Radio/Stereo: Description and Operation

Radio system

General information

Before troubleshooting or servicing, technicians must be familiar with the function and operation of the various, applicable radio systems installed owner's manual radio system supplement.

Up to late 10.97 production, "Deluxe" or "Premium"radio units were installed. These units are characterized by NOT having On Board Diagnostic (OBD) capabilities.

A new radio generation was installed as a running change from late 10.97 production as follows: Jetta VIN WM142005, Golf/GTI/CabrioVIN: WM146415. These new radios are referred to as "Sound System".

Radio anti-theft codes in all units are fixed (cannot be changed) and must be re-entered in to the radio whenever power (B+) or Ground (GND) to the radio has been disconnected, or if insufficient battery voltage is present. Refer to owner's manual radio system supplement.

When retrofitting components, carrying out On Board Diagnostic ("Sound System" only) or related repairs, use appropriate wiring diagram. Refer to Electrical Wiring Diagrams, Testing and Inspection, and Component Locations.

Only factory approved radios and radio equipment (available from Volkswagen of America, Inc.) should be installed. This ensures proper installation and optimum function.

"Sound System" units are controlled by an internal microprocessor with On Board Diagnostic (OBD) capability. If malfunctions occur in monitored components, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) will be stored in memory together with an indication of malfunction type. A maximum of 4 DTCs can be stored simultaneously.

Sporadic malfunctions (indicated in the readout by "SP") are automatically cancelled if not repeated in the next 50 engine starts.

Before performing any troubleshooting or inspection on sound System units, always begin by checking for DTCs using the OBD program. DTCs stored in memory are retrieved/checked with VAG 1551 or VAG 1552 Scan Tool (ST).

Notes on exchanging radio
- Do not disassemble radio.
- When the replacement of a malfunctioning radio is necessary, follow exchange part procedures.
- Complete the report form and return together with radio.
- Use the original packaging from the new radio when returning.

Additional information:
Complaint/symptom based Technical Bulletins ("Service Fixes"). Refer to Technical Service Bulletins (TSB's)