If your Honda’s battery dies or gets disconnected, your radio or navigation system might lock up, requiring a code to unlock it. Fortunately, retrieving this code is straightforward thanks to Honda’s online portal: Radio/navicode/honda.com. This article guides you through the process of obtaining your unlock code using your VIN and device serial number.
Locating Your Honda VIN
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-digit code unique to your car. You can find it in several places:
- Driver’s Side Windshield: Check the base of the windshield on the driver’s side.
- Vehicle Registration: Your VIN is listed on your vehicle registration documents.
- Insurance Documents: Look for your VIN on your insurance statement or proof-of-insurance card.
- Honda Financial Services Statement: If you financed your Honda, your VIN will be on your statement.
- Honda Correspondence: New owner surveys or customer satisfaction surveys from American Honda often include your VIN.
Note: VINs use numbers 0-9 and letters A-Z, excluding I, O, and Q. Double-check for transposed numbers or letters if you encounter issues. Common mistakes include confusing the number 0 with the letter O.
Finding Your Device Serial Number
Finding your device’s serial number depends on your Honda model.
- 2013-2014 Odyssey or Pilot: These models don’t require unlock codes. Consult your owner’s manual for system initiation instructions.
- Pre-2001 Models: The serial number is on the device’s back. Contact your local Honda dealer for assistance.
- 2001 and Later Models: Check these locations:
- Anti-theft ID Card: This card, usually in the glove box, might contain the serial number.
- Glove Box Sticker: Some dealers affix a sticker with the serial number inside the glove box.
- Device Display: For many models, you can retrieve the serial number directly from the device screen. See the instructions below for specific models.
Serial Number Retrieval Instructions for Specific Honda Models
All Other Models (General Instructions):
- Turn the ignition to ON.
- Power on the device; the display should show “COdE.” If not, remove the backup fuse for a minute and repeat step 1.
- Turn the device OFF.
- Simultaneously press and hold radio preset buttons 1 and 6, then power on the device.
- The display will alternate between two screens: “U” followed by the first four digits of the serial number and “L” followed by the last four digits.
- Record all eight digits, ignoring the “U” and “L.”
2003-2007 Accord with Navigation:
- Turn the ignition to ACC (I).
- Turn on the audio unit. Ensure the display shows “COdE.” If not, remove the backup fuse for a minute and repeat step 1.
- Turn off the audio unit.
- Press and hold the upper halves of the SEEK/SKIP and CH/DISC buttons, then press and release the PWR/VOL knob. The display will toggle between two screens.
- The first screen displays “U” and the first four digits; the second shows “L” and the last four digits.
- Record all eight digits, omitting the “U” and “L.”
Using radio/navicode/honda.com to Unlock Your Device
Once you have your VIN and serial number, visit radio/navicode/honda.com. The website operates Monday-Friday (6 am-11 pm CDT), Saturdays (6 am-8:30 pm CDT), and Sundays (6 am-11 pm CDT).
Click the “Get Codes” tab and enter your VIN, serial number, phone number, zip code, and email address. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your unlock code. Enter this code into your Honda radio or navigation system to unlock it.
