honda-radio-code-how-to-retrieve-radio-code-how-to-reset

How To Retrieve the Honda Radio Code

There are moments you try to access your Honda car radio only to discover that it is not working and is demanding a special code. This mostly happens when you have disconnected the battery or it goes flat and you install a new one.

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How to retrieve the Honda radio code

  • The first thing is to try to press and hold the radio power button for around 2 seconds. This at times resets the radio but it can request you for a radio code.
  • The first thing you need for Honda radio code retrieval is the radio serial number. This you will find on the car manual or a sticker in the glove compartment. If not check the back on of the car manual and look for a sticker. You will need a pen and paper to write down the serial number.
  • The next step is the actual retrieval. You can get the code from your local Honda car dealer or login to their website through this link: https://radio-navicode.honda.com/
  • You will also need information like your phone number, Zip code, email, VIN number and the radio serial number. The VIN number can be found on the bottom of the windshield, driver’s door jam or on the cars registration.
  • To get the serial number for the radio you will need to simultaneously press 1 and 6 if you have a newer Honda from the year 2002. The radio will then display the serial number which you can write down. For older Honda models from 2001 and earlier the serial number is at the located somewhere on the body of the radio. Since it is at the back of the radio, you may be forced to dismantle the radio. This can be tricky and may necessitate a mechanic to do it for you.
  • Once you have tried all the above and get the radio code, simply input it in your radio and it shall start working as normal.
  • When imputing the code you will need to put your car in auxiliary position – this is not the start or run position. If you have problems with the code then you will have the term prominently displayed on the car’s dashboard. To reset the system and remove the “err” message disconnect the black negative for the battery cable hood for around 3 minutes. Switch the radio again and input the Honda radio code.
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Possible Issues with the Honda Radio

One of the things you need to understand with the radio code reset is that if you input the wrong number 10 times then the system will lock you out. To unlock the system again you will need to wait an extra one hour for it to reset itself.

The best place to find the radio code is the Honda code card. To better understand the radio code card, know that the first number is the radio code number while the second one is the navigation code. This is what you will input. The radio code does not need for you to input the enter button it just resets itself automatically once the code is entered.

The purpose of the radio code is that it is used as an anti-theft mechanism. When you purchase a Honda you will find a radio code card coming with the radio. At times, it is confusing knowing what happened to your radio when you find it not starting.

Most people will first check their battery as it is the one that powers the radio. If you battery is low on charge it could be that it is not being fully charged by the alternator. You will need a tester to check the battery voltage. A normal working car battery should have a voltage of 12.6V, anything less than this and you will experience current problems.

You should also check your battery terminals for signs of corrosion. If you are operating a lead acid battery then the cases of this happening are higher. But, you can solve this through a simple baking soda and water solution, or coke.

If you bought your car through a dealership then you can call then with your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and they will give you the vehicle radio code.

Alternatively, you can go to the Honda’s website and type in the car’s serial number and you will get the radio code.

Note, that all this is for all Honda models. It will only work for the vehicles after 2001.

You can also get the Honda radio code is to consult the local dealerships. Customer service largely depends on the dealer. Some may push you to their website for more information while some may just give you the information you are searching for. You will need to carry with you the radio serial number, car VIN and the Nav code for those Honda cars with satellite navigation.

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Honda radio retrieval website

If you find that the dealership is not that helpful your next point of reference should be the Honda website radio code retrieval. All you need to get the information you want is the VIN number.

Punch number 1 and 6 at the same time and hold for around 10 seconds. You will have a number being displayed on your screen. You can take a screenshot of it. Go back to the website and follow the instructions specified.

You will find a place for inputting your car radio serial number and VIN. The radio code should be displayed next and you can make a screenshot of it. Once done input the code to your radio and it shall return back to work.

Troubleshooting car radio problems

Whenever, you find that your car radio is not working as expected then it could be problems with the power source. Wiring is the most common problem. Car radio wires are subject to getting lose or being interfered with by rodents. Most of these wires are found underneath the dashboard. You may need the expertise of a car electrician to identify some of these wires.

You should also note that car radios have fuses. These are in place to prevent power surges. If one of the fuses gets blown then you are going to have problems operating your radio. The best way to check whether your fuse is working is by using a multimeter. If you do not get a reading then just know that your fuse is defective.

If you have amplifiers and speakers then you need to ensure that they are all receiving the right power. In case the alternator is delivering more power to the amplifier, cut power to your radio.

Conclusion

The Honda radio code is an error message that is designed to protect your car from theft. Most of the time the error code will appear when you buy a new car battery or when your existing gets low on voltages hence failing to deliver any power to the head unit.

You can retrieve the radio code through Honda retrieval code website or visit your car dealer. You will need the car VIN number and the radio serial number for retrieval. Once you have the code, press 1 and 6 simultaneously on the radio and input the retrieval code. This should reset the error message.

Steven Reilly is a qualified mechanic and his passion for cars goes beyond just the technical aspects. He is also an amateur racer and all round car enthusiast. When he is not driving them, he can often be found in his garage under the hood of a rare model. Steven Reilly has lost track of the number of hours he has spent setting up his fine collection of rebuilt models. He believes that cars can provide a constructive and fun opportunity to teach the youth important life skills. In line with this, he is developing a community outreach program, potentially dubbed ‘Cars for change'.