Replacement factory radio

[vibrtor]

The dealer is replacing my defective unit with a new one. The service manager claims there's time-consuming programming to be done on the new unit to make it operable. I told them that, as far as I know, no such thing is required. He said it's due to the theftlock feature. I then proceded to tell him the blinking light is for show only, that there is no theft deterrent (other than if you forget your socket wrench) which he took issue with. I've had the radio out several times and never had to do any rerogramming. On some other GM vehicles I've played with, I have had to key in some codes, but not the Vibe. What's the scoop? Am I wrong?

[Raven]

You are right. There is no anti-theft on the radio. The light is only for show.

[northvibe]

for a base vibe it should be just for show. If you have a new vibe with onstar it may be a diff story as onstar has its own security thingy bopper dohicky.

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »security thingy bopper dohicky.Engineer speak! Way over my head though.

[vibrtor]

Had the radio replaced this morning. Turns out that when the factory radio is replaced, they do have to program the VIN into the unit or it won't work. I guess that's the reason for the blinky-light - it's stating that, "I won't work in your car unless you do some very basic programming." But then...who'd want it, anyway?? (That wasn't very nice, was it - I'm sorry. Especially since mine is an M&T with XM ...that I don't subscribe to).