How to Reset Your Radio/Stereo on a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta

The 1998 Volkswagen Jetta had a total of six trim levels available: GL, GT, TDI, Wolfsburg, GLS and GLX. The GL, GT and TDI trim levels did not come standard with a radio, but had an optional AM/FM and cassette or CD player available. The highest three trim levels all came standard with a stereo system. All of the audio systems in the 1998 Jetta have an anti-theft system that requires you to match up a replacement radio with the Jetta's instrument panel by resetting the radio's anti-theft system.

Instructions

1

Find the radio information card -- the small card that has the radio's serial number and the radio anti-theft code. This code is specific to the radio, so if you bought a used radio, you must use the replacement radio's code. If you do not have this code, you must obtain a new code from the Volkswagen dealership.

2

Set in the driver's seat and insert the key into the ignition. Turn the ignition to the "On" position, but do not start the Jetta. Turn the radio on.

3

The radio displays "Safe" and then "1000." Enter the radio anti-theft code using the corresponding preset buttons on the lower part of the radio.

4

Press and hold the right arrow button on the radio until you hear a beep. Turn the ignition to the "Off" position.

5

Repeat Steps 1 through 4 to activate the radio -- the first time through the process deactivates the old instrument panel code, and the second time activates the new instrument panel code.