Does changing battery mean I need a radio code?

S

Simon9026

New Member
Hi there - I just brought a 2002 A2 1.4TDI which is going to need a battery change imminently. Will removing the battery mean that I will need a radio code to use the radio again. The car didn't come with one when I bought it. TIA
 
^^ this is incorrrect.

You do not need a code if it is an original Audi radio. They all 'know' the car they are installed in and will work without further ado. It's listed as such in the Handbook if you have one. I've also disconnected and reconnected mine many times while it still had an original radio in and have never needed the code. The code should be in with the handbook anyway.

If it's a replacement radio, all bets are off.

- Bret
 
You can get the lost radio code via ebay. You pay your money, give the seller the radio serial number, and they give you the code. Under a tenner if memory serves. Mac.
 
Don't know when the change happened (possibly for the 2002 model year) but cars with Gen 1 radio units do need the code as the can bus system for that era did not extend to the infotainment system
My May 2001 TDi certainly does

Worth checking if Simon's car is a very early 2002 model

Cheers Spike
 
As spike, my understanding is generation 2 stereos that talk through can bus are learnt by the computer and stored, if they are removed or disconnected from power when reconnected the car checks the unit and knows it so it works. Pre can bus stereos do not use can for communication and the code is needed every time the power is disconnected for more than a certain time. That is the way I always expected it to be. The jump lead or power pack method can be used on both types. Although if gen 1 I think I would get the code regardless as you are only a flat battery or bad mechanic away from non functioning stereo.
 
Back to square one. The first question to ask is what radio is installed, might even be aftermarket (non Audi). - Andy
 
Hi there - I just brought a 2002 A2 1.4TDI which is going to need a battery change imminently. Will removing the battery mean that I will need a radio code to use the radio again. The car didn't come with one when I bought it. TIA
[/QUOTE] I didn't have the code for the radio in my 2001 A2 but Blackburn Audi sorted it and gave me the code free of charge. Perhaps you're close enough to see whether that's still an option.
 
Jeff Sutcliffe said:
Hi there - I just brought a 2002 A2 1.4TDI which is going to need a battery change imminently. Will removing the battery mean that I will need a radio code to use the radio again. The car didn't come with one when I bought it. TIA
Click to expand...
I didn't have the code for the radio in my 2001 A2 but Blackburn Audi sorted it and gave me the code free of charge. Perhaps you're close enough to see whether that's still an option.
[/QUOTE]

If you have a generation 2 Audi stereo as indicated above you will be fine. The stereo reads the VIN and only requests the code if it is in a different car with a different VIN.
Generation 2 stereos have 2 knobs.
If your one has the single central knob then you will need to re-enter the code after reconnecting the new battery.

regards

Andrew
 
My 2001 A2 has had the battery disconnected many times and the tape player/radio didn't need a code....thankfully as i don't know it. Best regards ade
 
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