How to Unlock a Delco Radio
by Leonardo R. Grabkowski
Delco is a subsidiary of General Motors (GM) that provides electronics, including the radios, in all GM vehicles. Delco radios have an anti-theft lock-out feature that disables the system if theft is detected. Unfortunately, simply changing or unhooking your battery can cause the radio to lock as well.
Step 1
Obtain the six-digit dealer code. Contact your local GM dealer. If you explain the situation, most will provide the code to you. If they are not willing to provide the code, contact other GM dealers until you find one that will help you.
Step 2
Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position, without turning the engine over. Hold the preset buttons "2" and "3" for 10 seconds. The radio will display a three-digit code. Write this number down and then quickly press the "AM/FM" button. Three more digits will be displayed. These six numbers are the serial code for your radio.
Step 3
Call the GM assistance hotline at 800-537-5140. Follow the prompts and select the brand of your vehicle. Enter the six-digit dealer code and then enter the six-digit radio serial code. The automated system will provide you with a four-digit code to unlock your radio.
Step 4
With the ignition on, use the "Hour" button on your radio to input the first two numbers of the four-digit code. Use the "Minute" button to input the last two digits. Press "AM/FM" to set the code. The radio is now unlocked and ready for use.
Tips
- You will have to reset your clock and your preset stations after unlocking the radio.
Warnings
- If you cannot get a dealer to help you, you will have to visit a GM dealer and pay them to unlock the radio.
Writer Bio
Leonardo R. Grabkowski has been writing professionally for more than four years. Grabkowski attended college in Oregon. He builds websites on the side and has a slight obsession with Drupal, Joomla and Wordpress.
