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Unlock a stock radio permanently

23K views 11 replies 8 participants last post by  red rocket 22  
#1 ·
I haven't done it yet but on the bench the removal of a single 8 leg IC from the bottom of a stock 2003 head unit seems to disable the need for VIN matching on 2003 thru early 2005 SSR radios.
I opened the bottom of the unit and located IC 9355093. It's right where the dude said it would be. We'll see.
Lousy video, but if it works....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxvYNwwsK8k
 
#2 ·
I've seen that and other videos and posts about bypassing the theft lock.

Although I have not tried it personally I have heard that it does not work with the 6CD player but it "might" on the mp3 version. There may be "side effects" if you get it to work. You may have a tape display even though there is no tape. You might also loose presets when turning off power. This does not seem to happen right away but does seem to creep up after some time, might be due to the calibration function during power up having issues due to missing chip. Some people see other wonky issues too.

Good luck testing, would like to hear that it works but from what I have read it it won't.
 
#3 ·
Why would any legitimate owner of a radio want to do that? Now everyone knows and our radios are a target. Just like the back seats of a suburban.
 
#4 ·
Surplus radios

Dwight, I have two SSR radios (Not Stolen) that have been replaced with other units. These are useable if the "Stealers" at GM would allow us to use them. Our stock head units are fine as replacements rather than buying $1200 aftermarket units.
 
#6 ·
Don't Know.

But, If it is, What happens when you install an aftermarket unit? Are you thinking that some audio signals go thru the speakers?
As our vehicles age things will fail. I'm trying for sources of parts to keep us going. If this works without too many quirks we have an inexpensive alternative.
:liebe011:
 
#7 ·
A dealership can unlock them for you. I purchased a better stock radio for my 2007 Corvette. I installed it and drove it down to my local Chevy dealer. They unlocked it for in no time! Was a non event.
 
#8 ·
There is always a way to "unlock" them. Just think about LKQ, the auto junkyard/recycler. They remove parts and resell them, so there has to be a legitimate way to remove, replace, reinstall and reactivate a "theft-lock" radio where it's GM based or any of the other manufacturers as well.
 
#9 ·
Help on Dash Removal

If you need it
https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=3ef39d9f5adce5e5&id=3EF39D9F5ADCE5E5!853

Also After you get the dash cover off the air bag cover is bent and doesn't want to stay in place after reinstall. If you can get the upper nuts off the whole reassembly is a lot easier if the airbag assembly is removed. When removed the dash doesn't need to be trimmed. Also the upper nuts can be accessed thru the AC vent holes, it ain't easy but can be done.
I also , with the airbag on the bench, wrapped/overbent the airbag cover back into shape so when reinstalled it holds its shape.
 
#11 ·
Then it won't matter to you. When the GM radio is removed from the car it locks up electronically, and can only be unlocked by a GM dealer. This makes them unfenceable, theoretically reducing theft.