Monte Carlo Forum - Monte Carlo Enthusiast Forums - 6th Gen ('00-'05): Radio thief "bricked" my 03'

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Jones (Post 724254)

Like the title says a thief stole the aftermarket radio that was in the car and now the passlock is activated and car is no start. I think I want to put a factory radio in but to do that will I have to take it to the dealer to program it?

Crazy that a radio can wipe out a cars ability to start and drive.

After 2000 most all of the Chevy Radio's pretty much program all the stuff for the Car. Were you able to keep the original radio?
This forum is full of the stuff about after market radios that cause issues down the road.
I am not sure but it might work to find a Salvage yard and then rescue a stock radio from a Monte Carlo of your same vintage and then put it in your car.
Save the wiring that is in the salvage ride so you can hook it up to your vehicle.
You might be able to find a service garage that has the correct GM tools to fix it with out replacing the stock Radio. However you are looking at a Tow to there and then what ever they charge to fix it. I was in a U-Pull type salvage yard last week and there were several radios still in the cars. :thumbsup: