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During the process of replacing an engine in this 2005 Chevy Trailblazer, we turned key on before all the ground cables were tight. At that time, the radio blew out and so I got another one. Of course it needs some process to get it to work. When I logged on to my AC Delco account with GM, thinking I was gonna simply program this unit, I didn't see anything for radio unlocking. How do I make this radio work? Both MOD and GM service info say to go online with GM and do a program event. Anybody done one of these yet? If so, how?

May go beyond a Radio issue. In fact I would be shocked if it didn't. First I would check all the fuses is all the power distribution boxes. Without looking into this in depth I believe the Radio may be tied into the Anti Theft Module. I would try Direct Hit if it were in my shop but I'm leaning towards a blown or series of blown fuse's of a module.

steven kiser wrote:May go beyond a Radio issue. In fact I would be shocked if it didn't. First I would check all the fuses is all the power distribution boxes. Without looking into this in depth I believe the Radio may be tied into the Anti Theft Module. I would try Direct Hit if it were in my shop but I'm leaning towards a blown or series of blown fuse's of a module.

Yea Steve, I also though of the things you are mentioning. But, the engine starts and runs, drives and there is no BCM issues or codes. The only issue I am having is that the radio cannot be turned on because it says something about needing to be unlocked. Otherwise, to my knowledge, there is no other issues with the vehicle.

That vintage radio has 2 options for unlocking and you never know which one you'll need. One is through SPS programming and the other is with the Tech2 scanner. I always look for it first in the scanner before trying SPS.

I* just had to do one of these last week, had the nav radio. Used tech2 to unlock.

liljoe wrote:I* just had to do one of these last week, had the nav radio. Used tech2 to unlock.

What sequence on your tech2 did you use?

The setup is under special functions in the Tech2. If you have RPO UM8, you'll need to do a vin relearn. That's also under special functions. The tool will guide you through the steps.

Ok. I currently do not own a TECH2 unit. Can I download the TECH2 software on my laptop or is that not an option?

I'm not sure. I've never used the emulator.

Can't help with that question, sorry. Sounds like it would be easier just to take it to a local dealer you do business with.

steven kiser wrote:Can't help with that question, sorry. Sounds like it would be easier just to take it to a local dealer you do business with.

Thats part of the problem. There is no local GM dealer anymore with the way GM has been restructuring its dealer network in more recent years.

What types of scanners do you have to work with?

I have the MAC Mentor Touch and the MAC Mentor Pro.

Are there Geek places to send radios like we do pcm's with the vin and have it set up for just a plug and go? There has to be a way. I'll call a buddy at G.M. today and get back to you.

Hi Tim,

Here's the procedure -

Radio Programming and Setup
Each of the following service procedures requires programming or setup procedures to be performed on the radio.

Radio Replacement
If the radio is replaced, the following procedure must be performed:

Reprogram the radio. Refer to Service Programming System (SPS).

With RPO UM8
If the navigation radio is replaced and a theft locked condition exists, the following procedure must be performed:

Perform the Radio Setup in Entertainment.

So for the normal radio replacement you're going to - https://www.acdelcotds.com/acdelco/action/subscribehome

You'll need a Tech 2, MDI, MDI 2, or compliant J2534 tool for this.

You'll also need a radio that actually fit this vehicle, as in it's best to get an exact part number match, or from the same year vehicle but an upgrade. It's dicey at best when you're trying to upgrade a radio, or put a replacement in that was never offered in the vehicle. SPS usually asks what speaker, amp,...RPO's that the vehicle was sold with. If you're trying to put something in that didn't come with it, it's unlikely to get the correct programming to make this work correctly on a 12 year old vehicle.

I should have also mentioned once your in TIS2Web, you're selecting SPS, and select Radio from the drop down box. You would program it the way you would a PCM/ECM/TCM, or any other replacement module.