Your trick worked for me. I couldn't get the code for the new radio. I took the old radio completely apart, and found that you can just take the screws out of the bottom of the radio and drop the bottom out. Be very careful with the heat. I screwed up the old board but not the chip. When I put the radio back in the car it took about 10 sec. for it to come on. Just like you said. New radio thinks it's the old radio. Oh here's the good part. with the old radio ALL speakers but left rear were out. Same with new radio. NEW speakers on the way.