To get your Acura radio code, read the radio's serial number (on 2001 and newer models it shows right on the display), send it to us, and we email your factory code back. Here is how to find that serial, how the code goes in, and the one mistake that burns attempts.
Acura builds an anti-theft lock into its factory audio systems. When the unit loses power, it assumes it may have been taken out of the car and will not play again until its security code is entered. Nothing is broken — the lock is doing its job. The usual triggers:
Once power comes back, the display shows COdE and waits.
That depends on the year of the car.
2001 and newer Acuras: you can usually read the serial without touching a tool. Turn the key to the on position, press preset buttons 1 and 6 at the same time, and turn the radio on. An 8 to 10 character serial number appears on the display, usually in a format like U5123 L1235, and sometimes as eight digits. Write it down exactly as shown.
2000 and older Acuras: the serial is printed on the label on the radio itself, so the radio has to come out of the dash to read it. If you are not sure what you are looking for, email us your year and model and we will tell you what to look for. Our guide to finding your radio serial number has more help.
If your Acura has factory navigation, the navigation system can ask for its own code, separate from the radio. Our Acura order page lets you choose radio code or navigation code, so you get the right one first time. If both are asking, order each one. Not sure which lock you are looking at? Read radio code vs navigation code.
Use the preset buttons — the ones you store stations on — to key in the five-digit code. Enter it correctly and the radio starts playing straight away. Our free Acura code entry guide has the full steps.
If you press a wrong digit, do not start over and do not try to correct it. Finish all five digits, let the radio reject them, and then enter the correct code cleanly. Backing up halfway through is what uses up tries.
You get three tries. After three failures the display shows COdE.E, and the system has to stay switched on for one hour before it will accept a code again. That is why the right code should be in hand before anyone starts guessing.
Your stored stations were wiped when the power was lost, so once the radio is playing again you will need to set your favourites again. That is normal and does not mean anything went wrong.
We work every hour of every day. Standard orders are emailed back in 30 minutes to 24 hours. Pick Express on the order form and your code is guaranteed within one hour, day or night. We have been supplying factory radio codes since 1998.
On 2001 and newer Acuras, turn the key on, press presets 1 and 6 together and turn the radio on to show an 8 to 10 character serial number. On 2000 and older models, the serial is on the label on the radio itself.
Standard service: 30 minutes to 24 hours. Express service: within one hour.
Serial number in hand? Ordering takes about two minutes.
Not sure which code you need? Start here.
