You need the radio code if your car’s radio is unresponsive and flashes the “enter code” message.
It’s possible the code is printed on the side of the glove box. If not, you’ll have to retrieve it from Honda’s website.
To get the code from the website you’ll need the vehicle’s identification number (VIN) and the radio’s serial number. Some model years print the serial number on the glove box’s side or tip.
If your radio is unresponsive and shows the phrase “enter code” in the display, then you need to enter the radio code. Sometimes, this code will be printed on the side of your vehicle’s glove box.
The radio code can also activate when the Honda Accord’s car’s battery has recently been depleted or disconnected. This is designed to discourage thieves from stealing Honda vehicles because they will need to input their personal information in Honda’s website in order to retrieve the code.
If the radio code isn’t printed on your vehicle glove box, then this means you need to retrieve it from Honda’s website. You’ll need two key pieces of information: the vehicle’s identification number (VIN) and the radio’s serial number.
You can find your Honda Accord’s radio serial number on the glove box’s side or lip, or on the radio screen itself by turning the radio on and holding the 1 and 6 buttons simultaneously. Image source: Car and Driver
How to Find the Radio Serial Number
There are several ways to find the radio serial number. The easiest way is to check your glove box. Sometimes, the radio’s serial number will be printed either on the glove box’s side or lip.
You can also get the radio serial number through the radio itself. Press the numbers 1 and 6 buttons simultaneously when the radio is turned off. The radio should turn on and display its serial number. If your Honda Accord was made earlier than 2001, the radio serial number would be printed on a sticker somewhere on the radio’s body. You might need to remove the radio unit from the dashboard to find this code. To do this properly, you should check out the owner’s manual.
How to Find the VIN
The VIN is located in the owner’s manual or on the side of your glove box. It’s also on the sticker that’s visible when the door is opened. The VIN can also be found beneath your vehicle’s windshield.
Once you’ve noted both codes, type them in the appropriate fields on Honda’s website. The website will give you the radio code. Simply enter this code in your Honda Accord’s radio and it should work normally again.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
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