How it works
Car makers and radio suppliers introduced anti-theft codes in the 1980s and 1990s, when radios were a common target for thieves. When the radio loses its power supply, it asks for the code. Without the correct code it will not play, so a stolen radio has little value.
How the code is linked to the serial
Every protected radio has a unique serial number. The maker links each serial to a code in one of two ways:
- With a formula. The code is calculated from the serial. These radios – for example Ford M series, Renault pre-code and many Blaupunkt and Becker units – can be decoded with a calculator.
- With a list. The code was chosen when the radio was built and stored in a list. These codes – for example Ford V series or Grundig – can only be found by looking the serial up in a database.
Where to get your code
- The code card delivered with the car.
- A calculator or database lookup such as ours – free for the radios we cover.
- A dealer, usually with proof of ownership and often for a fee.
Read more: free radio code vs paid services.