Hello fellow Volvo drivers,

After coming back from Thanksgiving on the east coast, I went to start my 850 and the battery was dead...ok, no problem, get a jump start. But I did not anticipate my stereo asking me for a security code to unlock it... because apparently when the stereo looses power, it activates a security feature to prevent unauthorized use...and one *must* enter a 4-digit code of some sort to re-enable it; because all it says now is "OFF." Once the car is shut off for a little while, the stereo asks again for the code—so I have plenty of opportunities to re-enter this code.

As it happens, I bought this ’96 850 used last summer and never knew to ask for this, or that this "feature" (being in quotes because it was not fun to drive 3 hours without my radio, you know how it is) even existed.

So my question to you all is: is there a default code I should try? Unless the previous owner changed it or was able to enter a different code at some point, I would have no recourse other then seeking the help of my local Volvo dealership. And if it wasn’t changed, might there be a default code that would work?

I've tried "1111" and "1234," neither which have worked (which is why I am seeking help :).

The model is SC-811

Any help provided would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Kyle Alexander
Portland, OR
kyle@coolkyle.com

( I also posted this on Volvospeed.com's forums: http://www.volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php?showtopic=15894 )