replaced instrument cluster - now radio theftlock is stuck on and I can't replace!

[bigreddog]

I replaced my 2002 montana instrument cluster. It's working and all is well. I noticed my radio's theftlock light is on. It's not in LOC mode, its inoperative. So what I thought since my backlight is basically out. So today I went out and attempted to replace the radio with an aftermarket radio. I used a plug in wiring harness and had no luck. I have no bose and no onstar. So next I but the expensive GM harness with the door chime and STILL the aftermarket radio will not power on! I did test the aftermarket radio and its good. Is this theftlock problem preventing me from running an aftermarket radio? What am I doing wrong? I don't care if I have to use my old radio or new one, but how do I get either one to work again?

Thanks!!

 

[Steelcity]

did you try pulling the fuse for 20 mins or so maybe it needs reset ???

 

[curtastrophe]

This is just a thought, but doesn't theftlock apply only when the ECU tries to communicate with the head unit through the default harness? If the codes were wiped or the unit has an improper VIN, then theftlock kicks on? As I understand it, you can circumvent the issue with aftermarket as the new head unit won't care what the ecu is attempting to tell it (if there is even a connection).

Sounds to me, and this is just a guess, that there is an issue with the power feed to that wiring harness. Get a multimeter to check to see how much power is actually coming across the hot wire (to the radio) while the power is on.