2004 VW Bugg Stereo System...
 

A friend has a '04 Bugg with a stereo system that is not putting out sound. The radio lights up, tunes in stations, but there is NO sound. I have a hard time believing that ALL of the speakers are blown. The tape deck also plays but NO sound as well.

We assume there is a problem with the stereo head unit. How likely is that?

I heard that these radio's are mated to the car's computer, how true is that? She wants to puchase another VW stereo with a CD player. Can she do that? Can she purchase another stereo, install it, inter a security code, and drive on? Or will it need to be programmed at the stealer?