If you’ve installed a new battery in your Dodge recently, you may need to locate and enter a radio code before you can use the stereo or sound system again. The exact location of this code can vary by model, but most Dodge’s have the radio code printed on a sticker in the glove box and in the owner’s manual.
You may have never heard of it before today, but your Dodge’s sound system has a simple security measure known as a radio code that helps deter would-be stereo thieves. This is a handy feature, but you will need to know this code if you ever replace your Dodge’s battery—you’ll also need to know where to find it.
Why your Dodge needs a radio code
If this is your first time seeing a “code” message flash on your Dodge’s radio, you might be a little perplexed—after all, you never needed a code to listen to music before, right? Why should things be any different this time?
Simply put, whenever the battery in your vehicle has died or been replaced, your radio asks for a code as a security measure in an effort to deter would-be stereo thieves. This is a useful feature to have if you don’t have sound system insurance.
Of course, if you don’t have the code on hand or have it memorized, this security measure can quickly turn into an annoyance, as you won’t be able to use the radio again until it’s entered.
How to find your Dodge radio code
Generally speaking, the location of your Dodge’s radio code will depend on your exact model and model year—but in most cases, you should be able to find your Dodge radio code printed on a small card in your owner’s manual or on a sticker in your glove box. It will usually be labeled as the “Anti-Theft Radio Code” and is printed alongside the radio’s serial number.
A radio code will only ever consist of five characters—anything with more or less than that is the wrong code.
How to look up your Dodge radio code
In the event that you cannot find the card in your owner’s manual or the sticker in your glove box, you can still look up your Dodge’s radio code—it just requires a few extra steps.
For starters, you’ll need to know both your vehicle identification number (VIN) and the radio’s serial number—look below to find out where these numbers can be found:
- VIN: Your Dodge’s VIN—a 17-character alpha-numeric sequence—can be found in a number of places, with the most obvious being on a small plaque on the drivers side of the dashboard, which should be visible through the windshield. You can also find the VIN in your vehicle registration paperwork and on your insurance card.
- Serial number: If you have an older model Dodge, you will need to remove the radio unit in order to locate the radio’s serial number—we suggest having a professional perform this service to avoid damaging the stereo unit.
If you have a newer model Dodge, you may be able to look up the radio’s serial number via the radio display—the exact instructions for this, however, will depend on your model and model year.
Once you’ve located both numbers, you can figure out your Dodge’s radio code by calling Dodge at 1-800-423-6343—they will usually ask for your phone number, email address, and zip code.
Andrew Biro is an insurance writer specializing in car insurance and car ownership. Andrew’s mission is to provide informative, concise content car owners can use to save money on car-related expenses. Andrew’s nearly 300 Jerry articles span a range of topics from car maintenance how-tos to how car insurance discounts work. Prior to joining Jerry, Andrew completed a B.A. in cultural anthropology from UNC-Greensboro.
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who previously lead up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
