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.
cr
December 30, 2009
brianna
August 8, 2011
bought a 1994 honda prelude few days ago had to replace battery and then radio asked for the code. ugh. called honda and got the same stupid story about how i have to remove the radio from the dash. came on here and looked at every place mentioned and lo and behold there it was in the top of the trunk on top. thank you!
Robert Cantero
November 7, 2011
Such awesome information….I was about to just buy another radio because I figured I might as well just spend an extra $60 and get a better radio if I was going to pay the dealer to reset the old radio. I decided to check to see if I could find another solution before I spent extra money and viola!!!! Checked my Prelude’s ash tray and sure enough it was there.
I wish my prelude had an ashtray.