How to Reset My Honda Radio After Putting in a New Battery

By Leonardo R. Grabkowski, eHow Contributor , last updated May 19, 2012

How to Reset My Honda Radio After Putting in a New Battery

The Internet is filled with websites selling radio unlock codes, also known as radio anti-theft codes. In some situations, purchasing a code may be merited, but not on a Honda. All Honda radios are equipped with an anti-theft feature. If you replace your battery (or simply disconnect it), your radio will display "Error" or "Code." When this happens, it must be unlocked or reset.

Honda provides an option to obtain your radio anti-theft code for free. This method applies to all Honda's manufactured after 2003 (except those equipped with navigation radio).

Instructions

1. • 1
     Look in your owner's manual booklet for your radio anti-theft code. The code is printed on a small card (similar to a credit card) and included with your owner's manual. If you can find the code, skip to Step 5.

     If you cannot find the code, you'll need to retrieve it.
   • 2
     Turn your ignition off to begin retrieving your radio code. Press and hold the "1" and "6" preset buttons on your radio. Turn your ignition on.
   • 3
     Write down the code displayed on your radio. The display will flash with two numbers: one beginning with a "U" and one beginning with a "L." Write down both numbers (beginning with the "U" number), and then disregard the "U" and the "L."

     This number (eight digits) is your radio serial code. You'll need it to retrieve your radio anti-theft code.
   • 4
     Contact Honda to retrieve your radio anti-theft code. You'll need your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number, found beneath the driver's side of the windshield and your radio serial code. Honda's customer service number is (800) 999-1009. Provide the representative with the information to acquire your radio anti-theft code.

     You can also retrieve your radio anti-theft code online for free at https://radio-navicode.Honda.com/
   • 5
     Turn your ignition to "Acc" or "On" to power on your radio. Enter your radio anti-theft code using the preset buttons at the bottom of your radio. For example, if your anti-theft code is "55512," you would press the "5" button three times, then the "1" button, then the "2" button. This will unlock and reset your Honda radio.

Tips & Warnings

• If your Honda is a 2002 or older model, you can enter the radio anti-theft code in the same manner if you can find the code in your owner's booklet. However, if you cannot find the code, you'll need to visit a Honda dealer (the radio serial number display process does not work on 2002 or older models).
• Write down the anti-theft code and the radio serial number and keep the codes in your glove box for future reference. Pass it on to the next owner when you sell or trade in the vehicle.