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What Is the 5‑Digit Code for a Honda Accord?

There isn’t a single universal 5‑digit code for all Honda Accords. Each car has its own unique 5‑digit anti‑theft radio/navigation code tied to the vehicle and head unit. To get yours, check the glovebox or owner’s materials for a “Radio Code” sticker/card, retrieve it via Honda’s official code lookup using your VIN and radio serial number, or contact a Honda dealer with proof of ownership.

What That 5‑Digit Code Actually Is

Honda equips many Accord audio and older navigation units with an anti‑theft lock. If the battery is disconnected or the unit loses power, it may ask for a 5‑digit security code before it will work again. This code is unique to your vehicle and radio. Many newer Accords automatically reauthenticate after power restoration (and may never prompt for a code), but a code is still common on models from the early 2000s through the mid‑2010s and on some head-unit replacements.

Where to Find Your Code Quickly

Before diving into serial numbers and online tools, check the obvious places where Honda and dealers often leave the code for owners.

  • Glovebox interior: Look for a small white sticker labeled “Anti‑Theft,” “Radio Code,” or showing a 5‑digit number and sometimes an 8‑digit serial. Some dealers place it inside or along the glovebox frame.
  • Owner’s manual packet: Honda often includes a Radio/Navigation Code card or prints the code in the audio section of the manuals.
  • Service paperwork: Previous dealer service invoices may list the radio serial and code.
  • Honda Owners account: If you’ve registered at owners.honda.com with your VIN, the radio/nav code may be retrievable from your profile or via the official code tool.

If you find a 5‑digit number labeled as the radio or anti‑theft code, that’s likely the one you need. If not, proceed to retrieve your radio’s serial number and use Honda’s official lookup.

Retrieve the Code from Honda (Official Method)

You can request the code from Honda online or through a dealer. You’ll need a few key details to prove ownership and identify the unit.

  • VIN (17 characters) from your Accord
  • Radio or navigation unit serial number (usually 8–11 characters)
  • Your ZIP code and contact info (as requested by the site)
  • Access to the car to confirm prompts or re-enter the code

Having these items ready speeds up the process and ensures Honda can match the code to your specific vehicle and head unit.

Find your radio/nav serial number without removing the unit

In most Accords from the early 2000s onward, you can display the radio or navigation serial number using button sequences, avoiding removal of the unit.

  1. Standard (non‑navigation) radios, many 2001–2012: Turn ignition to ON. With the radio off, press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6, then press the Power/Volume knob. Two alphanumeric strings will appear (often a “U” and “L” sequence) that together form the 8‑digit serial.
  2. Factory navigation units, many mid‑2000s–early 2010s: Turn ignition to ON. Press and hold Menu + Map/Guide + Cancel to open the diagnostic screen, then view the “Unit Info” or “Version” page to find the device serial number.
  3. Display Audio systems (approx. 2013+): From the home screen, go to Settings > System > About (or Device Information) to locate the audio unit serial. If unavailable, your dealer can pull it via diagnostics.
  4. Very early models: The serial may only be on a label on the radio chassis; removal might be required. A dealer can extract it with a scan tool.

Once you have the serial number, double‑check it carefully. A single incorrect character will prevent a successful lookup.

Use Honda’s online tool to get the code

Honda provides an official lookup for U.S. vehicles; many regions have similar tools through local Honda sites. If the site can’t verify, your dealer can supply the code with proof of ownership.

  1. Go to Honda’s official Radio/Navigation Code Retrieval (for the U.S., commonly reachable via owners.honda.com or radio-navicode.honda.com).
  2. Enter your VIN, the radio/navigation serial number, and requested contact details.
  3. Submit to receive the 5‑digit code. Record it securely.
  4. Return to the car and enter the five digits on the radio presets or touchscreen when “CODE” appears.

The online tool is free for owners and is the fastest way to get the code when your documents don’t have it.

How to Enter the Code and What if It Says “ERR”

Entering the code is straightforward, but too many wrong tries can temporarily lock the unit. Here’s how to proceed safely.

  1. Turn the ignition to ON and power on the radio. When “CODE” appears, use the preset buttons (or touchscreen keypad) to enter the 5 digits.
  2. If entered correctly, the unit will unlock immediately. If incorrect, the display may show “ERR” or count attempts.
  3. If you see “ERR” after several failed tries, leave the ignition ON and the radio powered for up to an hour without further attempts; many units reset the attempt counter afterward.
  4. After the wait, try again carefully. If lockout persists, confirm your serial and VIN and contact a Honda dealer.

Avoid guessing repeatedly. Repeated failures can extend lockouts and complicate dealer assistance.

When You Might Not Need a Code

On many late‑model Accords (mid‑2010s and newer), the audio system can automatically reauthenticate after battery reconnection using the vehicle’s network and stored credentials. If your display never asks for a code after power loss, you likely don’t need one. If it does prompt, follow the steps above.

Avoid Scams and Protect Your Code

Your radio code is a security credential. Treat it like you would any password and be cautious about where you request help.

  • Use Honda’s official sites or your local Honda dealer; avoid third‑party “instant code” sellers.
  • Never post your full VIN and serial publicly; share only with Honda or an authorized dealer.
  • Dealers typically provide the code at no charge with proof of ownership; some may charge a small admin fee.

Keeping the code private preserves the anti‑theft protection and reduces the risk of fraud.

Costs and Dealer Help

If the online tool doesn’t work or you can’t retrieve the serial, a Honda dealer can pull the radio serial and code using the VIN and diagnostic tools. Bring government‑issued ID and proof of ownership (registration or title). Most dealerships provide this service free for owners; policies vary by location.

Summary

There is no universal 5‑digit code for a Honda Accord. Each vehicle has a unique anti‑theft code for its factory audio/navigation unit. Check for a glovebox or manual sticker/card, then—if needed—use Honda’s official code retrieval with your VIN and radio serial number, or ask a dealer with proof of ownership. Enter the code once; if you encounter an “ERR” lockout, wait with the radio on for about an hour and try again. Avoid third‑party code sellers and keep your code private.

How to get 5 digit Honda radio code?

Your vehicle came with a unique four or five-digit radio reset code, and you can usually find it on a sticker labeled “Anti-Theft Radio Code.” This sticker is most usually found in one of the following places: Glovebox. Center Console. Auto Service History Log.

How to reset radio without code?

How do I reset a car radio without a code?

  1. Turn your car on, but do not start the engine.
  2. Turn the radio off.
  3. Hold the “Power” button down for at least 20 seconds.

How do I find the radio code for my Honda Accord?

To find your Honda Accord radio code, check the owner’s manual or the inside of the glove box for a sticker with the code. If it’s not there, you can retrieve it online by getting the radio’s serial number (by pressing certain buttons on the radio) and your car’s VIN, then entering that information on the Honda Owner’s Website. Alternatively, you can contact your local Honda dealership for assistance. 
1. Check the Owner’s Manual and Glove Box 

  • Owner’s Manual: . Opens in new tabThe code is often printed on a small card included with your owner’s manual or on a sticker found inside the front cover or the radio section. 
  • Glove Box: . Opens in new tabLook for a small white sticker with a five-digit number on the inside or on the side of the glove box. 

2. Retrieve the Code Online

  • Get the Radio’s Serial Number: . Opens in new tabFor 2015 and newer models, press and hold the “Display” and “Back” buttons, then press and hold the “Power” button until the serial number appears. 
  • Use the Honda Website: . Opens in new tabVisit the Honda Owner’s Website (mygarage.honda.com) and navigate to the “Get Codes” section. 
  • Enter Your Information: . Opens in new tabYou will need to provide your VIN number, zip code, phone number, email, and the radio serial number to receive the code. 

3. Contact a Honda Service Center 

  • If you cannot find the code using the methods above, you can contact the service department at your local Honda dealership. 
  • They can help you find the code, or you can provide them with your VIN and radio serial number to get the code. 

What is the code 5 on a Honda Accord?

5 – Replace engine coolant. 6 – Replace rear differential fluid (if equipped).

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