If you don’t see the letters “LOC” but your radio isn’t working, the issue may lie elsewhere. Take your car to a qualified GM mechanic or car radio technician to have them diagnose the source of the problem. [2] X Research source GM Theftlock radios are designed to lock up automatically when the vehicle’s battery dies or becomes disconnected, though an electronic malfunction could also cause the Theftlock function to activate.
You’ll be jotting down 3 sets of numbers in all, so make sure there’s plenty of room on your scrap paper. Try not to waste any time recording each set of numbers as they appear. Most GM Theftlock radios only give you 10-15 seconds to perform each step in the process before the display resets itself.
If your radio doesn’t have 4 preset buttons, press and hold presets 2 and 3 instead. [4] X Research source
Make sure the 2 sets of numbers are in the right order. If you enter your radio identification number incorrectly, your attempt to unlock your radio will fail. You’ll need to confirm this 6-digit radio identification code with GM over the phone in order to unlock your radio.
This is an automated line, so you won’t have to wait to talk to a live human being. You can call GM’s radio hotline for assistance at any time, day or night.
Under normal circumstances, a locked Theftlock radio must be reset by a licensed GM dealer, who uses a special code known only by dealership personnel. By entering the code yourself, you can avoid the trouble and expense of paying to have your vehicle’s radio unlocked at the dealership.
Remember to read the numbers from left to right, and be careful not to accidentally include any other numbers or symbols. You should make a total of 7 button presses when it’s all said and done.
If you don’t catch one or more numbers of the retrieval code, you’ll have no choice but to start the call over from the beginning.
If the first 2 digits of your radio retrieval code are “10,” for instance, you would need to push the hour button 10 times. On most Theftlock radios, you’ll find the time set buttons in the lower righthand corner of the radio interface.
Holding the minute button will cycle through the numbers automatically so you don’t have to keep pressing it over and over again.
You can repeat this process to resume use of your Theftlock radio any time it locks up unexpectedly. If your radio is still locked or refusing to cooperate after you’ve entered your radio retrieval code, your best bet is to schedule an appointment at a GM dealership to have it looked at by a professional.
It’s important to record and enter your radio retrieval code correctly the first go-around to save yourself time, energy, and battery power.
