If your Honda’s radio or navigation system is displaying “CODE,” you need an unlock code. A dead battery, disconnection, or other electrical issues can trigger this. Fortunately, retrieving your code is straightforward through Honda’s official website: radio-navicode.honda.com. This guide outlines the process, from finding your vehicle information to obtaining your unlock code.
A service technician assisting a customer with their device.
Locating Necessary Information
Before visiting radio-navicode.honda.com, gather two crucial pieces of information: your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the serial number of your radio or navigation unit.
Finding Your VIN
Your 17-digit VIN can be found in several locations:
- Driver’s Side Windshield: Look at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side.
- Vehicle Registration: Your VIN is prominently displayed on your 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.
Important Note: VINs use alphanumeric characters (A-Z and 0-9), excluding the letters I, O, and Q. Ensure accuracy when recording your VIN, as even a single incorrect character will prevent code retrieval. Double-check for any accidental inversion of numbers or letters.
Finding Your Device’s Serial Number
Locating your device’s serial number depends on your Honda’s model year:
- 2013-2014 Odyssey or Pilot: These models typically don’t require an unlock code. Consult your owner’s manual for system initiation instructions.
- Pre-2001 Models: The serial number is usually on the back of the device. You’ll likely need to schedule a service appointment with a Honda dealer for assistance.
- 2001 and Later Models: Refer to the sections below for model-specific instructions. You can often find the serial number directly on the device display or on a sticker in the glove compartment.
Example of a serial number sticker that might be found in the glove box.
Obtaining the Serial Number from the Device
For most models from 2001 onward, the serial number can be retrieved directly from the device display using specific button combinations.
General Instructions for Most Models
- Turn the ignition to the ON position.
- Power on the radio/navigation unit. If “CODE” isn’t displayed, remove the backup fuse for one minute, then repeat step 1.
- Turn off the device.
- Simultaneously press and hold the 1 and 6 radio preset buttons, then power on the device.
- The display will alternate between two screens: one showing “U” followed by the first four digits of the serial number, and the other showing “L” followed by the last four digits. Record all eight digits, ignoring the “U” and “L.”
Example of a Honda navigation system display.
2003-2007 Accord with Navigation
- Turn the ignition to the ACC (I) position.
- Turn on the audio unit. Ensure “CODE” is displayed. If not, remove the backup fuse for one minute and repeat step 1.
- Turn off the audio unit.
- Simultaneously press and hold the top halves of the SEEK/SKIP and CH/DISC buttons, then press and release the PWR/VOL knob. The display will alternate between two screens displaying the serial number in two parts (similar to the general instructions). Record all eight digits.
Close-up of the controls on a 2003-2007 Accord navigation system.
Using radio-navicode.honda.com
Once you have your VIN and serial number, visit radio-navicode.honda.com. Enter the required information in the “Get Codes” section. The website operates Monday-Friday (6 am-11 pm CDT), Saturdays (6 am-8:30 pm CDT), and Sundays (6 am-11 pm CDT). You’ll also need to provide your phone number, zip code, and email address for confirmation and code delivery. After submitting the information, you’ll receive your unlock code, allowing you to restore functionality to your Honda’s radio or navigation system.
