Charges for radio codes in the GTA (Ontario, Canada)

Radio codes are a non-problem for me. I recently purchased a new AM/FM/CD receiver from an electronics store that has no VW ties. No codes, easy to install, fits perfectly in my '88 Cabbie, works great, and the total cost for the radio was $50.

I recently pulled the battery to make left headlight replacement easier, forgetting about the damned radio codes. Afterward, turned on the radio, only to see the "safe" message -- cussed myself out for forgetting where I left the code. Next time I got in the car, the radio worked fine, without ever having to enter a code. I'm apparently missing something here -- is this normal function?

Yes, anytime the power is cut-off from the radio, it will go in a "safe" mode which is the normal function.

Why yours fixed itself, I can't say...

Because after a short period displaying SAFE the radio starts chatting to other devices (from memory, the immobiliser and instrument panel). If it recognises these it decides that it will be okay to start working again. This process takes a few tens of seconds.

Charles

I suspected it was something of that sort -- thanks.

Mine did not "fix itself" because there is no code for my radio. Just turn it on and start listening. Never a code to worry about.

My local dealer wanted $70 for the code....on a '95! Screw them, I found a place in WV (stupid me forgot who) who got it for free....Good thing too, since the radio turned out to be dead anyway.

Ron/Champ 6

1963 8E5 Champ (Champ 6) 1962 Lark Daytona Convertible On eBay now...(Boomerang) 1995 VW Passat (Vanilla..yuk) 1994 Volvo 850 (Tilley) 1973 Volvo 1800 ES (Hyacinth Bucket)

And why do they not design them so, after say 5 years, just work without a code? I mean who wants a 5 years old radio anyway?

Ron/Champ 6

1963 8E5 Champ (Champ 6) 1962 Lark Daytona Convertible On eBay now...(Boomerang) 1995 VW Passat (Vanilla..yuk) 1994 Volvo 850 (Tilley) 1973 Volvo 1800 ES (Hyacinth Bucket)

Why did you need to take it out? I just called a dealer here in Winnipeg MB and all they needed was the VIN.

The serial number of the radio is required for the code, probably the dealer in MB is unaware of it...the VIN is required by the dealer as proof of vehicle ownership.

hmmmm

They gave me the right code though...

This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Why they don't keep them on file I will never know. I work for a Mercedes Benz dealership & all I have to do is punch the VIN into my computer & can have your code in 2 mins.