Frequently Asked Questions: Car Stereo Decoding
Car Stereo Codes - An Overview
One of the many Anti-Theft features of a modern Car Stereo is
that of the Security Code. When the Power to the Car Stereo is interrupted for any reason, or if the Car Stereo
is removed from the vehicle, a unique Security Code number may need to be entered in
order to make the Radio function once again. The Code can be a three, four, or even five digit security number
which must be entered in the correct sequence before the unit will operate. This is to ensure that the
Car Stereo is completely useless to the potential car radio thief, as they will not know your Stereo`s
unique number and the unit will therefore be of little or no value to them.
But the reality is, that although this Security Code system works very well, proven by the fact that Coded
Stereo`s are not stolen nearly as often as they used to be, is that this wonderful security feature does
have a very problematical sting in its tail. Every time you have a low or flat battery, or your car goes in for
a service, which almost instantly involves battery disconnection, the question of the code number will rear
its ugly head. More often than not, its just one number too many for us to remember, and that is of course, if we
were ever told it by the previous owner or dealer that sold us the car.
But above all, remember that the Technician who has just disconnected your battery had no way of knowing
your number either, so don`t shout at them because it has now activated. With modern cars becoming so complex to
work on, battery disconnection is becoming more commonplace. Your security Code number is your responsibility
alone, after all, you wouldn`t expect your Mechanic to know your PIN number for your credit card would you!
Be nice to your Mechanic when this happens, as upon telling them your Code number, you may find that they will enter it into the radio for you Free Of Charge!
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Can stolen Car Stereo`s be Decoded? Return
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If I Don`t know my Code Number, How do I find out what it is?
If you do not know your
Security Code number, it really isn`t a problem, as we can find it out for you. We have the electronic
equipment to read, reset, and confirm your code number, so unlike the Main Dealers, there is no Guesswork.
If the Radio is sent to us, we can Guarantee that the code number we give you, will be correct first time!
And if we are unable to obtain your number, then there will be no charge! Most Radio`s will have to be sent
to us for Decoding and plugged into our test bench, but there are a few exceptions where we may instead
ask for some details and numbers from the side of the Radio. This is because there are a number of
radio`s that have Security Code Numbers as Algorithms (encypted codes) of the Serial Number. We
also have the manufacturers Algorithm Calculators to handle this. If this is possible,
then details will be found under the relevant model on our website. If the information shown about your
radio asks for it to be sent to us, please don`t ask if we can do it via E-Mail - we can`t,
or it would have said so! Please note, that we do not offer this Algorithm Calculation
service over the phone - Strictly by E-Mail or via our Website. If you are unable to remove your Stereo,
please contact us for removal information, or ask your local Mechanic to remove and refit
it for you. In most cases, there may be a small charge for this work to be carried out.
What does it cost to Decode my Stereo?
Because each Radio is different, and they all need to be reprogrammed in different ways, this
means
that each Radio is priced differently. We have quite a large Stereo database, that is constantly being
added to on
a daily basis as new units are released and new Decoding Solutions are being solved. With well in excess of
2500 different Radio`s currently on our database, we believe that we are able
to Decode more Radio`s than any other company in the UK, and that we could possibly have one of the largest
databases in Europe! Before you contact us and say that you have the standard radio in the car, please bear
in mind that we have listed over 200 standard models of Ford Radio alone! If your radio is not shown on
our database, don`t worry, its probably on our update list, and we will be more than happy to give you a price and details by
return of a simple E-Mail, but please tell us the make and model of the radio, as the colour of your car is of no
real importance to us.
To find further information about your radio, please click here:
Can you decode my stereo from its Serial Number?
In many cases, Yes. Where this is possible, our website will indicate this, and will direct you to a page that will show you
which numbers we require and how to find them. Upon submission of radio details and payment, we will then email your code numbers
back to you. Many of the radio codes can now be accessed via our much faster Instant Online Decoding site, and if this
service is available for your model of radio, then you will automatically be directed to our fully automated online
service which will process your code number Instantly and without any delay. Please note that our Online Decoding
Service means exactly that, and is only available via our online site. We are unable to supply any code numbers by
telephone.
For those that are new to us, there is obviously the concern of what happens if we get the code number wrong and supply you an incorrect code? Well, we are
very good at what we do, and providing that your radio does not show any signs that it has been tampered with, previously
decoded or reprogrammed, then we are confident that the code number we supply will be the original one that the radio left
the factory with. However, should the code not work, then the radio will have to be returned to us for manual decoding, costs
of which are readily available upon request, and we will credit any monies paid from the online service towards this. To prevent
any fraudulant claims that our codes do not work, we do not offer any refunds on our online service.
To find further information about our Instant Online Decoding Service, please click here:
Mail Order Decoding Service Procedure
The vast Majoratory of our Decoding Service is done via Mail Order, and we may need your Stereo at our
workshop, in order for us to Decode it. Click on the relavent stereo on our website and follow all the Checkout
procedures. If you are sending multiple radio`s, please make sure that you order multiple decodes where necessary
as this not only calculates a price, but will give you a reference number as it is automatically booked onto
our system. Print off a copy of the final Checkout page and send it to us with your Radio. We will then
have all your payment and contact details, and can simply process it without any delay whatsoever. When
you send us your Radio for Decoding, please ensure that it is safely wrapped in loads of Bubble Wrap, or
similar, and send it to us either by Courier or Recorded Delivery. Either way, make sure that it has a
number you can track it by, and requires a signature for it when delivered at our end. For extra safety,
send us a quick E-Mail with parcel and courier details once sent, and we can keep an eye open for it at our end also.
Our website and checkout page will automatically calculate the cost of returning your unit to you, and is
based on returning via a secure Courier to Mainland UK only. This price will automatically be adjusted
depending on how many radio`s you have selected to send. For our Oversea`s and (Over Water!) Customers,
please E-Mail us obtain a quote for re-delivery back to your own Country, prior to sending your stereo
to us. We only ship via Secure Carriers, and typical Charges to France, Germany, Italy, Spain are in the
region of € 60.00. For those wishing to pay in Euro`s, this facility is only available by PayPal.
How Long does it take to Decode?
Generally speaking, we offer an overnight service on most Stereo`s that are sent to us, but it can depend on how busy we are.
During the cold winter months, with lots of flat batteries, and near new registration launch dates, we tend
to be at our busiest. We do try to Decode the Radio`s the same day they arrive, and put them back out on
a courier the following day. Please note that we do operate a very strict first come - first served basis,
and we do not entertain que jumping by anybody, no matter how important you think you are.
My Stereo is not listed, Can you still decode it?
Probably! We still have many stereos to add to our database, and we are evaluating new models on a daily basis, so
if your model is not shown, don`t worry, we may well have a solution for you. Please contact us with all the radio
details you can find from the label, and we will be happy to advise you accordingly.
I know my code number, but do not know how to enter it
If you know your Code Number, but do not know how to actually enter it, please look it up on our decode
database where you will find full instructions on Code Entry procedures. Because you will only
have a limited number of attempts before your are "Locked Out" it may be better to read these instructions
before any attempts are made! If you do not find the information you are looking for, please E-Mail us,
and we will be more than happy to help.
To find Code Entry procedures for your radio, please click here:
Is there any Harm in Entering an Incorrect Number?
Yes, very much so. If you enter the wrong code into your radio, then the radio will assume that it has fallen into
the wrong hands, and there will be a penalty time of anywhere between a few minutes to a few hours before
you can try to enter the code again. Each wrong attempt will result in a longer penalty time. If you have
tried to enter what you believe to be the right number more than once, and it didn`t work, please don`t
keep trying, as the number is almost certainly incorrect. There are only a limited number of times that you
can try this number before the radio locks up permanently. Some radios, once they have locked up, cannot
be reset, and the stereo may end up being scrapped as new code chips are often uneconomic or impossible to
replace. Better to send us the unit whilst there are still some attempts left, as resetting
a penalty timer on a low setting is much cheaper than replacing locked out Code Ic`s, and certainly
cheaper than scrapping the stereo.
Why Shouldn`t I Ask the Main Dealer to Supply Me a Code?
By all means ask them, but remember that the Dealer will charge you for looking for a code whether
it is right or wrong, and I do know of a few dealers who will charge and then make up a number, just to
get your money. But bear in mind that the code held on record from the main dealer (If he can actually be
bothered to look!) will only ever relate to the radio that was first fitted to your car when it came down
the production line. As with the majority of cars, the radio will probably changed several times from the
forecourt sales, upon delivery, within the warranty period, or when the used car salesman gets hold of it.
The chances of your radio being the original one are very remote. When the Dealer code doesn`t work, they
will often refer you to ourselves anyway, so why not cut out the middle man, save a few quid, and get us
to give you the correct number straight away.
Why Shouldn`t I use an eBay Code Calculator?
There are many myths floating around on the internet about car audio decoding, and many years ago, somebody started
compiling the myths onto a Cd-Rom and distributed them via ebay and other various websites. Many Car Audio Dealers, including
ourselves thought that these myths were so funny that we added a few of our own, knowing them not to work and some
very clever people went one stage further and offered programs that could supposedly generate a code number by entering
a few details. For us this was briliant, and has generated a lot of work for us in repairing stereos. You see, the numbers
generated are not correct, and can actually lock up and destroy your stereo irrepairably, a bit like a computer virus
does. Think very carefully before entering a code number generated from a 99p ebay disc into a stereo worth many hundreds
of pounds. Would it not make more sense spending an extra few quid with a reputable decoding centre that has invested more
into their decoding equipment that you have probably spent on your house? It is very easy to spot the stereos that have
been damaged by the ebay decode discs, and we charge a lot extra to put them right and recover them.
My Stereo has one of your labels on it. Do you keep a record of the Code?
We have decoded literally Tens of Thousands of Radio`s in our time, and there are many Stereo`s cropping
up all over the world with our labels and Invoice numbers on them. The Invoice number on the back only
relates to the corresponding paperwork that was sent back with the radio, and is not a code number itself.
If you have lost your paperwork with the code number on it, or were not given it by a previous owner, we
are terribly sorry, but it`s not our fault that you have lost it. We do, however, keep some records of
Code numbers, and for a nominal search fee (£5.00) we would be happy to look for it. Providing the label
is intact and undamaged, we have a 99% success rate with this service. If we get the number wrong, then we
will refund the search fee against the cost of returning it to us for full decoding. If however, you do
have the paperwork, but are unsure about Code entry procedures, please contact us, and we will help all we can.
I`ve Heard that you can stick them in the Freezer to Decode?
What an old wives tale! How can a sophisticated electronic
component self interrogate itself and magically display a heavily encrypted security number, by getting a little
cold? But still people try it! And boy, do we laugh when they do. Think about it. If you put your
Car Stereo in the freezer, before long it will appear white and frosty. The display will probably have frozen,
expanded and cracked by this stage. But the real fun starts when the unit thaws out, as all of that ice
will turn to rust and corrosion almost as fast as it melts.
Your expensive stereo has now been reduced to a pile of furry orange scrap, for want of saving a few quid on
decoding.
But Hey! Don`t panic! As we are more than happy to supply you a brand new one!
Unfortunately, Yes! So don`t be surprised if we ask you to prove ownership of the Radio! We have a very
close rapport with the local Police, and often check up on serial numbers. We have caught lots of stolen
radio`s to date, and we always pass on serial numbers to the Police if we are at all suspicious. If you
think that your radio may have been previously stolen, it may be very unwise to send it to us! If you
have had a stereo stolen, and you have the full model number, serial number, police crime number, and
can prove ownership with receipts, then please E-Mail us with your details, and we will add them to our
database. Because we cover the UK and most of Europe on our Services, there is a good chance that we may
find it via another dealer sending it for Decoding, unaware of it`s history!
If we do find one, we shall pass on the information to the local authorities.
I Live Nearby, Can I bring My Radio to You in Person?
Most Definately! You will now find us at our new workshop in Paignton (the Trade Counter in Stevenage has
been relocated) By all means come and see us, but please, give us a ring first to let us know you are
coming over, as we do work some very unusual hours, and if the sun is shining, you may just find the
workshop empty and us on the beach instead! So callers strictly by appointment only please.