Limey

After getting the car back following the steering rack replacement, I noticed that the radio issued the SAFE warning. Mechanic had disconnected the battery. No worries, I thought. Wrong. I entered the correct code (as in the radio book given when the car was received in 1999). Pushing the the buttons again, as instructed, got SAFE back. But instead of continuing on to show frequency, it locked out again and showed two (II) attempts. I waited the hour +, and still could not get back in. SO powered down the entire car again for 10 minutes. Tried again. Same as before. SAFE II. Any ideas?

GR8_100CSQ

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55175/i-245.2.jpg"></center><p>you may want to disconnect power from the batt for more than 10min, and if you still cannot get in,contact an Audi/VW dealer give them your vin and see if it is the same code, You should also note that some dealers will need the SN from the radio. And your Radio may have been replaced at one time or another which may be the reason for the lockout. If you need the tool to pull the radio let me know and i will send you a set we have an extra pair.

Muhammad

How are you entering the code?

Limey

I am doing it exactly per the book, and to make sure, I have had my wife do it completely independently twice more. Turn ign on, push radio on, turn key back (and I also did it leaving the key full on); see words:"SAFE"; push down FM1/2 and DX buttons together; hold until 1000 shows up, let go, enter my code with top row buttons 1,2,3, and lower 4. Push FM1/2 and DX together and it doesn't go to frequency! It goes to SAFE and logs "I" attempt.
The code came from the Delta handbook, as received from dealer in 1999. There is a label over the top of another label. We peeled them back and could read the bottom label with a mirror. Entered this number. Same thing. We also tried entering the original 1000. No good.
It is possible that we were given the wrong book, since it was a 'program car'. Can we find this code any other way than (as someone said) paying $50 bucks at the dealer? Also, we checked our A4 (also used) and have no code number in the documentation whatsoever! Ouch!

Limey

Thanks: I will check with the dealer. I appreciate the tool offer, too. I would assume that the dealer would be able to remove the radio to look at the code; is the idea to prevent him hosing me for labor charges?

GR8_100CSQ

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/55175/i-245.2.jpg"></center><p>Yes. They will get you going and coming, for the simplest thing, and for something that would take only a couple of minutes the cost is unbelievable. We have had two "new" radios in our 98 a6 and it was getting kind of expensive parts and labor we got the tools and I pulled the last radio my self and installed the new one in under five minutes, and the only cost was for the radio. The offer still stands. We have to look out for our fellow audi onwers anything to save you a buck.

BSK

i went to hbl in nova and he checked the vin and the radio vin and gave me the code from the computer. tooked him 10mins and was doen for free. all they have to do is type it into the computer and they get the results. if u try to enter the code to many times wrong the radio is gonna be permanently locked!

Limey

Follow-up: the problem was, of course, wrong codes given with Audi Delta radio book when car was delivered. No dealers within range in Georgia, so on a trip to Chapel Hill, I went into Leith Audi in Cary, NC. I have to say that they couldn't have been more helpful. Super professional. No charge, as was feared from other club comments. Took car of the matter in 10 minutes flat with a busy shop and no appointment. Good job Leith Audi!
I learned that a thief didn't have to worry about whether he had the code, because he wouldn't have been able to get the radio out in the first place, unless, that is, he had the two 'half- scissor' tools that are needed!
Leith Audi said they would also help me with my 98 A4 over the phone, now that they know me. I have no code whatever for that car's radio, good or bad, so the first time I loose power; deep do-do! All I have to do is get the radio out to see the serial number! Does anyone know where to buy these scissor-like things in case I can't borrow? A/Zone, NAPA, etc, only have little tong shaped things; nothing like what is needed.