2002 s40 stereo

[AngusKeenan]

Couldn't find anything about anything similar through the search feature...

A few days ago I got into my car and when I turned the stereo on it told me to enter a code, assumedly a security code, so I forged on an entered a generic 0000, using the 1-20 memory knob/button as instructed by the stereo.

Well now, the stereo just says "OFF" when I turn it on, and I can't find any way to return to that screen. I don't know where it even came from to begin with - My only thought is that by being disconnected from the power source (I had disconnected/reconnected the battery a day or two before to replace the headlight directly in front of the battery) made the stereo "think" that had been removed from the car (stolen stereo, maybe a security measure?)- which I guess is reasonable.

Anyone know 1) why I even got that screen to begin with, 2) How to know what the appropriate code would have been 3) If there's any way to just reset the thing without a code, to get rid of this OFF that's driving me nuts. I'm otherwise in the music (sound recording) business and rely on my car stereo to give me a unique take on what I've been working on. It's certainly not the best stereo ever factory installed, but that's what makes it important to me. The people who will listen to what I've produced won't typically have the best stereos either.

The car was bought used, so maybe the original owner set a code in case the stereo was ever stolen. But I'm just making an assumption there as I don't have an owners manual for the car.

Anyone have any suggestions? They would be greatly appreciated.

[billofdurham]

This is from the owner's manual:

Anti-theft code
The radio features anti-theft circuitry. If the set is removed from the vehicle or if the battery power is disconnected, a special code must be entered to enable operation of the set.
Refer to the radio code card supplied with your vehicle. Volvo recommends that you store your radio code card in a safe place.

To enter the code
After installation or when the set has been disconnected from power, the set displays "input CODE ****" when it is switched on. Enter the 4-digit code using the 1-20/DISC knob. Select a number for a digit by rotating the 1-20/DISC knob. And then push the knob to enter the number. Repeat the procedure for all 4 digits.
If the correct code is entered the set is ready to use.
If you enter an incorrect code you must enter the correct code again from the beginning.

Incorrect code
If an incorrect code has been entered "Error" is displayed. Enter the correct code. After three unsuccessful coding attempts the set will lock and remain locked for two hours. "OFF" is displayed.
During this waiting period:


the battery must be connected
the ignition key must be turned to position I >LI? the unit must be turned on Make sure the headlights are turned off to help prevent battery drain.
Enter the code again once 2 hours have elapsed.

Your Volvo dealer will supply the code if you give him the VIN or the serial number of the radio. This is a free service. He may ask you to visit the dealership to prove ownership or he may accept a phone call.

You can access the owner's manual at: https://www.customers.volvocars.com/own ... v40_00.htm

Bill.

[AngusKeenan]

Bill's response was spot on. I tried one dealer and they wanted a $10 fee to provide the info, and wouldn't give it over the phone. The next place I tried just wanted the VIN, and gave me the code. They suggested that I only needed to wait one hour to be prompted for the code, but Bill (and the manual) are right. Two hours brought the prompt. Problem solved.

This is a security measure that makes sense but seems too severe. Why wait two hours. If I have the code, I have the code, right?

Either way, thanks for the help, Bill.