I am restoring my 1997 850 T-5 Wagon. It had an aftermarket stereo when I purchased it. I later purchased an original 1997 Volvo stereo on eBay knowing I needed to obtain the security code. However, I have been stymied in getting the code. Most recently, I took my existing Volvo title as proof of ownership to my nearest Volvo dealership in Appleton, WI (100+ miles away) and showed them the radio serial # of the one I bought. They indicated they could not help me unless I had the VIN number to the car that stereo was originally installed in. This runs contrary to the advice I have found on the forums so far. I recognize people wanting to maintain security measures but this stereo is almost 30 years old.

Have I just made a blunder in purchasing this used stereo or is there some location that is able to run the stereo serial and can find a code?

 

did the seller write the 4 digit code on the unit? my recall is you'd need the VIN but there may be a dealer or service that will only need the serial number from the unit. Just google around.

Try this link:

https://www.justanswer.com/uk-car/90...rly-posts.html

Otherwise, finding another used radio (with code) isn't that costly. In fact I have the original AM-FM cassette unit from a 95 850T (with code) that I can send you if interested. Sorry not a CD model but will plug right into your car.

 

Hey, thank you. I tried the JustAnswer site. No dice. Since I do not have the VIN from the original car the stereo was installed in I am out of luck getting the code.

I would be very interested in your stereo w/code. Let me know how best to follow up with you.

 

At my Volvo shop (from 1980 - 2018) we probably had to find thousands of Radio codes for cars we were servicing. I would simply call (or email/fax if they were very busy) the wholesale parts department and ask for the code with either the VIN or serial number, part number and style (example sc901). They needed those 3 bits of info to find the code by serial number. They knew my shop (bought many parts from them) so I was not asked to provide proof of ownership. (and don't really see why that would be needed for a 28 year old radio - a key would be different!)

It was easier by VIN, but is possible the other way.

I have not asked for a code since 2018 - but I'm guessing they are still available. You should try a different dealer, and possibly the person you talked to is too young/inexperienced and is not aware radio codes can be gotten that way. (I imagine since Volvo stopped using radio codes about 2004 - it's not something asked for often)

 

you can buy volvo radios on ebay, but make sure that it says “with code”

also, if you are interested, i have a volvo SC-815 radio that i took out of my 850. neither the tape or the cd were functioning, but the am/fm worked fine. perhaps you could make use of this, possibly swapping out the tape /CD. ket me know if interested
john

 

I would simply call (or email/fax if they were very busy) the wholesale parts department and ask for the code with either the VIN or serial number, part number and style (example sc901). They needed those 3 bits of info to find the code by serial number.