BOSE Factory Back Up Code - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Johndmartin · 03-02-2006

I've neglected my '90 for quite some time and finally decided to sell. While checking several problems, I tried the Bose system and got nothing. Of course I've replaced a few batteries in the last 10 years but forgot about unlocking the radio. Frankly I've always preferred to listen to the engine versus the radio. Anyway, I've searched everywhere but can't find where I hid the code. I entered my limit of guesses with no success and finally pulled up the code of last resort and called the local Chev dealer for the Dial Delco number. All I got from him was a long lecture about not losing the code and why I could not be given the factory back up code. I find it difficult to believe that I can't transmit some form of proof of ownership for the code versus driving 40 miles to the dealer. Is the dealer being truthful or just trying to get in my checkbook? He is the same one who wanted $1400 to replace my fuel pumps which I accomplished for $131.

tccrab · 03-03-2006

You may be in for an expensive visit to the dealer....

<snipped from the FAQ>
QUESTION: How do I reset the security code in my radio?

ANS:

1. The factory did not install a code. The owner had the option of installing one.

2. If it is a code problem, LOC should show on the driver information center (DIC).

3. You are correct about the antenna (aerial) not extending if there is a code in the radio.

4. The reason for the owner putting the code into the radio was that it made the components of the radio only workable in that car. Therefore, if the radio was stolen, it was of no use to the thief.

The radio cannot be fixed by taking it apart. The code has to be erased by a long process of entering a decoding sequence that was only available from General Motors. The dealers were not even allowed to have a copy of it. The dealer had to call Detroit and they would talk him through decoding the radio.

Since you have no way to decode the radio that is in the car, your only option is to replace the control head and receiver box with another one. Preferably not another 90. A 91 will work.

Thanks to Gordon Killebrew for this info.

Sorry.

TomC
'90 ZR1 #792

tccrab · 03-03-2006

Wait a minute, here's a place that says they can give you a code for $26.00

http://www.corvetteradios.com/DelcoTheftLockBypass.html

Looks cheaper then the dealer... I'd call them first.

TomC
90 ZR1 #792

tccrab · 03-03-2006

And another:
http://www.radio-code.com/Retrive%20code.htm

TomC
'90 ZR1 #792

tomtom72 · 03-03-2006

I was thinking that a call to Dr. Don's might yield some useful info??

good luck!

Tom

03-02-2006	#1
Johndmartin Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1	BOSE Factory Back Up Code I've neglected my '90 for quite some time and finally decided to sell. While checking several problems, I tried the Bose system and got nothing. Of course I've replaced a few batteries in the last 10 years but forgot about unlocking the radio. Frankly I've always preferred to listen to the engine versus the radio. Anyway, I've searched everywhere but can't find where I hid the code. I entered my limit of guesses with no success and finally pulled up the code of last resort and called the local Chev dealer for the Dial Delco number. All I got from him was a long lecture about not losing the code and why I could not be given the factory back up code. I find it difficult to believe that I can't transmit some form of proof of ownership for the code versus driving 40 miles to the dealer. Is the dealer being truthful or just trying to get in my checkbook? He is the same one who wanted $1400 to replace my fuel pumps which I accomplished for $131.

03-03-2006	#2
tccrab Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Folsom CA Posts: 1,648	Re: BOSE Factory Back Up Code You may be in for an expensive visit to the dealer.... <snipped from the FAQ> QUESTION: How do I reset the security code in my radio? ANS: 1. The factory did not install a code. The owner had the option of installing one. 2. If it is a code problem, LOC should show on the driver information center (DIC). 3. You are correct about the antenna (aerial) not extending if there is a code in the radio. 4. The reason for the owner putting the code into the radio was that it made the components of the radio only workable in that car. Therefore, if the radio was stolen, it was of no use to the thief. The radio cannot be fixed by taking it apart. The code has to be erased by a long process of entering a decoding sequence that was only available from General Motors. The dealers were not even allowed to have a copy of it. The dealer had to call Detroit and they would talk him through decoding the radio. Since you have no way to decode the radio that is in the car, your only option is to replace the control head and receiver box with another one. Preferably not another 90. A 91 will work. Thanks to Gordon Killebrew for this info. Sorry. TomC '90 ZR1 #792 __________________ TomC '90ZR1 #792 Honorary Pirate [B]If it ain't FUN, you're doing something terribly WRONG. [/B]

03-03-2006	#3
tccrab Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Folsom CA Posts: 1,648	Re: BOSE Factory Back Up Code Wait a minute, here's a place that says they can give you a code for $26.00 http://www.corvetteradios.com/DelcoTheftLockBypass.html Looks cheaper then the dealer... I'd call them first. TomC 90 ZR1 #792 __________________ TomC '90ZR1 #792 Honorary Pirate [B]If it ain't FUN, you're doing something terribly WRONG. [/B]

03-03-2006	#4
tccrab Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Folsom CA Posts: 1,648	Re: BOSE Factory Back Up Code And another: http://www.radio-code.com/Retrive%20code.htm TomC '90 ZR1 #792 __________________ TomC '90ZR1 #792 Honorary Pirate [B]If it ain't FUN, you're doing something terribly WRONG. [/B]

03-03-2006	#5
tomtom72 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Jacksonville, FL USA Posts: 4,645	Re: BOSE Factory Back Up Code I was thinking that a call to Dr. Don's might yield some useful info?? good luck! Tom __________________ 1990 ZR-1, Black/grey, #2233, stock. ZR-1 Net Reg Founding Member #316 & NCM member