Radio unlock code
11-29-2020, 10:55 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Radio unlock code
If you buy a Nav. unit from someone, do you need and unlock code to use it in your car?
11-29-2020, 10:59 PM
#2
Team Owner
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You need a Tech II (or similar) to "marry" the radio to your car.
The following users liked this post:
CorvetteBrent (12-03-2020)
11-30-2020, 12:35 AM
#3
Yep, you go into the car programming with Tech II to clear the Nav's memory that locked it to the old car, then once the car is started in the car with it's marry memory cleared, will marry to the BCM of the car it's in.
If you go to a dealer, they will want around $145 to do this 3 mins of work with the tech II, so check around you to see if someone local has a tech II that can give you a hand, or pick up a clone Tech ii instead. The VX GM Nano clones that work on a laptop go for $109 with free shipping, so if you don't have anyone around you with a tech II may be the way to go, since if your going to wrench on the car, will need a Tech II anyway.
As for buying a used OEM Nav unit, really a chance kind of thing, since most of the units that have been pulled, had problems to start with, and why the got replaced in the first place. as for map updates, about 4 years old on latest update that will not be updated anymore. Plus, between the unit may not coming with say the Nav attenna, a map disc, and even mic that goes up in the A column, could be a couple hundred more that you may need. Also, unless your car did come with bose in it, you may have to add in the VSS connector wire, as well as do some mods to the connector wiring such as steering wheel controls as well.
Hence on the first 05 Navs, no steering wheel controls, then was the steering wheel controls on slightly later, but No blue tooth since that was part of the VCIM module, and then you have the lastest of C6 navs with USB in, that you may have to add that into the car as well.
Bottom line, its often a ***** show putting a later Nav unit in a early car with all the wiring mods needed (and even VCIM update if you do want to blue tooth your phone in if your car is pre-blue tooth VCIM), and since the nav function are so outdated, better off just going after market like a Kenwood Nav deck instead. Hence a deck that if your phone rings, your not spending 4 mins trying to switch the radio over to just answer the phone.
If you go to a dealer, they will want around $145 to do this 3 mins of work with the tech II, so check around you to see if someone local has a tech II that can give you a hand, or pick up a clone Tech ii instead. The VX GM Nano clones that work on a laptop go for $109 with free shipping, so if you don't have anyone around you with a tech II may be the way to go, since if your going to wrench on the car, will need a Tech II anyway.
As for buying a used OEM Nav unit, really a chance kind of thing, since most of the units that have been pulled, had problems to start with, and why the got replaced in the first place. as for map updates, about 4 years old on latest update that will not be updated anymore. Plus, between the unit may not coming with say the Nav attenna, a map disc, and even mic that goes up in the A column, could be a couple hundred more that you may need. Also, unless your car did come with bose in it, you may have to add in the VSS connector wire, as well as do some mods to the connector wiring such as steering wheel controls as well.
Hence on the first 05 Navs, no steering wheel controls, then was the steering wheel controls on slightly later, but No blue tooth since that was part of the VCIM module, and then you have the lastest of C6 navs with USB in, that you may have to add that into the car as well.
Bottom line, its often a ***** show putting a later Nav unit in a early car with all the wiring mods needed (and even VCIM update if you do want to blue tooth your phone in if your car is pre-blue tooth VCIM), and since the nav function are so outdated, better off just going after market like a Kenwood Nav deck instead. Hence a deck that if your phone rings, your not spending 4 mins trying to switch the radio over to just answer the phone.
Last edited by Dano523; 11-30-2020 at 12:44 AM.
The following 4 users liked this post by Dano523:
CorvetteBrent (12-03-2020),
DesertRunner (12-01-2020),
Fast Dawg (11-30-2020),
neoattilahun (12-01-2020)
12-01-2020, 04:54 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
Totally agree with the above. I've got a '13 GS with the NAV and have never liked it. Worlds worst user interface, low resolution display, lousy routing, out of date maps and when you get in the boonies it quits showing you the route. The blue tooth is next to worthless. Get a good aftermarket head unit and live happily ever after.
The following users liked this post:
CorvetteBrent (12-03-2020)