Honda Prelude Radio Code
- April 22, 2006
- 29 comments
A while back, I had written about the stupid rat from hell who decided to make its home in my engine. While doing so, it chewed up some wires that triggered an error code in my car’s computer. For some reason, even after I repaired the wires, the code couldn’t be cleared. In order to force it to clear, I had to disconnect the battery from the car for about 15 minutes. Unfortunately, by doing that my radio disabled itself and needed a code in order to work again.
I first checked in the owner’s manual to see if the previous owner had written the code down in there. They hadn’t. So I called up the Honda dealership and told them what I needed. The tech there told me the only way they could get me the code was if I removed the radio, since they need the radio serial number to look up the radio code.
In order to remove the radio, I’d have to pry off the whole center console outer ring without breaking anything, remove the screws holding the radio and then unplug all the wires to completely get it out. Then once I got the serial number, I’d have to put it all back together again. Not my idea of fun, especially if I broke something.
So I decided to check the Interweb to see if there was an easier way to get the code. It turns out there’s a MUCH easier way to find it. I found a forum thread where someone mentioned that some dealerships put the code on a sticker underneath the ashtray. Sure enough, when I checked my ashtray, there was the code! Now my radio is back up and running.
I’m pretty sure what normally happens is the average person doesn’t want to mess with removing the radio. They decide to take it down to the dealership to get it done. The techs simply look at your ashtray and then charge you $130. I’m not making that number up. Another person in that same thread said he saved himself that amount by removing his radio himself instead of letting the dealership do it.
So needless to say, I’m a happy man. I love the Internet! That thread made my day.
Just a note I found for anyone else reading this post on places you can find the radio code:
“The places this (ed. radio code) is most commonly found is on the left side of the glove compartment, in the trunk somewhere along the gasket or underneath where the speakers are, under the fuse-box panel in the engine compartment, under the ashtray and sometimes under the center consoles lid.”
Thom
August 27, 2006
Jim H
September 23, 2006
Crystal
January 21, 2007
I also didn’t want to pay the money for the dealership to take the radio out, (as there was no codes or numbers anywhere on our van). They say that it was SO hard to take the dash apart but it was simple. In 5 minutes I had it apart and only had to unscrew 4 screws to get the radio out!!! Within a few minutes I had the serial number, still no magic code, but HONDA says all you need is the serial number and they will give you the code. THAT BETTER BE THE CASE.
Chris B.
January 30, 2007
robert r
February 14, 2007
lisa
February 23, 2007
Jim
February 27, 2007
Evan Richardson
August 21, 2007
I don’t think its that hard to pull the console out…i used a flat blade screwdriver and it took me 10 seconds to pull the fascia off, pulled the radio out gave it to the dealer…got my code….total time, maybe 5 minutes…no hard work…its very easy. btw, on my 98 prelude SH there was no code under the ashtray
Nicky
September 12, 2007
Nicky
September 12, 2007
My code had 5 digits. If your radio display shows ‘code’ on the front of it, then just enter the code using the number buttons on the front of the radio. If it doesn’t, try pressing the mode button until it does. If it still doesn’t say ‘code’ then you have a problem and will probably need to call the Honda dealership.
mike horn
October 7, 2007
Joseph Tran
April 1, 2008
I have a 98 lude and was looking for the code in all those places but couldnt find it. instead I found the serial # ON the radio w.o taking the radio out :] its an easy process which required just a flashlight and sharp eyes. I laid underneath the steering wheel, removed the carpeted plate covering the center back of the console and looked inside to where the radio #‘s were. (model #..etc)
The serial # was further in than i expected so i just pressed down on the lower compartment (underneath the radio) and BAM…i saw the serial # ..i called HONDA and told em i had the serial 3…BAM took 10 mins max…w.o removing anything
Tim
August 6, 2008
Thanks. Looked everywhere and couldn’t find it till I saw the comment about the ash tray. Pulled it out and there scratched in were the words radio code and the #. What a relief. Probably put there by the previous owner. Also my wife had messed with the radio and it wouldn’t take any more codes. I just unhooked the battery for about 10 seconds and it reset so I could enter the code. Crazy!
rubin35
September 17, 2008
tim tuuri
November 4, 2008
ryan
Pim
January 25, 2009
JGR
February 22, 2009
SynthiA
Aaney
July 23, 2009
wow, another priceless story of how the Internet saved the day. it’s good that you saved $130, but I think you are even luckier for not having to remove the entire console and breaking it, what a nightmare that would have been, cheers