What “CODE” Means on the Radio in a 2006 Honda CR-V

It indicates the radio’s anti-theft lock has activated and the unit needs its 5-digit security code to work again, usually after a dead or disconnected battery. Enter the code using preset buttons 1–6; if you don’t have it, you can often find it on a glovebox sticker or retrieve it from Honda using your VIN and the radio’s serial number.

Why your Honda radio asks for a code

Honda equips many factory radios with an anti-theft feature that disables the unit if it loses power. When power is restored, the radio displays “CODE” and won’t function until the correct security code is entered. Common triggers include a battery replacement, a dead battery, a blown radio fuse, or electrical work that interrupts power.

Where to find your 5-digit radio code

Before you try to pull the radio or contact a dealer, check the most common places Honda supplied the code when the vehicle was new.

• Glovebox sticker: Look inside the glovebox or on the glovebox door for a small “Anti-Theft” label. The radio code is a 5-digit number (digits 1–6).
• Owner’s manual packet: Some vehicles include a separate radio code card or the code written on the inside cover of the audio section.
• Service records: Prior owners or shops sometimes write the code on repair invoices.
• Original purchase paperwork: Dealers sometimes recorded the code at delivery.

If you find a 5-digit sequence labeled as the radio or anti-theft code, that’s what you’ll enter. If you see multiple numbers, the shorter 5-digit code is the one to use; any longer string is likely a serial number.

How to get the radio’s serial number (if you can’t find the code)

If the code isn’t documented, you can retrieve the radio’s serial number from the unit without removing it in most 2006 CR-Vs. You’ll need this number to get the code from Honda.

1. Turn the ignition to ON (II). Turn the radio OFF.
2. Press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6, then press the power button. Keep holding 1 and 6 until the display changes.
3. Note the serial display: it will show two alternating identifiers (often “U####” and “L####”). Combine them to form the full 8-digit serial number (e.g., U1234 + L5678 = 12345678).
4. If the display won’t show the serial number, the radio may need to be removed to read the label on the chassis. A dealer or audio shop can do this quickly.

Record the serial number carefully; a single wrong digit will prevent code retrieval. If the unit was replaced, the serial number will differ from any code sticker found in the vehicle.

Retrieve your code from Honda

With your VIN and the radio serial number, you can get the code directly from Honda online or via a dealer.

1. Visit Honda’s official Radio/Navigation Code site: radio-navicode.honda.com (or the Honda Owners site for your region).
2. Enter your VIN, the radio serial number, and requested owner details (often ZIP and phone or email).
3. Receive the 5-digit radio code (digits 1–6).
4. Alternatively, call or visit a Honda dealer with proof of ownership; they can look up the code.

Honda does not charge for online code retrieval for most vehicles; dealers may charge a small fee if they must remove the radio to obtain the serial number.

Enter the code to unlock the radio

Once you have the correct 5-digit code, you can unlock the radio in seconds.

1. Turn the ignition to ON (II). The radio should display “CODE.”
2. Use the preset buttons 1–6 to enter the 5-digit code. Each press enters that digit immediately.
3. If correct, the radio will power on and resume normal operation.
4. If “ERR” appears after incorrect attempts, wait with the ignition ON and the radio left powered for about 60 minutes until “CODE” reappears, then try again.

Honda radio codes use only digits 1–6. If your code doesn’t work, verify the numbers and recheck the serial number used to obtain it.

How to prevent future lockouts

A few simple steps can help you avoid seeing “CODE” again after routine service or battery issues.

• Use a 12V memory saver when changing the battery or doing electrical work.
• Keep the code recorded in your phone, glovebox, and service records.
• Maintain a healthy battery and clean terminals to reduce accidental power loss.
• If you replace the radio, record the new unit’s serial number and code.

Planning ahead saves time and prevents the frustration of a locked radio after an unexpected battery problem.

When the code still won’t work

If the radio remains locked, the unit may not be original to the vehicle, the sticker/code is for a different radio, or the serial number was captured incorrectly. In such cases, have a Honda dealer verify the radio’s serial number directly from the unit and retrieve the correct code against your VIN. Rarely, internal radio faults can also cause code-entry issues and may require repair or replacement.

Summary

On a 2006 Honda CR-V, “CODE” on the radio means the anti-theft lock engaged after a power loss and the 5-digit security code is required. Check the glovebox sticker or owner’s packet, or retrieve the code from Honda using your VIN and the radio’s serial number (often obtained by holding 1 and 6 while turning the radio on). Enter the digits 1–6 using the preset buttons to restore normal operation, and consider using a memory saver during future battery work to avoid lockouts.

How to reset a 2006 Honda radio?

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 fix the radio error code on my Honda CRV?

To fix a Honda CRV radio error code, you must first perform a hard reset by disconnecting the negative battery cable for 1-3 minutes to clear the error, then enter the correct 5-digit radio code. You can find your code in the owner’s manual, on a sticker inside the glove box, or by visiting Honda’s official radio code website with your VIN and radio serial number. 
1. Perform a Hard Reset 

• Turn off the vehicle’s ignition.
• Locate the battery under the hood.
• Disconnect the black, negative battery cable.
• Wait for 1 to 3 minutes.
• Reconnect the battery cable.

2. Enter the Code 

• Turn the radio on.
• Look for the word “CODE” to appear on the screen.
• Enter the 5-digit radio code.

How to Find Your Radio Code
If you don’t know the code, try these options:

• Check the Owner’s Manual: Look for a sticker or card with your code in the glove box or owner’s manual. 
• Look for a Sticker: Some vehicles have a sticker with the code on the inside of the glove box. 
• Use the Honda Website: Visit Honda’s radio code site or other related sites and provide your VIN and radio serial number to retrieve the code. To find the serial number, some older models require pressing the “1” and “6” buttons together for a few seconds to display it. 

Important Notes

• If you enter the wrong code too many times, the radio will lock, requiring the hard reset to be performed. 
• The hard reset process, also called a “hard reset,” allows you to enter the code again. 
• A Honda CRV mechanic can also assist you if you are unable to resolve the issue yourself. 

How to get the radio code for a 2006 Honda CRV?

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

1. Turn the radio off.
2. The radio will display the serial number on the screen like so: S/N 12345678.
3. Option 2: Find your serial number on the radio sticker.
4. Step 3 – Generate your radio code.

How do I find my Honda CRV radio code?

To get your Honda CRV radio code, try looking for the 4- or 5-digit code on a sticker in the glove box, on the anti-theft radio identification card if you still have it, or in your service history book. If you can’t find it, visit the official Honda website, Honda MyGarage, and enter your vehicle’s VIN and radio’s serial number to get the code online. You can also contact a local Honda dealer service center for assistance. 
1. Check for the code in your vehicle:

• Glove Box: Look for a sticker with the code inside the glove box. 
• Anti-Theft Card: Your new Honda may have come with an anti-theft radio identification card that lists the code. 
• Service History Book: Check the pages related to the Pre-Delivery Inspection for the code. 

2. Find the code online: 

• Go to Honda MyGarage.
• Enter your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and the radio’s serial number.
• The code will be displayed on the website.

3. Contact a Honda dealer: 

• If you cannot find the code using the methods above, visit or call your local Honda dealership’s service center.
• They can help you find the code, though some dealerships may charge a small fee for this service.

Important Tips:

• VIN: The VIN is usually on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. 
• Radio Serial Number: If you need to find the serial number, you may be able to display it on the radio’s screen by holding down the power button for about 10 seconds. For some models, you may need to access a diagnostic menu to get this information.