If your Honda’s radio or navigation system displays “CODE” after a battery disconnect or replacement, you’ll need to enter a unique unlock code. Fortunately, you can easily obtain this code online through Honda’s official website: Radio-navicode.honda.com/. This article will guide you through the process of finding your vehicle information and retrieving your unlock code.
Locating Your Honda’s VIN and Device Serial Number
Before accessing radio-navicode.honda.com/, you’ll need two crucial pieces of information: your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the serial number of your radio or navigation device.
Finding Your VIN
Your VIN is a 17-digit alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies your vehicle. You can find it in several locations:
- Driver’s Side Dashboard: Look at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side.
- Vehicle Registration: Your VIN is displayed on your vehicle registration documents.
- Insurance Documents: Check your insurance statement or proof-of-insurance card.
- Honda Financial Services Statement: Your VIN will be on any financial statements related to your Honda.
- Honda Correspondence: Look for your VIN on any surveys or official communications from American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Note: Valid VINs use letters A-Z and numbers 0-9, excluding the letters I, O, and Q. Ensure you haven’t accidentally transposed numbers or letters, especially zero (0) and the letter O.
Finding Your Device Serial Number
Locating your device’s serial number depends on your Honda model year:
- 2013-2014 Odyssey or Pilot: These models don’t require a radio/navigation unlock code. Consult your owner’s manual for system initiation instructions.
- Pre-2001 Models: The serial number is located on the back of the device. You’ll need to schedule a service appointment with your local Honda dealer for assistance.
- 2001 and Later Models: You can usually find the serial number directly on the device display. Check your glove compartment for an anti-theft ID card or a sticker with the serial number.
Obtaining the Serial Number from the Device Display (2001 and Later)
For most models, follow these steps:
- Turn the Ignition ON: Turn the key to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
- Confirm “CODE” Display: Turn on the radio or navigation system. The display should show “CODE.” If not, remove the backup fuse for one minute and repeat step 1.
- Turn Off the Device.
- Press and Hold Preset Buttons: Press and hold buttons 1 and 6 on the radio. While holding these buttons, turn the device back on.
- Record the Serial Number: The display will alternate between two screens: one showing “U” followed by the first four digits of the serial number (e.g., U2200), and the other showing “L” followed by the last four digits (e.g., L0055). Combine these digits to get the full 8-digit serial number (e.g., 22000055).
2003-2007 Accord with Navigation: The process is slightly different:
- Turn the Ignition to ACC (I).
- Confirm “CODE” on Display: Ensure the audio unit displays “CODE.” If not, pull the backup fuse for a minute and retry.
- Turn Off the Audio Unit.
- Press and Hold SEEK/SKIP and CH/DISC: Press and hold the upper halves of these buttons. While holding them, press and release the PWR/VOL knob.
- Record the Serial Number: The display will alternate between “U” and the first four digits, and “L” and the last four digits. Combine them to get the complete serial number.
Retrieving Your Unlock Code at radio-navicode.honda.com/
Once you have your VIN and serial number, visit radio-navicode.honda.com/.
- Website Operating Hours: The site is operational Monday-Friday, 6 am to 11 pm CDT; Saturdays, 6 am to 8:30 pm CDT; and Sundays, 6 am to 11 pm CDT.
- Get Codes Tab: Navigate to the “Get Codes” tab.
- Enter Information: Enter your VIN, device serial number, phone number, zip code, and a valid email address.
- Receive Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email containing your unlock code. Enter this code into your radio or navigation system to unlock it.
