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Chevrolet Silverado 1999-2006: How to Unlock Radio

Unlock the radio in your Chevy Silverado 1500 using the following easy-to-read instructions and photographs.

By Charlie Gaston - June 2, 2015

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (1999-2006).

Your Chevy Silverado 1500 is manufactured with a theft-deterrent system that is designed to cause your radio to become locked should you or someone else attempt to tamper with or remove it from your truck. The popular safety measure was put in place to ensure your truck is guarded against theft. However, if you need to remove your radio or it becomes locked by mistake, you will need to know how to resolve the problem on your own, without heading down to your local GM dealership for service. Learn the simple instructions you need to know to unlock your radio today.

Materials Needed

  • Keys
  • Phone

Step 1 – Turn on your ignition

Jump behind the wheel of your Silverado 1500 truck and turn on the ignition. Immediately, your radio will display "LOC."

Figure 1. Turn your ignition on.

Step 2 – Retrieve three-digit number

Press and hold down the 2nd and 3rd preset buttons on your radio for six seconds. This will allow you to retrieve the three-digit number that you'll need to continue the unlocking process. This three-digit number will display on your radio (in place of the original "LOC" message) for about 15 seconds, so be prepared to jot it down or put it to memory.

Figure 2. Your radio will display "LOC."

Step 3 – Complete the six-digit number

Press the AM/FM button to retrieve the second three-digit number that you'll need for this project. Jot down that number to the right of the first one.

Step 4 – Put in a call for help

Using your cell phone, if you own one, call 1-800-537-5140. If not, head inside to make the call.

  • Start by pressing the number "1" and then the pound sign when prompted.
  • Wait to hear, "Invalid code, try again."
  • Press "139010."
  • Enter the six-digit code you retrieved in Steps 2 and 3, and then press the * button.
  • Jot down the four-digit number with which you will be provided twice.

Pro Tip

You can turn off the ignition while you make the call.

Step 5 – Turn on the ignition once more

You should once again see "LOC" on the radio screen.

Step 6 – Enter code

Using the hour and minute buttons on your radio control, enter the phone code to unlock your radio.

Step 7 – Press the AM/FM button

Verify that the screen says your radio is now "unlocked." You're all done!

Pro Tip

The theft deterrent feature is still active, so you can rest assured your Silverado is still protected.

Featured Video: How to Unlock a Theftlock Radio

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