Some VW's come with radios that have anti-theft circuitry built in. The
front of the radio usually has a key shaped logo on it. When you remove
power to the radio, it does into what is called "SAFE" mode, so that when
you re-apply power, the radio will not work and will say "SAF" in the
digital display. Depending on the model of radio you have, you need to push
two buttons simultaneously to access the code entry mode on the radio, then
enter the four digit code that unlocks the radio. Usually, this number is in
the booklet that comes with the owners manual for that particular radio. It
is a four digit number that begins with either "0" or "1", so there are 2000
possible combinations of digits. You get two attempts to enter the code. If
you enter the incorrect code twice, the radio locks up and will not let you
enter any codes for an hour, provided you leave the radio connected to
power. You can also install your own code in the radio provided that you
have the old code.
I assume the radios that have the anti-theft circuitry were part of a
"deluxe sound package" and that basic radio systems didn't offer that
anti-theft protection and that VW determined weren't worth stealing.:>)
Any dealer should be able to give you the code to a radio, provided someone
hasn't changed the code. My dealer hasn't charged me, but they know me and
are good to me most of the time.:>)

Tim Hannink
Winter Park, Florida
1987 Vanagon Wolfsburg Westfalia Camper (Beach Turtle)
1981 VW Diesel Pickup (Smoke Screen)
1975 VW Bus (No plate, no name)

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Bill Hayeslip
Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2000 11:03
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: locked up radio

Would someone please explain to me what the code on the radio and the
lockup is all about. I have an 88 vanagon with the original radio, have
had the battery out a number of times and in fact have had the radio out
once and I don't know what you're talking about. Never heard of a code
involved. I seem to learn something new on the list every day!
Thanks.

Bill Hayeslip
88 GL
Pittsburgh, Pa.