How do you reset the anti-theft radio system in a 1999 Chevy Cavalier after you changed the battery?

Answer 1

You have to take it into a dealer so that they can run a diagnostic on it and pull the security code. They will charge you up to $100 just to do it. I went to 2 different dealerships and both quoted me $105 just to reset the code on my own stereo. My car battery died on me and as part of GMs anti theft system you can only get your stereo working again by plugging in a code. I think it is ridiculous that I was never provided with the security code to my own car stereo just in case I ever had to reset it. Instead I now have to pay $105 dollars just to reset my own car stereo that I am not trying to steal!!! I called Chevy and they told me this was the only way I could resolve the problem. You should just be able to take it to a dealership and they should reset it for you as a courtesy service instead of charging their own customers $105. This is only part of the reason while I will never buy GM again. This is the second peice of crap GM vehicle I've owned and they both sucked. Poor customer service, cheap, poorly put together cars. It's no wonder why the Big 3 are going under. I hope the government doesn't bail them out. They need to fix their own problems first before they are given money. BUY JAPANESE!!!!

the code is different for every vehicle, the garage that sold the car from new will have it, or you can get it recoded thruogh a dealer