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opnspaces's avatar
opnspaces
Navigator III
Dec 08, 2019

Locked radio on my 2001 Suburban

Reaching out on what I admit is a long shot. My 1996 Suburban transmission went out last year and I finally bought a 2001 Suburban as a replacement. The problem is when I swapped the dead battery, the radio locked out and now displays LOC on the display.

In researching I found out how to pull the identification codes out of the unit and phone number to unlock the unit. So I pulled the codes and of course the 800 is now disconnected. I contacted GM support, but they could only tell me to take it to a dealer to get the unit unlocked.

So I'm reaching out on here to see if maybe there is a GM tech or service writer willing to get me an unlock code out of their system if I provide the six digits the radio gave me. If so could you please PM me and I'll provide the information? If not I might just have to buy an aftermarket head unit as even a half hour labor at today's rates is way more than this stock radio is worth.

Oh if somebody has another idea that might work I'm willing to try it as well.
Thanks

20 Replies

  • Interesting responses here today..... so this is typical if the previous owner had a code for the radio. However if you can’t find it written down anywhere then I’m pretty sure u can find a tutorial on you tube on how to gain access and unlock it without the dealer. On those models of years prior 2007 I don’t think that they were VIN coded. The 2007 and up are all VIN coded and require a dealer program... but I had an 01 years ago and was locked out as well. The PO had no idea of the code and I recall you tubing and got it to work. Hope this helps!
  • Factory radios are terrible anyway. You could replace it with an aftermarket unit that would have Bluetooth calling, a couple USB inputs, an AUX input for an Ipod, better sound quality, and all kinds of other good stuff for about $150.
    I pretty much replace the factory unit in every vehicle I drive as soon as I get it.
  • I'm glad they stopped doing that.
    06 Yukon XL, replaced the battery twice with not problem.
  • The dealer should not charge you for this information. Give them a call.
  • My Honda Ridgeline locks me out if I disconnect or replace the battery.
    4-digit code is on sticker in glove compartment. No problem to bring
    up format to enter it to unlock radio.
  • Call a dealer, any dealer. Parts guy should be able to look it up for no charge. Worst that can happen is they won’t do it, in which case, call another dealer.
  • I'm confused by your OP - is the radio not with the original vehicle? If it is, often times the codes are just printed somewhere in the vehicle. I guess the idea is the thief won't take the time or know where to look when he's stealing the stereo. On my Honda Odyssey the code is on the side of the glove box and can be seen when it's open.
  • Happens to Honda’s too and all it has required is a call to the service department.
  • Discuss a national security issue, unlocking a vehicle’s radio, on Camping World’s forum? I don’t think so!