i have a late model 1996 passat
and i recently i got my starter fixed and the battery was disconnected
i called the dealer and they told me they were going to charge me 50 dollars
so i did some research and found my stereo code
but i don't know how to put it in.

 

where did you get the code?

 

i googled it
and i read that it's in the trunk by the spare tire
on a sticker
but i guess the guy was wrong
because i took it to my mechanic and he told me i was wrong
but i got a new stereo

 

Well, for those folks who invariably end up googling and finding this problem, in hopes of some sanguine advice, here goes:

SYMPTOM: Your battery dies, and your radio now says "SAFE" when you turn it on.

If your stereo looks like this (or similar):



1) Press and hold MODE and SCAN for about five seconds. The display will then say "1000."
2) Using stereo preset buttons one, two, three, and four - each corresponding to a digit in the four-digit lock code - tap in the code.
3) Press and hold MODE and SCAN for about five seconds. The radio will say "SAFE" again for a second, then switch to the FM radio.

Of course, you have to know your lock code.

Your lock code is in the radio instructions - a separate book - on a silver sticker, in the inside cover.



To my knowledge that's the -only- place you'll find it. If you don't have your radio instructions, you're potentially screwed. I've heard positive and negative reports from people trying to get their lock code from a VW dealership. Mainly negative.