Need Help, Factory Stereo Locked Up

[Durango60]

For some reason the factory stereo in my 97 thinks someone tried to steal it and is completely locked up. I know that there is supposed to be a code to unlock it but according to the manual mine is past that point as it says "HELP" on the readout. Per the manuals instructions I took it to my local dealer and they told me that they have to pull the entire unit out and send it to Toyota to get it unlocked and needless to say it aint gonna be cheap. I have trouble beleiving that they are correct, any suggestions?

 

[KLF]

There are no "tricks" to get the head unit to wake back up and start working. Think about it... if there was, what would be the security in that? There is an EPROM inside that holds the code that someone must have programmed, and AFAIK there is no way to read it, the code must be wiped out by a technician that has the proper tools. Often you have to show proof of ownership to get them to do this.

I had a similar thing happen to my old Eclipse head unit a few years ago, for some reason it would no longer read the "key CD" even though I was absolutely sure I was using the correct CD. I had to find a place that would fix it, I think it was only $40 to have this done, but I had to show proof that it was mine. Fortunately I had all the original paperwork, even the box it came in.

Find a decent stereo shop, they will know a place to send it. Or start using "The Google".

 

[cruiserbent]

get me the model of the radio.it will be on the face plate.I may be able to help you with the unlock code.i have quite a few depending on the model.will be out of town tomorrow---2007 tundra new product launch---i'll tell you how to unlock it on friday

 

[cruiserdan]

they told me that they have to pull the entire unit out and send it to Toyota to get it unlocked

Bull****.

The service manager can call the appropriate repair station (depending on radio model), identify himself and the dealership and they will give him the master un-lock code.

 

[Durango60]

Bull****.

The service manager can call the appropriate repair station (depending on radio model), identify himself and the dealership and they will give him the master un-lock code.

Thata what I figured. Thanks.