How to Reset the Radio on a 2004 Honda Accord

To reset the radio on a 2004 Honda Accord after a power loss, turn the ignition to ON/ACC, switch the radio on, and enter the 5-digit anti-theft code using the preset buttons. If you don’t have the code, retrieve your radio’s serial number (usually by holding preset buttons 1 and 6 while powering the radio) and use Honda’s Radio-Navi Code lookup or contact a dealer. If the display shows “ERR” after too many attempts, leave the radio on for about an hour until “CODE” reappears, then enter the correct code.

Why Your Accord’s Radio Requires a Code

Honda equips factory radios with an anti-theft feature that disables the unit when it loses power (for example, after a battery disconnect or replacement). The radio will display “CODE” and remain inoperative until a specific 5-digit code tied to that radio is entered. This protects the unit if removed from the vehicle—but it also means you need the correct code to restore function after power interruptions.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before attempting the reset, it helps to gather a few key details. Having these on hand speeds up the process and minimizes the chance of lockouts from repeated incorrect entries.

• The 5-digit radio anti-theft code (often on a small white “Anti-Theft” sticker in the glovebox or owner’s packet).
• The radio’s 8-digit serial number (needed only if you don’t have the code).
• Your vehicle identification number (VIN), plus your phone number and ZIP code (often required for online retrieval).

With this information, you can either enter the code directly or retrieve it quickly via Honda’s official lookup tools or a dealership.

Step-by-Step: Entering the Radio Code

Once you have the correct 5-digit code, entering it is straightforward. Follow these steps carefully to restore radio operation without triggering a lockout.

1. Turn the ignition to ACC or ON (engine off is fine).
2. Turn the radio on; the display should read “CODE.”
3. Use the radio preset buttons (1–6) to enter the 5-digit code. For example, if your code is 1-2-3-4-5, press presets 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in sequence.
4. After the fifth digit, the radio should automatically unlock and resume normal operation (displaying a frequency or station).

If the radio doesn’t accept the code, verify the digits and try again carefully. Multiple incorrect attempts will lock the unit temporarily.

If You Don’t Have the Code

First, check the usual places

Honda often supplies the code on a small label or card. Looking in these locations can save time before you proceed to serial retrieval.

• Glovebox: A white “Anti-Theft Radio Code” sticker (sometimes alongside an 8-digit serial number).
• Owner’s manual packet: A detachable card or printed sticker on the inside cover.
• Service records: Some shops note the code on invoices.

If you find the code, proceed directly to entering it. If not, you’ll need the radio serial number to retrieve it.

Get the radio serial number (non-navigation radios)

Most 2004 Accord non-navigation units display the serial on-screen with a simple button combo. Have a pen ready to copy it accurately.

1. Turn the ignition to ACC or ON.
2. Turn the radio off.
3. Press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously.
4. While holding 1 and 6, press the power/volume knob to turn the radio on.
5. Note the 8-digit serial that appears. Some units show it as two 4-digit numbers in sequence—write both sets as one 8-digit number.

Double-check every digit. A single transcription error will prevent code retrieval from working.

Get the serial number (factory navigation systems)

For Accords equipped with the factory navigation/audio unit, the radio serial is accessed through a hidden diagnostic menu.

1. Turn the ignition to ON.
2. On the navigation unit, press and hold Menu, Map/Guide, and Cancel together for about 3–5 seconds to open the diagnostic screen.
3. Select the version or unit information screen to view the Audio (and Navi) serial numbers.
4. Record the audio serial number precisely.

If the diagnostic menu isn’t accessible or the screen is inoperative, a dealer can retrieve the serial or read it directly from the unit if necessary.

Retrieve your code from Honda

With the serial number and VIN, you can obtain the correct 5-digit code from Honda. This is typically free for U.S. owners and quick if you have ownership information handy.

1. Go to Honda’s official Radio-Navi Code site: https://radio-navicode.honda.com/ (or visit your regional Honda owner site).
2. Enter the requested details (radio serial number, VIN, phone number, ZIP code) to verify ownership.
3. Record the 5-digit code provided and enter it on your radio using the preset buttons.
4. If online retrieval isn’t available in your region, call your local Honda dealer with the serial and VIN for assistance.

Once you have the code, enter it exactly as provided. If it’s rejected, reconfirm the serial and VIN—codes are matched to the specific radio unit.

If the Radio Displays “ERR” or “LOCK”

Too many incorrect code attempts will temporarily lock the radio. Fortunately, you can usually clear this lockout without special tools.

1. Turn the ignition to ON (position II) and switch the radio on.
2. Leave the radio powered on, undisturbed, for about 60 minutes. Use a battery maintainer if possible to avoid discharge.
3. After the wait, the display should revert from “ERR”/“LOCK” to “CODE.”
4. Enter the correct 5-digit code carefully.

If “ERR” persists or the radio won’t return to “CODE,” verify you’re using the original factory radio (replacement units require a different code) and consider dealer assistance to clear the lock.

Tips, Cautions, and Common Pitfalls

These quick pointers can prevent repeat lockouts and save time during the process.

• Never guess the code; repeated wrong entries trigger the one-hour lockout.
• Keep the ignition on in a well-ventilated area if you must wait an hour, or use a smart charger.
• Disconnecting the battery won’t bypass the code; it will only re-trigger the “CODE” prompt.
• If you’ve replaced the radio, the original glovebox code won’t work—retrieve the new unit’s serial and code.
• Store the code securely (not in the car if theft is a concern). Many owners write it in the owner’s manual or save it to a phone.

Following these best practices ensures you restore audio quickly while protecting the unit’s anti-theft integrity.

Summary

Resetting a 2004 Honda Accord radio means entering its 5-digit anti-theft code after power loss. If you don’t have the code, retrieve the radio’s serial (hold 1 and 6 while turning the radio on for non-nav; use the nav diagnostic menu for navigation units) and use Honda’s Radio-Navi Code site or a dealer to obtain it. If the unit shows “ERR” after failed attempts, leave it powered on for about an hour until “CODE” returns, then enter the correct digits. With the right code, the radio unlocks immediately and resumes normal operation.

How do I reset my radio manually?

Many radios include a dedicated reset button or a factory reset function:

1. Reset Button: Locate a small button (often behind the faceplate) and hold it for 5–10 seconds.
2. Settings Menu: Navigate to “System Settings” or “Factory Reset” on the radio display and follow prompts.

How to factory reset Honda Accord radio?

To reset your radio you will need a radio code. Your local Honda dealer will need the Serial Number from the radio (and later the Vehicle Identification Number) to access Honda’s database for radio codes. NOTE: If your vehicle has navigation, your radio must be reset at a Honda dealership.

How do I reset the radio in a 2004 Honda Accord?

Use the H button to to reset the hour. And the M button to reset. Minutes once you’re done setting the time hit the sound button again. And you’re good to go.

How do I get the radio code for my 2004 Honda Accord?

And you have to put in a code in the radio. The code is in the glove. Box hope this helps.