Radio in mk5 - does it need a radio code upon disconnecting it ???

[andy15star]

Hi folks,

I was checking to see if my mp3/usb radio would work in my Ibiza mk5 a while back, so i took the standard radio out. The radio did work fine, but didn't look as good as the original. So 10 minutes later i put the original one back in.

To my horror, it was asking for a radio code !!!!. I ran in a panic to the house to see if it was written in the book, it wasn't !. I thought i'd have to ring Seat.

When i went back to the car, it was working !!!.

So my question is, even though it asks for a code when the unit is initially reconnected, is it programmed to decode itself after a few minutes like mine seems to have ??

Could this be that it was only disconnected for 10 minutes or so, i.e. could i have an issue with the code if the standard radio was left out the car for a longer period ??

Any help would be appreciated because i'm wanting to get a double-din radio which has USB/SD support, but don't want to have to find a code for the original radio when i put it back in upon selling the car !

Best Regards,
Andy

 

[markmeus]

I think it's coded to the ECU so as long as the radio is put back in the car it came from it will automatically get the code from the ECU.

 

[andy15star]

Ah right, that's good news then !. I was a bit worried about taking it out again incase it didn't decode itself this time !!.

So, worst case scenario, if i did ever need the code, how would i go about getting it ? would it be free ?

Regards,
Andy

 

[techie]

Just turn the set on then the ignition and it should re program itself again.


If you do need the code you would have to take the car to a dealer, dont be suprised if there is a charge for it.

 

[andy15star]

Cheers folks, so it seems to get the code from the ECU then i take it ?

Ah well, i feel a bit more confident buying another radio unit now!

I know it's off topic a bit, but any recommendations of a head unit with these specs:
Play DVD's/Divx etc (not too bothered about size of screen as long as watchable), bluetooth, either/or SD and USB, a decent interface to find mp3's from a long list (i.e. tree view, easily navigable etc), reasonably priced ?

Cheers,
Andy