I know you probably get tired of hearing about radio codes, but I have a problem. We just purchased a 1999 Volvo V70 XC. There is no owner's manual and the radio was asking for a code. I called a got a number that Volvo matched to the VIN on the car. It did not work. So, we pulled the radio and found that it was a factory refurbished radio. We took all the numbers off the radio and Volvo gave us a different code for the radio. Those number have been checked by a service person three times (and yes, they called Volvo), so we're pretty sure this is the right number. However, it still does not work. Is there anything we can do? Some people say the radio can be recoded. Some people say we just have to buy a new radio. We just want to know the truth -- can the radio be recoded or not? Can you please tell us? Any help would be appreciated. This is my second V70 and I love the car -- I just can't stand driving around in silence. I've begun talking to myself. Please help. I'm lost without my radio.

this reply won't be helpful at all - but i've got to ask - Radio Codes? In all the other cars i've had (granted, they've never been close to as nice as this volvo) they've never needed any radio code or anything like that. Whats the scoop on the radio needing a code to work? How is the radio tied to the car via a code?

for igiveup3, don't give up. did they explain to you how to enter the code? there is a procedure to do this. reprogramming the radio is not efficient since the computer/alarm system is tied in to it. for junkprospector, the radio code was a way for volvo, and other manufacturers to keep from having to deal with people who stole radios and were selling them on the street. mercedes and bmws had them, if i remember correctly, from the late 70's. my parents old mercedes circa 79 had a code for the blaupunkt(spelling?) as long as you have the code for your radio, you are gold.

the radio code is definitely dreaded when you don't have it, but in my case it is worse. i do have the correct code which i have used successfully in the past after a flat battery. but now i need to use it again and it just comes up 'error'. i have disconnected the battery again and tried again -- i have tried 3 times, and gone thru the 2 hour reprogramming. but nothing works. now what do i do (apart from buying a new radio!)?

I did read on another site that if you put your radio in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for a day it don't need a code as it wipes it out.
I have not tried it and it does seem a bit pie in the sky, but i would like someone to try it who ain't got nothing to loose just to see if it works or ,its a heap of Bull****

the last 5 words of your post are true. its a myth, a few people tried it on someone else in the forum, and i actually think they might have fallen for it. . . . (no it wasnt me)

I went through this and you know what I pulled out the radio ..10 second job and there it was on top of the radio with the serial number it was a 4 digit number and was official as it was the same print as the serial number except someone had drawn a smiley face

hey igiveup3, did you get it to work?

I have read through all this and understand the code E, three times wrong, it freezes , EEEE, wait for two hours with the radio and the ignition on, then enter the code again to reset. I have even tried four hours. Nothing works. When the display reads EEE or Code E, if I turn up the volume, I can hear music but there's nothing on the display that let's me pick band, stations etc.

I have called the Volvo dealer with my VIN number to confirm the code....I am using the right one. They want $109.50 an hour to diagnose the problem not to mention the repair cost. Can anyone tell me what else to do except buy a replacement?

My car is a 1991 240 with less than 100,000 miles on it. I've driven Volvos forever .

And yes, I realize that my handle mispells "volvo"

There are quite a few radios on Ebay. Most the buy it now are $100+ but if you notice they aren't selling, but the ones you bid on will as they are priced low. Possibly work on some of the bidding ones (they should say of they include the code or not) and chances are you can get a replacement for under $50, and possibly an upgraded version from the one you are fighting with now.

Just an idea.

this is for volvo240, i am not sure if the remedy for your volvo is the same as the one for 850's. those are the ones that you leave on for 2 hours and plug in the code. i think it is a different procedure for the 240's. could be wrong, wouldn't be the first time. just ask the mrs. :grin: anybody with a 240 hope to elaborate?

Well my usually first idea may be out of the question. I have never liked OEM radios and I tend to replace them pretty quick.

As for the radio code, because you have a factory refurbished, then I think you only have 3 options.

1. You must use the serial number of the radio, not your VIN number in trying to obtain the proper code. (I think you have already done this).

2. You must let them know it is factory refurbished. There is a chance that during the reburbushing that the chip containing the code was replaced, meaning the original code the radio had (prior to being refurbished) will have been changed. Most likely Volvo does not directly do the refurbishing so they probably were not informed of the code change. You will need to find out what brand the radio is and where the refurbishing is done. From there call the actual radio manufacturer and obtain the code from them.

3. Buy a better aftermarket radio. :)

My guess is that your situation falls under #2. Finding out who you really need to talk to may require a little work and everal phone calls. Try your local dealer and find out where they would send off a radio to have it repaired, or call Volvo direct and try to find out. From there begin earching for the proper department within the refurbishing company in order to speak with someone who handle the work. From there you should be able to find out what the proper or new code is for your radio. It will probably take a little time to accomplish, but they should have the records of this, or be able to explain to you how to determine the proper code. You know the manufacturer has a way to bypass the codes, as they have certainly run into similar situations since they fix them. There is probably a master code you can ue, and they may give you (although chances are they will not tell you it is a master code). To obtain such a code you will have to talk to an actual technician who works on the things, but if you are persistent enough you will eventually be able to talk to one.

:liebe011:
Thanks for all the help. The reason the number with the VIN didn't work is that the radio had been replaced before I bought the car. My mechanic took the radio out, got all the numbers on it and called the Volvo dealer. The correct code for resetting it was different than the code on the VIN. And all it cost me was two pizzas for the repair shop....better than a new radio. :beer: Cheers