How to Reset the 2011 Honda Pilot Radio

To reset a 2011 Honda Pilot radio after a battery disconnect or power loss, turn the ignition to ON, power on the radio, and enter the five-digit anti-theft code using the preset buttons. If you don’t have the code, retrieve it via the glovebox card/sticker, the Honda Owners radio-code website using your VIN and the radio’s serial number, or from a Honda dealer. Details and step-by-step instructions follow below.

What you need before you begin

Resetting the radio generally requires confirming your vehicle identity and radio identity so you can obtain the correct anti-theft code. Gather the items and information below to make the process quick and straightforward.

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Visible at the base of the windshield on the driver side or on your registration/insurance documents.
• Radio serial number:
  

  • Non‑navigation audio unit: With the ignition ON (II), turn the radio OFF. Press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6, then press the power button. The display will cycle two screens such as “U1234” and “L5678.” Combine these to form the 8‑digit serial (e.g., 12345678).
  • Factory navigation models: With ignition ON, press and hold Map/Guide + Menu + Cancel for 3–5 seconds to open the diagnostic menu. Select Version/Unit Check to view the Audio Unit serial number (use the Audio, not the Navi/HDD number).

• Anti-theft code: Often on a small card or sticker in the glove box or owner’s packet; otherwise retrieve online or from a dealer.
• Proof of ownership and a photo ID if you plan to ask a dealer to supply the code.

Having the VIN and radio serial number on hand ensures you can obtain the correct five-digit code and complete the reset in one attempt.

Step-by-step: Resetting and unlocking the radio

Follow these steps to enter the anti-theft code and restore audio functions. This process applies to both non-navigation and navigation-equipped 2011 Pilots, with only minor differences in how you obtain the serial number.

1. Turn the ignition to ON (II). If the engine is running, park in a well-ventilated area.
2. Turn the radio ON. The display should read “CODE” or “ENTER CODE.”
3. Enter the five-digit code using the radio’s preset buttons. On non-navigation units, codes typically use digits 1–6 and are entered with the 1–6 preset keys. On navigation units, enter the code via the touchscreen keypad.
4. If you enter a wrong digit, turn the radio OFF, then ON, and re-enter the code from the start.
5. Once accepted, audio resumes. Re-set your clock and station presets as needed (Clock/Setup menu on nav units; Clock button on non-nav units).
6. If the display shows “ERR” or “ERROR” after too many incorrect attempts, leave the ignition ON and the radio powered ON for about 60 minutes until it returns to “CODE,” then enter the correct code. Using a battery maintainer during the wait is recommended.

After a successful code entry, your radio will function normally; only future power losses (like battery replacement) will trigger another code request.

Finding your Honda radio code online

If the glove box card or previous records aren’t available, Honda provides an official lookup. You’ll need your VIN, phone number/ZIP (matching Honda records), and the radio serial number.

• Go to Honda’s radio code portal: https://radio-navicode.honda.com (redirects to the Honda Owners site). You can also start at https://owners.honda.com and search “Get Radio/Navi Code.”
• Enter the VIN, radio serial number, and requested owner details. Follow the prompts to retrieve the five-digit code.
• If online retrieval doesn’t work, call or visit a Honda dealer with your VIN, radio serial number, registration, and a photo ID; they can supply the code at no or minimal cost.

Using the Honda portal or a dealer ensures you receive the exact code assigned to your specific audio unit.

If you don’t have the code or serial number

Before scheduling service, try these quick checks to locate the needed information yourself.

• Check the glove box and owner’s packet for a small “Anti-Theft Radio Code” card or sticker (sometimes the code is printed on a label inside the glove box).
• Look through prior service invoices; some shops note the radio code after battery or alternator work.
• Retrieve the radio serial number from the unit display using the methods above (1+6+Power for non-nav, Map/Guide+Menu+Cancel for nav).
• Contact the previous owner if applicable; they may have the original card.
• Visit a Honda dealer with ID and proof of ownership; they can pull the serial (if needed) and provide the correct code.

In most cases, you can get both the serial and code without removing the radio, saving time and avoiding unnecessary disassembly.

Common issues and quick fixes

These are the typical problems owners encounter when unlocking a Honda Pilot radio and how to resolve them.

• “Err” or “Code Error” lockout: Leave radio ON with ignition ON for about one hour until “CODE” reappears, then enter the correct code. Use a charger or run the engine periodically to avoid draining the battery.
• Wrong code repeatedly: Verify the serial number (combine U and L numbers correctly) and re-check the code via Honda’s portal or dealer.
• No code card and no portal match: Ensure the VIN and ZIP/phone you enter match Honda’s records; otherwise, a dealer can verify ownership and provide the code.
• Navigation-equipped vehicles: Make sure you enter the Audio Unit code, not the Navigation/HDD code. The audio code unlocks radio functions.
• After unlock, clock/presets lost: Re-set the clock via the Clock button (non-nav) or Settings/Clock (nav), and reprogram your presets.

Addressing these points typically resolves unlock issues without additional parts or tools.

When to seek professional help

If you cannot retrieve a serial number from the display, the screen is inoperative, or the portal and dealer cannot validate your information, have a Honda dealer diagnose the unit. Hardware faults, water intrusion, or prior replacement radios that were never registered can prevent standard code recovery.

Summary

Resetting a 2011 Honda Pilot radio requires entering a five-digit anti-theft code after power loss. Obtain the code from the glove box card, Honda’s radio-code website using your VIN and the radio’s serial number (retrieved via the display routines), or from a dealer. If the radio locks after multiple failed attempts, leave it powered on for about an hour to clear the lockout before entering the correct code. Once accepted, restore your clock and presets and you’re ready to go.

How to get radio code for 2011 Honda Pilot?

To get the radio code for a 2011 Honda Pilot, you’ll typically need to retrieve it from the owner’s manual, a sticker inside the glove box, or by contacting a Honda dealer with your vehicle’s VIN and radio serial number. If you can’t find it in the manual or glove box, you can also find it online by visiting the official Honda website. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. 1. Check the Manual or Glove Box: . Opens in new tabThe radio code is often printed on a sticker inside the owner’s manual or on a separate card kept in the glove box. 
2. 2. Locate the Radio Serial Number: . Opens in new tabIf you can’t find the code in the manual or glove box, you’ll need the radio’s serial number. This can sometimes be found by pressing and holding certain radio buttons (like buttons 1 and 6) when turning the radio on. If this doesn’t work, you might need to remove the radio to find the serial number sticker. 
3. 3. Online Retrieval: . Opens in new tabOnce you have the radio serial number and your vehicle’s VIN, you can visit the official Honda website or use a site like Jay Wolfe Honda to enter this information and retrieve your code. 
4. 4. Contact Honda Dealer: . Opens in new tabIf you’re still having trouble, you can contact your local Honda dealer. Provide them with your VIN and proof of ownership, and they should be able to retrieve the code for you. 

This video explains how to retrieve the radio code for a 2011 Honda Pilot using the serial number: 58sKIT’S Auto and Truck RepairYouTube · Sep 23, 2021

How to hard reset Honda radio?

To reset a Honda radio, you typically need its anti-theft code, which can be found on an ID card in the owner’s manual, on a sticker inside the glove box, or retrieved from the Honda website or a Honda dealer using your car’s VIN. Once you have the code, turn the car’s ignition to ON (but not start), turn on the radio, and enter the five-digit code when it displays “CODE” or “ERR”. If the radio won’t accept the code, try a hard reset by disconnecting your car’s battery for a few minutes. 
How to Find Your Radio Code

1. 1. Owner’s Manual: Check the glove box for a sticker or a small ID card with the five-digit radio code. 
2. 2. Honda Website/Dealer: If you can’t find the code, you can get it from the official Honda {https://mygarage.honda.com/s/radio-nav-code website} or a local Honda dealer. 
   • To get the serial number: With the key in the on position and the radio off, press and hold buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously, then turn on the radio to display the serial number. 
   • On the website: Enter your VIN, email, and other required information to retrieve the code. 

How to Reset the Radio with the Code

1. Turn the Ignition: Turn your vehicle’s ignition to the ON position or AUX, but do not start the engine. 
2. Turn On the Radio: Power on the radio. 
3. Enter the Code: The display should show “CODE” or similar. Use the radio’s number buttons to enter the five-digit code you found. 
4. Confirm: The radio will then return to normal function. 

If the Radio Shows “ERR” 

1. Disconnect the Battery: Turn off the vehicle and disconnect the black negative (-) battery cable for one to three minutes.
2. Reconnect the Cable: Reconnect the battery cable.
3. Retry: Repeat the steps above to enter the code.

For Touchscreen Models (2018 and Newer) 

• Soft Reset: . Opens in new tabPress and hold the power button on the radio for more than two seconds to restart the system and refresh the screen. 
• Full Factory Reset: . Opens in new tabFor more advanced troubleshooting, go to Home > Settings > Vehicle > Factory Data Reset to erase all settings. 

How to reset Honda Pilot audio?

Factory Reset Your Audio System
Go to Home > Settings > Vehicle > Factory Data Reset. This will delete all of your settings and devices. When complete, try pairing your phone to your vehicle.

How to reset radio 2011 Honda Pilot?

TURN THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH OR USE THE START BUTTON TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN THE AUXILIARY (NOT THE START OR RUN) POSITION. PRESS AND HOLD THE RADIO BUTTONS ONE (1) AND SIX (6) TOGETHER WITH ONE HAND. WHILE HOLDING BUTTONS 1 & 6 TURN THE RADIO ON WITH YOUR FREE HAND.