Hmmm. So the PO just swiped the headlight switch when he sold it to me... :roll: And I thought perhaps there was some special trick with volkswagens.
Any ideas for how to get the radio working again since I don't have the code? Dealer maybe?
Looks like he swiped the volume knob from your radio too :lol: but you can still use it. Yes, you need to give the radio's serial # to the dealer and they'll give you the code. The radio must be partially pulled out of your dashboard for the serial # to be viewable. The dealer has the special tool that hooks into the 4 holes at the corners of the radio to pull it out.
It's been over a year but this is likely how you enter the 4-digit code:
1) Turn key to "on" position to turn on radio, which will show "SAFE" in its display like you've seen before.
2) Simultaneously hold down Mode and Scan buttons for several seconds until you see a flashing display followed by "0000"
3) Press buttons 1 to 4 to enter the 4-digit code. Button 1 represents the first digit code, repeatedly press that button until you get the desired number.
4) After you have entered the 4-digit code, hold down Mode & Scan again for several seconds. The radio should unlock and be operational. Safe mode will not return until your car battery is disconnected or your radio power is disconnected.
If you enter the code incorrectly 2, 3, or 4 times, the radio will lock itself for perhaps 24 hours. You will not be able to retry the code until the lockdown has expired. I highly recommend unlocking the radio while you're at the dealer (it only takes a couple minutes) because if you have problems the dealer can help you.
Write down your 4-digit code!!! Discreetly write it in the back of your owner's manual, or write it on a piece of paper and paperclip it to the owner's manual. You can "encrypt" the code by embedding random letters (just pull the 4
numbers out to decrypt!) and a theif will not identify it if he steals your radio.