If your Honda’s radio or navigation system is locked after a battery disconnect or failure, you’ll need a code to unlock it. Fortunately, you can obtain this code for free through Honda’s official website: Www.radio-navicode.honda.com Gratis. This guide outlines the process of retrieving your unlock code using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and device serial number.
Locating Your Honda VIN
Your 17-digit VIN is crucial for identifying your specific Honda vehicle. You can find it 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 vehicle registration documents.
- Insurance Documents: Check your insurance statement or proof-of-insurance card.
- Honda Financial Statements: Your VIN will be on any financial statements from Honda Financial Services.
- Honda Correspondence: Look for your VIN on any new owner surveys or customer satisfaction surveys from American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Important Note: Valid VINs use alphanumeric characters (A-Z and 0-9), excluding the letters I, O, and Q. Ensure accuracy when entering your VIN to avoid errors. Double-check for any accidental inversions of numbers and letters. Common mistakes include using the letter O instead of the number 0.
Finding Your Honda Device Serial Number
Retrieving your device’s serial number depends on your Honda model year.
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2013-2014 Odyssey and Pilot: These models don’t require a radio/navigation unlock code. Consult your owner’s manual for system initialization instructions.
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Pre-2001 Models: The serial number is usually on the back of the device. Contact your local Honda dealer for assistance.
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2001 and Later Models: You can often find the serial number directly on the device display. Alternatively, check your glove compartment for an anti-theft ID card or a sticker with the serial number.
Example of a serial number sticker location.
Obtaining the Serial Number from the Device Display (Most Models)
For most models from 2001 onwards, follow these steps:
- Turn the Ignition ON: Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
- Confirm “COdE” Display: Turn on the radio/navigation unit. The display should show “COdE.” If not, remove the backup fuse for one minute and repeat step 1.
- Turn Off the Device: Turn off the radio/navigation unit.
- Press Preset Buttons 1 and 6: Simultaneously press and hold the preset buttons 1 and 6.
- Turn On the Device: While holding the preset buttons, turn the radio/navigation unit back on.
- Record the 8-Digit Code: The display will alternate between two screens, one starting with “U” and the other with “L,” each displaying four digits of the serial number. Combine these digits to get the complete 8-digit serial number.
Example of a Honda navigation display showing the serial number.
Obtaining the Serial Number for 2003-2007 Accord with Navigation
For these specific models, the process is slightly different:
- Turn Ignition to ACC (I): Turn the ignition switch to the ACC (I) position.
- Confirm “COdE” Display: Turn on the audio unit. The display should show “COdE.” If not, remove the backup fuse for one minute and repeat step 1.
- Turn Off the Audio Unit: Turn off the audio unit.
- Press and Hold SEEK/SKIP and CH/DISC: Press and hold the top halves of the SEEK/SKIP and CH/DISC buttons.
- Press PWR/VOL Knob: While holding the other buttons, press and release the PWR/VOL knob.
- Record the 8-Digit Code: The display will alternate between two screens showing four digits each, prefixed with “U” and “L.” Combine the digits to obtain the full serial number.
Illustration of the button combination for a 2003-2007 Accord.
Retrieving Your Honda Radio Unlock Code Online
Visit www.radio-navicode.honda.com gratis to get your free unlock code. Enter your VIN and serial number 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 verification and code delivery.
