Locked Radio Can't be Unlocked??

[GasGuzzler]

Nope. All wrong. Starting in 2003 (for trucks, some cars are different) the radio is a Class2 device just like the PCM, BCM, or EBCM. They do not have the old theftlock system that is broken by holding 2 and 3 and calling GM for an unlock code. They have to have the stored VIN match the VIN in the BCM, etc. The only was to do that is SPS programming b the dealer (TIS2000) the same way a PCM is flashed. And no, usually different year model radios won't work. The newer the truck, the less likely it can be made to work. Remember, there are at least 5 different option levels each year plus the fact each option might have 6-8 radio part number changes in one year model. Add in the fact software changes as well then you probably have a useless "new" radio.

What was the reason to buy a different year radio? Is there something that we might be able to fix another way?

[skeet]

Nope. All wrong. Starting in 2003 (for trucks, some cars are different) the radio is a Class2 device just like the PCM, BCM, or EBCM. They do not have the old theftlock system that is broken by holding 2 and 3 and calling GM for an unlock code. They have to have the stored VIN match the VIN in the BCM, etc. The only was to do that is SPS programming b the dealer (TIS2000) the same way a PCM is flashed. And no, usually different year model radios won't work. The newer the truck, the less likely it can be made to work. Remember, there are at least 5 different option levels each year plus the fact each option might have 6-8 radio part number changes in one year model. Add in the fact software changes as well then you probably have a useless "new" radio.

What was the reason to buy a different year radio? Is there something that we might be able to fix another way?

thanks bro, just read more into it and youre right, thanks for the correction, so what about the link i posted ? can they not help? if needed

[Sleaper]

What was the reason to buy a different year radio? Is there something that we might be able to fix another way?

The CD player quit working for the second time. I had it fixed once while under warranty and now I figured I would just buy one from some one who didn't need it anymore. He's cool about taking it back since it wont work but I had never heard that different year models=different part numbers=won't work. Both dealerships I've talked to have said the same thing. Guzz you are right, the hold 2 & 3 or 1 & 4 does not work on RDS radios. They can't even use a Tech II to reprogram if the years don't match.