I get a ERROR 1 code on my audi Bose symphony radio. The CD player will not work. The tech bulletin dated 9/16/04 has a notice that says clean the disk. If that doesn't work, it says replace the radio! Is there anyway this can be fixed w/o replacing the radio? Yep - I too get "CD ERR 1" whenever I try to play a CD. Audi dealer and independent shop both said I needed a new stereo :( haven't tried the cleaning disk yet, though - will give that a whirl first.

For all makes of radio codes contact this link:

I'm not sure which model you have but these are the instructions for Symphony 1.
I'm not sure if this also applies to Symphony 2 (which has a built in single slot 6 CD changer)

Switch on - display shows SAFE as you indicate
Press and hold TP and RDS buttons at same time until 1000 appears
Release buttons (dont touch again or 1000 will be entered as the code)
Using station select buttons 1 to 4 enter code. Use button 1 to select first digit of security code, button 2 for second digit etc (buttons 5 and 6 cannot be used)
Once code is entered press TP and RDS buttons together and hold until SAFE appears
Release buttons and a radio frequency will appear in the display
Job done

If you accidently enter the wrong code the word SAFE will start flashing. You get ONE more chance to go through this procedure and enter the correct code.
There is a more complicated procedure to go through after this with one hour time delays between attempts

Let me know how you get on!

IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must have the security anti-theft code for your Audi radio from the car manufacturer, or from an Audi dealer!

You can find the radio code at: http://www.radio-code.co.uk/

The sequence of programming for 2000 Audi A6 radio is:
1. Push simultaneous "SCAN" and "RDS" keys until on the screen will appear "1000" displayed.
2. Release keys. No more push on "SCAN" and "RDS" keys because otherwise number "1000" will be considered as first safe code attempt.
For example: we have the security code "5079". Then:
3. By the no.# 1 key you will set up the first safe code digit. Push 5 times on the no.# 1 button. The "5" number will be setted.
4. By the no.# 2 key you will set up the second safe code digit. Push 10 times on the no.# 2 button. The "0" number will be setted.
5. By the no.# 3 key you will set up the third safe code digit. Push 7 times on the no.# 3 button. The "7" number will be setted.
6. By the no.# 4 key you will set up the four-th safe code digit. Push 9 times on the no.# 4 button. The "9" number will be setted.
7. Then push again simultaneous "SCAN" and "RDS" keys for confirm this safe code. On the screen will be displayed "SAFE" notice. Release keys! For few seconds a radio frequence will be displayed.
The radio is now ready for use!

Audi Bose Radio Audi Gamma CC Radio Audi Delta CC Radio Audi Concert Radio Audi Symphony Radio which one of the above is your system?

You will need the code to get it working. You may need Audi for this. Never disconnect the battery, or the alarm with trip on. Since it is frozen, I would try and remove the fuse, and reinstall it to reset the stereo. Then try the code.
I got lucky in my 2001 VW passat, when the stereo code was needed, but then the next day it started working by itself.

Did you disconnect the battery or run it down? This message means you must enter the correct code. If you do not have the code contact your Audi dealer. I'm not sure which model you have but these are the instructions for Symphony 1.
I'm not sure if this also applies to Symphony 2 (which has a built in single slot 6 CD changer)

Switch on - display shows SAFE as you indicate.
Press and hold TP and RDS buttons at same time until 1000 appears.
Release buttons (dont touch again or 1000 will be entered as the code).
Using station select buttons 1 to 4 enter code. Use button 1 to select first digit of security code, button 2 for second digit etc (buttons 5 and 6 cannot be used). So, say the code is 5238, you'd press '1' five times, '2' twice, '3' three times and button '4' eight times.
Once code is entered press TP and RDS buttons together and holde until SAFE appears
Release buttons and a radio frequency will appear in the display.


If you accidently enter the wrong code the word SAFE will start flashing. You get ONE more chance to go through this procedure and enter the correct code.
There is a more complicated procedure to go through after this with one hour time delays between attempts. Curtorsey Audi Owner's Club:

The cd changer internal mechanism is faulty, replace the cd changer itself.

how to remove a bose cd/radio from dash of a GMC envoy slt cd's are stuck inside

hold rbds and pscan till you see numbers then use the radio memory buttons to control the number you want to put in after the numbers are put in hold rbds pscan again till u see it says safe and radio works.

You could try a laser lens cleaner (the one that looks like a CD with little brushes on it) to see if that'll do it. There's no guarantee that the problem is with the laser eye though. If it is (such as just being dirty or dusty) then this may do it. If not though, that error code may indicate a more permanent failure of the head unit.