How to get a CAR300 cassette out of SAFE mode??

[Caitlin]

I have the security code for the CAR300 cassette player for the 1997 Astra I just bought, but I can't get it to input.

I had to remove the deck to clean it as it wasn't playing properly, and I've read the instructions that say you have to press AS for 3 seconds while switching the unit on, then the code entry starting with 10 _ _ _ _ will come up in the display. But pressing AS does nothing, It displays SAFE immediately and pressing AS doesn't change it. I've tried this a dozen times in variations including disconnecting the unit entirely then reconnecting followed immediately by starting the engine, pressing AS, and switching on the unit. Keep holding AS for minutes and nothing happens. Still just says SAFE.

Anyone got any ideas? It was working before I pulled it out yesterday, so it's not that the code has been entered more than ten times - I haven't had the opportunity to enter it once!

TIA

 

[Martin (archive)]

I have the security code for the CAR300 cassette player for the 1997 Astra I just bought, but I can't get it to input.

I had to remove the deck to clean it as it wasn't playing properly, and I've read the instructions that say you have to press AS for 3 seconds while switching the unit on, then the code entry starting with 10 _ _ _ _ will come up in the display. But pressing AS does nothing, It displays SAFE immediately and pressing AS doesn't change it. I've tried this a dozen times in variations including disconnecting the unit entirely then reconnecting followed immediately by starting the engine, pressing AS, and switching on the unit. Keep holding AS for minutes and nothing happens. Still just says SAFE.

Anyone got any ideas? It was working before I pulled it out yesterday, so it's not that the code has been entered more than ten times - I haven't had the opportunity to enter it once!

TIA

Make sure you are doing it with the ignition switched on.

Full procedure should be...

Switch on ignition

Press & hold AS button & switch on radio

Display says SAFE - after 3 seconds is shows "10-----"

Enter code using preset buttons 1,2,3 & 4 by pressing each button repeatedly until desired digit comes up.

When all done, display will say something like 10 4 2 6 3 (for code of 4263)

Press and hold AS button until you hear bleep.

Should work now.

HTH

 

[Caitlin]

Make sure you are doing it with the ignition switched on.

Full procedure should be...

Switch on ignition

Press & hold AS button & switch on radio

Display says SAFE - after 3 seconds is shows "10-----"

Enter code using preset buttons 1,2,3 & 4 by pressing each button repeatedly until desired digit comes up.

When all done, display will say something like 10 4 2 6 3 (for code of 4263)

Press and hold AS button until you hear bleep.

Should work now.

HTH

Thanks for the speedy reply Martin. Problem is that I have tried exactly this. I get to the "Press & hold AS button & switch on radio" step and it just won't change from displaying SAFE to "10-----". Methinks it's buggered!! (I wonder is the AS button faulty)

 

[Martin (archive)]

"Martin" wrote:

Thanks for the speedy reply Martin. Problem is that I have tried exactly this. I get to the "Press & hold AS button & switch on radio" step and it just won't change from displaying SAFE to "10-----". Methinks it's buggered!! (I wonder is the AS button faulty)

I'm puzzled. The only things I can suggest are (a) removing and replacing radio a few times, in case one of the contacts is not making cleanly; (b) considering whether you could have "tried" more than 10 times (I realize you specifically said you haven't); (c) any chance that AS switch (or some other critical bit) got disturbed / damaged when cleaning deck? (are you pushing AS in really firmly while switching on?); (d) can you contact previous owner?

Do keep us posted.

 

[Jon]

Caitlin I had the exact same problem with my one in the vectra when replacing it, unfortunately it's not in the car now so i cant check but I know that pressing a different button other than the as one worked

Press away it will work )

 

[Caitlin]

I've come to the conclusion that the AS button must be damaged. A friend did treat it rather roughly trying to get it out before we finally figured out the trick - so maybe a connection has been damaged in the process. Anyway - I've given him today to fiddle with it a bit more and then I'll just have to buy a replacement on ebay. Took it up to a shady character who connected it up to some equipment and confirmed it's not locked, so it must be a fault with the button I think.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

 

[Liam Duffy]

I had this exact problem, luckily the car was under a fleet contract so it went to vauxhall. The problem is, believe it or not with the ignition switch. The required voltage is not getting through when you turn the key!!!, get the switch replaced (try a breakers) and all should be fine!!