How to get a radio code for a Volvo SC-900 radio

Post by **scot850** » 05 Mar 2015, 23:37

I seem to be collecting radio units. I was given a SC-900 unit today for $0, but the catch was there is no code and no VIN. What is the info I need to get of the unit to call Volvo to get the code? I know the dealer well, but don't like to waste there time if I can get the info together first.

Also, having taken a SC-901 unit apart to clean the laser head and the rest of the unit, I was helpful to have a 'How to...' to guide me. The 901 unit is fairly straight forward, but the 900 although it looks similar is I know more troublesome (Volvo had a part exchange for them or exchange in the early 2000's as the CD unit used to fail). Can't find a 'How to..' for the 900 unit anywhere.

Does anyone have info on how to clean this unit? Unlike the 901, you can't easily wind out the CD cassette draw to get the cassette out to allow access to the laser. Without the code I can't power the unit up to remove the cd cassette either. I have been able to gently pull the draw unit out, but it won't extend far enough to allow me to un-clip the cd cassette. Any guidance is appreciated.

Neil.

Post by **Juan62** » 06 Mar 2015, 02:51

Scot,
You may need to pull the radio from the dash and get the serial number. However, here is a link to Volvo USA that can help you, but will they ask for the serial of the radio and VIN numbers to provide you with the code. If you are successful obtaining the code, there is a link on this site to add and store your radio code for future reference.
Hope this helps.

Post by **Juan62** » 06 Mar 2015, 02:53

Sorry,
Here is the link to Volvo USA; http://www.volvocars.com/us/forms/radio-code

Post by **scot850** » 06 Mar 2015, 10:17

Thanks Juan. As I said the car that the radio came is long gone, so VIN is not available. I believe the dealer can get the code from info on the unit. As they know me they will often help me but not others on issues like this. Can't hurt to ask!

Thanks,

Neil.

Post by **scot850** » 09 Mar 2015, 12:48

So here is the update. The rider here is that you may need to have a good relationship with your local dealer, or may need to prove you own the vehicle, and the unit is original to your vehicle to get help in the best case scenario, or if the radio/head unit is not original to the car they may not help you at all. Hopefully that is not the case! In my case, I did help out at the dealer a few years ago, and have one Volvo serviced there and the others occasionally go there when I can't fix something myself (knowledge/tools available to me/ or can't be bothered!).

(A) - How to get the radio code if the radio/head unit is original to your car, or has been replaced by the dealer and so the records are up to date You may have to take the car in for proof of ownership.

You will need: 1) Radio/ Head unit model (e.g. SC-900, SC901 etc., )
2) Vehicle VIN number (if you don't know it is on a plate on LH side of dashboard at the
windscreen, and viewed from outside. Will start with something like - YV1XXX and has
about 17 characters in it. There is usually another plate with the VIN on it under the
hood on the side of the inner wing on the LH side toward the front).

The service department were able to get the code for me in a couple of minutes over the phone.

(B) - How to get the radio code if Radio/Head unit is not original to the car, and VIN is not available.

I had to go through the parts department for this, and my friend there took the time to look up the info for me in a quiet time and got back to me. Don't hassle them, or they may not help!

This is all the info I gave him to help I.D. the radio code. They may not need it all, but I got my answer the next day:

1) Radio/ Head unit model (e.g. SC-900, SC901 etc., )
2) Part number: this is on a label on the top of the unit -

: Part number info from top label

The part number for this unit was - 3533787. I did also give them the other info from this label. The additional numbers after the part # - 4969, and also the heavy printed number : 9742. Don't know what that number is for, but I do see a similar number on the labels of all my radios.

3) There is also a stamped set of numbers on the rear of the unit which can be hard to see. This is the serial number:

: Serial number information

I gave them all the info as it is not clear how much is the serial number, some or all.

From this, information I got the serial number and was able to connect and check the unit to see if it worked.

Hope this is of help!

Neil.

Post by **JRL** » 09 Mar 2015, 15:37

******

Post by **scot850** » 09 Mar 2015, 16:20

That is a great service you do for the forum, and members like me (I'm sure) will greatly appreciate your help JRL. But, like I said, your dealer may or may not be able or willing to help. Also if folks do need help, hopefully they will know what info to give you for you to be able to help!

Many thanks,

Neil.

vividtan · Post by **vividtan** » 01 Nov 2015, 21:43

I'm in need of a code for my C70 after replacing the battery. What info would you need to provide a radio code? Apparently my parts number label is a bit ripped.

Post by **scot850** » 01 Nov 2015, 23:11

If the radio is the original to the car then you just need to contact your local Volvo dealer and give them the VIN #. If they do not know you then they may want to see you and the car to prove ownership.

From the Vin# they can get your original car details and the radio code.

If this does not work post back.

Neil.

Post by **erikv11** » 02 Nov 2015, 00:15

Actually you can get that C70 radio code quickly without calling anyone, for US cars with the factory radio Volvo put up a web site a few years ago, the link is up above in this thread.