Getting the Radio out of SAFE Mode

1987-1989

Turn radio on.  Press am/fm + Scan buttons; 1000 should appear then go blank; release the buttons; use the 1 2 3 4 buttons to enter the security code (press the 1 for the thousands digit, 2 for the hundreds digit, 3 for the tens digit, 4 for the ones digit -- press these numbers repeatedly to cycle through the numbers for that particular digit); press am/fm + Scan buttons again.  Code should now be entered and the radio should function as normal.

1990-1993

Turn radio on.  Press Mode + Scan buttons; 1000 should appear then go blank; release the buttons; use the 1 2 3 4 buttons to enter the security code (press the 1 for the thousands digit, 2 for the hundreds digit, 3 for the tens digit, 4 for the ones digit -- press these numbers repeatedly to cycle through the numbers for that particular digit); press Mode + Scan buttons again.  Code should now be entered and the radio should function as normal.

If you don't have the security code, you will need to remove the radio and take it to your local Volkswagen dealer along with your car's VIN.  However, be aware that most dealers are no longer able to access old radio codes.  You may get lucky with your dealer (which will charge you for the service), or visit SWS Solutions.

OEM Radio Functions

If your car still has the factory Heidelberg radio/cassette head unit but no Operating Instruction manual, the following list outlines its basic functions.

On/Off, Volume knob: Turn the knob clockwise to switch the unit on; continue turning to increase the volume.  Turn the knob counterclockwise to decrease volume and to switch the unit off.  When powering the unit on/off, a <click> should be heard.

Balance/Treble: While pressing the on/off knob in, turn clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the sound balance of right-to-left speakers.  While pulling the knob out, turn clockwise to increase treble, turn counterclockwise to decrease treble.

Bass control: Turn tab clockwise to increase bass, turn counterclockwise to decrease bass.

Fader control: Adjusts the sound balance of the front and rear speakers.

< > buttons: These are the tuning buttons.  When the < button is pressed, the radio frequencies count down; when the > button is pressed, the radio frequencies count up.  This is done manually or automatically, depending on where sensitivity selector switch is set.

Sensitivity selector switch: With the switch at the MNL position, radio stations are selected manually.  With the switch at the center SEEK position, radio stations are selected automatically, including weaker stations.  With the switch at the right SEEK position, only powerful radio stations are selected automatically.

1,2,3,4,5 buttons: Station preset buttons.  To store a station, press and hold the desired button.  The station will mute for a few seconds; when you hear the station again, release the button.  A maximum of 5 FM stations and 5 AM stations can be stored.

AM/FM button: Switches from AM to FM and vice versa.

SCAN button:  With the sensitivity selector switch in the MNL position, pressing the SCAN button will automatically search for stations.  When a station is found, scanning will stop at that station for 5 seconds.  If you like the station, press SCAN again to stop auto searching; if you don't like the station, after 5 seconds the unit will search for the next available station.

METAL button: Press the button in for metal or CrO2 tapes; leave the button out for regular tapes.

Dolby button: Press the button in for tapes recorded by the Dolby Noise-Reduction System in order to eliminate tape hiss; leave the button out for regular tapes.

PRG button: Press this button to change tape play direction.

Removing the Factory Radio

Bend two 6-inch sections of a wire coat hanger into U-shapes, the ends being as wide apart as the holes (top to bottom, not left to right) in the head unit (or purchase radio removal tools where-ever car radios are sold).  Insert tools into the holes, push outward then pull; radio head unit should slide out.

Wiring in a New Radio

What size radio will fit?  Any single-DIN radio will fit; the only size restriction will be the depth and that is usually a result of a bracket at the back of the radio.  Search for radios at BestBuy.com and/or SonicElectronix.com; they will narrow down choices based on your vehicle using their "fit guides".

Modern head units have an accessory-on (ACC) wire, something the Cabriolets do not have.  Not connecting the ACC wire can result in the car's battery being drained, unless you remove the head unit's faceplate whenever the unit is not in use.  How, then, is the ACC wire connected?  Most people tap into the yellow/black rear window defroster switch wire since it is the most readily accessible switched power wire (defroster switch does not need to be switched on to power the head unit). If you'd rather not cut the wire:

•  Carefully pull/push the black/yellow wire disconnect out of the defrost switch harness.
•  Cut a short section of new wire (jumper wire) and splice it into the radio's ACC wire with a female disconnect.
•  Add a male disconnect to the other end of the new jumper wire.
•  Connect the two spliced wires to the original defrost switch wire.
•  Push the new jumper wire disconnect into the defrost switch harness connector.
• Click here for a diagram.  Note: Wiring the head unit this way results in the key needing to be in the battery-on position in order to power on the head unit while the engine is off.

The Aktiv System

An amplified stereo system installed on '91-'93 USA Cabriolets and Euro Cabriolets with Gamma radios.  Read all about it by clicking here.

Speakers

Factory speaker sizes

Accessing the rear speakers

Pry off the cover of the window crank, remove the screw and pull the handle off.  Then, gently pry the panel off using a long, flat-head screwdriver, or interior trim removal tools.

Upgrading the speakers

It's best to stick with the OEM size, but you can certainly install larger speakers.  Depending on the dimensions, some fit no problem while others may take a bit of modifying.  Those with pre-1991 Cabriolets can install the speaker grilles, front speakers and door pockets from a 1991+ Cabriolet.  And of course the speakers can be upgraded to more modern, better sound-producing speakers; most online car audio retailers (listed on the parts page) have compatibility searches.  Will you need to install an amp?  That's entirely up to you and depends on what type of system you're installing.  Installing what are essentially stock replacement speakers do not require an amp, even if you're running new 100w speakers off of the original 45w head unit.

1982-1990: Wanting to upgrade to 4x6 rear speakers?  They bolt right in.

Replacing the Antenna

You must remove the driver's side wheelhouse liner to gain access to the antenna housing and cable inside the fender to replace the antenna.

Factory Radios

Working on it!

Car Year

Front Speaker Size

Rear Speaker Size

1980-1981

4x6"

none

1982-1990

4x6"

3½"

1991-1993

5¼" w/ 1" tweeters

4x6"