Stock Radio - Set to VIN?

[H3 Hummer]

I got a new Alpine stereo for my H3 and don't really need to the stock H3 stereo. Anyway I heard that the stock radio will only work with the H3 it came with.

Something about the VIN and stereo have to match to actually work. Is this true?


If not want to buy for whatever reason?

[H3 Hummer]

I got a new Alpine stereo for my H3 and don't really need to the stock H3 stereo. Anyway I heard that the stock radio will only work with the H3 it came with.

Something about the VIN and stereo have to match to actually work. Is this true?


If not want to buy for whatever reason?

[DWPC]

If thats true, what do they do if a radio needs to be replaced? Seems they'd need to have a way for service depts. to recode them. Have you called the dealer and asked?

[flkeysff]

I'm not sure if that is true but I do know for a fact that it is that way in my friend GMC truck, his radio was (to put it nicely) removed from his truck without his permission. He took it to the dealer and they told him that the security system in the stereo will not allow it to be used in another vehicle. He got another stereo and the dealer had to program the stereo for his truck.

[HummerNewbie]

I beleive that you could take the stereo to a dealer and have it programed to work in a new vehicle. It would be a matter of getting the dealership to program it and you would probably have to provide some sort of proof that it was not stolen.

[H3 Hummer]

Sounds like it would be a b to sell.

[f5fstop]

The stock radio is programmed to work only for the VIN it was installed in. When a replacement radio is installed, the technician takes the Tech 2 diagnostic tool, and programs the new radio to the vehicle.
With the old anti-theft radios GM used, you the owner, programmed in a four digit code. If you forgot the code, and power was removed, the dealer could call a Delco help number, give the serial number of the radio and receive a number to re-activate the radio.
With the new radio, f power is removed, it looks at the VIN in the PCM or BCM, and re-activates itself.

[usetosellhummer]

he is right, it is not worth much to a regular joe but all service radio's on the h2 had to be sent back, could not reprogram with the tech 2 unless you could trick it. My tech was able to do it a couple of times but if you have on-star that is a whole nother deal.