Radio Security Code

rcrysler · Post by **rcrysler** » 03 Feb 2004, 15:39

If anyone can help out, I have an interesting radio code challenge.
After an alternator belt break, I lost power to the radio and once the belt was replaced and power restored, the radio prompted for the radio code which according to the service manual was a six digit code. After putting in this six digit code 3 times without it accepting the code I received from the previous owner, I realized the radio was not the factory radio, but instead another Volvo aftermarket model which apparently requires a four digit code which I do have, however the radio will not revert back to "cod" to accept the four digit code even after it sits idle for more than 24 hours.
Is there any procedure to get the radio back to "cod" status so that I can input the 4 digit code ?
Many thanks.
Robert

Post by **matthew1** » 03 Feb 2004, 16:54

'idle for 24 hours' meaning it's powerless for 24 hrs?

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 15 Jun 2004, 19:20

the volvo radios do require a 4-digit code, not 6. However, if you have entered a bad code numerous times, you have likely caused the radio to go into "protect" mode. It's basically fried some internal circuitry. You can go to the dealer, and they can send the unit back to the factory to have the affected parts replaced. The dealer will likely try to sell you a new radio, but they are supposed to send it back to factory -- although that's probably really expensive, too.

You may want to consider an aftermarket radio, considering an excellent one can be had for around $200, and an awsome one can be had for around $350.

Or you can buy a used Volvo factory radio. I've got a factory 2-din unit from my Volvo 850 if you're interested.

Mikal · Post by **Mikal** » 05 Sep 2004, 06:32

So is there someplace other than the "radio code card" that I can get my security code from? Just changed the battery and didn't realise what would happen. And I can't find the radio code card....

Post by **matthew1** » 05 Sep 2004, 10:37

This should help:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/radio.php

chrisandlaurie · Post by **chrisandlaurie** » 17 Apr 2009, 08:46

Was a 5 minute phone call to my dealer this morning, ask for service department..Went to his computer and gave CODE over the phone. My suggestion to him that a 94 850 Volvo doesn't fetch much anymore..especially with the classic casette model that are so much in demand no adays!

Post by **matthew1** » 17 Apr 2009, 09:34

I don't know what Volvo was thinking when they did the radio coding thing. Did they really think people were going to steal double-DIN Volvo-branded radios and use them in... what? Hondas? Other Volvos?

At home with their 12V stereo system?

dan2286 · Post by **dan2286** » 22 Apr 2009, 11:41

matthew1 wrote:I don't know what Volvo was thinking when they did the radio coding thing. Did they really think people were going to steal double-DIN Volvo-branded radios and use them in... what? Hondas? Other Volvos?

At home with their 12V stereo system?

GM did the same thing, but they gave you the option to turn that feature off and you could use your own code.