Car Stereos: Hyundai factory CD player, hyundai elantra, radio cassette player

Question
Hi,

I'm hoping to swap out the radio/cassette player in my '05 Hyundai Elantra, with a factory radio/CD (that I'll buy on ebay). Same model car and everything, but how can I find out if there are compatibility issues, such as some anti-theft technology or code that prevents such things?

Thanks,
Dale

Answer
Hi Dale,

Sorry about the delay in answering this question.

There's a possibility that the Hyundai radio is equipped with an anti-theft system that could cause a problem when installing it in your car.  Like most OEM anti-theft systems, Hyundai's requires you  to enter a code whenever the unit is disconnected from power.  If the seller can provide the anti-theft code along with the head unit, there shouldn't be any other compatibility issue with your vehicle.  The code is given to the vehicle's original purchaser, and is included with the owner's documentation.

Now, I don't know for sure whether the radio you're looking at has an anti-theft system; I just know that some Hyundai radios are so equipped.  One resource may be your vehicle's owner's manual.   If the radio you want was available as an option for  your car, there's a good possibility that your owner's manual includes operating instructions for it.  If it does, then the manual it will tell you whether there's a code-lock system built in, and give you instructions for entering the code if you have it.

Hope this helps!

Brian