messed up my Radio Code

[ALVW3]

I still have to original cassette-radio in my 1990 Jetta TD, and after reconnecting the battery I figured I knew the code by memory. Apparently, my memory isn't as good as it once was. 3 strikes and the radio is locked, apparently. :oops:

I know on the later radios you can get the code screen to come up and try again by holding down certain buttons, but mine seems to be and early version of the ESC system, and now that I actually read the manual is says that after 3 tries, you have to take it to the dealer  :?

So I called the dealer and they have a minumum charge, which pretty well amounts to the same cost as buying a (cheap but) new system. The thing is that I'm perfectly happy with that old cassette player (what am I gonna do with all those tapes?).

Does anyone have any experience with resetting the code on this system? The guide says its an Autobahn X 034 200 F. I found the card with the correct code (and hey, I was only off by 1 number :x )

Thanks from a newbie

[Op-Ivy]

No. You have to take it to the dealer.

The whole point of having the code system acts as a theft deterrent. Once power is cut you have to input the code. If you guess 3 times and get it wrong, the radio locks to prevent use of the radio.

I didn't know that you could bring it to the dealership. I guess now a days an old mk2 radio isn't worth much to steal and the dealership would reset it without even checking your registration papers.

[burn_your_money]

Try different dealers, mine doesn't have a minimum charge

[Powered by Spearco]

I ran into the same problem myself. When you do get the code, and its still locked up. Remove both battery cables, touch them together for 10 sec., then hook them back up and try again. Now you don't have to wait the hour like the book says.   . To get the radio code, I think you must pull the radio and the SN # is on the side, on a sticker. Call that in to the dealer and they should be able to get you the code from that.
Hope this helps, Josh.

[jtanguay]

Remove both battery cables, touch them together for 10 sec.

that can't be so healthy...

[Powered by Spearco]

It won't hurt anything. I perform that to even new cars at the dealer that get logic-lock. Intermitent window operation, pwr. seats, and other such stuff. It resets the timer for the radio.

[Dakotakid]

Honest question: is it a slam-dunk, trouble free experience to "reset" the code prior to battery removal as the owner's manual sez it is??? At some point one of the cars I have will need a new battery. I followed the instructions and reset it once. But, I will only know if it worked when the time comes.....right? This would be on one of the radios from the late '80's. I forget which model.