What is needed to obtain the radio code for a '98? Radio model AJ9800A
My radio has quit and I'm seeking a replacement but the e-bay sellers don't seem to have the code. Yet it is claimed they are tested and 100% working.


Some are claiming the donor vehicle VIN is needed. My experience with other brands is that each radio has it's own serial # and that is what's needed. There are two lines of engraved #s on mine, one is JA LNBA V 10 18635, the second reads 7 10 18635B. Is this the serial #?
Interestingly enough my own radio has never asked for this even after prolonged battery disconnection and dis assembly of the unit itself looking for obvious faults to repair. The owner's manual has a notice about the code but only asks you to go to the dealer.


Is anyone HERE able to provide it for me if I buy a new radio? I don't expect my local dealer to be cooperative and dread even asking them. They treat old car owners like dirt.
If anyone here has a radio for me please advise, I'd much rather buy here.
Thanks gents,
Ross

 

Not all radios need a code. Check with the ebay vendor first to see if you even need one first.
Otherwise I'm guessing you will need the VIN from the original car so that your local dealer can look up the code for you. It should be very easy for them, and shouldn't cause any hassles

 

I suspect this radio is one that does not require a code even though the owner's manual insists it does. Mine has been in pieces on my workbench and still has not asked for a code.
Anyway these are a dime a dozen($18) on ebay so I've rolled the dice for a replacement. Will advise

 

To close this thread I'm posting that this radio does NOT need a security code, contrary to what the owner's manual states. The replacement has been installed and works fine, no code required.
Anyone who may need my old unit for parts, it is from a very clean car so looks as new, may have it for the cost of shipping. The radio portion is inop*, it controlled the CD changer fine, I have no idea if the cassette player works.
* once in a blue moon it would surprise me and work fine

 

If the radio head unit is set to another country/market then it might need the code.
If the head unit is set to U.S. then it will NOT need the code.

bob gauff

 

i would like to respectfully share my personal experience that my radio did got locked up and eventually required a code from the dealer despite others say no code required for US spec car.

 

Ross, I think it's pretty much a given that NA market models do not need a code as other markets do.
My radio does need a code when I dissconnect the battery....that's for the Aust, market.

 

Just because the car is U.S. spec does NOT mean that the head unit is SET to U.S.

I just worked on a 2002 XK8 that had the head unit set to EUR.
I reset it to U.S. and had to re-enter all the radio station presets.

The radio does not know where it is, you have to tell it!!!

bob gauff

 

my radio was totally locked up and how was i able to access the radio region selection on the menu.i knew and could only reprogram back the us region AFTER the radio was unlocked.

also some one mentioned a point, mine is a R.
we are both speaking from our own experience, not like my word against yours