What's my car radio code
The car radio code is a series of short numbers, which are related to the safety features of the head unit. This function is to prevent others from stealing your unit head. When the battery of the unit head is disconnected, the unit head will be locked automatically. However, this function will also work if your battery is dead. In both cases, you need to enter the car radio code to make the car radio work again. The most typical feature is that the radio will flash "CODE" in the screen to indicate this.
How to Find Your Car Radio Code
There are usually multiple ways to find the car radio code. In descending order of complexity and cost, the following are the most common methods.
Check the Owner's Manual
In some cases, you may find the car radio code in the owner's manual. But this is not a very safe place, because most people put the manual directly in the car. If you bought a second-hand car, the former owner may put it in the car.
Call Your Dealer
No matter which dealer you bought the car from, they should help you find this information. In addition to the serial number and part number of the radio, you must also prepare the manufacturer, model, year, and VIN of your car.
Check Manufacturers' Websites
Look the websites of your car manufacturer and stereo manufacturer. Sometimes manufacturers keep an online database of car radio codes. For example, enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) or radio serial number, and then you may find the code you want.
In addition to OEM databases, there are some free databases that can provide various types of radio codes.
Pay for a Service
If the above methods do not work, then you need to spend money to get someone else to help you or find an online service to get the car radio code database. Usually, they need you to provide the manufacturer and model of the car, the band and model of the radio, and the part and serial number of the radio.
When you get the car radio code, remember to write it down and put it in a safe and easily accessible place.
Entering the Code
How to enter the car radio code procedure is determined by the manufacturer and model of the car stereo. In most cases, you can use the volume or tuner knob or button to select a number, then click the knob or press another button to check.
Some of the latest models of cars and audio systems require you to press a combination button instead of entering a code.
Note: Be careful when entering the codes; too many incorrect codes may lock the machine. Then, you must complete a reset procedure. In some cases, you must disconnect the battery again and let it disconnect for a period of time. In other cases, you need to turn on the ignition (but not start the engine), turn on the radio, and wait for a while. The procedure is different, so check the owner's manual of your vehicle.
Battery Memory Keeper Devices
The memory keeping (or keeping alive) device prevents the radio from needing a code after the battery has been disconnected. These devices are usually plugged into a cigarette lighter to provide limited power to the electrical system when the battery is disconnected.
Although these devices usually work properly, they still pose a danger to the electrical system. If you plug in one of the devices when replacing the battery. For example, a battery positive cable touching any ground (eg, battery negative cable, frame, or engine) will cause a short circuit. There may be other precautions that need attention, so please read the instructions carefully.