If your Honda’s radio or navigation system is displaying “CODE,” you’ll need to enter a unique unlock code to regain functionality. This often happens after a battery disconnection or replacement. Fortunately, there’s a dedicated Honda Radio Code Site that can help you retrieve this code without needing a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through the process.
Locating Your Honda’s VIN and Serial Number
Before accessing the Honda radio code site, you’ll need two crucial pieces of information: your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the serial number of your radio or navigation unit.
Finding Your VIN
Your VIN is a 17-digit alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies your vehicle. You can find it in several places:
- Driver’s Side Windshield: Look at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side.
- Vehicle Registration: Your VIN is printed on your vehicle registration document.
- Insurance Documents: Check your insurance statement or proof-of-insurance card.
- Honda Financial Services Statement: Your VIN will be on any financial statements from Honda.
- Honda Correspondence: Look for your VIN on any new owner surveys or customer satisfaction surveys sent by American Honda.
Note: Valid VINs use letters A-Z and numbers 0-9, excluding the letters I, O, and Q. Ensure you haven’t mistaken a zero (0) for the letter O.
Finding Your Device’s Serial Number
Locating your device’s serial number can be slightly more involved, depending on your Honda model.
- 2013-2014 Odyssey or Pilot: These models don’t require a radio/navigation code. Consult your owner’s manual for system initiation instructions.
- Pre-2001 Models: For models older than 2001, the serial number is typically on the back of the unit. You’ll likely need to schedule a service appointment with a Honda dealer.
- 2001 and Later Models: You can often retrieve the serial number directly from the device’s display.
- Anti-Theft ID Card or Glove Box Sticker: Check your glove compartment for an anti-theft ID card or a sticker containing the serial number.
Retrieving the Serial Number from the Display (Most Models)
For most models from 2001 onwards, follow these steps:
- Ignition ON: Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
- Device ON and “CODE” Display: Turn on the radio or navigation unit. If it doesn’t display “CODE,” remove the backup fuse for one minute and repeat step 1.
- Device OFF: Turn the device off.
- Press Preset Buttons 1 and 6: Press and hold the radio preset buttons for 1 and 6 simultaneously.
- Device ON: While holding the preset buttons, turn the device back on.
- Record the Serial Number: The display will alternate between two screens, showing “U” followed by the first four digits of the serial number and “L” followed by the last four digits. Combine these digits to get the full 8-digit serial number.
Retrieving the Serial Number from 2003-2007 Accord with Navigation
For these specific models, the process is slightly different:
- Ignition to ACC (I): Turn the ignition switch to the ACC (I) position.
- Device ON and “CODE” Display: Ensure the audio unit displays “CODE.” If not, remove the backup fuse for a minute and repeat step 1.
- Device OFF: Turn the audio unit off.
- Press and Hold SEEK/SKIP and CH/DISC: Press and hold the top halves of the SEEK/SKIP and CH/DISC buttons.
- Press PWR/VOL: While holding the other buttons, press and release the PWR/VOL knob.
- Record the Serial Number: The display will alternate, showing “U” and the first four digits, then “L” and the last four digits. Combine them for the full serial number.
Using the Honda Radio Code Site
Once you have your VIN and serial number, visit the official Honda radio code site: https://radio-navicode.honda.com/. Enter your information in the “Get Codes” tab. The website operates during specific hours (check the site for current hours). You’ll also need to provide your phone number, zip code, and email address to receive your code. The site will then provide you with the unlock code for your Honda’s radio or navigation system.
