Donor VIN# Necessary???

[cyber]

I have an '06 TB w/ Bose 6 CD changer, radio works fine,
CD changer-not so good.

My local GM dealer quotes me $129 to reprogram with
no guarantee that will fix the problem. Well I'm not
inclined to dump $129 chasing rainbows for them to
say 'Sorry, still doesn't work'.

Anyways, my main question is stated in the title:
Do I need the 'donor' vehicles VIN# if I buy a
reconditioned stereo from e-bay?? I'm getting differing
opinions from various sources!!

My GM dealer says I need it, various resellers on e-bay
say I don't, some provide it & some don't------WTF!?!

I know I'll hafta get the replacement reprogrammed, but
I don't mind spending the $129 if I know the CD player
is going to work. (e-bay stereo has 90 day warranty)

 

[Matt]

AFAIK, you do not need it for the radio to be reprogrammed...but I don't have a tech2 so I'm not 100% positive.

 

[DDonnie]

I'll make it easy for you. I've got one out of an 06 I'll sell for $50 plus shipping and I'll provide the vin.

 

[ddgm]

The whole idea of the anti-theft program is to prevent someone stealing a radio, head unit, nav, etc out of your car and using it in theirs or reselling it.
If GM willy-nilly reprogrammed the radios without proof of where it came from, the whole concept is useless. Actually, I don't know if they reprogram the radios or the vehicle, but if ends up the same. I had a Grand Prix that somehow locked the radio ( battery disconnect) and there was a sequence of numbers to punch in on the DIC and I had a buddy that was a service advisor for a dealership. I gave him the numbers that came up and he had to phone GM which in turn gave him a set of numbers, which he then gave to me to input and the radio was good to go.

 

[TXBlazer]

Call around to a few mom n pop shops in your area, you should be able to get it reprogrammed for around $50

 

[cyber]

I'll make it easy for you. I've got one out of an 06 I'll sell for $50 plus shipping and I'll provide the vin.

I've seen the pictures of yours in the Classifieds, it's not a 'BOSE' stereo, different part # than mine.

Why you selling yours, did you upgrade to an aftermarket??

 

[DDonnie]

I've seen the pictures of yours in the Classifieds, it's not a 'BOSE' stereo, different part # than mine.

Why you selling yours, did you upgrade to an aftermarket??

Mine is bose. Came out of my 06 ls. Disk changer works. I have a full tablet install so I don't need it anymore

 

[BRomanJr]

I have an '06 TB w/ Bose 6 CD changer, radio works fine,
CD changer-not so good.

My local GM dealer quotes me $129 to reprogram with
no guarantee that will fix the problem. Well I'm not
inclined to dump $129 chasing rainbows for them to
say 'Sorry, still doesn't work'.

Anyways, my main question is stated in the title:
Do I need the 'donor' vehicles VIN# if I buy a
reconditioned stereo from e-bay?? I'm getting differing
opinions from various sources!!

My GM dealer says I need it, various resellers on e-bay
say I don't, some provide it & some don't------WTF!?!

I know I'll hafta get the replacement reprogrammed, but
I don't mind spending the $129 if I know the CD player
is going to work. (e-bay stereo has 90 day warranty)

A replacement head unit can be function tested in your vehicle before reprogramming and /or before buying.

Just remove existing head unit,
Plug in replacement head unit but don't fasten it to dash,
turn key to ON without starting engine,
Head unit should function normally for as long as you need to test until engine is started, then it will lock.
Once locked, You can repeat this testing process by unplugging from vehicle and then plug it back in.

You do NOT need the VIN from the Donor vehicle when re-programming using a Tech 2, however some service shops will require you have proof of purchase (usually with the VIN) before they will re-program it.

Also, if you are handy with small electronics, you could swap the CD Changer module in the Head unit for a working one without needing re-programming. Having a Repair shop do this for you will usually get you a minimal warranty.