If you’ve ever had your car battery die or get disconnected, you may have been surprised to find your radio locked and asking for a code the next time you started up. It’s an annoying problem, but don’t worry – I’m here to walk you through how to get your tunes playing again.
Why is my radio asking for a code?
Car radios often have a built-in anti-theft feature that kicks in whenever they lose power. The idea is that if a thief tries to steal your radio, they won’t be able to use it without the special code. Unfortunately, this security measure can also be triggered by innocent things like:
- Replacing your car battery
- Having your battery die and need a jump start
- Getting work done that required your battery to be disconnected
When this happens, you’ll usually see a message like “CODE” flashing on your radio’s display. Until you enter the right code, you won’t be able to use your radio at all.
How to find your radio’s unlock code
There are a few different ways you can track down your radio code:
- Check your owner’s manual – the code may be printed in there
- Look for a sticker or card in your glovebox with the code on it
- Visit your car manufacturer’s website and enter your VIN or serial number
- Call your local dealership and ask them to look up the code for you
- Contact a car audio shop for help
If those options don’t work out, there are some websites and services that will find your code for a fee, but be cautious and do your research before handing over any money or personal info.
Entering the code and hitting the road
Once you’ve got your hands on the code, entering it is usually pretty straightforward – you’ll use either the radio preset buttons or the volume/tuner knobs to key it in. Just be careful, because if you enter it wrong too many times your radio may lock you out completely. If that happens, you might need to disconnect your battery for a while before you can try again.
Getting help from the pros
If you’re in the Auckland area and need a hand dealing with a locked car radio, give us a shout at My Auto Shop. As New Zealand’s biggest mobile mechanic service, we can come to you and get your stereo sorted quickly. We’ll find your radio code and get everything back in working order with upfront pricing and top-notch service. Our experienced mechanics have dealt with loads of car audio issues over the years, so you can trust you’re in good hands.
In terms of cost, it really depends on your specific vehicle and stereo system. If you have your code on hand, getting your radio unlocked may only run you around $50-100. But if we need to remove your radio to find the serial number or track down the code from the manufacturer, it could be more in the $100-200+ range.
No matter what, we’ll give you a clear quote before starting any work, so there won’t be any surprises when it comes time to pay the bill. And with our mobile service, you won’t even have to bother with dropping your car off at a shop – we’ll come to your home or office and take care of everything on the spot.
So if you find yourself staring at a “CODE” message on your car radio, don’t stress. With a bit of sleuthing or a quick call to the My Auto Shop team, you’ll be back to singing along with your favourite songs behind the wheel in no time.