How do I get the radio code before I unhook the battery? Did I read somewhere that they might not have a code. How do you know?

This is the anti-theft code, and if you haven't put a code into it, then it shouldn't have one, unless the previous owner put one in. But if you have ever put a new battery in the car or had work done to it, then more then likely the battery has been unhooked before. If it has always worked, then you probably don't have the code set. Also the faceplate must have anti-theft on it somewhere for it to even take a code.

Yea, if you don't have a spot on the face of the radio that has a small red light and the words Theft Lock, you don't have to worry about it. But if you do here's a site that should be of some use:

http://development.diaryland.com/20020903a.html

It has the anti theft but light never comes on is it suppose to?

The light will only be on if the theft-lock has been programmed in, unless of course the light is burned out.

http://development.diaryland.com/20020903a.html

Just wanted to add a small note to this. I recently disconnected my battery and locked up my radio in doing so. Prob. was, I couldn't remember what MY sec code was and after several wrong attempts the radio went INOP and refused to accept any more codes. My Pontiac dealer told me to leave the ignition ON for 1 hour (not a minute less) and then push the 2 and 3 preset buttons which gave me a 3 digit code. Then I pressed the AM/FM button and it gave me a second 3 digit code. I called the Pontiac dealership w/ these codes. The made a phone call to get the unlock code, called me back and gave me a code to enter using the MIN and HR buttons and 'oila! radio works again!!!

What was the code? Im wondering wheather they have a universal unlock code? My radio has been in inop status for over 16 months. Dont miss it really with the exhaust cutout open! Hehe!

As far as I know the code is not universal. Mine locked up the first time that I pulled the battery. Took it to my friendly GM dealer, they called in the vin number, reactivated the radio, and my guy made sure that I overheard the computer give them the code. I took the thing home and following the directions in the owners manual, de-activated the Theft-lok. {and I thought only Ford had "better ideas" like Theft-lok}

The link that Sue posted works. It took me about 3 minutes to do the whole thing from start to finish, and I didnt need to talk to no one on the other side of the phone. All automated. The first dealer code didnt work, but the second did. I now have a radio that plays music in my Formula for the first time in two years.

...Im not lazy. Just didnt need it until I found out how great it actually is. The Bose in the Sierra is also good, so I dont know which one is gooder.

all that theft lock stuff on a factory radio, and then a 5 minute tutorial on the net to unlock it. that cracks me up...

Got that right. Im getting out my kit, my black jacket, gloves, a slim jim thingy, and Im going out shopping.