2003 - 2006 How to VIN Unlock Salvage Yard GM RDS Radio w/ Tech2 OR Manually Programming its EEPROM
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มิ.ย. 2024
- In this video I show you TWO ways to UNLOCK an used salvage yard Delphi / Delco Radio showing LOCKED on the display. Shown by using the GM Tech2 scan tool OR instead by using an EEPROM programmer to manually update the VIN stored inside the radio. Both methods do NOT involve any soldering (for this part number), hacking, destruction, or damaging of the radio circuit board or its chip(s) and thus preserve 100% of the functionality as originally designed by GM - while still clearing the VIN Theftlock correctly. You can use this same Tech2 tool approach to address both a LOCKED as well as a CAL ERR situation with these radios. However, to perform the remedies in this video you need to either have access to a GM Tech2 scan tool, a GM MDI scan tool with a Tech2Win subscription, or an EEPROM programmer capable of in-circuit programming for a 24C08 EEPROM (marked 9355093 by Delphi). If not, move on as you will not be able to perform either of the remedies this video covers.
NOTE: Some radio models have a circuit board design that is incompatible with in-circuit programming, and for these a test clip will not work. You will have to remove the chip if you are having problems reading it in circuit (e.g., getting all 00s).
I illustrate both procedures using a benchtop test harness constructed out of a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. The video is an exact match for working on a 2003 2004 or 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier with the UN0 or US8 radio head unit. And it's an applicable match to "most" other 2003 2004 2005 or 2006 Delphi Delco Electronics RDS radios in General Motors vehicles. This video is NOT going to apply to 2002 and older vehicle Theftlock style radios. So I make no claims this videos approaches are applicable at all if you're outside these particular GM model years.
The eBay and Amazon search links below are paid links, for which I may be compensated and earn a commission, if you choose to buy the parts and tools shown in this video thru them:
If you're looking to buy your own GM Tech2 scan tool: ebay.us/3pMybe
Chipquik SMD1 desoldering product if you find you have to remove the chip to program it: ebay.us/p19gTA or amzn.to/2L9C92c
Purchase a CH341A USB EEPROM Programmer (Black Edition)
If you are looking to purchase one of these CH341A USB EEPROM programmers (be sure to pick a Black Edition by photo): ebay.us/Nwgi5v or amzn.to/3eizca2
If I've saved you some $$ here, consider some coins for the coffee tip-jar! ko-fi.com/drshock
2003 2004 2005 2006
Chapters:
0:00 - Problem overview
2:01 - Unlocking with Tech2
5:25 - Unlocking by EEPROM editing
#drshock #radiorepair #cavalier #sunfire
Disclaimer: DrShock, the alias for the human content creator for this TH-cam channel, is not responsible for any damages, injuries, losses, or liabilities associated with any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance performed on yours, or any other, vehicle whatsoever. No warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided within this channel. Viewing and using the “as-is" information of this channel is totally at your own risk. Always wear personal protection equipment and follow appropriate vehicle manufacturer service manual guidelines with original manufacturer parts only when performing any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance upon any vehicle. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
This is a fantastic video. Kind of makes me want to show it to the two different auto shops that couldn't program my 2009 HHR! They had similar issues to those explained by @chevmaros below!
Do you know if the CH341A can be used to program the Amtel 24C128N chip?
(some additional info: No surprise that many DELCO radios use different eeproms. Mine has the AMTEL 24C128N chip. The CH341A software only has options to select AT24C128, AT24C128A, or AT24C128B. I exhausted myself searching how to decode that part number, and all I could find about the "N" was that it meant "write once." That is ominous but I don't believe it for a couple of reasons: a) the decoding document I found seemed like it was authored by AMTEL but seems a bit suspicious and b) more importantly, I would have assumed the eprom was used to store the preset radio stations and would thus be re-written many times!)
With fresh eyes, I think I found part of my answer: I found datasheets for these chips and they indicate they support up 10ok write cycles.
So I guess I'd like your opinion on which model I should select in the CH341a software.
Those suffix letters, e.g. "B", only indicate revisions in the device technology. Like version numbers on a software package. They are not usually a concern for the programmer though unless programming timings have been revised. For the older devices used in 2009 I would use the no suffix version or "A" myself. Now that all said, I'm not sure what the "N" signifies and it might be something special just for Delphi. The datasheet here www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/268/AT24C128C-I2C-Compatible-Two-Wire-Serial-EEPROM-12-1879739.pdf on page 38 explains the suffix in the part number. I would try a read of the device first, to be sure that looks correct and then save a copy of the contents (in case theres a problem later). Then try a one byte write in a zeroed area towards the end of the memory space as a test first. Read back and see if it took. If not, its read only. If it works, then just restore the test byte and proceed normally.
@@DrShock Awesome info! Thanks for the advice. My programmer should arrive tomorrow. And I've not got two different software apps loaded to test with. Can't wait! I'll provide update as soon as I can!
The programmer came today and it took me all of 10 minutes to read the chip, the the existing data to a file, edit the VIN, and burn in the new data. (I used the no suffix version of the chip in the software..."24C128".)
I had a problem when testing the radio after this first attempt. The radio briefly showed locked, then the clock came on. But nothing worked except the clock! When programming the chip, I had noticed that the first character of the VIN in the original data was '"0", which was not the actual value for the VIN that the radio came out of. But I plugged in my entire VIN though, including the actual first character. I figured that if my entire VIN didn't work, I could come back and plug a "0" into the first character of the VIN.
Based on how the radio behaved after this first test, I decided instead to just erase the chip completely as see what data the BCM would create if it looked like a brand new chip. This second attempt worked like a charm! I now have a new (and, actually upgraded) working radio!
Thanks for your assistance and the confidence to tackle this project! ($25 junkyard radio pick, $10 programmer, free software and drivers, and some great internet advice!)
FINALLY! Someone that shows the correct and proper way to do this, not just ripping it off the board! Thank you sir!
Thank you for this video. I got as far as I could trying to program an eeprom with the information I had available about 4 years ago and gave up. Recently I found your video and was finally able to complete. Appreciate all your videos.
Using the eeprom reader worked for me. So happy to have a factory radio in my Silverado and didn’t have to charge the dealer $180 just to unlock the factory radio I found at a salvage yard.
I like the $12 solution of flashing the eeprom best.
Thanks especially for showing how you struggled to get the test clip on the chip. If I hadn't seen that, I probably would have been de-soldering or thinking I had a defective programmer. But I kept at it, and eventually got a good read like you did.
In later vids I switched to a USA made Pomona clip and have never had anymore problems like that. The Chinese unbranded ones are just very poorly constructed.
Great content. Have not done this in awhile, I recall when using a Tech2 to clear the vin via the VIN Relearn… that you are supposed to cycle the ignition off to on. If you just turn to off, then disconnect the radio ..the radio is clear of any VIN. It’s when you install the radio in the next vehicle and turn the ignition to ON is when it relearns the new VIN. I remember using this technique many times if you wanted to sell a radio with a clear vin. Since you have a bench and ability to read the chip, you could probably validate this on the bench. I did this on GM Nav radios and GM RDS radio common on the GM truck lineup. Also I remember, GM’s last update for The tech2 (v33.04) back in 2013 they made the VIN Relearn option disappear.. a bulletin was issued to artificially select a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo as the vehicle to get the VIN Relearn for the radio. Also if you have a older version of the Tech2 Card prior to v33.04 it would have the VIN Relearn for the radio as a option. I remember using this for like 2009-2012 GM trucks. But it’s been a few years since I did any of this work.
Great video! I managed to do this for my work van that only had the weak AM/FM unit in it. I upgraded with a cheap untested radio (CD and Cassette version) from ebay and it worked out great in the end!
I thought perhaps I needed to modify my programmer as you do in another video because I wasn't able to read my chip. I ended up blowing up the programmer somehow but just ordered another (and technically I had my old Willem still around if I wanted to pull out a computer with a parallel port, hah!).
But then I realized I could try removing the rom from circuit and that was a success.
Things I noticed:
-The chip gets real hot if you plug in the clip backwards! I was afraid I roasted mine for a second there.
-Removing the whole front metal panel after the plastic face is removed makes putting the clip on a lot easier if you're doing it in-circuit, at least on my radio revision/model. Worth taking the time to remove the little hex screws if you have a nut driver that fits.
-Chevy Express vans sure don't want you to remove that radio! Yeesh.
Awesome video! Thanks for the info!!!
Great video, very professionally explained, I wish you can do something like this for the 2006 Chevy Malibu Delphi Delco radio, thanks.
Thanks. I mention in the video description how you can use the Tech2 or MDI scan tool to unlock a 2006 thru 2010 model radio as well. It's the same approach, just GM moved the menu option.
Hi Dr. Shock, great video. I was able to reprogram two radios with the EEPROM method. There's something interesting I'm curious about. I bought a BCM from an '05 Cavalier from the junkyard, found the pinouts online and gave it power, ground via an old ATX computer PSU, doing the same for a radio harness. I was hooking them up to test and much to my surprise when I touched power to the "Ignition 1" pin on the BCM, the radio I had there powered on and wasn't locked. I tested it with two other radios, (none from the same car as that BCM) and all three powered up and functioned correctly with no "Locked" message. Out of curiosity I took the BCM out to my 2002 Cavalier and hooked it up, but my radio gave the "Locked" message. Is there something I'm missing here or did I find some magic BCM?
One of the other videos I did in this J-car playlist series goes over the BCM and bench top wiring for it pin for pin. What you describe sounds like either the BCM EEPROM itself was defective (unlikely to have happened as no VIN being stored should have caused other symptoms in the vehicle) or, depending on what you connected up, I suppose you might have temporarily gotten the radio-on signal from the BCM sent without powering the VIN handshake circuit doing an intermittent connection of just the one pin. This would be similar to the little aftermarket boxes you could buy that let you power on the radio without a BCM (those radios are not going to power up locked because there is no BCM in that bench setup to check the VIN against). But of course anything done on a bench like that isn't of much use in a vehicle where we have to have the bench harness emulate the vehicle setup as closely as possible to insure it's really unlocked. Interesting behavior you found there though.
Awesome. Thanks for the video.
beautiful video
hi dr shock, very well done video. i have an 06 silverado stereo that i need to swap over with a replacement. i definitely want to try the eeprom programmer but im not totally sure how to set it up as i just got it in the mail. are you able to explain how to get it going? thanks.
Just had need to reprogram a 2005 Bose Envoy XUV radio to install into a 2004 XUV. I purchased the unit for doing so and modified it by disconnecting the 3.3 volt pin and using a jumper to join the 5v to the 3.3v spots as indicated. Anyway I got it to read with AsProgrammer but there was nothing showing so then I also found a posting that said if I disconnect the the Vin on the EEprom it will work but give a calibration error so I did that instead and it seems to work. Disappointed the reprogramming didn't work but what the heck. Now I have to find out why I only have sound on the driver doors tweeter or midrange speaker. Cheers!
Great video, thanks for putting the info out there. I have a salvage radio for a 2015 Terrain. I've called a couple of dealers who both told me that there was no way to unlock and reprogram the VIN and I was just out of luck. So, a couple of questions:
1) Is the Tech 2 something only GMC dealers can purchase or is it available to the general public?
2) Is my newer radio somehow different from the example in your video?
Again, thank you for the time.
The Tech2 is a professional dealer grade tool yes, and anyone can purchase one but they are not cheap. Much more common is to buy a clone version on eBay. But that tool only goes up thru the mid-2000s. It was replaced by the GM MDI tool, which is the one for your 2015. The MDI requires a paid software subscription with ACDelco (I have some older videos on all of this if you search in my channel). GM has clamped down on allowing used modules in recent years, and so your dealers response is not surprising - static.oemdtc.com/TechLink/TechLink2010Feb.pdf. Page 2 of this GM tech note clearly states they have blocked moving radios from used vehicles around in models such as the GMC Terrain. I am not familiar with newer year radio EEPROM memory layout myself, but I see some forum posts around the EEPROM VIN rewrite approach being the only route. It would be similar tools and technique, though not the same memory locations as I've shown in this video for the older model years.
DrShock, great video. I am trying to replace the radio in my 2004 Avalanche and have picked up a 2003 GM radio out of a Silverado with CD and cassette and the new radio is of course locked. Can you point me to links to reliable sources where I can download the CH341PAR driver and the Asprogrammer software? I bought a chip reader and I am hoping to reprogram the chip myself as you have shown in your video. Thanks for your sharing your video and providing some options to resolving these frustrating issues.
In this video in the upper right you could click on the white circle _i_ button, links are in the description of the bottom video in the list - th-cam.com/video/hPKckby54uA/w-d-xo.html
Great job Any way you can do my radio? my 03 Tahoe AM/FM CD/Cassette . CD does not work. I bought a 03 Tahoe 6 Disc radio with Vin to install. any help would be appreciated. thanks
Would like to see a video on how the vin is changed in a HMI io6 for a chevy c7 corvette..
Can you program my 2014 junk yard Explorer radio with XM radio to work on my Explorer? Both radios are of the same year and Mfg. The connectors all plug in. The junk yard radio will not tune and will nit tune stations as it is stuck on one channel. Can you hack this issue?
Great Video! I have a 2011 Impala Fleet LT with a single CD player basic radio. I bought a 6 Disk CD player radio out of a 2006 Impala LTZ from junk yard. When attempting to unlock it with My Tech 2, only option on special functions was to test speakers. I tried it as 06, and 11 Impala. Weird as I had no problem unlocking NAV unit that came out of 09 traverse on My Impala. I was going to try SPS via tech 2, but found this video. I removed & read eeprom, it had last 6 of VIN from 06 Impala that it cam out of. I put the last 6 of My 11 Impala, and it worked great! Volume is clear, and I have mores Bass. Only thing, at Night, none of the buttons light up? Do You think I did something to cause this, when I removed & re soldered eeprom? I only removed one ribbon cable for ease of access, but I did re installed it ( CD player harness ). I used hot air station set at 350 C to R & R eeprom.
So on the Tech2 part, GM removed the feature after 2010 I believe, leaving no scan tool built in way to unlock the radio. And of course GM never supported moving radios, or any other components, between model years or models. So I would speculate the Tech2 picked up on some signal, or perhaps sniffed the VIN, and is ignoring your build choices. It happens. On the back lighting, that really sounds like more of a wiring harness problem (perhaps a change in the 2011 harness making it incompatible in this regard with the 2006 radio). Always start with the easier possible causes first. ;-) Have you verified there are no differences between the two years on the rear harness connectors? There is usually more than just the battery voltage supply that you need present. Instrument panel lamp voltage is typically the naming for the back lighting signal. I'd check that first (and the connector itself in case you got any debris shorting these pins on the circuit board side). Like the example at 15 :02 here - th-cam.com/video/SDRSA_fO2d4/w-d-xo.html
@@DrShock Thanks, No I did not verify difference between harness. I will have to do that next time I go to junk yard. So basically panel lamp voltage has its own wire. I thought maybe illumination was LAN controlled on 2011 impala.
Hi, DrShock thanks for such a superb job of presenting needed information. I have a 2001 Buick Le Sabre and want to know how to unlock the radio with a GM Tech2 scan tool. The radio is not a RDS radio. Thanks in advance for your thoughtful response.
Usually the pre-RDS 2001 and older radios were Theftlock types, just a code to unlock. These pre-date the Tech2 relearn feature and all you need to unlock one of those is call an 800 number with a button sequence code. Check the description on my other video here - th-cam.com/video/OJg6czxvJ2I/w-d-xo.html
Great video. I have a question. I have a tech 2 and I got a radio for my 2004 Chevy Tahoe from a 2006 Silverado with the same RPO options for the audio system. I followed the steps described in the video and it won’t unlock. The only thing I noticed was when the scanner is “establishing communication” after selecting all options it’s saying digital radio receiver not responding. Would the XM receiver cause a problem? When I do the radio setup it says “procedure is progress” then goes right to procedure complete and the radio is still locked. I tried a coupe key cycles and it remains locked. Not sure what to do at this point. On side note there was a aftermarket radio installed and it had one of those chime boxes. All the factory wiring is in place and all the aftermarket stuff is removed. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Those chime boxes would interfere with the Tech2 communication to the radio. Besides removing it, you have to be sure there is no damage to the original harness, particularly the serial communication wire (usually purple but not always). The XM radio receiver is a totally different thing, in fact it cannot be unlocked even by a Tech2 (different video for that one). To insure the communications is working, I would try using the Tech2 to pull read only radio information (e.g., part number) as a test. If you can't communicate with the radio it could be because you're mixing years here 2004 Body Control Module with a 2006 Radio where the 2006 radio has changed the unlock/setup procedure (2005 was a transition year as I mention in the video description where the menu options on the Tech2 changed). So you might try building the truck as a 2006 and retry to read the radio part number and see if that gets communications working.
Did you ever get this working? I’m having same no communication issue when trying to replace radio in my 03 burb.
Hi Dr. Shock .I've owned 4 Grand am GT's . I sold 2 to a friend of mine .1 for his wife (who later hit a couple of deer and wrote it off ),& the second to him (cause his 98 GMC 's transmission gave ip the ghost after 600000 km.) And the last one I still have . The problem is that the displays head south (or caught the covid). Anyway after tripping to the wreckers yesterday I found 2 monsoon replacements .took them home and swapped them out to see if the displays were good .Sure enough they checked out ok . But the brick wall appeared calibrate then lock . Strange thing though they worked as long as the engine was off ,but as soon as I started up the engine, calibrate then locked .so the next time I tripping to the wreckers, would grabbing the BCM and rsdio from the same car ,would that solve the problem? Or is it the knee bone connected to thigh bone connected to the ankle bone kinda situation? Or is it possible to just un board the display and organ transplant? Or are there even more bo bee traps along this path of thought ? Im starting to feel like a scientist who has to backwards engineer some strange alien technology.
The BCMs in these years will store the VIN and mileage and you cannot change them without doing EEPROM chip level surgery. If I had this problem I'd just disassemble the radio head unit and swap the display modules. I don't know if that's plug and play, or requires some desoldering/soldering though.
Thank you, yes this video helps a lot, besides changing the CH341A to 5 volts is there anything else that needs to be modified ?
You can use any EEPROM programmer you prefer that supports the chip type. I just showed this USB one because it is super inexpensive yet suitable for these automotive tasks when modified. It's always _easier_ with a Tech2 though. ;-)
@@DrShock What chip type its in the GM radios ? is that the same chip that is in the BCM? thank you
@@ernestoruesta9446 They are all different, but I show each type in each video I've made if you watch the circuit board review sections.
@@ernestoruesta9446 Different GM radios have different chips (per many TH-cam videos) and in different locations. I'm putting an upgraded (yet stock) radio into my 2009 HHR. Of course it is locked. The model number of the newer GM radio is 2596450. The eprom in mine is located beneath the USB circuit board attached to the front of the main board. It is an ATMEL 24C128N chip (IC). I've ordered the CH341A programmer and will be using this excellent video to reprogram that chip in my new radio. Since I have the VIN number from the original vehicle, I suspect finding it in the eprom data will be easy to do!
@@ernestoruesta9446 And to add, I believe the RPO code for my new radio must be UUI based on the radio model number, but I'm not sure if the UUI code from the original vehicle helps identify the radios chip number or not.
I just shared your video with Ferris State University in MI so they can reprogram my 2008 Impala junkyard radio to flash with my 2008 Impala by using the GM Tec-2. Seems they didn't know any of this using the Tec-2. I hope they can see more of the Tec 2 usage for programming these radios. My nest project is now to install the XM radio to mate with the new radio. Do you have a wiring diagram or schematic showing the wiring configuration from the trunk to the radio. I have the radio proper connectors but now need the wiring dolor chart to make up my own cabling. Thanks,
Joe
I would reference the service manual, or any shop manual for the vehicle, for the wiring diagram on the radio.
Thanks,
So I tried the thing where you unlock the head unit by just changing it to the serial number of the original one and it works. It does say calibrate (pontiac 6 CD changer unit), but I'm not sure that's related.
Calibration error indicates something missing from the chip that the firmware was looking for. Folks that yank the eeprom off the board as a crude way of unlocking it end up with this error, for example. Likely was there in before you did anything and should just pop up momentarily at each power on and then clear. Shouldn't block any functionality. If it bothered you you'ld need a Tech2 to run setup and the tool would automatically fill in what it's complaining about. I did a different video about these CAL ERR ones but its the same setup menu as I show in this one.
@@DrShock I just got the vid in my recommended. And yes, no functionality issues, it seems every Pontiac radio I see does this.
Did you do the 3.3v mod on ch341a? I'm doing it before attempting to read eeprom. I was unaware of that design flaw
Automotive chips are 5V, not 3.3V. The latter voltage would be for the type of chips used in consumer electronics instead. The ch341a mod video linked in this radio one goes over how I mod'd the black edition for 5V automotive use. You might have to scroll down the TH-cam _circle i_ icon to get the list of linked videos in the upper right corner while the vid is playing.
Thank you for the in-depth video and explanation. Would you know how people online are able to offer an "unlocking service"? Can the VIN be erased without having it learning a new one? Essentially putting it in VIN limbo I suppose.
The Body Control Module (BCM) will force the radio to carry a VIN, so it will always need to learn one. But what the professional radio shops _typically_ do is reprogram the used radios EEPROM with a _virgin_ image. Since these shops either have OEM relationships, or sold new OEM radios, they have access to these images to remanufacture the radios to like they were new out of the box. Such radios will then relearn the VIN from the BCM after installation.
The unlocking service folks are basically doing what I've shown here, you give them your VIN and they do exactly what I've shown. Some radios can have 0x00 to the VIN area, some 0xFF, etc and it will also trigger a VIN relearn. In those cases the radios are sold with the VIN _zero'd_ out. Though this latter approach can cause a CAL ERR problem with Delphi radios, it will be unlocked. Hope that helps.
@@DrShock Thank you so much. You are a wealth of knowledge!
It is a great video! But it’s a bit beyond my capabilities, especially with my rocks, screwdrivers, hammers, and basic multimeter. Very interesting, and one day, possibly when I have more time I’ll be back to try it on my stock stack. aftermarket radio will have to do.
Hello, i was just starting to eeprom, so i looked at questions below before i asked but i didnt see it? on the chip shows st 9404l and you said it is a 24c08. How did you come up with 24c08? Is there a book or something for cross-references?
No, nothing like that out there as GM/Delphi never publish their internal house numbering. Just trial and error to figure out chip family and storage capacity.
I have the TL866 II and I'm using Xgpro. I don't see 24C08 in Xgpro. Mostly AT25020 related stuff. I've looked for Asprogrammer. It seems to be Russian? A little scared to download. Do you know if Asprogrammer works with TL866 II? Is there another software you recommend?
Asprogrammer is only for the CH341a tool. You can only use Xgpro with a TL886 series tool. Xgpro has that device, you have to search by manufacturer. Try Microchip brand and SOIC8 for the footprint.
i just got nmy CH341A today and I am struggling. A few insights I wish your video has was the proper seating of the alligator clip module into the CH341 and whether or not there is a right way of actually clipping it onto the EEPROM. I really would appreciate any clarification on this as I am struggling right now since AsProgrammer keeps giving me "Error Connecting CH341A(-1)" when i goto read the EEPROM.
edit: figured out the Connection error, installed drivers and that is taken care of, Also noticed the clips have a red wire and in your video it appears the red wire is on the clip side closest to you. So with those two issues figured out in my own troubleshoot, i still cant get a solid connection on the chip yet. It appears as if the chip itself has a very sheer coating of some sort. Would this effect my connection?
edit 2: scraped the coating off the chip. got some new activity. got the "Read IC" to display the following:
Reading memory...
Done
Execution time: 0:00:00
CRC32 = 0xEFB5AF2E
but none of the actual data shows up. still just showing all zeros. i am lost at this point
The red stripe indicates "pin 1" for the chip you are connecting the test clip to. Some boards do have a water proofing material sprayed onto them that will have to be cleared away from the pins yes.
However, for automotive boards, the biggest challenge is the vast majority *cannot* be read in-circuit. That's because the board designs/layouts tend to have other chips get powered up from the test clip supplying +5VDC and the resulting bus contention prevents reading, and writing, the EEPROM. In situations where you know you have a working setup, but a particular board gives 0xFF's or 0x00's on a read then you'll need to desolder the device and read it/write it off board instead.
So I did a factory upgrade radio in my 07 classic. Whent from a base w/t radio to a 6 CD radio. Since they have different cereal numbers would I still be able to reprogram the eprom vin? Or would it still be locked do to the different cereal number?
The VIN of the vehicle is the _serial_ number of interest here, not the radios' serial. So as long as the 2007 radio you went with was the part number available in model year 2007 the Tech2 will recognize it and do the unlock (if you mix years/part numbers the Tech2 will usually not cooperate for non-factory available configurations). And if you choose to go the EEPROM route instead, yeah it would just be changing the VIN stored in there as I showed for these 2003-2005 ones.
@@DrShock ok. Not shure what year the radio came out of. I know it's the newer 05 up one. I have one from an 03 and the part number is different. So hopefully the one I have installed is the right part number.
Hello, I know this is an older video but, will the steps for eeprom programming work for a 2007 gmc yukon xl radio that has the dvd player in addition to the cd player?
The process and approach will be the same for any Delphi/GM radio of this era. But the circuit board layout can vary considerably model to model. And the EEPROM number on some less popular radios may not be already known, so you may have to experiment to identify which chip is the correct one.
Greetings and thanks for the good informative video.
Now then, seems no one on these videos are going into enough detail for those of us who are unfamiliar with the programmer sequencing. Can you refer us to any videos are explain how to set up and navigate the Programmer... how the interface works, etc., in better detail...it just looked like a bunch of Matrix type numbers scrolling up the screen all jumbled up. How exactly would we know to put that other last six digits of another VIN number in? Where did that number come from?? How do we get to that screen you were on? LOL, what's going on? Any additional helpful advise so we can make sense of what we saw you doing in regards to that chip-reading/re-programming part of the video would be great. Thanks.
Thanks. It would be very easy to _brick_ a radio if you did not have prior experience with chip programming. My advice here would be to simply desolder the chip from the original radio, and transfer it over to the donor. This route would requires some experience and having the tools used with surface mount device soldering, but no programming.
@@DrShock okay That’s what I’m thinking. Thanks for your feedback!🙂
So I'm wanting to put a 2010 OEM radio in my 2006 Suburban. Chev Serv says you can't program a VIN into a different year radio. First, is that true? And if so, does your EPROM reprogramming get around that?
That's true in that the dealer tooling will not let you configure a radio part number into a vehicle that it wasn't originally available from the GM factory with. Some dealers used try to get around that by configuring the tool for a different year and model, but GM has clamped down on that in more recent years. Nowadays GM has blocked reusing most any used modules for repairs that require programming to configure.
The eeprom content is only relevant for the VIN unlocking. The bigger problem is most newer radios are not electronically compatible with older vehicles, as the newer ones are on faster type of communications network. Usually 2006 and 2010 are not too far apart in that regard, but I haven't done this specific mod myself so cannot say for sure the 2010 radio there is electronically compatible, where it can talk to the Body Control Module (BCM) of the 2006.
Can you do a video strictly on the eeprom software? Setup user info
wonderful video. I borrowed a Tech2 and the procedure here doesnt seem to be working for me. the radio set up runs and says complete but nothing happens. still locked. Iam purchasing the
CH341A 24 25 Series EEPROM Flash BIOS USB Programmer on amazon and will try to change the VIN as in the video. Can you tell me the software you use and the best place to find it? thanks
Nevermind. I just saw your instructions tosomeone else on how to find it. Thank you
I just put a new unlocked stock radio in my 2004 chevy impala and can't program the key fobs. Do I need to have the dealer program them??
If the radio is a part number correct for 2004, then you should be able to do it yourself. The procedure is lengthy, try google "2004 impala key fob programming" and you'll see a few write-ups.
So, if you just erase the vin from the eeprom, wouldnt that be like installing an unlocked radio? Where when you plug it in, the bcm will automatically enter the vin? Also, what program (site) do you use for reading and writing the eeprom?
Yeah, most of them would come like that in their _virgin_ state. Some years it will want the memory are for the VIN filled with 0x00, other years 0xFF. I use AsProgrammer from the CH341 video linked in the upper right corner of this one (white circle _i_ icon).
Dr. Shock, I have a 2004 GMC Yukon XL Denali and would like to replace my existing GM Radio/CD/XM/Cassette Unit with the same model unit (Salvaged - A Condition) which has the EEPROM cleared. What are my options? I don't have a GM Tech 2 nor GM MDI Scan Tool. Would I be able to save the existing EEPROM data from Original and then write that data to the Salvaged unit? Thanks for the help.
Yeah, I give two options for those without a dealership grade scan tool. Your best bet is to just desolder the EEPROM from the original unit, and replace the one in the donor unit with the original chip. Be sure both radios have the exact same GM part number as there are different circuit boards and different EEPROM contents out there even in the same model year.
Now you mention the salvage yard already has the EEPROM _cleared_ and that's important. As some vendors will clear this out with a scan tool before selling. If you have that done, you don't have to do anything but plug and play and the radio will learn the new VIN on the first power up cycle.
I have a 2003 tahoe that I am trying to get a 05 suburban radio programed to and the tech2 that the shop i work at has no such function for a 2003. Why is this. Do the pickups work the same as the cars?
The Tech2 menu options will vary by make and model as well as year. That's why you have to _build the vehicle_ by answering all those questions up front. In the description I mention where this menu shows up for 2006 to 2010 cars, you might try that menu path for the 03 Tahoe. I haven't worked on that series of trucks so not directly familiar with the menu for them.
Well after dealing with a locked radio for a while now I know the best method is to buy a VXDiag Nano for GM. It's about $120 but you get complete tech 2 functionality and even gm mdi capabilities too.
Could you give the model #??
Hi Dr.Shock! Where did you download the programming software online? I saw another video on youtube about it, but the chinese website the guy uses seems pretty sketchy.
If you're referring to the EEPROM programming software, chase the other video linked in the upper right of this one and there's a link in the description. But fair warning, it's Russian. ;-)
question! what would happen when manually programming the eeprom if you left the vin section blank or removed the existing vin and dont replace it?
Depending on the radio model, either 0xff or 0x00 hex written to these locations will end up being viewed as _virgin_ out of the box mode and the BCM will encode the VIN automatically. This will only work if the _exact_ same number of bytes as the VIN are used, one more or less and it will remain locked.
@@DrShock thanks doc!
I finally got my hands on a CD/Cassette radio that everything works on. 15195517. This radio has (3) 8 pin chips. There's some clear coating on the board. Can not read the labels on the chips. Will the CH341 destroy a chip if it's not the eeprom and/or is connected backwards?
Yep, quite possible to fry something like that. You would be supplying voltage to a pin on the chip that wasn't supposed to receive it.
I have a 05 GMC. truck n my CD player don't work so can i take just the part of the CD player out of another radio just like my n it work?
Yeah you could, but there could be design changes along the years that might affect the fitment. So unless you can eyeball it first, I'd suggest getting one out of a unit with the same GM part number as yours to insure it fits in exactly the same way.
It will function as-is in a Chevy Cobalt 2006? Or need to be programmed anyway to a SPS?
Of course, the particular type of radio shown in the video is not compatible with the Cobalt. The Tech2 Radio with a Candi module has a different menu option but it is there. It's under special functions, module setup, VIN relearn. No SPS required just like here. Of course the EEPROM approach is fairly universal to all Delphi radios of the era.
When you say "standalone" you mean without GM software? I am VERY new to tech 2, got one for working on Saabs but the PCMCIA card is Saab only and doesn't work in a Silverado.
You can use the Tech2 all on its own, without the TIS2000 software. I refer to that as _standalone_ mode. Unfortunately, GM has dropped support for the Tech2 back in 2021 for the online Techline Connect software, so they can really only be used standalone, or with the vintage TIS2000 PC based software nowadays.
How or where can I get the computer software that you are using?
After buying the adapter EPROM, how do I put all this together and integrate the software that you are using?
Lots of questions about this because I’ve been to three GMC dealerships all three told me they could not reprogram or unlock my salvage radio, even if I paid the $175 labor, they were very staunch about it and it seems that whatever the problem is they just don’t want to fool with it.
I could really use the help in getting my own computer software and EPROM clip set up for use, there are a lot more folks out there who have this very problem and if I can get it set up I can fix mine as well as help out some other people.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
It’s funny that I’m a PhD and know absolutely nothing about electronics I am a clinical psychologist who can’t unlock my salvage radio nor get the dealer to do it.
Please help.
Dr. Jamie Brown
The answer to the software question is to reference the earlier video, and its description, that I did on modifications to the Black Edition CH341A EEPROM programmer so that it can be used for automotive applications. That video is linked in the upper right of this one (just click on the white circle with an _i_ icon that TH-cam puts up there).
Unfortunately, this is not a typical DIYer kind of job. You have to have quite a bit of existing experience in desoldering, soldering, and EEPROM programming to be successful. If these are new skills, I would suggest trying out what you purchase with some blank chips and scrap circuit boards before taking on your GM radio.
So for the RPO codes when I’m doing the tech2 setup I need my trucks rpo code or the rpo code from the vehicle I pulled the radio from, I’m assuming I use my trucks codes correct?
You don't need the RPO codes as much as the radio part number from the sticker on the outside of its casing. If you are just replacing a dead radio with the same one the truck was built with, you can use just the part number. But if you want to upgrade, then that's when you use the RPO code to find out what the better radio was that year so you know what to look for in the salvage yard. Easier to look at the rpo sticker before you open the dash an all to check the part number. The reason for this whole dance is the GM tooling will not unlock or program a radio that was not available in the year a particular VIN was built. So you can upgrade, but you have to stay in that kind of window.
@@DrShock oh ok cause my truck came with only a CD player but I’m upgrading to a CD/cassette from an 04 impala and my truck is an 05 Jimmy so that’s why I was asking, should I go with the impala
I'm not familiar with the original radio options on the 2005 Jimmy truck, but if look in the owners manual and see a similar CD/cassette option then you should be ok. Personally, if it existed in the owners manual, I'd look for the unit out of another Jimmy to be sure as unfortunately GM made all sorts of little changes (that's why the radios have all these different part numbers). Sometimes it was just a different color for the backlighting, or a different shade to the front bezel. But sometimes it was programming differences. They really wanted to prevent swapping parts around by the dealership, or the customer ;-)
@@DrShock makes sense yeah I’ll have to look and it sucks cause 05 was the last year for the Jimmy and there’s not too many of them so my odds of finding an 05 Jimmy with that option are slim I think, but thank you for the quick responses and the great video I appreciate it 👍
Modified the CH341A for +5v output like you described in your other video. The radio I'm trying to unlock (from a 2003 Chevy Suburban) looks the same on the front as in your video, but under the bottom cover I found the 9355093 EEPROM and it is not obstructed by anything. Anyway when I connect the test clip to the chip, I keep getting the message "Connecting Error CH341 (not found)". I have tried multiple times to read the EEPROM (with the old radio so I don't screw something up with the salvage radio), but keep getting the error message. Tried turning the clip around backwards on the chip momentarily, but the red light goes out on the CH341 programmer!
Is it possible the chip is bad or can't be read on the board?? I'm frustrated!
Some radio circuit board designs have multiple chips on the same traces to that EEPROM. So a testclip creates interference, bus contention, by powering up those other chips at the same time. In those designs, you have to unsolder and remove the EEPROM from the circuit board and work with it off board. Then resolder it back when the re-programming is complete.
A good way to verify this is your situation, is to attempt to read any _known good_ EEPROM chip with the programmer before working with the radio. Always test that your equipment is working OK before starting a repair.
@@DrShock Bought EEPROM chips and tried to read a 24C08 chip with the CH341, but it can't read the chip! Wondering if the ASProgrammer I downloaded from your link is corrupt?? The version I downloaded has already been translated to English (not sure if google translate automatically changed it from Russian). Could you send me a direct link to the software?
Hey DrShock, great video. I bought a 2003 silverado with a Delphi radio, CD and cassette in it. It shows a "cal err". It comes on but with no sound. I can change stations, see volume going up and down. I made the eeprom programmer from your other video but the chip to reprogram is not in the location that shows in the video. Is there a way to send a pic of the cb?
Cal Err is not the same as locked. In that case it's not just the VIN being wrong. It's lost it's initial programming somehow. That stands for Calibration Error. A calibration is GM-speak for re-flash or re-program. When this happens the radio doesn't know what speakers you have, or what amp you have or maybe it's looking for an amp when it shouldn't be, etc. You'll need to use a Tech2 scan tool (or Tech2Win emulator) to run what's usually called the radio setup function and then re-calibrate it. See time index 21::00 or so of this video th-cam.com/video/ycS_jzIEtRk/w-d-xo.html
@@DrShock Thanks for explaining what the Cal Error is. I will get it taken care of.
@@DrShock I bought a radio out of a trail blazer. It worked when it was pulled and when I put it in my truck it is now locked. I'm still not able to get the EEProm to work. Do you know of anyone near Charlotte NC that can help or put my vin in the program?
@@briansieja3211 No, I don't. But you could try replacementradios.com, they used to have a mail in service for GM radio unlocking.
So I just tried similar radio with a cassette, the eeprom is angled different and could not get reading from it . So some of the EEproms need to be read outside of the board ? Had similar issues with Pontiac radios that come with yellow and white buttons
Actually _most_ chips need to be removed to read. It's usually because you just cannot get a test clip into the space, but there are some years that have extra circuitry that the test clip inadvertently powers up creating bus contention.
@@DrShock appreciate your reply . Thank you
I am having the worst luck just trying to read the 24c08 chip. I bought the ch341A and modified it as you showed for 5 volts. I verified the 5 volts with a multimeter. I have connected it to a windows 10 machine and my old windows xp machine and both show communication with the ch341a ( green light even flashes when pressing read) but it just will not read the 24c08. I am also using a chip clip. Do you have any ideas? I'm starting to wonder if I received a bad ch341A. Thanks for your help.
Some radio models have a circuit board where in-circuit reading is simply not possible. You can test your work with a spare EEPROM to know your programmer and test clip leads are good to go. But I do run into this and when it happens the only option is to de-solder the chip from the board to R/W it successfully.
@@DrShock Thanks for your help. I was kind of thinking along the same lines. I ordered a pack of 24c08 chips, for testing, as well as another ch341A from a different seller, since they're so cheap. I'm out of desoldering braid, so I will have wait for that to arrive as well. I will add something to your tip jar for your help. Thanks again.
Awesome video! I have a ch341a device that I use for working on laptops. So I think I'm all set. I pulled a radio from an 06 GMC Envoy at the local pick and pull. It's Delphi part no, 28043565, GM 15850275, date 12/11/06. Initially plugging the radio into my car, it powered up and played. Of course it promptly locked when I turned the key. So opening the radio, I see only one 8 pin chip toward the center of the board labeled 1001375 9606W. Searching this out, it would appear to be a 24C08 chip. I attached the clip in what appears to be the correct orientation, and run the linux flashrom program. In this orientation an get both leds to light, but the program only returns "no eprom/flash device found". Reversing the clip produced "Couldn't open device 1a86:5512." Can you offer any advise? What am I missing? Thanks!
Thanks. So there's a couple of factors perhaps involved here. The link I provide around the CH341a is modifying it for automotive use. What you use with laptop flash chips is going to be 3.3V, or even 1.8V with an adapter. But automotive boards do not use these voltages, they use 5V. So reading and writing an automotive board requires a voltage upgrade to _some_ CH341a programmers - those without a selectable voltage setting.
The second consideration is that actually very few GM circuit boards have memory chips that can be read with a test clip. I always try that first, but I'd say it's about a 1 in 8 occurrence that it works. This is because when the test clip powers up the memory device, it also powers up other devices on the board. And if the circuit design has those devices accessing the memory chip, you will get bus contention that prevents accessing the memory. In these cases, as it is most of the time, you have to desolder the memory chip from the board and read/program it outside of the circuit.
@@DrShock Thank you for your quick reply! I'll look for that link and see about modifying one of my CH341a(s). I'll give the clip another try, and if not I'll unsolder it and try that. Is it possible to program another chip with an generic unlocked image and replace the chip?
@@fractal815 If you have a _virgin_ image, sure. A virgin image would be how he radio EEPROM appears when purchased as a brand new part - unlocked and un-programmed. You can also save the chip image from a radio that a radio shop has unlocked and reset to the "new" state. But any used donor radio will, of course, contain a VIN already and would not yield a suitable image to use for this approach.
@@fractal815What did you do regarding that? I have the same chip in the middle of the board
If I purchase the Tech 2 is all the info in the unit or do I need to buy a subscription and load the unit thru computer? I have a 2003 S10 where I just replaced the radio and am locked out of course. Just curious if I spend the money will i need to spend more. nearest dealer to me is 3 hours away, local mechanics are not able to unlock
thanks in advance
The Tech2 works a PC running Windows 2000 or XP only (very vintage software called TIS2000 runs there) but between the two can cover thru model year 2007. Newer than that year you'll need to buy a subscription to ACDelco TDS for it on a per VIN basis.
DrShock thank you
Doesn’t sound like it’s worth the expense as I don’t have any old windows programs
Nice video. Question; what if you just swapped the chip to the replacement radio and be done with it ? If not, why not ?
I believe I mentioned that in the video, that yes this is certainly an option (i.e., to unsolder the EEPROM from the original radio and replace the one on the donor radio). For this to work though, both radios have to have the _exact_ same GM part number. Many radios have the same faceplate, but different circuit boards.
Thanks for this well explained video. I have a question, can you get rid of the vin number all together so it's not always locked to one vehicle at a time but completely unlocked for any vehicles?
No, that's a GM feature (TheftLock) and part of the Body Control Module
How do I verify which chip I have? Trying to unlock a 2012 traverse oem radio
Trial and error is really the only way if its not one someone has already published information on. You need to desolder the chip from the board so you can experiment on it out of circuit while attempting _only_ read operations while trying different chip family settings in the programmer software. Sometimes there will be a fab symbol on the chip to at least indicate the manufacturer.
I have a regular CD player deck, can I swap it out with the upgraded 6 disc and it work? If I unlock it?
The single CD player is integrated inside the radio in this model. So you would need a compatible remote multi disc player for it to work. By compatible I mean it would have had to have been an option you could have bought from GM in the same year as the radio and vehicle. Otherwise, there is unlikely to be any programming support for such a configuration. You might have to look into non-GM aftermarket options to get what you want otherwise.
Loved the video. My problem is that I can read the settings, but they all show up as O. Could the people I bought the radio from erased all the settings
When you say "I can read the settings" yet are seeing all 0's, can you elaborate? Trying to determine if you see the EEPROM contents otherwise just not the VIN.
It says reading IC, the green light is on, but the only thing that comes up is all zeros, but no contents. I'll send you a screen shot
Sorry I could not get a screen shot to work. I had company come up and one of us knocked the IC off the bench, and I can not find it. I have some new IC's coming. I was told to put the new IC in, with no programing and let the ECM program it. Any ideas?
If it reads 0's, that usually means it's not making contact with all the pins. Typically a problem when you try to read it in-circuit with a test clip. Some radio boards have other components that interfere and you have to desolder and remove the IC to read it correctly. If you have it desoldered and you're still getting 0's, then I'd have to presume you either have the programmer set for the wrong device type or you removed a different 8 pin device that was not the EEPROM. _Most_ models will work with a blank yes, but some won't. That's why I showed this approach that works every time.
@@DrShock Could I possible get a copy of the file you used to program the radio with the Asprogramer?. I realize I will have to change the serial number and vin number, but that should not be a problem.
Did your front speakers stop working? I followed instructions and I he front speakers don't work now only the rear ones do
When using the Tech2 setup method, you have to choose the correct option code at 3:21 for what speakers you have. If you used the EEPROM method swap method, as I mentioned in the video both radios have to have the same _exact_ GM part number. If you just updated the VIN in the EEPROM contents, that's not going to have anything to do with speakers - recheck that you didn't overwrite some other area of memory by accident in doing so.
I have a Corvette DN-NS-008 radio that I'm trying to put in my pickup the radio is locked how can I unlock this radio I cannot find anything on how to do it
That would be a navigation type radio made by Denso. If it's from a Corvette under the 2009 model year, and the truck is of the same year, you should still be able to use the Tech2 to do a VIN relearn on it or have the Chevy dealer to that. The communications wiring changed at some point around 2005-2007 depending on the GM model, so you cannot mix match too broadly. If it's a 2011 or newer radio, the only way is probably editing the EEPROM chip contents on the circuit board as GM made changes to prevent dealers supporting what you're trying to do since it costs them $$ at the parts counter.
So I've used your method and unlocked a radio and and XM module like this successfully but I'm having trouble with another stereo I'm doing for a friend. It'll say that it reads it successfully but everything is blank. I've been trying for 2 hours thinking that maybe something wasn't making contact or something else like that, but it's just been blank this whole time and I can't get it to read. What could I do? It's out of a grand am.
All 00s, rather than all FFs, would indicate you're not getting a clear read to me. Did you remove the chip from the circuit board to read it?
Nope, test clip
Yeah ok that's what I thought. I've seen this on some circuits, even across radios from different suppliers (Delphi vs Panasonic e.g.). It usually means you've powered something else up on the board via the testclip and it's interfering with the data bus lines. When I hit this, I usually just remove the chip from the PCB and continue that way.
Hi I got the CH341A Programmer and using same name software. Not the AsProgrammer you use in the video. Chip reads 24 EEPROM Manu: COMM Name: 24C08 5V. And that’s all it can do I get no other information when I scroll down. What cold be the issue?
I haven't used the basic software, only AsProgrammer as it's far more suitable for automotive work. But typically problems doing a read fall into some common buckets of (A) chip cannot be read in circuit so must be desoldered, (B) poor contact with chip pins, (C) wrong or defective pinout adapter, or (D) wrong device selected in programmer software. You wouldn't typically need the 5V mod to read, just to write.
@@DrShock Where can I download the software you are using? Thank you for your response.
As mentioned in the video - it's in the description.
I need to do a 07 gm radio, once I have the file loaded in the 866TL do I need to export the file to edit it or can it be changed in the minipro software?
You can edit the EEPROM using the TL866 application directly. But I do recommend you first save what you've read before making any changes, in case there's a mistake or problem you can always write the EEPROM back to where you started.
@@DrShock Do you know if it looks for the radio model number also? Should I be good just changing the vin. Thanks
@@michaelbox7285 The BCM doesn't care about the other data in the EEPROM, only the radio's own firmware does. So you just need to worry about the VIN from an unlock perspective. But different radio part numbers can and do have different suppliers (e.g., Delphi, Panasonic, etc) and so you might find other problems if you mix years too far apart. Just adding this in case you were using a radio part number not original to your 2007.
Thanks
Can you just swap the eeprom chips from original radio into the replacement radio?
If the GM/Delphi part numbers on the radios white label match exactly, yes you can.
Funny how you mention flashing the radio correctly for the correct "amplification" for the speakers, depending what options the vehicle supposely it came from. I got one off ebay from a regular seller that offers radios like this preprogrammed for your particular vehicle, i summited my 2005 gmc sierra 1500 VIN# prior to purchase, bought the truck used 9months ago. I received my MP3 player version(UQ3), it came with a brand new face and bottons on it, even though the radio is used and from late 2004, the sticker in my glovebox says UB0/UQ5, both are for non bose systems. Everything works great, i get normal volume from the front speakers, but low volume from the rear speakers when volume knob is turned all the way up, i tested with fader as well as the ballance functions, same results. Its not the speaker wiring and its not the speakers, all four speakers are brand new and i even tested everything with an aftermarket stereo, all four channels has the same volume when turned up all the way... any ideas? Thanks
The RPO codes UQ3 (base) and UQ5 (upgrade) you mention are speaker options, rather than radio ones. Neither include a rear amplifier. Without seeing the truck, just reading the comment here I'd say the factory MP3 radio is expecting there to be a factory rear amplifier installed. My 2004 Chevrolet has that radio (big MP3 letters on the faceplate), and it certainly does require the amp for the rears. Like in the video at 3:30, though for a Chevy Cavalier, you'll get a set of combinations of radio, speaker, and amplifier RPO codes to program with the Tech2 tool. I'd expect the GMC Sierra to be the same, just different codes. The aftermarket radio works because it would most likely not support a GM factory amplifier anyway so just does the same output level for all.
@@DrShock As you stated, your 2004 chevrolet has the same MP3 letting on your radio like mine and required an amp to drive the rear speakers, that makes perfect sense. I was thinking that exact same thing when testing my radio, the rear low output volume are like low level RCA outputs that had to be connected to an amplifier. I have a LUMY osciliscope and was getting almost 2v max from the rear speaker outputs, my truck is considered a base model and according to the "UB0" RPO radio code from the glovebox sticker, it comes up as a regular CD player radio. So i guess if i wanted the full output from the rear speakers like the fronts, i would perhaps need a TECH2 tool to have it reprogramed for a non amp speaker system or not? Thanks
Presuming that MP3 radio supported the UQ5 speaker option you have that might be a way, I wouldn't know for sure. It's possible that radio does not support any non-amplified rear speakers.
@@DrShock The only reason i went with an MP3 cd radio, i prefered it over the regular cd audio player radio even though it will play both formats, is because of how much music i can put on a cd, 50+ vs 15 or less on a regular cd audio disk. If only i had known about GM's "special" programing of their radios according to the audio options of the vehicle before i bought mine, i would have had my MP3 radio programed properly or found a better matching one for my truck. I figure the rear speaker output would make for a great subwoofer option, the 2 front speakers and the rear to an 8" woofer with built in amp for some light bass.
It was the top of the line radio of the day, back when it was the thing to _burn_ your own CDs. I did a quick glance but don't even see the MP3 style radio shown in the 2005 GMC Sierra owners manual GM has online. It might not have been an option, or I may have missed it. But if this were my truck I'd certainly be trying to keep it factory in nature so I'd look at what radios I could have gotten new, and take a Saturday afternoon at my local LKQ salvage yard looking to pull the matching rear speakers and their harness or amp.
What Software do you use with the eeprom reader?
Typically the programmer will come with the software. In the case of these inexpensive USB programmers, I use AsProgrammer.
Dr. Shock, do you unlock GM radios for people? If that is something you would consider, let me know what you might charge for doing it. Thanks.
No, used to but not a business anymore. But there are folks out there that do what I've shown for a fee. My intent is to share the _secrets_ so you do not have to pay for such services. Google for _gm radio vin clear service_ and you should find some providers. Expect to pay anywhere from $45 to $60 plus tax and shipping.
didn't work with my Tech 2 -- never asked for the radio option code, just said "operation complete" and radio is still locked.... 6 disc changer radio in an 04 yukon.... option UC6
Is the radio model original to the vehicle (i.e., same exact model year and part number as if when built originally)?
Great video. The dealer wants 200 bucks to reprogram my radio in my Monte Carlo SS. I'd rather buy a tech 2. Do you have a good source where I can buy one online?
Thanks, there's a search link in the description of this video you could check out. Buying a Tech2 typically pays for itself on the first repair job. ;-)
Do I need the original VIN? How do I recognize the original partial VIN location if I don't know the number. I bought a radio from a Facebook Marketplace seller.
If you use a GM scan tool you don't need to know anything, it will read the VIN from the BCM automatically as part of the setup process. If you're doing the EEPROM method, then it depends. If you have the same model radio I've shown here then you already know where the VIN sits in memory. If not, you kinda have to know the donor vehicle VIN to locate it as other radio models may have this stored in a different memory location.
@@DrShock My radio is similar except also has cassette. I've asked the seller for the VIN for the truck the radio came from. Otherwise I'll just have to find somebody with a Tech scanner. Anyway thank you for posting this procedure. Cool stuff to know.
I went down the wrong path trying to use the adaptor mod shown in the CH341 5v mod video. My radios chip is in a different position on the board but has the same part number as the one shown here. I bought some eproms to try in case it just didn't want to work in circuit. There are no dots, notches bevels or anything to indicate where pin one is on my chip in the radio or the ones I bought. It appears when the writing on the chip is right side up, pin one is the lower left. The labels on the chips I bought are unreadable to my eyes, even magnified. I bought 2 more CH341s off Amazon. Tried so many things, reinstalls, different drivers. Been messing with this off and on for weeks. Not sure I know what combination of efforts got it to work. I have programmed 2 radios. I've not put one in the car yet to see it they'll work. Still looking for one screw from the cassette transport that hit the floor.
Both radios work so the eprom thing is a success, but both radios have problems with tape & CD functions. My Chevy Trailblazer came to me with a radio missing. I just want a factory CD/Tape radio in it. Trying to decipher the mechanisms while also shopping for another replacement
I have a 2003 Silverado Base Radio and needed to replace the radio with a junk yard radio.... I have a GM Tech 2 and it's not giving me the option to Radio Setup...it just gives me "Input" "Output" etc...... how do I "unlock" radio.......??
The cars and trucks may have different menu paths in the Tech2 to get to the same functionality. This special function may be called VIN relearn for a 2003 model year truck. And it may not be in the same menu path as I show for the cars here.
You went into Body section menu, then found radio, special functions right? And if so all you see are the speaker and amp settings?
@@DrShock I went into all that and all it showed was "Input, Output and Data" with no Setup in the menu. I've spent more than an hour looking at other options....I'm tired of it..... I wanted to replace the radio because the CD Player and Cassette were not working, so I'm in the process of switching the circuit boards so it'll work......
When I switched the circuit board everything worked just fine...but what a headache.....
I've heard some times, on the earlier, trucks you have to change the year to a later one to get it to show up. But not always, which is why I showed both methods. You might try saying you have a 2004 or 2005 and see if the menu options change for you.
@@DrShock No luck....tried later and earlier by a few years and it would never give me "Radio Setup" or anything that would seem to get it unlocked......SO I just switched the circuit board and then I had a radio with a CD and Cassette all working.
What if you don’t have access to the RPO code such as a radio from eBay? What do you do at that point?
If the radio in the vehicle is original OEM, just go with the GM part number on the white sticker on top of it. If the original radio is missing, you will still have the RPO code attached to the vehicle service parts sticker, and a dedicated radio shop will be able to identify the correct replacement with that plus the VIN. Even better, the radio shop will be usually be selling it as unlocked.
@@DrShock ok it still has all the stickers, do I take it to the dealership?
For the age range this video covers, going to the dealership for an unlock would cost more than two or three times the value of the radio itself. If this isn't something you could do yourself, I'd suggest a radio shop or a small independently owned mechanic shop that has a GM Tech2 type scan tool.
I’ve got a tech2win, and I was able to get the vin from the seller on eBay, and I got the rpo code. Will the bcm in the car write to the radio if I set the tech 2 off the donor vehicle?
Not all GM model BCMs will do the VIN relearn function, which is why I also showed how to edit the chip at the board level. But if you have the tooling, build the vehicle in Tech2Win and confirm it has the menu option I showed in the video first.
What does a EEPROM look like in a Pontiac Grand Prix
Can you unlock a radio for a customer if they were to ship it to you?? Thanks Tim
Sorry, not a business
i just got one of the eeprom programmers (that you recommended) black edition. when i plug it into my usb port, it says driver unavailable. Any suggestions? thanks
You have to have a Windows device driver for it as well as AsProgrammer software. If you reference the CH341a video I linked in this one (upper right corner white circle _i_ icon) it's description will have links to the software you need for it.
@@DrShock thank you. i was able to get the driver installed. now if i can get the software, hopefully i'll be able to vin write this radio.
@@DrShock i went to the link you recommended for the software. found the post for the link download. clicked on it to open, but it goes to the next page that shows the shows the asprogrammer or driver and firmware. when i click on the file icon, than open, it doesn't do anything. and this is all through windows 10. thanks
@@DrShock you'll have to excuse me. I'm not exactly a tech saavy guy. i deal with mostly automotive repairs. but as you obviously know, these two industries are getting more and more related. I didn't even see at first from the link, that they were actually two separate links for the programmer. once I figured that out, I was able to get the software on my computer, and am now in the process of trying to read and program it.
Yeah it's well into the point now where you have to marry the mechanical with the electronics background to effect the repairs. ;-)
My tech 2 doesn't have anything to unlock the radio in the body section. Any help you can give on this would be greatly appreciated.
I mention in the video description text some menu variations. This technique isn't applicable to 2002 and prior for any GM vehicle. And after 2010 the Tech2 is mostly obsolete so different methods are typically employed using the MDI and SPS programming. But if you're in the 2003 to 2010 model year range the description should cover you on one of those Tech2 menu paths. If not comment back here and I'll research it.
@@DrShock After building the vehicle and going to body there's not an option for radio in the menu; frame 2.39 isn't there on my tech 2
What year Chevrolet?
@@DrShock 2011 chevy Silverado 1500. Its shows to be a k build and after that there's nothing about radio unlock in body or anywhere else I've been able to find
So yeah as mentioned after 2010 so this procedure isn't applicable for the most part as GM removed the capability from later models. I haven't worked on your model year or newer truck for a radio unlock but if you don't get either of the two Tech2 menus I go over in the description and this video then this approach wouldn't be applicable to 2011. You could still edit the EEPROM manually, but I'm not aware of a Tech2 path that would do it at this time.
Trying to use my vcx nano and tech2win to replace Bose radio in my 2003 suburban but no matter what code I select for vehicle it only comes up with Chevrolet truck and then I select radio and it keeps saying no communication with radio.
Communication protocols to the radio change over the model years, so be sure that the radio is the same model year as the truck. When you build the vehicle in the Tech2 menu, be sure to select the model year and engine code based on the VIN.
@@DrShock I appreciate the quick response. I’ve been reading comments on this video and discovered that you need to build the vehicle in tech2 for the vehicle it came out of?
I have two used radios. First one is a 6 disc changer 15184935 manufactured 10/01/02 so guess it’s from an 2003 Silverado or suv. My original radio is a different part number but looks identical. Other radio is a single cd and cassette combo. Part 15104156. Manufactured 01/30/04. No idea what this came out of.
If I understand correctly I just need to try different years and vehicles until I can successfully reprogram vin? I’m trying to do this with key in on position which radio then goes into theftlock.
My original 03 suburban Bose radio works great unless it’s below 50 degrees then it powers on but no sound until cabin heats up. And it still randomly reboots during use. I’ve tried heating the main board of radio up to 400F to reflow solider, this helped for a few days then back to its old problems.
You don't have to match the original radio part number wise. You can _upgrade_ to something higher, but you'll want to stay in that same model year vicinity and what was available on the truck new. Like a 6 disc changer from another Chevrolet, vs one from a Cadillac Escalade. This is usually the path of highest compatibility.
The comments you're reading on building the vehicle differently than actual have to do with getting around when GM removed the ability to do a VIN relearn from the menu. But you mentioned having no communications at all, so different problem. You need to solve the lack of comms first. This is usually, other than the VX Nano variable, due to having a mismatch in compatible modules hence my model year comments. Verify comms to other modules, like the PCM, to avoid his being related to the Nano.
@@DrShock spent more time with vcx nano and tech2win. I verified it actually is connected to my 03 suburban. But every time I select year the vehicle (chev truck) and a letter code? Tried all the letter codes and I always get message cannot communicate with digial radio. I can however display data from radio and read DTC codes like u1000 but whenever I try and vin relearn or radio setup it just completes right away and radio stays locked.
Only vehicle I don’t get the can’t contact digital radio message is the express Savana but once in menu there isn’t a radio setup or vin relearn just other functions like srs vid info radio id info etc.
Seems like my vcx nano tech2 software can’t remove theftlock with my 03 burb radio even though I can read its data like volume level antenna strength etc.
I did an older vid on how to know which code to pick when building the vehicle - th-cam.com/video/TwUFPPy3J_I/w-d-xo.html for future reference. It does sound like a problem with the Nano. You might try just doing an SPS (TIS2000) or SPS2 (Techline Connect) recalibration instead of the VIN relearn. For older vehicles like your 2003, this _usually_ (but not always) will also perform a VIN relearn.
hello what is the best link to download the asprommer software?
It's in the description of the CH341 programmer video that I reference (click on the white circle _i_ in the upper right corner of this video).
I installed a radio from other truck. At first it said locked. I turn the truck off and opened the door then shut it, waited 5 mins, then turned key to on and it worked? Thank goodness.
That sometimes happens. But before you pop the champagne, make sure it's still ok after a few days and with a power off event. Sometimes I've seen them do a mystery unlock only to relock for good when the battery is disconnected.
Can i unlock any headunit without the code using this?
The code type radios, which had a Theftlock logo on the faceplate, ended in 2002. GM hasn't used any code radios since. 2003 and up are all programmed to the VIN of the vehicle they were originally installed.
Each radio generation has a different circuit board design, different type of EEPROM chip, and in a different board location. Some you can edit on the board like this old type, most newer ones you have to desolder the chip from the board first. But those details aside, this is the only way to unlock any GM factory radio without a GM dealer grade scan tool. It's just that the details vary with every generation (I have several videos up covering many types already).
what software do you use?
AsProgrammer for the CH341 programmer. There's a link in the description in that other video which you can access by tapping the white circle _i_ logo in the upper right corner of this vid.
my chip shows zeros across the whole digits, what can I do? Is it possible that you send this file so I can change only my VIN number? What is the reason the programs shows zeros?
All 0x0's would imply that the chip is on a board design that cannot be read in-circuit with a testclip. In such conditions you have to unsolder it, and read/write it off-board instead.
@@DrShockAfter I confirmed, your digits are in series; 0x0A,F and 0x100,0x110 and so on. Mine is not so can the problem be with reading the chip? or will it show correct, in series digits if I remove it from the board?
Are you working with the exact same radio as shown in this video GM part number wise? If so, give an example of the hexadecimal VIN layout you're seeing in the programmer editor (and what programmer software you are using).
@@DrShockt looks the same, but the Delphi part number is 12248211. Only difference mine comes with a cassette player, which has to be removed in order to reveal the 24C08 chip in the middle of the board. I used Asprogrammer.
And what character sequence are you seeing for the hex representation of the VIN in Asprogrammer with this radio? What I believe you're saying is that for say a VIN ending in 123456, you're seeing 654321?
what is the numbers you changed on the eeprom and how do I find mine?
The numbers being altered represent the VIN of the vehicle that the radio is installed into. You find them as I showed in the video, for this particular radio model.
This video only applies to a particular year range and model radio used by GM. Different year GM radios may have different memory addresses, and/or VIN formats stored so you may not find what I show here, if you have a different radio. You may need instead to view one of my other vids I've done for different GM radio models and years.
@@DrShock my chip seems to be empty and i can’t get anything to show ip
@@DrShock I really don’t know what to do
@@DrShock I plug it in to my bench harness and it still has my presets even after I erased it
You may have to desolder the EEPROM from the circuit board and read/write it off circuit. There can be circuit board differences even within the same model of radio that require this alternative approach.
Hey I used a tech 2 on my truck and every time I tried doing the radio setup it would say radio setup failed. What do you think is the issue?
Does the truck have the original radio or one from a different year? Are you able to read the part number and other data out of the radio with the Tech2 ok?
@@DrShock the radio is from the same year and same Bose head unit
@@DrShock uhhh I haven’t attempted to read the info. I bought a eeprom reader shoukd be here tomorrow then I will check
You should be able to read the part number, calibration number, etc just using the Tech2 special functions under radio. If you have a Tech2, and it's a GM vehicle under 2011 model year, you shouldn't need to deal with the EEPROM itself.
@@DrShock hey thank you!
unplug and it works!?
My 2006 Chevy truck radio motherboard does not look like this one, but the radio face is the same.
There can be a few different circuit boards as GM had different suppliers, different specifications. The approach is the same, but the trucks will not have the VIN relearn function in the Tech2 menu. And the EEPROM location will be different.
Will the display button functions for like resetting oil change and all the other options that can be done through the radio still be done or does it just play music????
This video is for a radio from over two decades ago. There were no such options available in 2003.
@@DrShock ok only reason I asked allot of videos on stuff say to use your radio. Let me ask u this I have a radio out of a 2003 Impala I bought on eBay as my original plays but stuff is missing on it. Can I take the front face plate off replacement and put it on my original as of course it’s not locked will that work. As I’m not messing with those main boards underneath. Wouldn’t that work
You could interchange any radio parts from those that have the same GM/Delphi part number on the white label. But even if they cosmetically look the same on the outside, more often than not the connectors and placement differ on the inside if the part numbers are different.
Newer, much newer, GM vehicles have the radio display handle integration with setting other options in the vehicle. But that's going to be past 2011 not in 2003. ;-)
I have a 2006 GMC 2500HD classic that didn't come from the factory with a radio. It had a storage compartment where the radio is supposed to be. I bought a factory RDS radio with CD and cassette on it. I installed it, did the temporary unlock procedure to verify that the radio worked. It came on and played music. I took it to the dealership to have it unlocked and programmed to my truck. They brought it back out and said they couldn't get it to link to my truck after unlocking it. They said it must be because the truck didn't come from the factory with a radio and the radio program wasn't in the truck computer. They suggested I guy an aftermarket radio. I do not want an aftermarket radio, especially since I have heard this radio play through factory installed speakers in the truck. I know it will work if I can get someone who knows what they are doing to fix it. That said, if I sent the radio to you with the required information from my truck, could you program it so that all I had to do was install it in my truck once you shipped it back to me? Thanks.
I don't provide that service, but I can tell you that there's no programming in the vehicle that would prevent the radio from operating once unlocked for a 2006 model year. Did they successfully complete the VIN relearn so that the radio no longer displayed locked?
@@DrShock No they did not. But they still had no problem charging me $135 to do absolutely nothing for me.
IMO the problem is only due to the dealership not being able to unlock the radio. There's nothing else to do besides configure the speaker setup, again by using the Tech2 scan tool.
For older vehicles the newer MDI scan tool does not work as reliably for these radio relearns as the original Tech2, nor does the emulator Tech2Win. In both cases GM made changes to prevent allowing the use of used modules in lieu of buying a new one. Some dealers no longer have the older Tech2, or lack employees who are familiar with using them nowadays.
You'll have to google for some outfits that will unlock your radio by sending it in by mail. They are out there.
How much would you charge to unlock my radio?
I'm not a business, but there are folks out there on Google that do this if you mail it in.
Show how to adjust newer radios so get signal better n to play better lol.ones from 60 s n 70s were easy just go in n turn the adjuster dials
In tech2 when I click RADIO SETUP, it says Procedure in Progress, then Procedure Complete. And that's it. I don't have the stock radio to swap chips. Help.
That is typically all you will see message wise, unless there was an error. Are you using the correct radio part number for the model year of the vehicle? It is possible for the Tech2 to attempt the relearn, but if the radio part number is not one that was originally available for that make/model/year it may not be successful.
What if you don't have a test clip
I always try a test clip first, but there are many modules where it's not possible to use them (because you end up powering up other devices on the board thru them). As with those cases, if you do not have a test clip just remove the chip from the board using ChipQuik (link in description) or a hot air gun.
will this work on the 96 year?
No, the older 90s radios was a different system than the newer RDS type radios used in this video.
a GM tech 2 reader can access the code?
No, no Tech2 support for those 90s radios that I'm aware of. You used to hold down the 1 and 4 buttons when it said LOC (or 2 and 3 on some models). Then pressed the AM/FM button. It would give you a 6 digit code that you then called an 800 number with a dealership code to get an unlock code. But GM discontinued that 800 number in late 2019. I'm sure it's stored in a similar EEPROM chip, but I haven't had a situation to go looking for it yet. Here's a pointer to the procedure, which is unfortunately no longer performable, static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10141381-9999.pdf and the replacement when they stopped it - static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10168979-9999.pdf
Actually after updating the previous comment with the last preliminary service information bulletin (PIC bulletin) I found that GM followed up with a service bulletin in December 2019. Looks like you have to pay for these radios to be unlocked now. Once they discontinued the free self service 800 unlock system they moved the dealers to using electronic service center only. So you'll have to take the service bulletin to your GM dealer to get the radio unlocked now (some might do it for free, but suspect most will charge you) - static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10170494-9999.pdf
@@DrShock interestingly I just tried it on February 13 2021 and it does work.
I took out the chip and now I am getting an error message that says error.
If it says "cal error" that would be normal until you reinstall the eeprom back to the board. If not, you may want to check that you removed the particular part numbered chip that I mentioned in the video here and not any other one of the same size and type.
@@DrShockYea it just say error. I can seem to find the chip you have on the video, not sure if the circuit board lay out is different. I appreciate you replying back as I am stumped.
@@DrShock if I pulled the wrong chip..am I at a point of no return. I'm assuming I did.
Not necessarily, presuming you just removed it and it was not a memory device just return it to its original pin 1 orientation where you removed it from with no harm done If it was a different memory device, and you overwrote its contents, then yeah it may be a salvage yard trip to repair that.
What year is the radio and from what make and model vehicle?