03 TB stereo locked out after loss of power

PatM

Member
Jan 27, 2012
25
I have a problem that seems to conflict with all the information I've found about locked out radios.

My stereo is the 6 disc CD changer version that I believe came with the LTZ (I bought the TB used so it might not be the original). The stereo worked for the first year I had the TB then I parked it for six months. The battery was, of course, dead when I got it going this month. Once I got it running the I thought the stereo had broken or soemthing. Everything on the stereo was working but no sound was coming out at all. While I was playing around I hit the "info" button and it displayed "Locked Out".

So I searched the web and found out the GM radios have Theftlock and that'd I've have to do a vulcan nerve pinch while standing on my head to enter a security code to unlock the radio. I received a card with the TB that has the ignition lock out code on it and another couple of codes in pen so I figured one of those was the radio code. Of course none of the offered button sequences and combinations had the expected result so I have no way of entering the codes.

Next I figure out that after 2000 the radios were all theftlock II which on first powerup store the VIN (or part thereof) and from then on if the vehicle the radio is in does not have the same VIN the stereo doesn't work. The good thing is that after a loss of power the radio still knows it's VIN so no code entering is required if it hasn't been installed in a different vehicle.

So I figure my 03 should be the VIN storing type but after power loss (without changing vehicles) it's locked out which would indicate a theftlock I scheme. I've checked the owner's manuals online and they say it's the VIN storing type and only a dealer can unlock it but that would mean it shouldn't have locked out. In the 2002 and 2003 manuals my stereo is the last one listed.

Could this be the type I have to enter a code into? If so, how the heck to I do it?
 
PatM said:
I have a problem that seems to conflict with all the information I've found about locked out radios.

My stereo is the 6 disc CD changer version that I believe came with the LTZ (I bought the TB used so it might not be the original). The stereo worked for the first year I had the TB then I parked it for six months. The battery was, of course, dead when I got it going this month. Once I got it running the I thought the stereo had broken or soemthing. Everything on the stereo was working but no sound was coming out at all. While I was playing around I hit the "info" button and it displayed "Locked Out".

So I searched the web and found out the GM radios have Theftlock and that'd I've have to do a vulcan nerve pinch while standing on my head to enter a security code to unlock the radio. I received a card with the TB that has the ignition lock out code on it and another couple of codes in pen so I figured one of those was the radio code. Of course none of the offered button sequences and combinations had the expected result so I have no way of entering the codes.

Next I figure out that after 2000 the radios were all theftlock II which on first powerup store the VIN (or part thereof) and from then on if the vehicle the radio is in does not have the same VIN the stereo doesn't work. The good thing is that after a loss of power the radio still knows it's VIN so no code entering is required if it hasn't been installed in a different vehicle.

So I figure my 03 should be the VIN storing type but after power loss (without changing vehicles) it's locked out which would indicate a theftlock I scheme. I've checked the owner's manuals online and they say it's the VIN storing type and only a dealer can unlock it but that would mean it shouldn't have locked out. In the 2002 and 2003 manuals my stereo is the last one listed.

Could this be the type I have to enter a code into? If so, how the heck to I do it?

If it were mine, I would make sure the battery is charged and either pull the fuse for the Constant 12v. disconnect the Radio from behind or disconnect the battery, waiting a couple minutes whichever method you choose. Very likely got spiked (and confused) during your battery issues.

Beyond that a Dealer (or anyone with a Tech II) should be able to clear the VIN and have it relearn.

A mismatched (locked) radio will also work properly if you disconnect it from the harness (pulling constant 12v fuse may work here too, haven't tried it), reconnect it, turn ignition to Run, DO not Start. This allows a function check of the Headunit. Once you start the vehicle it will lock out again.
 

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