Grundig SC303 radio cassette

[dorsetdave]

I have this model of radio in my '93 LS but the display is poor with bits unreadable. Today I acquired another of the same model that does not work, it just hisses and crackles even using a cassette but the display module is perfect.
I now have a good display part number 90 413 543 but when I fit it in the working radio it just shows "display" and no sound comes out. Refitting the original allows the radio to work normally. Presumably these thing are unique to their radio. Is it possible to "change" them over? I notice that there are two cross head screws on the back of the display but have not tried to open the unit. I have the codes for both sets.
Any thoughts/info. gratefully appreciated.

[Robsey]

In the "old days", the dealers were able to pair displays and reset radios.

I know that they can no longer reset the radios.

I am not 100% certain but,
if it is like modern units, then it should be a matter of decoding both radios, so that you no longer need to enter the code when you lose power.

So - in summary.
Put the radio in the car.
If it works straight away, it is already decoded.

If it says "SAFE" it is locked out, and you will need to wait with the ignition on until it says "Code" or " ## - - - - " where "##" is the number of attempts left to unlock the radio.

If it says "## - - - -", then use the following procedure to unlock the radio.

1 - Turn on ignition.
2 - Turn off radio.
3 - Hold the AS button pressed and turn on radio until you see the word "code".
4 - When you see the "## - - - - " , you can key in the code.
Use preset 1 for the first digit.
Preset 2 for the second.
Preset 3 for the third.
Preset 4 for the fourth.
Press each preset button repeatedly until the correct numbers are displayed.
5 - Hold the AS button pressed until you get a confirmation beep.

When the radio is operating , you can then decode the radio.
To decode the radio... repeat the above procedure again.

Repeat for the other radio,

If I am correct, the displays should now be unlocked from the radios and you should be able swap the displays.

I hope that helps.
I hope it works.

[dorsetdave]

David at DND Services Ltd has given me details of the official way that the LCD display unit can be used on a radio that it was not supplied with. My radio had about half of the display working but I managed to get a duff radio with a decent fully functioning LCD display.
1) Either remove the unit that you are keeping from the vehicle or disconnect the battery and leave it for 30 minutes.
2) Insert the new LCD display in your unit.
3) Push the radio back in or reconnect the battery and turn on the ignition.
4) Press and keep pressed the AS button.
5) It will show "display" then "safe" then "code"
6) When you see this enter your code in the usual way and your radio should work with the new display.
You do not need the radio code for the donor display.
If you do not have the code for your radio and it has not been deactivated contact David who can provide it for a small fee.

If you have any issues regarding missing codes for any car radio I suggest that you contact David on 01803 391680. He is very knowledgeable and helpful. If you get his answering service he will phone you back.

Hope this helps you to get a fully functioning radio.

[Robsey]

I did read later that you did not need to divorce the old display.

Just enter the code as you would following a loss of power.

So not a million miles off.

I have three spare displays with missing pixels.
I just need to see if I can fix one - just for the hell of it.

It is a very basic set up inside the casing, so chances are it is a dodgy dry or corroded joint or track on the circuit board.

Hmm perhaps another Robsey project.

[dorsetdave]

It certainly appears to be the weak spot on this model. I hope that you have some luck trying to resurrect one.

[Robsey]

I am looking into it...

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