VW cassette player stuck in SAFE mode (solved)

[epowell]

I wonder if anyone has had a similar experience with their vw cassette players. This one, whenever you disconnect the battery you then need to punch in a security code number into the cassette player to get it working again (what an absurd feature!)...
...anyhow, normally my 0000 code works. Sometimes in the past if I had forgotten the code and punched in some wrong codes I then needed to unplug the unit and wait 24 or 48 hours, then I could try again...
...currently when I turn it on if just reads "SAFE" and it won't even let me punch in any codes... nothing... just "SAFE".
So I disconnected it and let it sit for 48 hours, and now still the same thing. "SAFE" . . . . . . won't allow me to even punch in any numbers.

Does anyone have any idea how to solve this?

Thanks

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[Wellington]

I like that unit, I have one installed in my van.
Are you on good terms with your VW dealer?
I have a couple of those and with the serial number from the radio, the parts counter was able to supply me with the factory security code.

The feature was to prevent theft, radio removed, the unit locks up.

[Abscate]

In Volvo the SAFE mode is cleared by letting the unit sit with Key on for three hours. Thinking about it, that makes more sense that a timer will need juice To clear.
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.ssS!

[epowell]

hmmm.... I already have the security code *0000* it used to work ...I guess I could try to 3 hours with "key-on" trick.

kinda at a loss at this point > sure would be nice to have tunes on our upcoming trip.
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[Jeffrey Lee]

These new-fangled cassette players just have too many so-called 'features' for their own good. In this case, you may need to revert to your backup 8-track player.

When do you leave on your trip? I can ship you my vast collection of Porter Wagoner and Conway Twitty.

(Sorry, I'm keeping all the Johnny Cash ...)
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[Glenn]

Call your local VW dealer and give them the serial number. They should be able to look up the code.

Or they'll just hang up on you.
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[epowell]

Success!!!!!!

There are quite a few vids on YT on this topic so after watching a pile of those, it seemed like the best possible solution was to leave it turned ON - and just walk away for one hour. Did that, came back and the player was OFF... so I turned it back ON, and low-and-behold. . . it kicked out of SAFE MODE and allowed me once again to punch in the security code, and bingo - it works!

Thanks for the offer for the 8 tracks, but if you're withholding Mr. Cash, then forget it ...actually, practically the only musician I listen to on our hippy-bus trips is Kelly Joe Phelps. These trips have become almost synonymous with his voice and guitar >>> I just can sit for hours in GEorge looking at the lake, chomping on roasted sunflower seeds and dates, listening to KJP. He inspires me incredibly...
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[leecat]

Good work!

[epowell]

[jlrftype7]

[epowell]

yeah, it's funny - I also remember the day when those cassette radios were so valuable that they began with these security features.... seems laughable today > man you couldn't GIVE away these things these days. But now those of us still with them have to struggle
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[Jeffrey Lee]

[epowell]

[epowell]

...now the weirdest thing >>> one of the speakers is not working [???]
Speaker wire all seems good.
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[Jake de Villiers]

[epowell]

Is that true?
...what is really sad is that from 2016 he just quit music and disappeared. I'm really sad about that.
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[Paulbeard]

[epowell]

From KJP's facebook page (which is not run by him, so is therefore not necessarily reliable:

Kelly Joe Phelps
December 7, 2016 ·
Fans and friends of KJP, I asked Kelly Joe, in light of many enquiries about his whereabouts and health, to comment on his current whereabouts. Please keep in mind that KJP does not actively interact with this page or respond to messages sent here. Kelly Joe would like to share this message with you all:

Hello everyone,

I hope all is well and good for you folks, wherever this note finds you.

I’m aware that there has been much curiousity regarding my lengthy absence
from the music world. Fortunately, there is nothing to be worried or concerned
about. My health is fine, and my hand-neuropathy issues seem to have gone away as well.

Back in 2014 it became obvious to me that I needed and wanted to take a serious break from
touring, performing, writing and recording, and live within other parts of my life that had been
neglected for quite a long time. I had no idea how long that process would take when I started,
and I have no idea yet when it will end. However, it still feels like the right type of journey for now,
so I will be staying on it until some logical conclusion makes itself known.

Be good to each other, look after yourselves, and I’ll try not to wait so long to say “hello” next time!

All the best,

Kelly Joe
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[Paulbeard]

[epowell]

Who knows?
But KJP's page does not list any news later than 2013!!
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