Scratching my head over $50 aftermarket units that are better than the OEM head units.

Back in the early 80's a "good" car stereo would run you $200-$250, the $50 junk came from the darkest depths of the J.C. Whitney catalog.

 

So again the OP has not returned to confirm what fixed the problem !

 

But this one was a 'two and done' which is different from the 'one and dones' we've had recently.

 

Which of us can't count to 2?
The OPs only other post was asking about the power steering recall, and, it was a kind of "odd" question.

 

That I can't answer but all I meant is that he didn't just post once an immediately leave like three that come to mind that recently did that.

 

I did not post any number, just simply that the OP has not returned to this post to confirm anything

 

I have read all the post here now and wonder if the OP really had a dead radio or if it was just his speakers like it was on my HHR.

Kinda wish he wasn't a 2 and don't dude and will come back. And yes I wonder if American English is not perhaps his native language do to his rather strange way of posting his questions.

 

why does a junkyard radio need to 'scanned' or programmed?

 

The computer in the car has to be given the VIN number from the donor vehicle or the replacement radio or it will not work. It will light up but it will display 'Locked' and will not work.

It's part of the anti theft system built into the cars.

It's not something you can do at home unless you just happen to have a Tech 2 scanner laying around.

 

Doesn't have to be a Tech 2. There are other scanners with capabilities to match radios, keys and fobs, etc.