mk2 Scirocco - VW Gamma Radio (TIM 2h)

[webamoeba]

Hi,

I just bought a VW Gamma radio from fleaBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260966913363? ... 500wt_1288) and went to test it. I get the message TIM 2h as soon as I turn it on, after a couple of seconds the display goes blank..? Some searching in the internet suggested that all I needed to do was press the FM button - no such luck. I've tried pretty much every button at this stage!

I have only connected power, earth, aerial, and one speaker. I noticed that the red security light is constantly flashing which supposedly means that the ignition is off (yop that;s a safe bet considering it's not wired up to a car at all ). Do I need to tell it that the ignition is on? I noticed that there is a "Anti-theft system control signal, SAFE (terminal 30)" (http://www.vwbooks.co.uk/vw_info/T4_pdf ... ctions.pdf). Do I need to do something with this?

Thanks!

[mr.brown]

TIM = Traffic Information Memory. Some RDS radios have the capability to save Traffic Reports whilst the unit is off for a certain amount of time - so the 2h is 2 hours.

I've got a feeling that the red flashing light may mean the unit has been locked after a certain amount of incorrect pin attempts. Do you have the pin? I'm sure if you Google "vw gamma code entry" you'll find instructions.

[webamoeba]

I think the red flashing light is just something to do with it not thinking the ignition is on, found a manual online which says something to that effect (http://www.westfaliat4.info/1998_VW_Gam ... ish_WM.pdf).

Yup I have the pin - but I never get asked to enter it. Only thing I managed to find was someone suggesting that you press and hold the AM and FM simultaneously util it asks you to enter the code (says 1000).

Just read up a bit more and found that S-Kont is what tells the radio the ignition is on and it should be a 12v supply. So tried wiring that up. With that wired up the red light stops flashing! However when I try and turn it on I get no response at all... :(

[Nate]

think you'll find that 'tim' is short for 'time' (due to lengh of display available)

you need to leave it switched on and not touch it for 2 hours. you will then need to enter the security code. if you don't have the security code, post up the serial number and i'll see if i can decode it for you. don't keep pressing buttons, you'll lock the thing up so it needs to be sent away to be recoded

[webamoeba]

Thanks for the replies, have been in contact with a local VW dealer who believes it is locked and have recommended somewhere local that offers a repair service. So will go and see what they think.

Thanks again!

[Nate]

if you leave it turned on for 2 hours without touching it, you can then enter the code. if you give me the serial number i can probably get you the code. paying to have it coded will set you back around 30 quid

[ianaudia4]

If you have the serial number of the radio and the original cars registration then your local VW dealer will give you the code free of charge. I did this recently,so it's fact!

[Nate]

i'm guessing that as an ebay purchase, he's probably not got the reg. some dealer's won't do it. but it is "won't" and not "can't" swindon vw wouldn't even help me identify a paint code

[ianaudia4]

i'm guessing that as an ebay purchase, he's probably not got the reg. some dealer's won't do it. but it is "won't" and not "can't" swindon vw wouldn't even help me identify a paint code

That's a shame you don't get good service from your local dealer, I use Abridge VW in Harlow, and they couldn't be more helpful.
I bought a Gamma radio on Ebay and asked the seller for the vehicle reg and the serial number was on the case of the radio.

[Mr Funk]

^ what he said. My local Stealership parts dept couldn't be nicer.
The mongs selling the new stuff are a bit odd though, can't see the fuss about old cars but that's cool.

[webamoeba]

Yup tried leaving it on for more than 2 hours (48 hours in the end!) and also had the ignition on. Still no luck.
I have the code for the radio, but it never asks me to enter it and it never says SAFE.

Am starting remember why I hate modern electronics - should have gone for a period radio!