Get Your Radio Code

Select a series above to see the required format

GM serials start with GM (e.g. GM0670B9611078). For Delphi/Bose premium units the serial is VIN-based (e.g. 93CTA48L05B157612). The sticker is on top of the radio unit — remove it from the dash to access it.
Car radio

How to Find Your GM Radio Serial

Method 1 — Radio chassis sticker

Remove the radio from the dashboard. The serial sticker is on the top surface of the unit. On standard GM units it begins with GM; on Delphi/Bose premium units it is a longer alphanumeric string tied to the vehicle VIN.

Method 2 — Theftlock menu

Some GM radios display the last 4 digits of the serial on-screen when the radio shows "LOC" or "INOP". Hold the "AM/FM" and "2" buttons together for about 10 seconds to reveal the display code sequence.

Method 3 — GM customer care

Call GM customer care with your VIN and proof of ownership. They can retrieve the code from GM's database at no charge for the registered owner.

Theftlock is GM's radio security system. When the battery is disconnected the radio asks for a 4-digit or longer code. The system was fitted across the GM family: Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Pontiac, Saturn and Oldsmobile.

Compatible GM Models

BrandModelsYears
ChevroletSilverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Malibu, Cavalier, Cobalt, Impala, Trailblazer1992–2010
GMCSierra, Yukon, Envoy, Jimmy, Safari1995–2010
BuickLeSabre, Park Avenue, Rendezvous, Lucerne, Enclave1994–2010
CadillacDeVille, Escalade, CTS, STS, Seville1994–2010
PontiacGrand Am, Grand Prix, Bonneville, Firebird, Montana1993–2008
SaturnIon, Vue, L-series, S-series1995–2008
OldsmobileAlero, Aurora, Bravada, Silhouette1992–2004

FAQ

My GM radio shows "INOP" — how do I unlock it?

INOP means the radio has had too many wrong unlock attempts. Leave the vehicle key in ACC or ON for one hour. After an hour the radio will reset to LOC and allow you to enter the code again.

What is the difference between GM standard and GM Premium (Delphi/Bose)?

Standard GM radios use a serial starting with GM and a 4 or 6-digit unlock code. Delphi/Bose premium units (found in Tahoe, Silverado, Sierra with factory upgraded audio) use a longer VIN-based serial. Select the correct series from the dropdown to match your unit.

How do I enter the code on a Chevrolet Silverado?

With the radio showing LOC, use the preset buttons (1–6) to enter each digit of the code. Press and hold the SEEK button to confirm. The radio will power on immediately if the code is correct.

My Pontiac Grand Prix radio serial doesn't start with GM — what series do I pick?

Some GM vehicles came with Delphi or Bose branded units whose serials don't follow the GM prefix format. Try the "GM Premium (Delphi/Bose)" series and enter the full alphanumeric serial from the unit sticker.