Car stereo 'reset' codes

[JoyMonkey]

A few months ago, I accidentaly left a light on in my mother-in-laws car and had to jump it the following morning; so the car stereo reset when it had no power overnight.
It's an old stereo (the one that came with her '94 Volvo sationwagon) and needs a reset code to start up again. I found two codes in her cars' manual, none of which worked. I spent two hours trying to remove the stereo from the car, but it seems to be permanently installed in there.

So she's still driving around with no radio. I tried calling her Volvo service center and they couldn't give me a straight answer. What should I do?

[SirPeale]

I'm guessing by 'reset' it doesn't work because of an anti-theft feature?

[GGKoul]

Go to a Volvo Dealership and ask them.

[ChadTower]

He said he DID call them.

[JoyMonkey]

The dealership told me to take the stereo out and write down the serial number on the back, then call their stereo repair center and tell them the number. This would be a great idea, if the stereo could actually be removed 
I think a big hammer and a new stereo might be the only option.

[DrewKaree]

See if Crutchfield might be able to help you in taking it out.  Obviously you're not buying anything from them, but mebbe they have removal instructions somewhere on their site, or a kind-hearted representative of theirs might take pity on you and send or e-mail them to you.

I know the last part of that is a stretch, but you never know, it COULD happen!

Otherwise, perhaps pick up a Haynes or Chilton manual - mebbe they describe how to do it, too....removal with something other than a hammer, that is

[Shape D.]

On most cars made from mid 90's and up you have to remove half of your dash to remove the factory stereo. It's a theft deterrent.

[Sephroth57]

yeah theres not much you can do without getting the CD player out. im sure its not that hard, i havent met a dashboard yet i havent been able to disassemble

[Zakk]

Doesn't sound right.  GM pulled the same sh*t with my buddy's grand am.  He replaced the battery, and the stereo locked.  They told him it was a $50 charge to bring it in, since they had to remove the stereo to check the serial number.  Turns out a google seach for "Grand prix stereo reset code" (or somethign like that) did the trick.  He had to phone a service number, give a code that was listed on the site, and they gave him the "code" to unlock it (pushing a series of buttons in turn).  No removal of the stereo or anything, they just wanted to scam $50.  Might be the same thing.  I can't find the page right now, but it was one similar to this: http://www.wikifaqs.com/Q/FAQ/556

Try that before you shell out cashola!

[GGKoul]

I have a 98 Volvo and all I do is pull 2 tabs out on the side of the radio and slide the radio out.

Also, you may want to post your question here.. someone maybe able to help you..

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/

[Grauwulf]

If it is a Blaupunkt stereo once you have it pulled you can call their tech center and they can get you the code. It will cost you a few bucks, but it's the easist way to do it. I used to work for a SAAB dealer and we would not give out radio code over the phone. If you brought your car in I would always pull the radio and get the code for you from the database for no charge. SAABs are easy to remove the radio from.

[Crazy Cooter]

They should be able to cross-reference it to your VIN.  They'll probably want ~$10 and to see proof of ownership (tab renewal & I.D.).

[D_Zoot]

Doesn't sound right.

[cdbrown]

I have had to get the security pin a few times, each time I just called the dealer the car was originally purchased from along with the number plate and VIN and they gave the 4 numbers over the phone.  My problem is either not writing them down at the same time or forgeting where I did write it down...meh

-cdbrown

[danny_galaga]

 What should I do?

buy a new car

[GGKoul]

 What should I do?

buy a new car

Or buy a new radio

[quadmasta]

If it's the style radio I'm thinking of, you just kinda pry it out of the dash....seriously:)

If it's similar to a Volvo 240 where it's at the very top of your dash with two squarish panels to the left of it:
1.  pop the top square off using a flathead screwdriver
2.  remove the two phillips head screws and it should slide right out

If' it's got the radio in the center stack, it just pries out.   Honestly.  There are two clips at the top and one on either side in the middle.

[JoyMonkey]

Actually, it is a 240 and that description sounds spot on. I'll give it another try over the weekend. Thanks!