Jetta III Anti-Theft Radio Coding

[bobcat518]

Help! I own a 97 Jetta TDI with 46,000 miles and just replaced the original VW battery. Unfortunately the anti theft radio is now displaying "SAFE". I followed the manual procedure and left the key in the ignition with the radio turned on for over one hour. After nearly two hours "SAFE" was still in the display. I turned off the radio and then turned it back on hoping that the number 1000 would appear in the display (as per the manual) but it did not. I'm not sure what to do. I have yet to enter the proper code number. Anybody have a similar experience? Any help is appreciated,

tx,

Bobcat Bob

 

[weedeater]

don't you just start turning the tuning dial and input the numbers?

 

[bobcat518]

According to the VW Sound System manual, "SAFE" should appear after turning on the radio but after 3 seconds the number 1000 should then appear and it does not.

 

[Weasle543]

For the 97 ("Deluxe" and "Premium"), 93-97:

1) Turn on the radio and press the MODE and SCAN button simultaneously and hold them down until "1000" appears in the display. Release the buttons!

<font color="red">CAUTION-Do not continue to hold the MODE & SAFE buttons after "1000" appears or press them again. This would enter the number "1000" as the input code number. </font>

2) Use station buttons 1 to 4 to input the correct anti-theft code number. Use button 1 to input the first digit, button 2 for the second, and so on.

3) Once the anti-theft code is shown in the display, hold the MODE and SCAN buttons down until the word "SAFE" appears in the display. Release buttons! Soon afterward, a radio frequency will be displayed and the radio will be operational.

The 98 & 99 will display "SAFE" when turned on, then after about 3 seconds "1000" will be displayed.

This is per the Bentley Service Manual.

 

[bobcat518]

Thanks for your help Weasle it almost worked! After depressing the mode and scan buttons simultaneously the number "1000" does appear. The code number for my radio as listed in the VW booklet is 0720. Unfortunately when I depress the #1 station button I get either a 1 or no number at all (blank screen). Station buttons 2,3 and 4 work fine so I'm able to enter 720 but I cannot get that first 0. Weird eh? Guess I need to wait an hour to recycle the lock. Anyway I appreciate your efforts and if you have any other suggestions please write,

Regards,
Bobcat Bob

 

[Weasle543]

Try 1720. Or take it to your closest Stealer and have them pull the radio out. They can run the radio S/N and get the right code.