Hey Everyone.

This past weekend I bought a 88 Trans Am GTA. I'm trying to put the factory cassette player back in. The radio powers up with the LOC message, pressing Mute on the steering wheel doesn't do anything. I know that the steering wheel pad failing is pretty common. But am I missing wiring? is that open plug for the steering wheel or the subwoofer, which it does not have.

I'm referring to the black plug, not the grey one. I just removed the grey plug so I could get a better photo.



If the wiring is ok. Is there a good source for a new/rebuild/repo steering wheel pad?

Thanks everyone
Andrew

 

I think you have to get a code from GM to unlock the sterio Mike

 

You are wired up properly. The 2 prong grey plug is for the steering wheel pad.

 

Do an internet search and you'll find some "how-to's" on how to unlock a TheftLock radio without having to go to the dealership.

I can't confirm if any of these unlocking methods work.

 

Thanks for the info guys. As far as I can tell, the only way to unlock it is through the mute button on the steering wheel.

Is there a common problem that causes the pads to fail?

 

The pad could be worn out. Do you have a meter you can test continuity with?

 

I do. I was searching on here for a way to test the pad with no luck. Do you know of a way?

 

The radio is locked!
Not a wiring problem either!

Do a search on "how to unlock a GM theftlock radio" on the net.
Most unlock procedures use the buttons on the FACE of the radio
NOT the steering wheel buttons.

Or you can go to the dealer and have them unlock it with the Tech 2 machine.

Most newer GM radios are VIN# locked also so a dealer trip is the cure.

 

The stock 3rd Gen Radio in my TTA is unlocked with the Mute Button on the Steering Wheel Control Pad.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^Agree^^^^^^^^^^^ Mute button on the steering pad.
Done it several times with 88GTA, 89TTA.

 

Did you MISS the word MOST?

 

According to my 88 Firebird factory service manual. The radio is reset by pressing the mute button.