Mitsubishi Repair: car stereo, mitsubishi galant, 2000 mitsubishi galant

Question
I just bought a used 2000 Mitsubishi Galant and I think I left the lights on at night draining the battery. The next day I jumped the car no problem, but then the stereo didn't work. It keeps asking for a code and when I called a dealer they told me it would be $104 just to fix the problem. Do you have a better solution? Thanks.

Answer
Thomas,
This is an anti-theft code that most cars have for their radios.  When the battery dies and/or needs to be replaced, it resets your stereo.  But as far as your radio thinks, it may be stolen, so it forces you to enter a code.  Usually when you buy the car, the dealer will put the code for your specific radio in your owners manual.  That manual should also give instructions on how to set it again.  Look in there first for the code (I believe its a 4-digit number) and the procedure to enter it.  If you cannot find it, go to the Mitsubishi dealership with your registration card.  This is for proof that you own the car and its in your name.  Ask them for the code.  If they refuse to give you the code for free, ask to talk to the manager and discuss your situation with them.  You should be able to enter the code yourself.  Even if your radio was stolen, it you probably only cost you around $104 to get a whole new one.  The dealerships know this is a common issue, and they will try to make money off it.  Unforunately for those car owners that don't know of this, they can end up wasting a lot of money at the dealership.
Good luck!