I bought the car used, no code card in manual, called the original dealer (found the name on the name on the title), they had no records. Called two dealerships today. Both asked for the last eight VIN numbers, no records found. One says they need to pull the radio out, call Audi with serial number to get the original code ( 2 hours labor). The other says they can reset the code through the OBD ($100) new code. I'm sure others have dealt with this. Which way or any other options ? I'm getting the timing belt etc done soon (have the dieselgeeks kit in hand) and know I'll be listening to sweet silience when the "Safe" displays.

 

mine doesn't go into safe mode when I disconnect the battery. maybe you'll get lucky.

can you pull the radio yourself and call audi for the code?

 

I've gone thru the same ****.

As far as I know, you can't recode the radio, its factory set.

You do need the S/N from the radio to get the code, if the radio was replaced once, it wouldn't match the VIN. You'll need to pull the radio for that.

It shouldn't be 2 hrs labor though, I had it done for $35. If they press it, pull the radio yourself, and just show them the S/N. Make sure you're with your TT though, otherwise they can consider it stolen since you don't have a car with it, and refuse to get your code for you.

 

Mine was in safe when i got the car and the small dealer i got it from bought the code for like $75. Dont know what that all entailed but that didnt seem to be to much trouble for the dealer. My 2000 goes into safe as soon as the battery is disconnected. I think audi/vw changed that since my brothers 03 passat doesnt go into safe ever. So i have no idea when they switched it.

 

Sometimes the radio code is written on the label by the spare wheel. Check there.

 

I had the stealorship try to charge me $80 for pulling the code.

 

I've heard it was there too. I looked but couldnt find it when mine went safe. Hell if all else fails, upgrade to an aftermarket head unit and you dont have to worry about any damn codes again!

 

I got lucky and made it go into Safe mode just following a stealership visit so I took it back to them and they did it without any questions, free.

Can Vag access or reset it?

 

i think an after market headunit looks unfinished and terrible. just my opinion.

 

No you can't reset the SAFE mode with VAG. The only way is through the code on the HU itself.