Porsche Boxsters manufactured between 1997 and 2002 utilized a radio code, a 4-digit number provided by Becker, the radio manufacturer. This code was a theft deterrent, rendering the radio useless without it. If the battery is disconnected for an extended period, due to service, discharge, or replacement, this code is required to reactivate the radio.
Locating Your Radio Code Serial Number: Where to Look
Originally, the radio code was provided on a credit-card sized plastic card included with the car’s documentation. Check your leather binder for this card. However, it’s not advisable to store it there for security reasons. If you can’t find the card, there are several other places to look for the radio code or the serial number needed to obtain it.
Check Your Vehicle Documentation
Often, a mechanic will write the radio code on the build sticker inside the front trunk lid or within the maintenance manual after disconnecting the radio.
Obtaining the Code from the Dealer
Your Porsche dealer can retrieve the radio code using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the radio’s serial number.
Online Resources for Porsche Radio Codes
Online forums dedicated to Porsche vehicles, like Renntech, often have members who can assist in retrieving the code if you provide the radio’s serial number. There’s usually a dedicated thread for this purpose.
Finding Your Becker Radio Serial Number
Decoding the Serial Number from the Radio Display
For the Becker CDR220, common in Boxsters and identifiable by its CD player in the detachable faceplate, the serial number can often be accessed directly. Turn the radio on, press the “TP” button repeatedly until “Becker 1” displays on the LCD screen. Then, rotate the right-hand knob to select “Seri:”, which will be followed by your radio’s serial number.
Locating the Serial Number on the Radio Unit
Alternatively, the serial number is located on a sticker on the back of the radio unit itself. However, accessing it requires removing the radio using specialized Becker radio removal tools. This is best done by a car radio professional or your dealer, often for a fee, making the display method generally preferred.
Conclusion: Retrieving Your Porsche Radio Code
Retrieving your lost Porsche radio code can be straightforward. By checking common locations, utilizing dealer resources, or leveraging online communities, you can regain access to your radio. Remember, the key is often knowing your radio’s serial number. Using the methods outlined above, you can quickly locate this number and get your Porsche’s audio system back up and running.
