Audio Systems/CD/radio VIN lock

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/25/2011


Question
Sir,
I've got a 2001 Buick LeSabre, and the radio is bad.  I want to replace it with the same exact kind, which is a Delco CD/Casette AM/FM radio...and I can find a used one on eBay pretty easily for around fifty bucks.  But I understand that the radio has a security "lock" feature, and (when turned on) reads the car's VIN number...and will not play if it's in the wrong car.  I understand that I can probably go to a dealership and have the radio reset to my car's VIN...but that will probably cost around a hundred dollars.  Is there some way I can reset that radio myself?  Is there some website that you know of that can either tell me exactly how to do this, or else can sell me a manual for a few bucks to talk me through this process?
Any suggestions/advice you can give is greatly appreciated.
Warm regards,
David Granger

Answer
THERE IS NO OTHER WAY DEALER ONLY
the radio will send the vin number to the computer and the BCM will match that to the vehicle vin, if they don't mach the BCM will turn off the radio this takes 2.1 of a second

you need the GM scan tool using the obd II port you can erase the vin number from the radio and replace it with the vehicles vin number,
dealer const 1 hours labor fee

good luck  

Audio Systems

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Ernesto R

Expertise

Please year and model of the vehicle i need all the details I'am a car electronics installer with 23 years of experience. I'am very familiar with installations of in-dash head units,factory head units, factory car audio, hands-free phone kits, auxiliary audio inputs and iPod iPhone interface integration and security systems if you need any help with your factory stereo, or how to add auxiliary audio or listen to your ipod android in the vehicle I currently have a MECP Master Installation Technician certification. My answers are based on my experience in vehicles and my knowledge of automotive electronics I don't put much emphasis on brand names; you won't often find me putting down a brand or pushing one on dont send me a list of what brands i like better sorry i can not help you with aftermarket or vehicles that are not in the u.s.a also video and security

Experience

oem integration
factory car audio
factory cd changer and hands free cell phones
satellite radio
auxiliary audio input ipod interface audio modules

Organizations
yahoo answers ipod lounge pt cruiser

Education/Credentials
MECP certified chrysler tech

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.