If you own a late 1990s or early 2000s General Motors (GM) vehicle made by Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, or Pontiac, your stock radio will "freeze" if you disconnect the battery. In this case you will need to enter a code into the radio to be able to use it again after reconnecting the car battery, but in most workshops they will charge you a lot of money to get the code for you. You can get the code for free and start listening to your favorite music again in minutes!
Steps
Step 1. After reconnecting the battery, turn on the vehicle normally
Step 2. "LOC" or "LOCKED" will appear on the radio screen, indicating the Theftlock function is active and your car radio is locked
Step 3. Get a notepad
Press and keep holding keys 1 and 2 for about 5-10 seconds, until three numbers appear on the radio screen. Write down these numbers: they are the first 3 digits of the identification code of your radio.
Step 4. After writing the first 3 digits of the identification code of your radio, immediately press the AM / FM button, to make another 3 numbers appear
These are the last 3 numbers of your radio identification code: write these down too.
Step 5. From any phone, call # 800 # -537-5140
An automatic line answers, so you don't need to speak to any operator.
Step 6. After the recorded voice prompts you to press 2 for Pontiacs, dial 206010 and press the pound key (#)
Step 7. Enter the 6-digit identification code of the radio you pinned to yourself, then press the asterisk (*) key
Step 8. The automated voice will give you 4 digits which you will need to enter into your radio
Enter these numbers and hang up the phone.
Step 9. Now go back into the car, and press the button to set the clock hours to enter the first two digits
Once you have selected the correct numbers, press the button to set the minutes to complete the unlock code with the remaining 2 digits.
Step 10. Once you have entered both pairs of numbers, press the AM / FM button on the radio
Step 11. On the radio screen you should now see "SEC", indicating that you have successfully completed the unlock procedure
Turn on the car radio as normal and it should work as usual again.
Advice
- You can find the latest codes on the internet. Search for "GM Dealer Code" on Google and you can get a random code.
- Don't worry if you can't enter the correct code right away, it may take multiple tries.