Theft Deterrent

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Theftlock" theft deterrent system is a feature on all base and uplevel radios. There is no need to program a security code into the radio as in past model years. The theft deterrent system now utilizes class 2 serial data to determine if the radio is in the appropriate vehicle. Each time the radio receives the "run" power mode message, it compares the VIN information it has stored to the VIN information received from a module on the class 2 serial data circuit responsible for transmitting that information. If a mis-match occurs, the radio display will indicate to the user the radio is locked. Once this takes place, a DTC will set, the radio will not respond to any button presses and become inoperative. The two scenarios able to cause this condition are:

A radio is installed from another vehicle.
A module which communicates on the class 2 serial data circuit which supplies VIN information to the radio is replaced and not properly setup with the correct VIN information for that vehicle.

The only way to unlock the radio is by using a scan tool. Always refer to the table in this section to diagnose the "Theftlock" DTC for further information.

Personal Choice Radio Controls, If Equipped

With this feature, your vehicle will recall the latest radio settings as adjusted the last time your vehicle was operated. This feature allows 2 different drivers to store and recall their own radio settings for AM and FM presets, last tuned station, volume, tone and audio source -radio, cassette or CD. The settings recalled by the radio are determined by which transmitter was used to enter the vehicle. After the UNLOCK button is pressed on the transmitter and the ignition is in RUN, the radio settings will automatically adjust to where they were last set by the identified driver. All vehicles are shipped with this feature on. This feature can be disabled by your dealer if desired. Refer to DRIVER PERSONALIZATION in Personalization.

Remote Playback Device, If Equipped

The remote playback device is either installed at the factory or in some instances it is dealer installed. There are 3 types of remote playback devices, a multi disc remote CD changer, a single disc CD player and a cassette player. All 3 devices have a wiring harness which plugs into the back of the radio. The radio controls and communicates with the remote playback device through a Entertainment and Comfort (E&C) or Class 2 communication circuit