If your Honda’s radio or navigation system displays “CODE,” you’ll need to enter a unique unlock code. This often happens after a battery disconnect or replacement. Fortunately, retrieving your Honda Radio/navigation Code is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to obtain your code and get your system working again.
Locating Your Honda VIN and Device Serial Number
To obtain your Honda radio/navigation code, you’ll need two key pieces of information: your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the serial number of your radio or navigation unit.
Finding Your Honda 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 printed 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 your financing statements.
Note: Valid VINs use numbers 0-9 and letters A-Z, excluding I, O, and Q. Ensure you haven’t transposed numbers or letters. A common mistake is confusing the number 0 with the letter O.
Finding Your Honda Radio/Navigation Serial Number
Finding your device’s serial number can vary depending on the model year of your Honda.
- 2001 and Later Models: For most models from 2001 onward, the serial number can be displayed on the unit’s screen. Instructions for accessing this vary by model and are detailed below.
- Pre-2001 Models: If you own a Honda older than 2001, the serial number is typically located on a label on the back of the unit. You may need to remove the unit from the dashboard to access it. Contacting a Honda dealership is recommended for assistance.
- 2013-2014 Odyssey and Pilot: These models do not require a radio/navigation code. Consult your owner’s manual for system initialization instructions.
Some Honda models have the serial number on a sticker in the glove box.
Obtaining Your Serial Number from the Device Display
For models where the serial number is displayed on the screen, follow these general steps:
- Turn the Ignition ON: Turn your car’s ignition to the “ON” position without starting the engine.
- Check for “CODE”: Turn on the radio or navigation unit. If it displays “CODE,” proceed to the next step. If not, try removing the backup fuse for approximately one minute and repeat this step.
- Specific Button Combinations: Depending on your Honda model, you’ll need to press a specific combination of buttons on the radio or navigation unit. This often involves holding down two preset buttons simultaneously while turning the unit on.
- Record the Serial Number: The serial number will typically be displayed in two parts, each preceded by a “U” or an “L.” Ignore the letters and record all eight digits. For example, if the display shows “U2200” and “L0055,” your serial number is 22000055.
Accessing the serial number on the display usually involves a specific button combination.
2003-2007 Accord with Navigation:
For these models, the process is slightly different:
- Ignition to ACC (I): Turn the ignition to the “ACC” or “I” position.
- Confirm “CODE”: Ensure the navigation unit displays “CODE.” If not, remove the backup fuse for a minute and repeat.
- Button Combination: Press and hold the top halves of the SEEK/SKIP and CH/DISC buttons, then press and release the PWR/VOL knob.
- Record the Code: The display will alternate between the first four digits (preceded by “U”) and the last four digits (preceded by “L”). Record all eight digits.
The button combination for 2003-2007 Accords with navigation is different.
Retrieving Your Honda Radio/Navigation Unlock Code
Once you have your VIN and serial number, visit the official Honda Radio/Navigation Code website: https://radio-navicode.honda.com/.
Enter your information in the “Get Codes” section. You’ll likely need your phone number, zip code, and email address for verification and code delivery. The website operates during specific hours, generally Monday-Friday 6 am to 11 pm CDT, Saturdays 6 am to 8:30 pm CDT, and Sundays 6 am to 11 pm CDT. After submitting your information, you’ll receive your Honda radio/navigation unlock code. Enter this code into your system to unlock it. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on entering the code.
