Is this true? VW Radio Codes

[Deuce]

Regarding disconnecting the battery to work on your car:

"The radio won't ask for the code as long as it is reattached to the same car. The radio handshakes with the rest of the car, and once this is done you should be able to pull power as much as you want without needing the code. You only need the code if you try to put the radio in a different car."

Would like to know as I need to disconnect my battery to do some work in the near future and unfortunately, I don't have the radio code as the previous owner ripped that card out of the Owner's Manual.

[luunta]

Re: Is this true? VW Radio Codes

i was reading something similar looking at a ipod install DIY for a buddies car, we had the same concern.. again, no card, previous owner ripped it out. project is on hold until this is resolved.

[Satnam]

Re: Is this true? VW Radio Codes

true for can-bus cars ('02ish +)

[Compton]

Re: Is this true? VW Radio Codes

My radio was from a different VW, i only needed to input the radio code the first initial time, after that it was good. Disconnected the battery many times and it still comes on.

If you do encounter a problem, just call a service advisor at any vw. Tell em your VIN number and a radio code(which is found on the back of the radio itself) and they will tell you the 4 digit code to unlock ur radio.

[Tiki]

Re: Is this true? VW Radio Codes

ive been installing car audio for a while and ive seen codes on vw's as old as a 97 passat. and ive had a customer who had to pay for them to reset the code cause it was lost so i would be careful. Personally on MK4's ive never needed a code so im not really sure. i would call VW and ask, if they say it wont need a code then at least they are somewhat liable for telling you it wouldn't need it.

[jta430]

Re: Is this true? VW Radio Codes

i retrofitted a rnse in my 02 a4 once the code was put in the first time i have had the radio out twice since and have not needed to put the code in again

[Deuce]

Re: Is this true? VW Radio Codes

Follow Up: Had the battery disconnected for at least 4 hours today. Hooked it all back up and other than having to reset the clock and the radio station presets... all is good.

[Khyron]

Re: Is this true? VW Radio Codes

I have taken my bat out many times and put aftermarket headunit then stock back in and never entered a code on my 02. I have the double din.

[J-hop]

Re: Is this true? VW Radio Codes

Follow Up: Had the battery disconnected for at least 4 hours today. Hooked it all back up and other than having to reset the clock and the radio station presets... all is good.

awesome, yea I have an 02.5 and the old battery used to die and stay dead for days on end in the winter and I never had the cd player ask me for the code.

[Blitzen]

Re: Is this true? VW Radio Codes

You will also find that the last 4 numbers of your radio code (on the back of the head unit) is also the pin code for that particular head unit...So no need to hit up the dealer for it.

[J-hop]

Re: Is this true? VW Radio Codes

You will also find that the last 4 numbers of your radio code (on the back of the head unit) is also the pin code for that particular head unit...So no need to hit up the dealer for it.

I've heard someone say this before but no one could confirm, it seems odd because that code is for anti-theft isn't it (no other reason to have a headunit coded), so putting the code on the unit doesn't make any sense

[Deuce]

Re: Is this true? VW Radio Codes

You will also find that the last 4 numbers of your radio code (on the back of the head unit) is also the pin code for that particular head unit...So no need to hit up the dealer for it.

True... the only issue is... you need to get the damned radio out to read the numbers! Good to know though.