Volkswagen Repair: radio reset, fuse panel, golf gl

Question
Hi Paul, what i have is a 1994 Golf Gl. I took out the fuse which was for my radio because i noticed it was in the fuse panel backwards. i simply put in in right side up and then when i turned the car on the display screen read "Safe" I found a 4 digit code in my manual which i thought might be the one. i followed the directions and tried the codes at least 3 or 4 times without it working. at this point it went to safe from the numeric screen and when i pressed the 2 buttons it would now only flash safe.i took the cluster apart and removed the unit and got the # and the next morning went to the dealer and got the proper code.  When i got home agian i tried the procedure and still "safe" flashes. I was told to wait around an hour and a half with the unit turned on to the power source, and then try again. It also said that there should be a number on the screen that will go away after the time period is up, but there is no such number, only "safe". I asked another guy what to do who knows audio stuff he told me to completely remove the unit, bring it inside and let it sit overnight, hook it up the next morning and it should work.  Should i start fresh with a new fuse in the panel and a new one in the back of the unit? Arrgh! I am quite confused at this point and could use a 2nd opinion to help with this matter. if you can, it would be greatly appreciated. thanks Chad

Answer
Chad,

I've seen this once before, the radio just wouldn't accept the code and needed to be replaced.  A new fuse shouldn't make a difference, they either work or they don't and you've got power, right?  

You could try playing with the radio, to get it to reset... put it into the freezer overnight and then try the code again. It is made to withstand the cold and that may work.  Otherwise you may just need to replace the radio.

Good luck,

Paul