How to Reset the Stereo in a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado

Radios have long been a favorite target of vehicle thieves and, due to the high cost of factory radios, they often fall victim to a sticky-fingered individual. To prevent this, some manufacturers added an anti-theft feature to stereos. In years past, these consisted of just entering a four- or five-digit code and you were back to hearing tunes. In some newer model vehicles, you must access the vehicles computer system and program the vehicle identification number into the radio. The 2006 Silverado is a vehicle requiring this high-tech programming to reset the stereo, even if you just disconnect the battery cable.

Instructions

1

Adjust the drivers seat as far back as it will go and look under the drivers side of the dashboard. Locate the data link connector, or DLC, the male electrical connector in the same shape as the plug on the OBD-II scanner, under the dashboard near the drivers side door.

2

Plug the OBD-II scanner into the DLC and turn the ignition to the Run position. At this point, most diagnostic scanners turn on automatically. If the OBD-II scanner does not turn on, refer to its instructions to turn it on manually.

3

Access the Special Functions menu on the OBD-II scanner. The location of this menu varies by model of diagnostic scanner, but it typically is in the Body Control Module section. In some cases, it is in the Main Menu.

4

Initiate the VIN Relearn function of the OBD-II scanner. This process varies by scanner model, so refer to the scanners instructions for the exact process. On most scanners, you simply scroll through the Special Functions menu until you can highlight VIN Relearn, then press the OK or Enter button.

5

Observe as the OBD-II scanner accesses the body control module and begins relearning the vehicle identification number-specific components of the Silverado. During this process, the diagnostic scanner forces the radio to relearn the VIN, thereby resetting it, so it will work normally.

6

Turn the ignition to the Off position and unplug the scanner after it prompts you that the VIN relearn process is complete.

7

Turn the ignition On then Off to complete the single key cycle needed to finish the process. Turn the ignition On and check the operation of the radio.