My recently aquired Mk3 Astra came with very little documentation. One thing it did come with was a radio handbook - but unfortunately for a completely different model!
Currently the radio is working fine, but I can foresee a time in the future when the battery will become disconnected for whatever reason, and on reconnection I expect I will be challenged for a code to reactivate the radio. Since I don't have it and neither did the previous owners, I believe there is a way to take the code protection off with a combination of key presses/turning off/on etc. so long as the radio is activated at the moment.
When you turn the radio on "CODE" appears in the display I think indicating that code protection is set on. Anybody out there got one of these beasts with a handbook or knows how to disable the code protection?
Thanks in advance
Chris TD
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You failed to mention the model of rad/cassette.
SC201, SC303, CAR300, CAR400, or other?
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Chris
Bad luck, I think you'll need the code to 'uncode' the radio! Of course your local dealer or auto electrician will help you for a price!!! Or some body out there may know better?
Percy
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Chris,
Just re-read your post and see that you don't have the code. Percy is right - you will need the code to deactivate the code. Most, if not all Vauxhall dealerships have a database of Radio codes matching the registration number of the car. They will charge though, IIRC around £15 to £20.
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Nipped out to the car and found it's a CAR 300 radio. Had another look at the booklet and although nothing matched that desription, there was a 4 digit code written on it. Foolishly tried that once and locked the radio out (smack forehead), so it's now the sound of silence until I get to the dealers and get the code before using any more attempts to enter it.
Broke my own golden rule: if it's working - leave it alone.
Thanks anyway.
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Try cheeking the dealer into throwing in a radio handbook as part of the deal of supplying you with the code.
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Chris
If the radio briefly shows 'CODE' when switched on then the coding is active. The locking isn't permanent, and you should have 10 attempts. After 2 unsucessful attempts it's locked out for 10 seconds, and that extends to 10 minutes for subsequent attempts. The number of attempts left is shown in the display. After the ninth it's 640 minutes of waiting! The radio must remain switched on for the waiting time, though.
The procedure for a CAR 300 from my manual-
The same procedure is used to either switch on the coding or to turn it off. Both operations need the radio code number.
Switch on ignition
Switch off radio
Press the AS control and hold while turning radio on - it bleeps after 3 seconds
Display shows CODE---- after 3 seconds
Enter code (use preset 1 for first digit, preset 2 for second etc)
When code is entered press and hold AS until radio beeps and starts to operate.
Get to the Vx dealer with the log book and ask them to get a 'Car Pass' for you. Costs about £6 and includes the radio code, immobiliser code and the key number, which gets you a precut key from the factory. The immobiliser code is vital if you buy a new key as it allows the new key to be programmd into the Engine Management.
Regards
John S
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Thanks John S
The one key supplied by the previous owner was preying on my mind a bit to.
Cheers,
Chris TD
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MK 3 astra you say.... what year is that? If it is fairly new it would be safe to assume that it has the same style key as my 98R Vectra.... around £70 for a new key : mechnical key + immobiliser chip + rf remote, Be aware that if the car has a standard alarm fitted if you lock with the remote and open with the key the alarm will sound until you start the car (i.e. Alarm can verify entry was gained with a key with a vaid immobilser chip) so do not think you can live without the remote part of the key to save £25 or whatever it is.
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It's a 97 R Astra. There is a chip in the key but no remote. I thought the electrical gubbins in the key was only the wee light, so got a plain key cut. Only when I tried it in the ignition and it cranked but did not go bang did a closer inspection reveal the chip tucked away in the key body. Touch the old key to the plain new key and it starts though (but a fat lot of good that is).
People in the works carpark have said the hazards were going occasionally (but no alarm sounding) for a while but each time I've got there all has been silent and still, so perhaps a previous owner has "adjusted" the alarm.
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If it has an alarm fitted, then it will only sound for 30 secs, but the hazzards will flash for 5 minutes (or is it 15 mins - manual not to hand to consult) Also you will have a flashing LED on the dashboard somewhere which is separate to the flashing one on the radio. If it is the 1997 R pre new shaped Astra then the alarm is set and unset from the drivers door when you deadlock it. The later new shaped 97 R Astra's alarm is activated by the keyfob, as well as by locking with the key. But as Big Vern says, you can only turn off the alarm with the keyfob, or only after gaining entry and inserting the key into the ignition and starting the engine. The latter method would set off the alarm until ignition is turned.
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Thanks for all the info everyone. Went to Vauxhall dealer with V5 and they took the details. They said they had better check the radio serial number in case it had been swapped under warranty (quite a few were), but did warn it would trigger the code protection. I said it was already triggered and when they took it out, what should be pencilled on the side of the radio but a four digit number. Entered that and hey presto music again!
Still getting the Car Pass though as I need a spare key, though I've seen elsewhere in the backroom about some cutters that can program the chips, but not up here in the frozen North.
Cheers,
Chris
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What genius decided it would be a good security measure to pencil the code on the side of the radio? That's like having your PIN embossed on your debit card!
Good grief......
No Dosh ** Quick, talk motoring, Mark's coming! **
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What genius decided it would be a good security measure to pencil the code on the side of the radio?
A lot of repairers do it. Imagine 10 stereo's lined up on the shelf to repair, and each has got a post-it or other type of label taped on. Someone opens the door and all the lables blow off. At least if written in pencil it should stay there. However a good repairer should clean the number off afterwards. Some leave it on for the customers benefit, and the customer should have the common sense to clean it off before refitting. Notice I said should.
Yes, with the Vauxhall stereo's you can disable the code before removing from the dash, but if the fault is with the display - it's impossible to do.
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