Weird Radio Issue

[notquiteanewbie]

We recently purchased a '99 Beetle with 135,000 miles. We finally got all the issues sorted out and the car is in good working condition. So the radio is next on this list to be fixed/replaced and we ran into a weird issue


We have the tape in dash HU with the 6 disk changer in the trunk.
It can be turned on and off
It is unresponsive to any other button.
It is currently in Radio FM mode
Does not appears to be in safe mode or locked.

Just wondering if anyone had any ideas before I pull this thing out and replace the HU and check the wiring.

Thanks in advance.

Raphael

[afinley]

is it stuck on 88.3?

[notquiteanewbie]

Yeah I think it is.

[notquiteanewbie]

Did a little bit more research. I assume I have to pull the radio fuse so it goes back to safe mode...Then unlock it with the code I don't have.

I thinks thats it. I can figure the rest out from here. Thanks

[afinley]

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3408232

if its stuck on 88.3, get your checkbook out

[notquiteanewbie]

Thanks..I actually posted in that thread.

There really doesn't seem to be a definitive answer other than go with an aftermarket radio set up.

Edit: I mean surely the problem has to be caused by something. Maybe a fuse or capacitor issue in the radio? If then the answer is pretty easy, but if its caused elsewhere.... I haven't done any research if anyone has issues running aftermarket hu's yet. Still learning about the NB.

[afinley]

the agreement in that thread is that the factory HUs melt themselves. either internal shorts, or they just run hot enough

[notquiteanewbie]

Hey guys just wanted to provide an update. After few days I kinda let this issue go but today during regular maintenance, I decided to replace the battery as there was no previous record of it being done. After dropping the new battery in the radio came to life. This leads me to believe the issue MAY not be entirely with the radio and I will continue to troubleshoot the problem.

[be-bop]

I purchased a 98 beetle. Had engine problems ever since. I finally got the engine in working condition. What I need help with is: How do I get the code to get the radio out of the safe mode. The owner who got the car when it was new never wrote the code in the manual. The radio worked before it went into the shop for repairs. Could somebody please tell me how I could get this code. Thanks, be-bop beetle