Volkswagen radio tips: installation/removal, entering code, antenna connections

[@vwestlife]

@KrankieV2 Radio theft was a big problem for Volkswagen in the 1980s because their cars had the radio at the very top of the dashboard -- great for easily seeing the radio display while driving, but it also made the radio very visible to thieves. Even my mom had the dealer-installed Blaupunkt radio stolen out of her 1985 Jetta. The security code system pretty much eliminated the theft problem, without needing a detachable faceplate.

[@giulianocarosi7306]

Life saver - had a flat battery yesterday. Used your clear instructions to reactivate my VW Bora radio, and it worked perfectly. Thank you very much!

[@JoeJ94611]

You are a virtuoso with the hand held camera for close-ups!

[@16mmDJ]

This is really helpful man. You covered pretty much everything I need. Now I've got a shopping list to take to car toys or wherever I can find these things. At first I tried using some paper clips to get into those holes, but now I see I need to go out and buy the puller. Thanks for your help man. I'll get a video up as soon as I install this thing.

[@vwestlife]

I've heard that with some radios, if you put them in a freezer for a few hours, the code will reset to 1000, but I have no idea if that's true. I doubt it, because the radio will be in freezing temperatures during the winter and that doesn't cause it to reset the code.

[@leostechnikkanal]

Thank you for your tip with the code , I just went to vw and they gave me the code by looking up the serial number , and they didnt even asked for money !

[@thetwopointslow]

Lolol @ the cassette player on your radio. Interestingly enough, I'm getting a new OEM radio for my Mk4 and I couldn't seem to understand what people were trying to say when they were explaining how to input the radio code with just the first 4 buttons. Now it makes perfect sense

[@unkulmark]

Thank you for this information. It is what I was looking for to test a 1997 Passat radio

[@unkulmark]

When I pressed the Mode & Scan buttons on my model 3A0-035-180 it did not leave the SAFE mode. I tried it a few more times waiting an hour in between just in case I may have made a mistake but the display still says SAFE. Does my model have a different method for leaving the SAFE mode? Thanks for any advice

[@vwestlife]

The Clarion made VW radios have very good reception and sound quality.

[@SloppyFresh360]

I like the "ghost tape" the best. Your video answered my antenna adapter question, thanks!

[@simonineaston]

Thanks for taking the time and trouble to do this - now I can listen to my stereo again! :-)

[@MrVGarcia94]

Thanks for the very in-depth and descriptive video!

[@dayez2336]

I looked everywhere and this is the only video that helped me with my 2009 vw polo 1.9 tdi thank you!

[@techtron2376]

On some older VWs if you put your fingers into the tape deck and pull hard, it will come out. Also you don't have to always wire up a replacement stereo, some stereos have ISO connectors, you can also buy an adapter for a couple of bucks. But if you wish to save a few bucks then go ahead and hot wire it. Some VW stereos have a pinout label on the bottom. ISO stereos are much easier to replace than DIN, which requires panels to be removed, screws, etc. Most replacement stereos come with a frame for ISO as well as a tool that allows you to pull the stereo out if needed.

[@hennessy4666]

În case u didnt know these units were best vw EVER use on their cars, they are built with very good quality components, and audio quality is very good ONLY WITH OEM SPEAKERS , who were built specific for them....... Just listen a 4 speaker sistem, vw gamma + oem cd changer and a good cd track, and u Will see they make any mp3 or usb stick music look like shit...... Above all that, they look and integrate extremely well in dashboard

[@malaquiaswoolsey8144]

Excellent instructions!!! Found the code in the manual

[@vwestlife]

The code is for the radio, not for the car. If the new radio is VW OEM, it will have its own code, while if it is aftermarket, it most likely will not (although there are some aftermarket car radios which do use a security code).

[@vwestlife]

@FALCORTON I've never entered the code incorrectly enough times to experience the one-hour lockout, but the manual says to leave the ignition and radio on for an hour and then it should let you enter the code again.

[@vwestlife]

Yes it does -- make sure the illumination wire is connected.

[@metalmicky]

Thanks for the video ,I put old radio/cassette/ cd player from old car into same year new car[polo 2002] typed code in ...nothing ,after watching your video it told me to press fast forward button[this info not in the handbook] the info frame spelt out 'LEARN' ,after ten seconds wait all up and running ...brill ,thank you.

[@vwestlife]

@KrankieV2 Actually, many factory head units offer excellent performance and lots of power. They just don't have all the flashy styling and eye-catching displays that the aftermarket brands are famous for. But the actual circuitry in the factory radios is often made by the aftermarket companies -- for example, the VW radio I show here was made by Clarion.

[@vwestlife]

Did you change the antenna amplifier? If not, it could be broken. The original VW head unit may have a diagnostic mode which will tell you if the antenna amplifier is working or not.

[@vwestlife]

@famousamosguy Your Jetta uses a powered (a.k.a. amplified) antenna, therefore you need an adapter, such as the Metra 40-VW53, which will both convert the antenna's plug to a standard Motorola jack and also have a wire providing power to the antenna. This wire is typically colored blue, and you will connect it to the radio's power antenna output lead.

[@goratgo1970]

Ah, the good ol' days - now dealer wants big $$ to reveal code after taking unit to them. No more giving it out when you tell them VIN. Sux cuz I hate the Kenwood prior owner installed, plus would like to use CD changer in trunk.

[@vwestlife]

Yes, the code is tied to the radio, not the vehicle, so you can put it in another vehicle and it will work as long as you enter the correct code.

[@speculativeauthor]

I couldn't get it to change to 1000 by pressing the mode and scan buttons, tried other combinations and prog + > scan worked and finally did the trick.

[@vwestlife]

Aidan Garrett You can buy Volkswagen radio removal tools, or if you're creative, you can make them yourself: Volkswagen Golf Jetta Bora Radio Removal with Homemade Tools

[@vwestlife]

@NJRoadfan With the introduction of their "CE2" electrical system around 1989-1990, VW standardized on the "ISO Block" radio connections shown in this video. Prior to then, German built VWs and American built VWs (at the Westmoreland, PA factory) each had completely different electrical systems and wiring, so you could not swap radios between them without custom re-wiring.

[@vwestlife]

The code is in the radio, not the car. When you replace the factory radio with an aftermarket one, you don't have to worry about the code anymore, except if you later want to reinstall the factory radio.

[@IanSilva]

Thank you very much you are the Don !!! i love the end of the Video !!

[@dujekrstulovic538]

Sharan 1.9 2002 I lost the radio code. I changed the battery and it asks me for a radio code. I can't unlock the radio without a code. What should I do?

[@vwestlife]

If it is an aftermarket head unit, you need a special adapter to send DC voltage through the antenna cable to power the antenna amplifier.

[@saad77w]

thanks for this learen video and showing all this usefull option tnaks very much

[@CANlectric]

yes, I checked the radio fuse, and car fuse for radio, both are good

[@carslover3509]

so great and useful information

[@vwestlife]

Did you check the fuse?

[@fuentessheo]

muchas gracias.. :)

[@thomasmcbride3557]

Vw now requires you to have it hooked up to a dealer ship reader...I've already tried 1000 different ways to get my code

[@vwestlife]

@Mr1p0d I got the radio from a thrift store, so I don't know exactly what vehicle it came out of. It could be from any 1998-2001 Volkswagen except the New Beetle.

[@vwestlife]

@JohnQDj Sorry, I can't help with aftermarket radios. Make sure it is wired properly.

[@7427665]

Hi, the vw radio... i bought one on ebay, now arrived. i connected the permanent + from battery, also the - from battery... and it only blinks red. No display. I connect the ignition + also and no display. Do i have to connect the dimmer wire ?

[@vwestlife]

The radio might have been changed at some point. Make sure you give the dealer the serial number from the radio itself, not just your car's VIN.

[@vwestlife]

@Pancho0Es Did you not follow the instructions I showed in the video?

[@samjames7385]

thank you for video it got me out of a jam !! aces

[@NJRoadfan]

@KrankieV2 VW and Audi used to use lightly customized versions of off the shelf radios from companies like Blaupunkt and Panasonic. My '87 Audi 4000 quattro basically has a stock Blaupunkt "Rothenburg" radio with nothing more then the word "Audi" added to the dust cover on the cassette deck. They also insisted on using the standard DIN or ISO wiring harness, so they were pretty much plug and play in any other car. At most you would need is a readily available cable kit to wire them in.

[@yanni6556]

Very detailed video, thanks!

[@zsombor_99]

I have a "Volkswagen Alpha" radio which I operate from a 12V mains adapter and I directly connected two speakers to it. I don't have a car, but luckily the radio never asking for its code. I think maybe the previous owner hacked the radio and removed the code entirely! 😃 BUT if my radio ask for its code, well, it immediately becomes completely unusable forever for me! ☹ So I think I'm pretty lucky the radio acts completely "codeless"! 😏

[@clubcar98]

On my 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet, I had to tap into the rear defroster line for a ignition on power for my aftermarket radio. I plan to put a factory one back in it anyways, but for now that is how it should be. I hope Volkswagen won't charge me to get a code for a factory radio when I source one!

[@shadexean804]

How do I put it in my mk3 polo? I got it out and can't get it to secure back in

[@vwestlife]

Right at the end of the video you can see the diagram, with my writing to indicate what each pin on the radio's connector does. The one marked KL58b is where the illumination wire goes.

[@rgreene1680]

VWestlife I have a 2001 VW Passat I need to know how to put a new aftermarket radio in the car ? do I need a code to remove the stock radio and how would I enter the code if I do need one?

[@rgreene1680]

please can u help me

[@gene6629]

Thanks for the informative video!

[@calebs.8778]

Any idea how to turn FERN on? I can't get any reception

[@tarastarasyuk5337]

I have entered the code correctly and the stock radio now works great. I want to install a new aftermarket radio, and how to I disconnect the stock radio so it does not lock out radio use? Please help and thank you.

[@Toni1993ification]

What has to do to remove from my radio ''2 safe '' Because now is display in screen of radio 2 and SAFE It dosen't work anything. I have the code but i can't put my code because has remained in 2 safe It would be so nice if you can help me THank you and sorry for my english :"(

[@ultra.based.27]

I have one and i have to enter the code every time i start the car and the radio cable hole does not work, i feel like throwing it off a clif, german engineering my a... can't wait to change it god damn it.

[@vwestlife]

Sorry, no clue. That must be a European model, because VW never used Philips radios here in North America.

[@smsam3231]

I have an 2002 Jetta I was wondering does the antenna have to be plugged in to program it

[@vwestlife]

As I said in the video, if you put in the code wrong twice, you have to wait an hour with the radio on before it lets you try again.

[@mintecurioasa]

Hi. Can you tell me if The wheel controls are on ISO conector?

[@vwestlife]

It's probably due to the slope of the anti-aliasing filter they used. You wouldn't be able to hear those high frequencies in a car anyway, above the road noise!

[@ajborowski]

Any advice on refurbishing the cassette deck? Where to get belts, etc?

[@HDGarcia92]

i switched out the whole entire antenna base if thats what you mean, i unplugged and unbolted the old one that i thought wat bad and just plugged in and mounted it to the top it was simple the only thing i didnt change was the wire going from the head unit to the antenna

[@famousamosguy]

Hi, I have a question. I'm installing an aftermarket radio and I have a 2002 Jetta. I just took out the stock radio. So, I just ordered a wiring harness to convert all of the wires into my new stereo deck but I'm confused on the antenna adapter. Will I need one or two wires for this? There's a wire (black wire) you had that plugs into the aftermarket stereo. But does the end (the female end) of it go into the black wire that comes from down under in the car? Or will I need a second wire for that

[@CANlectric]

Hi, could you know whats with my radio. So here`s the situation: I wanted to change my radio to another, and later I thought that I would leave the old one. So I plug it again and it doesnt work, no code to enter, and it looks like it doesnt get the power, and I don`t know what to do. VW Sharan 1995 year. Original radio, before my interupting it worked perfectly. Sorry for my english...

[@mommamunsterr]

please help I have 2003 passat GSL Sedan my stereo is on safe mode with no code...

[@timmythomas1048]

i cant play my radio using a modulator it seems that it does not work because i bought a new modulator but no luck

[@FALCORTON]

Hey, i have a 95 VW Jetta, i had to replace the battery since it wasn't working... with the code i didn't understand how to put a 0 in so it went into the safe mode for an hour and never came back.... what should i do?

[@MrComputerfan]

Hmm, I tryed the freezer for two hours, was it wrong, turning the radio on after the freezer? becouse now it doesnt work nomore, the red light works but the little light keeps blinking and the display doesnt turn on.

[@rick601a]

I have noticed the series IV like you have there in video or series V units don’t have FM stereo indicator. Also note the Volvo HU series radio I have as well don’t include a stereo pilot indicator. What’s up with the fact they are not doing the indicator. As this radio is considered premium systems. Doesn’t make sense. What’s your take on this.

[@vwestlife]

I guess it was no longer considered a necessary feature, because by then virtually all FM stations were broadcasting in stereo, and a stereo blend circuit in the radio (which automatically blends the audio to mono on weak signals to reduce hiss) eliminated the need for a manual mono/stereo button.

[@Abez111]

if you remove the factory fitted volkswagen radio, and fit a brand new radio, do you still need to put in any of the codes?

[@venom477]

I have the same stereo as the one you have there, but Mine just stays on safe, it doesnt give me the option to put in the code, any help please?

[@ohcardboardbox]

I entered my 4 diget code correctly (Im certian, I triple checked the card in my vw official book) and did the process correctly but STILL the radio said I used my 2 chances and now Im locked in safe mode. I have a 98 passat, any ideas? I know the number im using is right and im following the process in my book (same as video)

[@FrankCrowley94]

say if i install this radio into another vehicle will it work if i still enter the code? i would greatly appreciate your help i tried it before but i couldnt get the word safe to show but i had no idea what i was doing at the time

[@smsam3231]

Does the antenna plug has to be plug in to or just the power plug

[@BigjohnZ06]

I didn't know until now that Volkswagen did a similar technique with their radios like GM did with the Delco Lock and Theftlock.

[@HDGarcia92]

hey i have a 99 vw passat and my radio never worked right with a stock head unit, so i changed the headunit after it didnt wanna read tapes, i considered it useless. o with the new head unit it was the same thing, only pick up big stations such as 99.9 or 107.9 and it would fade in and out, so i changed the antenna and the base, but nothing. i was wondering, considering that you know a lot about these radios if you had any idea what my problem could be?, and should i be using an amplifiedantenna

[@killernotafighter]

I put in the code and it goes back to safe and a number one appears on the said . I try it again and after two tries it locks i have the right code I got it from the dealership. Its a 2000 gti glx. Can you please help me.

[@krelgato]

last four numbers on the radio are the same with the vin on my lupo :D

[@arielcustodio6512]

How I get the Security code ? The same unit here sir, the manuals already lost.

[@vwestlife]

I discussed that in the video.

[@MyMalibu79]

Does this stereo have light because mine does not turn anyting at all its all blak and its hard to find the buttons at night :/

[@HDGarcia92]

do u think that is my problem even though i was getting no reception even befoe i changed the head unit?

[@samuraisblade2817]

I recently got a 1998 jetta Wolfsburg edition, and the radio is on safe mode. I tried to get it to go to 1000, but it doesn't change at all. I am wondering if there is a indicator if it it's on an one hour lock. Any help is appreciated, thank you.

[@vwestlife]

No indicator. You just have to wait.

[@saad77w]

it is great video and very usefully to learean abouth all this option in it thanks very much i have one of it and have safe code in it and cant be open it can you help me in send any dump to his eprom ??

[@MrComputerfan]

Do you know how to use a Philips Beta V (VW) without the Code, becouse I found one at the Dump.

[@venacorchea]

96 jetta, in my case, after press the both buttons, the word "safe" flashed and then "doesn't" appears the '1000",showing again the word 'safe' don't know what I Can do next, please help me. thank you!

[@vwestlife]

Maybe it timed out. Keep the radio and ignition turned on for an hour, and then try again.

[@Oakumas]

i hope mine has the code on the radio... cause my radio doesnt want to work and i was told it was removed before

[@alexprimak805]

Молодец парень 😆😉

[@vwestlife]

"plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz" is not a word. *Please* spell it correctly. And trying to uninstall a custom stereo system can be a nightmare because you never know how the previous owner might have changed or removed the factory wiring. You'll need to get a multimeter and check which, if any, of the original speaker wires are still intact.

[@Pancho0Es]

@vwestlife hello I have a radio but does not work tells me safe I wonder if I can put you know that code is the same as that

[@MyMalibu79]

Do u know wich cable is the illumination ?

[@andreawilliams4302]

can someone help me im putting right code in radio after 2 trys its comeing up safe all the time vw bora

[@MrComputerfan]

I heard of that too, but I think the Chips wont forget the Code, But I will try. Thanks anyway. I also heard of shorting a chip in the Radio that makes the Radio forget the Code.

[@Mr1p0d]

From what car is that radio?, is from your Passat or another Volkswagen car?

[@johntucker7616]

Thank you

[@gcfdxfzsd]

In your opinion, which stock vw single din radio sounds the best? My mk3 Jetta has an aftermarket deck and I'm looking to go back to stock. Thanks!

[@vwestlife]

Joey Nitschke The stock Mk3 "Premium Audio" radio made by Clarion sounds great. I have one in my 1997 Passat TDI.

[@FrankCrowley94]

thanks for the help :)

[@vwestlife]

@imm0rtalz19 Sorry... as you can see this video is about Volkswagens. I don't know anything about Fords.

[@Krankie_V]

@vwestlife I still don't understand why people would steal factory head units because -most- of them are nothing to write home about

[@CANlectric]

Found the problem, it was the FUSE but not the radio. It was interior lights fuse witch caused the problem.

[@vwestlife]

@WinbookXL3 I already did!

[@makotovrc]

Some of these stock car stereos are more annoying to set up. Clarion/VDO RD3 (used on P.S.A group cars) needs a special PC software to remove the safety.