing a security code ... well... im on 0036 of 9999 ... ill get it eventually

[stinkysGTI]

:)

I tried calling the guy I got it from and no call back as of now. So I went to the dealership again and it was the same guy, but he could tell I'm persistent. So he got my VIN and the serial off the stereo, and wouldn'tcha know, their computer wouldn't display that specific page... everything else fine except that one.

He got my number and said he'd call me tomorrow [hopefully] which makes it sound like it's gonna be free :D Unless he holds the # hostage until I give him my CC info.

[stinkysGTI]

woo hoo!

I got the code: 1233
Figures it'd be so simple. However, I have a new problem that I created myself. When I first plugged the stereo in, I was playing with it and not till afterwards did I learn that it locks up when incorrect codes are entered.

How do I reset it? I tried pulling the fuse out of the stereo itself, then disconnected the negative on the battery. Neither worked.

I read that if you leave the power on and turn your key to the off position for an hour +, it will reset. I don't have a garage though, so that's not much of an option.

Is there any other way? Maybe if I leave the battery disconnected for an hour + it'll work??

[twig]

is there no reset on the back anywhere?

[stinkysGTI]

no, because that would probably defeat the purpose of the security lockdown. I was thinking of just getting a chair, a few beers and just sit next to my car after work for an hour + :D

My adapters coming in today too, so once I get it to accept the code, I can put everything in. I love how there's a built-in changer holder in the side compartment of the trunk. So it'll be a much cleaner install as opposed to the setup I have now.

If my girlfriend doesn't want it, I might have a 10 disc changer for sale. I got it with the car so I'd get rid of it for like 80 bucks if anyone's interested.

[stinkysGTI]

well, I got the stereo working. Then I hooked up the adapter [factory stereo to Alpine changer] and cd changer, but it's dead. There's no power going to it at all and the stereo itself says "no CHANGER" when I try and select CD.

I went to an audio place and the guy hooked up a changer that he knew worked and same result... nothing.

My thought was, there's 3 harness sockets in the back of the stock stereo but I'm only using 2. Is that 3rd one to give power to the harness in the trunk that the adapter plugs into??

Also, my steering wheel stereo controls aren't working. I assumed when I hooked up the harnesses, it would just work. I'm not really worried about those so much as the changer.

Once again, I tried googling, but there isn't a whole lot of info about factory stereos, just aftermarket. The place I went to wants to charge 35/per HALF hour... wtf!?

oh man, this is turning into an expensive mess :'(

[stinkysGTI]

I kinda forgot, sorry, but I figured I'd conclude my epic battle with my stereo :)

I got it all working, that 3rd harness I mentioned before was there! It was shoved way back and under everything else. A guy at an audio place helped me out for free [I don't know much about stock stereo setups; but now I do :)].

I hooked that last one up and BAM, everything worked, including my steering wheel controls.

It's not as responsive as an aftermarket setup, but it works just fine. So now it's all nice n clean, no wires or changer to be seen throughout the car. The quality sounds way better too.

case closed :D