Ruouthere

I will be replacing our radio in our 2005 Base unit with a newer/used OEM unit. I've been told we'll have to bring the car to a Chevy dealership afterwards because of the anti-theft built into the unit/car, is this correct?

The current radio is not a touch screen with NAV, the unit going in is the same but just with an AUX jack on the face.

Thanks,

buckmeister2

I know that Nav units are locked, so should assume that all radios are. If that is the case, yes, it will need to be unlocked. If you know somebody with a tech-II tool, that might do it. Otherwise, you will be charged between $0 and $200 by your dealer. For this reason alone, many people choose to replace with a non-Gm product, usually an upgrade at no extra cost.

Ruouthere

Okay so the answer is yes I'm locked out with a 6 CD non-NAV OEM unit. That said now I need to decide do I ask a Chevy dealership to try and unlock it or buy a brand name unit and struggle adapting it??

Anybody else get locked out and find a solution?

TecCrash

So that's interesting. I just has a Pioneer installed in our 2005 Base and I never ran into anything on being locked or being tied to the Anti-Theft during my research. I came from a Nav unit if that makes any difference. The things I paid attention to were making sure I was compatible with the Bose system, the OnStar and the Chime unit. I was able to re-use the OEM Sat antennae, and we added a backup camera. It seemed like it was an easy install, they had it all done in about 4 hours.

Was there only certain radios that had that built in?

Thanks!

Chris

buckmeister2

Tec, it's not weird. It is the GM radio that has a lock function so that people won't steal it. There is nothing in the wiring or installation that involves a lock. A new non-GM unit that fits in the space will usually be a simple install. But, a used GM unit as a replacement must be unlocked. Many vehicles have the same feature.

Speed07

buckmeister2

It is free to ask your dealer the question...

Ruouthere

EVRose

If you can find someone with a Tech II tool they can unlock it.

buckmeister2

Probably because that is a different model radio. This issue has been discussed hundreds of times. You will not be able to "work around it" by yourself. It either MUST be unlocked, or a non-GM radio used. Yes, a tech II tool will also work,as has been stated. But, that is it...

Dano523

Stock OEM C6 radio has a chip in it that marries to the BCM at the very first start up. When the radio is place in a new car, since the car's BCM check everything on the GM lan bus at start up, the Radio does not hand shake correctly with the BCM in the new car, and will go into lock mode.


So with a Tech II, you go into diagnostic, year of the car, Y model, radio, radio relearn, and clear the radio chip of the old BCM secuirty key. When the car starts again and the BCM does a quick check of all the devices on the GM lan bus, the BCM will marry the radio it's security key to your done.

The Tech II remarry of the radio takes about 3 mins itself once it plugged into the car, but GM charges a hrs worth of time when they use the Tech II (the paper work part, mech's time and to help pay for the tool and the TDS subscription costs, so ends up being a $125'ish cost every time the dealer has to use the Tech II on the car.

For this reason, and that you really need a Tech II if your going to wrench on the car, best to just pick up a clone one of your own. A clone Tech II will run about $300, while a clone MDI with Tech2 win (works just like a Tech II), runs around $130 instead. Also to point out, since GM has gone to the MDI as well, with a Clone MDI, it will run GDS2, which is the software used for GM cars after around the 2013 point.

h2oskiman

I replaced mine took it to my dealership 30 dollars and 30 minutes

SwampRat

Consider an aftermarket unit. I also have a 2005, and I just had a Kenwood Excelon installed where my 6 cd changer used to be. It has touch screen, bluetooth, a usb port, and about 800 other things I haven't figured out yet. But there was no locking issue and the newer technology is fantastic!

Katie22

Chevu dealer charged 30 dollars.

PCMusicGuy

If your relationship with your dealer is good, perhaps try there. My local dealer wanted $90 to do it. Took it to an independent shop and paid $40 for literally 5 minutes worth of work with a Tech II.

Ruouthere

Thankfully we do have a good relationship with our local Chevy dealer, 20mins and $64 the radio was unlocked.

Thanks everyone for the input.

jmcoll

What is the Pioneer model number and ballpark cost of unit and installation?

nzmopar1992

Just though I would add my 2 cents in here. I don’t own a corvette. I was googling this issue to fix my issue with my xm in my truck but I’m sure tbesilversdo and corvette share the same module so I’ll be doing this my module was working but then the next it doesn’t. I replaced the antenna but still nothing. Anyway I’ll try the module now.

What i I wanted to add though is the fact I own. Tech II as I own so many gm vehicles between my father and I I thought it was worth having. But what I wanted to say was. That if any one out there wanted me to unlock their radio I could do it. That’s if you’re near where I travel. I do a bit of driving through the US. I’ll help who ever needed their units unlocked. It only works up to 2007 though. I wouldn’t charge you to do it as I don’t mind helping others and it’s apretty easy thing to do. I just wish the tech 2 would unlock the xm modules also.

Dano523

Do you have a Bosch tech II or one of the clones? You bring up it will only go up to 2007, but Card may have to reflash the card to get it to go up to 2013.
Check the firmware and if it not GM English 33.04, then below link how to reflash the PCMCIA card up to the lastest firmware.
http://blog.obdii365.com/2015/07/30/...ulti-language/

Or just buy a new card that is firmware 33.04 for $20 instead.
Note, 33.04 is the last firmware update for the Tech II's for GM before GM just moved the MDI's.
http://www.chinacardiags.com/wholesa...yABEgJKJPD_BwE

kypirate

Do you live or drive through Lexington, Kentucky ? My radio needs unlocked ! 2004 Corvette