Learn How to Unlock GM Navigation Radio with our step-by-step guide below. After this post, your car rides will no longer be filled with silence. Continue reading to quickly listen to your radio again!
If you are here because you have trouble unlocking the GM radio on your vehicle, just know that you’re not alone. I have personally encountered this and so do a lot of my friends.
In the next few minutes, this article will provide you with a detailed step-by-step solution to your problem through 3 necessary stages of unlocking your radio:
- Finding your radio’s serial number,
- Getting the GM navigation unlock code
- Entering the code to get your radio to work
Continue reading for elaborated instructions on how to unlock GM radio!
Table of Contents
Your car radio can become locked if there is a malfunction or if the battery runs out. To get it up and running again, you will need to input an unlock code.
First of all, don’t forget to prepare a pen and some paper beforehand in case of noting down the code.
Stages 1: Get the serial number for your radio
Step 1: Insert your car key and set its mode to “Accessory” or “On.”
Step 2: Turn on your radio and check that the letters “LOC” are displayed. This indicates that the Theftlock system is currently activated.
- If “INOP” appears instead of “LOC,” leave the ignition on for about an hour. “LOC” should eventually replace “INOP.”
- If nothing comes on the screen, your problem is probably not with the system. So, you should contact the GM customer service line for a professional mechanic or technician to help.
Step 3: Locate the preset buttons 1 and 4. Then, press both of them at the same time and hold for roughly 10 seconds. A three-digit code should pop up on the screen of your radio.
This is when your pen and paper come into play. Quickly jot down the numbers. If you take longer than 15 seconds, you will have to go back to the first step and repeat the entire procedure.
Step 4: Push the AM/FM button to get another three-digit code. Note these numbers down next to the previous code that you have acquired. Do not do this hastily and mess up the orders of the numbers. The six-digit code that you ultimately get is the serial number for your radio.
Stages 2: Get the unlock code for your radio
With the serial number of your radio in hand, you can request the unlock code from GM or other local dealers through 2 methods below:
Requesting the code from GM
Step 1: Reach the GM radio hotline by dialing 1 (800) 537 5140 on your phone. It is toll-free, automated, and available 24/7. Thus, you do not have to worry about incurring extra fees, explaining your case to an employee, or calling outside of office hours.
Step 2: The line will ask you for a dealer access code. You can input “106010”, then a hashtag (“#”) sign. If this code does not work, you can use 620529, 139010, 206053, or 202108.
Step 3: Get a four-digit code from the automated operator. Be sure to listen carefully because the code will not be repeated many times. You would have to call again if you missed the code the first time.
Requesting the code from other local dealers
Contact your local dealer and tell them your six-digit serial code to get your unlock code. When I went through this process myself, I did not have to pay any fees. However, this is not always the case. Some dealers will charge you a fee of around $10.
You can always contact different dealers and settle for the most affordable one. Also, try searching for GM radio discount codes online. Who knows, you might be lucky enough to find a bunch! However, throughout this process, be mindful and do not fall for scams.
Stages 3: Unlock your radio with the code
Step 1: Insert your key and make sure that it is “On.” Then, turn on your car radio. You should still see the “LOC” on the screen.
Step 2: Press the “HR” button on the radio until the number that is displayed matches the first two numbers of the unlock code given to you in the previous step. If, for instance, your code is 0719, you will push the button seven times.
Step 3: Next, press the radio’s “MN” button until the number on the screen is the same as the last two numbers of your unlock code.
Pro Tip: Carry out steps two and three carefully. If you make careless mistakes and repeat the procedure more than eight times, you will get “INOP” on the screen and have to wait for at least an hour before you can try to unlock your radio again.
Step 4: Complete by pressing the AM/FM button to confirm that your unlock code is correct. After this, you should be able to enjoy your radio as usual.
Pro Tip: Keep your unlock code on your phone or a notepad that you carry with you on every ride. If your radio becomes locked again, you will just have to enter the code. Otherwise, you will have to repeat all the steps, including those that may potentially require you to pay fees.
If you have an older version of the radio, as you try to unlock 2007 GM radio or unlock 2012 Chevy radio, check out this video for more information:
Conclusion
So, there you have it! You now know how to unlock GM navigation radio. Never again should you be driving without being able to listen to your radio. Hopefully, this GM radio unlock guide was helpful. If you have anything else to share regarding this topic, let us know in the comments. We are always delighted to hear from our readers!
Read more: Steps to unlock a honda radio.
After four years working as a radio mechanic, I know that everything about radio communication is not breezy, even though it greatly benefits us. That is why I set up a website sharing my skills and guides to help non-professional users use their radio headsets, set up their antennas or choose the right products, etc.