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%Begin What Is a Car Radio Code? GA
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REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Smart & Connected Life > Connected Car Tech 65 65 people found this article helpful
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When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles . lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 12, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email
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Expand Jump to a Section Finding Your Car Radio Code Look in the Owner's Manual Check Manufacturers' Sites Call Your Dealer Pay for a Service Entering the Code Battery Memory Keeper Devices A car radio code is a short string of numbers associated with a security feature found in some head units. Its purpose is to prevent theft by rendering a stolen head unit useless when it's disconnected from the battery.
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However, this feature also kicks in if your battery dies. In either case, you must enter the code to get the head unit working again. The typical radio will flash "CODE" to indicate this.
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Finding Your Car Radio Code
There are a few ways to locate a car radio code, but here are the main ones, in descending order of complexity and cost.Look in the Owner' s Manual
In some cases, you might find the car radio code in the owner's manual. This isn't an especially secure place for it, given that most people keep their manuals in their vehicles, but some manuals have a space for it.
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If you bought your car used, the previous owner might have entered it there.
Check Manufacturers' Websites
Check the sites of your automaker and the stereo manufacturer. Companies sometimes keep online databases of car radio codes.
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Entering info such as your vehicle identification number (VIN) or the radio's serial number might return the code you're looking for. In addition to OEM databases, a handful of free databases offer codes for various types of radios.
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Call Your Dealer
Regardless of which dealer you bought your car from, one should be able to help. Have the make, model, year, and VIN of your vehicle handy in addition to the serial and part numbers of the radio.Pay for a Service
If none of those options works, you’ll need to pay for a local or online service that has access to a database of car radio codes.
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Typically, they need the make and model of your vehicle, the brand and model of the radio, and the radio's part and serial numbers. Once you find your code, jot it down and keep it somewhere safe and easily accessible.
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Entering the Code
The procedure for entering the car radio code is specific to the make and model of the stereo. In most cases, use the volume or tuner knobs or buttons to select numbers, and then click the knob or push another button to advance.
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Some late-model autos and sound systems require you to press a combination of buttons rather than enter a code. Be careful entering codes; too many tries might lock you out. Then, you'll have to complete a reset procedure.
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In some cases, you must disconnect the battery again and leave it disconnected for a while. In other cases, you must turn on the ignition (but not start the engine), turn on the radio, and wait for a period of time. The procedure varies, so check the owner's manual for your vehicle.
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Battery Memory Keeper Devices
Memory keeper (or keep alive) devices prevent the radio from requiring a code after the battery has been disconnected. These devices typically plug into the cigarette lighter and provide limited power to the electrical system while the battery is disconnected.
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Although these devices typically work fine, they pose a danger to the electrical system. If you plug one of these devices in when replacing a battery, for example, the positive battery cable contacting any ground (for example, the negative battery cable, frame, or engine) will cause a short. There might be additional precautions to be aware of, so read the instruction manual carefully.
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Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Fixing a Car Radio That Stopped Working After the Battery Died Can You Use Factory Steering Wheel Controls With Aftermarket Head Units? How to Fix a Car Radio That Won't Turn Off Why Your Car Headlights Won't Turn Off How to Fix a Car Horn That Won't Stop Honking What Android Auto Is and How to Use It What to Do When Your Car Radio Won't Turn On Can a 12 Volt Car Battery Really Electrocute Someone? How to Use a Car Diagnostic Tool or Scanner 6 Reasons Your Car Battery Keeps Dying How to Find a MacBook Model Number How to Pair a Phone With Your Car A Car's Electrical System Shut Down Causes How to Fix Common Car Amp Problems How to Find a Car Radio Code Do Your Own Car Wiring Installation Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
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