...really suck @!#$. GM

I had not wanted to fight with a Metra adapter and wiring in an aftermarket stereo, since most of them look pretty obtuse in the dash, so I had ebayed an MP3 GM deck (of the same model number, and part no. as the 2005 Cavaliers) and decided that this would probably be the cheaper option to get access to MP3 playback and XM-Control.

So I'm stoked, I get the radio cheap, I get everything all wired up, and as I already expected the new radio lights up 'Locked' and I make a trip to the GM dealership in town.

But apparently this particular dealership was not a dealership at all. It was an "Annex" so I get sent to another dealership almost 50 miles away.

I go the first time, after being told I didn't need an APPT since it was just a radio reset. I didn't think that was right myself but they assured me I wouldn't need an appt. I go, and get sent packin being told I should have made an appointment. WTF? Okay, whatever.

So I make an appointment and come back and the guy gets out the Tech Tool. Starts plugging in numbers to try and reset the radio to work with the BCM in my car. Test Failed. Test Failed. Test Failed. "Sorry this isn't working"

@!#$ around, tries a couple other things. Runs my car as a Trailblazer in the tech tool and we can see the radio and pull the serial, but won't pull up the BCM ID and VIN. But then we try to run it as a Cavalier under the real VIN and it can't find the radio, or BCM codes, or anything. He @!#$ with it for like an hour and pretty much tells me that I have to call AC Delco and try to get a VCI (Vehicle Communication Interchange) number to go through the BCM and force the Radio to reset and accept the new VIN # (why the tech can't do this himself is beyond me but I figured one tech for however many GM dealerships and the guys gotta be just about overworked) so decide I'll humor him that much.

However, he tells me that "Oh you'll probably end up having to send it in to AC Delco and having them reprogram the entire radio to your car."

uh huh. and how much will that cost?

"Couple hundred dollars"

F*ck that. GM can eat a dick. It's all a scam anyhow, no one, and I mean NO ONE steals stock radios, so its just a reason for them to drag you in and drop $40 a pop on having your radio reset (if it even works) and if it doesn't, expect to drop another $200, $300, or however the hell much it'll end up costing me in the end just to put a cavalier radio in a flippin cavalier.

This only applies to Theftlock Type-II radios. if anyone has a Type-I radio, let me know, I dug up some info on how to get the reactivation code for these already, but it won't work on the Type-II radios that save a portion of the VIN.

End gripe.

I've done it before, using the Tech 2. You need to know the RPO code for the radio, but that's it. No VIN required. I'll find you the directions (i think I put them in the FAQ), so you can go back to the dealer and tell them how to do their jobs properly

yea rpo code is all you need.....listen to lenko....dealer is retarded



I may run 18s, but I can do your taxes in 10 seconds flat.

John Lenko wrote:I've done it before, using the Tech 2. You need to know the RPO code for the radio, but that's it. No VIN required. I'll find you the directions (i think I put them in the FAQ), so you can go back to the dealer and tell them how to do their jobs properly

IMO, you deserve all the praise you get man. Will scan for it in the FAQ for now, but if you have a good set of printable instructions, I'll drag it back to the dealership with me and give it to him w/ the RPO codes and whatnot (this is on the side of the radio is it not?)

Hmm, wait, I think I know this already actually...

Old radio was UM7...

New radio is US8....

but he said he still couldn't get it to work :/

Make sure you select 20053 or newer.... that RPO code wasn't used in 2000, so it won't show up in the list.

Bump, still looking for a solution.

John Lenko wrote:Make sure you select 20053 or newer.... that RPO code wasn't used in 2000, so it won't show up in the list.

Oh sorry, must have replied just as I was about too.

We were selecting 2004...since its an 04 cavalier...so do anything above 2005?

Guess I have to call AC Delco...

What a pain in the ass!

The stereo that has the tape player underneath is that the type 1?? How can i get the dam thing to work? Thanks.