Last week my battery died and I replaced it. The factory radio is now locked with a "CODE" displaying. Please tell me I don't have to go to the dealership to get this unlocked.

99 Disco I

 

You guessed it, don't forget to be nice to them.
When in the service dept, take in your registration as proof of ownership and ask them to run your vin for a radio code as well as all outstanding recalls.

 

Take you VIN to the dealership, they will give you a 4 digit code to unlock it. Look through your owners manual first, lots of people wrote it down, but yes, you have to go to the dealer. They should give you the code for free. Take you title or some proof of ownership just in case.

 

When I bought my Discovery, they gave me a small aluminum tag with the 4 digit unlock code on it. In addition to okdiscoguy's suggestion, it might be worth sifting through the glove box and owners manualfolio to see if you can find something similar.

Dave

 

Interesting, that brings uptwo questions:
1. My battery is 4 years old so I was considering replacing it before winter this year. Will I automatically have to go to the dealer and get the code no matter what?
2. What kind of battery did you buy as your replacement? Haven't looked alot yet, just wondering if there's one that everyone has used. I don't have any aftermarket lights, winchor electronics, so something to OEM specs is fine.

 

I'm sure everyone has a favorite and maybe Rovers are more picky than others, but I buy whatever battery is on sale at the nearest auto parts storethat properly fits mycars and replace them every 4 yearswhether they need it or not. I've never been stranded due to a dead battery. (sound of knocking on wood).

If you have the 4 digit code mentioned in this thread, then you will not need to go to the dealer to get the radio unlocked and can do it yourself with the code. If you can't find your code, you can go to the dealer with proof of ownership of the vehicle and they'll give it to you before you change your battery.

Dave

 

On your 04 or any D2 for that matter, you don't need to worry about a radio code, they usually store it. I have unhooked my battery many time and never had to recode it.
As for your new replacement battery I am a big believer in Optium Red tops for standard use and Yellow tops when you have a winch and lots of lights. The Red Top can be found at Costco for about $110, by the way, it is a gell battery and is built to take a lot more vibration that a 4wheeler gets off road.

 

I can second the recommendation for the Optima battery for rugged use. We used to use them in our field vehicles in Alaska at a companyI worked for. Durable and reliable. Nice not to have to worry about leaking acid.