Audi Forums banner

Need help with 1998 Audi A4 Radio in Safe Mode

8K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  cherrypickersnob 
#1 ·
Just bought my 17 year old a 1998 Audi A4 Quattro. The car is in immaculate condition but the radio doesn't work as it just displays the message SAFE. I read that you have to reset it with a code specific to the radio, model and car. I don't have owners manual or any codes. Do I need to take it to an Audi retailer? Is there any way to work around it?

Thanks,
Steve
 
#2 ·
safe mode showing on radio display.

Hi there

I ran a car audio repair company fro some 20 years and carried out decoding.SAFE showing in the display can mean that one or more incorrect codes have been tried in an attempt to get the radio working.If you dont know the exact code there is no point trying as the more incorrect attempts that are made the more defiant the radio will be at keeping you out.even if you get the correct code from either a Vin No search or an online code supplier you wont be able to enter it if the radio is locked ie in SAFE mode.

The radio may need intervention by connecting it to a computer to reset its code eeprom timers therefore enabling the code to be entered and the safe mode undone.In short a reputible car audio dealer or Audi main dealer is your best bet.From experience dont trash the Oe unit in favour of after market.Audis OE equipment uses a bas mid treble speaker array which wont sound as it should if you couple up an alien after market unit.

Also consider this,it could cost you around £30/£50 to get the code and get it unlocked to find that the unit has a fault ,No cd or tape or a display issue common on early audi units.. Best of luck.

Cherrypickersnob.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top