Question: I bought a used car a few months ago and it’s been running great. Lately, the radio has been acting up and now it displays CODE when I turn it on. How can I reset the car’s radio?
Answer: If your radio display reads “CODE,” the radio is locked. This often happens after the battery has been disconnected or changed or the settings have been restored.
To reset your car radio, you will need to enter a radio code to bypass the car’s security system. You can find this code in a few places, including:
- Owner’s manual: Your radio code should be listed in the owner’s manual under the security section or radio/stereo section.
- Glovebox: Sometimes the radio code is printed on a small label inside your glovebox.
- Manufacturer’s website: See if your car’s manufacturer has a database of stereo security codes. Even if they don’t, the website may have directions for finding your vehicle’s radio code.
- Manufacturer’s dealership: Visit an authorized dealership for your vehicle’s manufacturer to see if they can provide you with the code or unlock it for you.
- Stereo shop: Contact a local car stereo installation center and see if they have a list of codes or can unlock it for you. Note that some companies will charge for this service.
You’ll usually need to provide your VIN and the serial number from your radio to get your radio code from the manufacturer or a stereo installer. You can find the serial number on the back of your radio, although some brands will display the serial number if you press a certain series of buttons.
Avoid online code generators: Be wary of entering your VIN and stereo serial number into these sites—their authenticity can be difficult to verify.
What are radio codes?
A radio code is a security feature that helps deter theft. If the radio loses power, you’re required to enter a unique code to reactivate it. That way, if someone disconnects the radio from your vehicle, it will be difficult for them to put it in another car and use it without the code.
How do I reset a car radio without a code?
To reset the radio without the code, try these steps:
- Turn your car on, but do not start the engine.
- Turn the radio off.
- Hold the “Power” button down for at least 20 seconds.
You should see the radio screen power off and restart—this means the reset is working. Note that after you reset your radio, you’ll probably have to reprogram any saved radio stations or other radio settings.
Need to know: The exact method for resetting your radio can vary depending on your vehicle. For instance, some models require you to hold down “Display and Back,” while others have a physical reset button. You may have to remove the cover or face plate from your stereo to access the reset button, and you need a pen or paper clip to press the button.
How do I reset an infotainment center?
If you have a touchscreen infotainment center, you can restore the factory settings by going to “Settings,” then “System.” The exact menu path may vary, but there should be an option to restore the factory (or default) settings.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.
