How do I get the Radio code?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC Metro Area
How do I get the Radio code?
Hi,
I am ready to replace my AGM battery with an Optima Redtop based on the advice of all the forum members. A friend of mine asked me if I have the radio code in the event it locks when the battery is pulled. I don’t have it so I called the GM customer service number. They told me I need to go to the dealer to have the code read and reprogrammed. I told them I do not want to go to the dealer, she said that is my only option.
My guess is one of the forum members has figured out a way around this? Any advice?
Thanks!!
I am ready to replace my AGM battery with an Optima Redtop based on the advice of all the forum members. A friend of mine asked me if I have the radio code in the event it locks when the battery is pulled. I don’t have it so I called the GM customer service number. They told me I need to go to the dealer to have the code read and reprogrammed. I told them I do not want to go to the dealer, she said that is my only option.
My guess is one of the forum members has figured out a way around this? Any advice?
Thanks!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,049
Likes: 0
From: The second childhood is the best one of all.
You may be able to call the original dealer. Most of them use a standard code number. If that doesn't work, they are gonna have to access your computer. Once you get the code, just push those numbers on the radio to unlock it. 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35,617
Likes: 166
Tech Contributor
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
NCM Ambassador
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
This is in the C5 Tech Tips section. I've never tried but I recall others saying they have and it worked.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=164&TopicID=1
Paul
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=164&TopicID=1
Paul
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The tip Paul sent you does work - I've done it!
But the question is, is the radio locked? You would know it's locked if the little red LED is blinking on the left side of the radio. If it is locked, you might try the code 0000 as the default. If no LED, then you don't have to do anything!
But the question is, is the radio locked? You would know it's locked if the little red LED is blinking on the left side of the radio. If it is locked, you might try the code 0000 as the default. If no LED, then you don't have to do anything!
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 36,838
Likes: 438
From: Manassas Park VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08,-'13-'14, '16-'17
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
The tip Paul sent you does work - I've done it!
But the question is, is the radio locked? You would know it's locked if the little red LED is blinking on the left side of the radio. If it is locked, you might try the code 0000 as the default. If no LED, then you don't have to do anything!
But the question is, is the radio locked? You would know it's locked if the little red LED is blinking on the left side of the radio. If it is locked, you might try the code 0000 as the default. If no LED, then you don't have to do anything!
__________________
..................Click for
..................Click for
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC Metro Area
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
The tip Paul sent you does work - I've done it!
But the question is, is the radio locked? You would know it's locked if the little red LED is blinking on the left side of the radio. If it is locked, you might try the code 0000 as the default. If no LED, then you don't have to do anything!
But the question is, is the radio locked? You would know it's locked if the little red LED is blinking on the left side of the radio. If it is locked, you might try the code 0000 as the default. If no LED, then you don't have to do anything!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
Originally Posted by First Vette 03C5
The radio is not locked ... I am questioning this proactively ... I wanted to figure it out, before I pulled the battery. Thanks for the point to the tech tips!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,495
Likes: 0
From: Paducah Ky
Originally Posted by cbx1047cc
FWIW, my radio did not lock when I installed mine.
Night Owl for life
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 24,719
Likes: 4,556
From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
i've disconnected the battery and replaced it more than once.
on my car, the radio does not lock...in fact it doesn't even lose the time or preset stations!
on my car, the radio does not lock...in fact it doesn't even lose the time or preset stations!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC Metro Area
Originally Posted by MY1STPEWTER
I'm not sure by your statement if yours was preset with a code or not. I know on my Silverado (which I have put a preset code into) had some work done on it the battery was disconnected and it locked. It had been five years since I put the code in. Had to get the owners manual out and see what numbers you punched before you put your code in. Luckily after many attempts I finally remembered what the my number was. They may not be the best radios, but you sure miss them when you don't have one.
No my radio is not locked ... and ... i never put a code in, so my assumption was that if i never "activated" the theft lock i would be fine. The selling dealer does not remember if they put codes in or not. My guess is i will be OK ... just wnated to do some homework. I did not want to create a post called, "help my radio is locked"
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 922
Likes: 2
From: Resume Speed Tennessee
The tech at my local dealership says they get a large number of new cars with radios that already have codes set...like one out of four. Retrieving codes is SOP for him. Apparently someone at the factory or transporting has too much time on their hands!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC Metro Area
Originally Posted by lost
If a code has been installed the red security light will flash.
