Two ways radios take the code
Counter method (most Ford, Renault, Blaupunkt, Fiat radios). Each preset button controls one digit. Press it repeatedly until the right number appears, then move to the next button.
Direct method (Becker and similar). Each preset button is a digit value. For the code 21334 you press 2, 1, 3, 3, 4 in order. That is why these radios only use digits from 1 to the number of buttons.
Brand by brand
| Radio | Enter the digits | Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Ford (M / V series) | presets 1–4 (counter) | press or hold 5 |
| Renault / Dacia | presets 1–4 (counter) | hold 6 until it beeps |
| Blaupunkt | presets 1–4 (counter) | depends on model – often 5, 6 or a seek arrow |
| Becker / Mercedes | press the preset for each digit (direct) | as in the manual |
| Toyota ERC / touchscreen units | on-screen keypad | OK |
Tips
- Enter the code once and slowly – a wrong code starts a lockout.
- If a digit overshoots, keep pressing: the counter goes round from 9 back to 0.
- Write the code in the owner’s manual for next time.
Locked out? See radio locked after wrong codes.