It is recommended to us pc with Windows XP, I didn't have success to read code with 64bit laptop usig Win8.1.

Tue 21 Jan 2003 12:19 Astra Coded Radio - code deactivation - Chris TD My recently aquired Mk3 Astra came with very little documentation. One thing it did come with was a radio handbook - but unfortunately for a completely different model!

Currently the radio is working fine, but I can foresee a time in the future when the battery will become disconnected for whatever reason, and on reconnection I expect I will be challenged for a code to reactivate the radio. Since I don't have it and neither did the previous owners, I believe there is a way to take the code protection off with a combination of key presses/turning off/on etc.

So long as the radio is activated at the moment. When you turn the radio on 'CODE' appears in the display I think indicating that code protection is set on.

Anybody out there got one of these beasts with a handbook or knows how to disable the code protection? Thanks in advance Chris TD. Tue 21 Jan 2003 13:59 Astra Coded Radio - code deactivation - Chris TD Nipped out to the car and found it's a CAR 300 radio.

Had another look at the booklet and although nothing matched that desription, there was a 4 digit code written on it. Foolishly tried that once and locked the radio out (smack forehead), so it's now the sound of silence until I get to the dealers and get the code before using any more attempts to enter it. Broke my own golden rule: if it's working - leave it alone.

Thanks anyway. Tue 21 Jan 2003 14:40 Astra Coded Radio - code deactivation - John S Chris If the radio briefly shows 'CODE' when switched on then the coding is active. The locking isn't permanent, and you should have 10 attempts.

After 2 unsucessful attempts it's locked out for 10 seconds, and that extends to 10 minutes for subsequent attempts. The number of attempts left is shown in the display. After the ninth it's 640 minutes of waiting! The radio must remain switched on for the waiting time, though.

The procedure for a CAR 300 from my manual- The same procedure is used to either switch on the coding or to turn it off. Both operations need the radio code number. Switch on ignition Switch off radio Press the AS control and hold while turning radio on - it bleeps after 3 seconds Display shows CODE---- after 3 seconds Enter code (use preset 1 for first digit, preset 2 for second etc) When code is entered press and hold AS until radio beeps and starts to operate. Get to the Vx dealer with the log book and ask them to get a 'Car Pass' for you. Costs about £6 and includes the radio code, immobiliser code and the key number, which gets you a precut key from the factory. The immobiliser code is vital if you buy a new key as it allows the new key to be programmd into the Engine Management. Regards John S.

Tue 21 Jan 2003 16:10 Astra Coded Radio - code deactivation - Big Vern MK 3 astra you say. What year is that? If it is fairly new it would be safe to assume that it has the same style key as my 98R Vectra. Around £70 for a new key: mechnical key + immobiliser chip + rf remote, Be aware that if the car has a standard alarm fitted if you lock with the remote and open with the key the alarm will sound until you start the car (i.e. Alarm can verify entry was gained with a key with a vaid immobilser chip) so do not think you can live without the remote part of the key to save £25 or whatever it is.

Tue 21 Jan 2003 16:41 Astra Coded Radio - code deactivation - Chris TD It's a 97 R Astra. There is a chip in the key but no remote. I thought the electrical gubbins in the key was only the wee light, so got a plain key cut.

Only when I tried it in the ignition and it cranked but did not go bang did a closer inspection reveal the chip tucked away in the key body. Touch the old key to the plain new key and it starts though (but a fat lot of good that is). People in the works carpark have said the hazards were going occasionally (but no alarm sounding) for a while but each time I've got there all has been silent and still, so perhaps a previous owner has 'adjusted' the alarm. Tue 21 Jan 2003 18:28 Astra Coded Radio - code deactivation - Dynamic Dave If it has an alarm fitted, then it will only sound for 30 secs, but the hazzards will flash for 5 minutes (or is it 15 mins - manual not to hand to consult) Also you will have a flashing LED on the dashboard somewhere which is separate to the flashing one on the radio.

No fussing around with too many on board options. Bandicam full cracked.