[SOLVED] How to find your Honda CRV radio code

Summary

This article provides step-by-step instructions for how to unlock a Honda CR-V radio. The CR-V in the article is 2009. All Civics from 2007 - 2009 share the same radio. The instructions will also work for most other Honda models.

In order to unlock your Honda CR-V radio, follow these steps:

Find your car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
Find your radio serial number.
Enter it at unlockcarstereo.com to retrieve your Honda CR-V radio code.

Why is my Honda CRV asking for a code?

Your Honda CRV is designed to lock its radio when the battery has been disconnected. This prevents anyone from using the radio if it's stolen and disconnected from the power. To unlock it, you will need to enter your anti-theft radio code that is unique to your car. This code is sometimes found in the owner's manual in the glove box. However, since the owner's manual is often lost after the car is sold, it's often not possible to unlock your Honda radio this way. One way to unlock your radio is to take it to the Honda dealer, who will often charge $100 to reset your radio. Luckily, there is a better way. You can save time and money and unlock your Honda radio online.

In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you the process to find your Honda CRV radio code and how to enter it so that you can get your music back. Let's get started.

How to find your Honda CRV radio code

Step 1 - Find your vehicle's VIN number

Your CRV radio code is tied to your car's VIN number. To find your VIN, look for the label inside the driver's side door jamb. It can also be found at the base of the windshield or on your vehicle registration. It will be a series of 17 characters and numbers that uniquely identifies your Honda CRV.

Step 2 - Retrieve your radio serial number

There are 2 ways to find your radio serial number.

Option 1: Find your radio serial number on your radio display

1. Turn the car on. Turn the radio unit on.

2. The radio display should read "Enter Code".

Honda CRV Radio Locked Displaying Enter Code

3. Turn the radio off.

4. Press the radio preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously, and then press the power button.

Honda CRV Radio Turned Off with Fingers Pressing 1 and 6 Preset Buttons

The radio will display the serial number on the screen like so: S/N 12345678.

Radio Serial Number Displaying On the Screen S/N 12345678

Option 2: Find your serial number on the radio sticker

If option 1 doesn't work, you can also find your serial number on the sticker located on the side of the radio unit. To do this, you'll need to remove the stereo unit from the dash.

The radio can be removed using household tools such as a flathead screwdriver or a blunt knife. The serial number will be the 8-digit number on the label.

Pro tip: Take a photo of the serial number on the radio unit. It may come in handy later if you have to troubleshoot.

Arrow Pointing to radio Sticker On Top of Honda Radio Unit

Honda radio serial number on the radio sticker

Step 3 - Generate your radio code

Once you've retrieved your Honda CRV serial number, you'll need to generate your radio code. Follow these steps

Head to unlockcarstereo.com/product/honda
Enter your VIN number, 8-digit serial number, and model of Honda into the fields at the top of the page.
Click "Get Radio Code"
Your Honda radio code will be sent to your inbox immediately.

Got your serial number?

Click here to get Honda radio code

Get Radio Code

Step 4 - How to enter your radio code

Follow these steps to enter your Honda radio code

Turn your vehicle and stereo on.
The radio should display "Enter Code".
Use the radio preset buttons 1 to 6 to enter your Honda radio code. Note: all Honda radio codes are 5 digits long and contain only the numbers 1 - 6.
E.g for radio code 12113, you'd enter it like so:

Using Preset Button 1 to Enter First Digit of Radio Code

Using Preset Button 2 to Enter Second Digit of Radio Code

Using Preset Button 1 to Enter Third Digit of Radio Code

Using Preset Button 1 to Enter Fourth Digit of Radio Code

Using Preset Button 3 to Enter Fifth Digit of Radio Code

Once you've entered your Honda radio code, your stereo will "beep" and start operating

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset my Honda CRV radio without the code?

Unfortunately, you cannot reset your Honda CRV radio without the code. It requires a unique 5-digit code that is linked to your vehicle's serial number and VIN number.

How do you enter the radio code on a Honda CRV?

To enter your Honda radio code, turn your vehicle and stereo on. The radio should display " Enter the 5-digit code using the preset buttons 1 to 6. Once you've entered the code correctly,

What do I do when my Honda Radio says Enter code?

When your Honda radio says "Enter code" it means that the stereo has been disconnected from power and needs to be unlocked. To unlock it, you will need to enter the unique anti-theft radio code associated with your car.

Why is my radio code not working?

If your radio code is not working, double-check that you are entering the correct 5-digit code. If you're entering the code correctly, but it's still not unlocking, it is most likely due to you entering the serial number incorrectly. Each radio serial number has its own unique code. If you get even one digit wrong, you'll be given a different radio code–one that won't work with your Honda radio.

What do I do if I get an error e?

If you see the error e while entering your radio code, it means that you've entered the wrong radio code too many times. Usually, the limit is 10 incorrect attempts before it locks itself.

To reset your radio so it is no longer showing code error e, simply disconnect the battery for a few minutes then reconnect and try again.