GM Theftlock 2003

polarzak

My daughter has a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am with a dead radio. I plan to pick up a used one from the auto wreckers, and understand it probablhy will be locked. I have been all over the net and understand how to retrieve the codes, (push presets 3 & 4 etc) and to call the GM special phone number, to get the unlock codes, and enter them. My problem is some people say this will not work on a 2003 or later, while some say it will work on a 2003 as long as it is not a RDS radio. It is not RDS. Anyone have any info on this procedure and if it will actually work on a 2003 non RDS? Seems 2003 is the cut off year. If all else fails I will take it to the dealer, but just trying to DIM (Do It Myself) and save a buck.
Thanks for the help.

gregzoll

Just get a cheap unit from Crutchfield, along with the module that bypasses the theft lock. We did that with our Trailblazer, so that we could have XMRadio in it.

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polarzak

Thanks, but even the cheap one, is worth more than her car. $25.00 from the wrecker is more appropriate.

DexterII

Polarzak, I'm not going to elaborate, because my knowledge in this area is strictly limited to a conversation that I had with one of the local GM technicians after I replaced the battery in my '02, and then realized that I had lost or misplaced my unlock code. Anyway, it seems to me that he said that beginning the next year, or 2003, the radios were vehicle specific, or whatever, meaning that those equipped with Theftlock would not work until they were programmed to the vehicle, which could only be done by the dealer. A bit of a pain in the butt, I know, but, on the the other hand, it doesn't make a lot of sense to install a security system and then post the procedure to get around it on the internet. That said, I would think that they might ask for a receipt for the purchase of the radio as well.

polarzak

Thanks DexterII, I have a feeling you might be correct. Apparently the later radios are tied to the VIN, and so the BCM must be programmed to recognize the new radio. I will still pick this one up and give the "press the buttons and search for a code" trick, and if not successful, take it to the dealer. I already called and they want $40.00.
I will have the bill from the auto wrecker.