Factory Stereo Locked

**CamaroDMD** · 01-03-2009, 07:26 AM

So, I was unaware that the factory CD player in my 2002 Camaro had a theft-deterrent lock system. I changed my battery the other day (assuming my radio settings would be deleted) and when I turned my car on the radio displayed a "LOC" code. I looked in my manual and it says that I need to enter the programed code to unlock it. But, the trouble is I never programmed it...a previous owner must have. So, I have no idea how to unlock the stereo in my car. Is there anything I can do to fix this?

***doberman 152*** · 01-03-2009, 07:52 AM

Orion made a stickey on this issue. mine was locked for 2 days before i could figure it out, let me try and find my info.

**fxgs** · 01-03-2009, 07:52 AM

Here you go:

***doberman 152*** · 01-03-2009, 08:39 AM

What i did was # 7 call them, but heres the link directions hope this helps you.

Here are some instructions that were posted a while back that I saved to a Word document for future reference. One suggestion for a stored vehicle is to use a Deltran Battery Tender Plus to keep your battery preserved and at full charge. I use one on each of my stored cars and the last battery I replace was 10 years old! I hope this info helps.

The following procedure will give you a new code that you can use instead of your personal code. Using this new code, you can “unlock” your radio and then “re-lock” it with a new code if you wish. Prerequisites: The radio must be in LOC mode NOT in INOP mode. Let me explain. If you have activated the Theft-Deterrent feature of your radio and loose power, the radio goes into LOC (theftlock) mode. With the ignition on, you must use the MN and HR buttons to enter you personal code in order to unlock it (The instructions are on page 3-27 in your Y2K Owner’s manual). If you fail to enter the correct code eight (8) times, the radio goes into INOP mode. You have to wait an hour with the ignition on before the radio returns to LOC mode (go for a long drive somewhere). Procedure:
1. Turn the ignition ON (The radio displays LOC)
2. Hold down the Radio Presets 2 and 3 buttons for six seconds
3. The radio display changes from LOC to a three-digit number. Write this number down. Don’t take forever, fifteen seconds max before the next step.
4. Press the AM/FM button
5. The radio display changes to another three-digit number. Write this number to the right of the first one.
6. You now have a six-digit number, the first three digits are from STEP 03 and the last three digits are form STEP 05
7. Call 1 800 537 5140
8. Press 1 then # (pound). You’ll hear “Invalid Code, try again”
9. Press 139010 then # (pound). You will be asked to enter your four or six digit code followed by * (start)
10. Enter the number from STEP 6 then * (star)
11. Listen to the four-digit number and write it down. It will be repeated twice
12. Turn the ignition ON (The radio displays LOC)
13. Use the MN and HR buttons to enter the code from STEP 11
14. Press the AM/FM button. The radio display changes to SEC Your radio is now “un-locked” and usable. The Theft-Deterrent feature is STILL active! If you want to disable it, use the instruction on page 3-27 in your Y2K Owner’s manual. Use the code from STEP 11 instead of your personal code.

**CamaroDMD** · 01-04-2009, 09:44 AM

OK, I ran though the steps and I managed to get both 3 digit codes. Then, I called the GM number and hit 1# and got the "invalid code, try again" response. So, I then input the 139010# code but I got the same invalid message and after one more try the computer hung up on me. So, I was unable to get the unlock code. Am I doing something wrong?

**CamaroDMD** · 01-04-2009, 10:39 AM

OK, I actually just got it. I found anther website that had a different code rather than the 139010#. They said to use 202108# and it worked.

**bzavala** · 03-18-2009, 07:40 PM

Guys...

I'm having a similar problem but mine does not says LOC so I don't know if it's locked or not. The issue is that the radio won't turn on at all. The only thing that displays is the time only if I press the RECALL button. So I know there is power and it does remmeber the time (I can also adjust it with the HR MIN buttons).

This is a 2000 Trans Am with Monsoon stereo...

I have tried pressing the 2-3 or the 1-4 for up to 20-30 secs, nothing displays...

Ain't it weird? I have also checked the fuse box.. they all seem fine... all I have left to check I guess is make sure that the wires from the back are all OK...

Any ideas what else I can check? One dealer wants $72 to have it checked and if it's locked, they can unlock it, but if it needs replacement they want a lot more... $200-$400... UGH!!

Thanks in adavance!!

Ben

**bigrondownhiller** · 03-19-2009, 12:36 PM

It sounds like it is just off. Have you hit the am/fm buttons or push in on the volume knob? Did you check both fuses? There is one for radio and one for the cigarette lighter.

**bzavala** · 03-19-2009, 01:13 PM

yeah i checked the fuses.. they all seemed OK.

now that you mention the cig lighter... since the car has 2 cig lighters, I had modified one to just get power from the accesory wire... i might need to check that...

yes, I have pressed am/fm and the volume knob, it just won't turn on... so you think maybe there's something with the power wire?

I'll check that tonight.. thanks for the reply.. any more ideas are welcome. I will report later

Ben

EDIT

I figured it out.. it was the yellow wire that comes from ignition. Since I had split that to send it to the cigarrate lighter, it came out from the black tape when i pulled out the stereo. Easy fix !!

WHEW!! Saved me at least $72 from the dealer...

thank you so much!

Ben

**Mutt** · 07-21-2014, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by doberman 152

What i did was # 7 call them, but heres the link directions hope this helps you.

Here are some instructions that were posted a while back that I saved to a Word document for future reference. One suggestion for a stored vehicle is to use a Deltran Battery Tender Plus to keep your battery preserved and at full charge. I use one on each of my stored cars and the last battery I replace was 10 years old! I hope this info helps.

The following procedure will give you a new code that you can use instead of your personal code. Using this new code, you can “unlock” your radio and then “re-lock” it with a new code if you wish. Prerequisites: The radio must be in LOC mode NOT in INOP mode. Let me explain. If you have activated the Theft-Deterrent feature of your radio and loose power, the radio goes into LOC (theftlock) mode. With the ignition on, you must use the MN and HR buttons to enter you personal code in order to unlock it (The instructions are on page 3-27 in your Y2K Owner’s manual). If you fail to enter the correct code eight (8) times, the radio goes into INOP mode. You have to wait an hour with the ignition on before the radio returns to LOC mode (go for a long drive somewhere). Procedure:
1. Turn the ignition ON (The radio displays LOC)
2. Hold down the Radio Presets 2 and 3 buttons for six seconds
3. The radio display changes from LOC to a three-digit number. Write this number down. Don’t take forever, fifteen seconds max before the next step.
4. Press the AM/FM button
5. The radio display changes to another three-digit number. Write this number to the right of the first one.
6. You now have a six-digit number, the first three digits are from STEP 03 and the last three digits are form STEP 05
7. Call 1 800 537 5140
8. Press 1 then # (pound). You’ll hear “Invalid Code, try again”
9. Press 139010 then # (pound). You will be asked to enter your four or six digit code followed by * (start)
10. Enter the number from STEP 6 then * (star)
11. Listen to the four-digit number and write it down. It will be repeated twice
12. Turn the ignition ON (The radio displays LOC)
13. Use the MN and HR buttons to enter the code from STEP 11
14. Press the AM/FM button. The radio display changes to SEC Your radio is now “un-locked” and usable. The Theft-Deterrent feature is STILL active! If you want to disable it, use the instruction on page 3-27 in your Y2K Owner’s manual. Use the code from STEP 11 instead of your personal code.

Hey, I have the same problem as a lot of these guys have had, unhook battery, radio displays loc, cant get rid of it, I have no owners manual due to buying it used, and the dealerships I've called have all wanted payment. I have tried all the steps above and even found a couple more codes besides the "139010" and none of em work. Any help would be great.