Citroën C1 Radio Code — Unlock It Online
Your Citroën C1 radio code is a four-digit PIN that restores your stereo after any power interruption. Whether you've just changed the battery, had an electrical fault, or bought a second-hand C1 without the code card, this guide gives you everything you need to find your serial number and unlock the radio.
The C1 has shared its underpinnings with the Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 107 since 2005 — all are built on the PSA/Toyota A-platform. That platform sharing extends to the audio hardware: the OEM radio is a Panasonic/Pioneer-manufactured unit, and the same serial number format and code entry method applies across all three badge-engineered city cars. For wider Citroën model coverage, the brands page has you covered.
Why Your Citroën C1 Radio Has Locked
Citroën's OEM head units monitor their power supply continuously. A break in supply — however brief — triggers the anti-theft lock. The radio displays CODE and refuses to operate. Typical causes:
- New battery fitted or old battery temporarily disconnected
- Battery run completely flat from prolonged standing
- Fuse replacement affecting the audio circuit
- Head unit removed for repair or replacement
C1 Generations and Radio Fitment
| Generation | Years | Radio Unit | OEM Supplier | Entry Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 I | 2005–2009 | CQ-JF10 (Toyota OEM) / Citroën OEM | Panasonic / Pioneer | Preset buttons 1–4 |
| C1 I facelift | 2009–2014 | Citroën OEM (RD3/RD4 family) | Philips/VDO or Panasonic | Preset buttons 1–4 |
| C1 II | 2014–2022 | OEM touchscreen / CD unit | Bosch / Clarion | Buttons or touchscreen |
The first-generation C1 (2005–2014) uses the same CQ-JF10-derived radio as the Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 107. The facelift and second-generation models may carry Citroën's own OEM units from the RD3/RD4 family — familiar from the C3, C4, and Berlingo — which use a C7 barcode serial format. The code entry method changes slightly depending on the unit, but the principle is the same.
How to Find the Citroën C1 Radio Serial Number
Using the on-screen display
- With the radio in the locked CODE state, press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously for two seconds. The serial scrolls across the display.
- For RD3/RD4-type units (facelift models), try holding presets 1 and 4 together, or buttons 2 and 6.
Reading the label from the unit
- Insert DIN removal tools into the slots on both sides of the fascia and pull the head unit forward.
- Locate the barcode label on the top or side panel of the unit.
- The serial is the alphanumeric string printed beneath the barcode — this is what you need for the code look-up.
- For RD4-type units found on facelift C1s, the label is often on the left side of the unit and begins with a C7 barcode that contains the relevant serial within it.
Once you have the serial, head to the brands page and select Citroën to retrieve your code.
Entering the Radio Code on a Citroën C1
Preset-button entry (C1 I and I facelift)
- Switch on the ignition — the display shows CODE or dashes.
- Press button 1 to set the first digit, button 2 for the second, and so on.
- Each press of a button increments that digit. Press it repeatedly until you reach the correct number.
- When all four digits are correct, press the OK button or hold confirm — the radio unlocks.
Touchscreen entry (C1 II)
- The code entry screen appears automatically on the touchscreen.
- Tap each digit, then tap OK to confirm.
Lockout Messages Explained
- CODE — Normal locked state. Enter your PIN.
- ERR — Incorrect code; you still have remaining attempts.
- WAIT — Temporary lock after several wrong attempts. Leave the ignition on for 60 minutes before trying again.
Citroën OEM units impose a temporary lockout rather than a permanent one. After one hour with power on, the attempt counter resets. Always verify your serial before submitting additional attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Citroën C1 radio code the same as the Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo?
The entry method is the same, but each radio has its own unique serial number and therefore its own unique code. The fact that the cars share a platform does not mean they share a code.
What does the C7 barcode mean on my Citroën C1 radio?
The C7 barcode is Citroën and Peugeot's standard serial label format found on RD3, RD4, and RD45 units. The serial number you need for the code look-up is the alphanumeric string beneath or alongside that barcode.
My C1 facelift shows CODE after a battery change — which buttons do I press?
For most C1 facelift models with RD3/RD4-type radios, use the numbered preset buttons 1–4 to enter each digit and then press the rotary knob or confirmation button. If it accepts automatically after a pause, there is no separate confirm step.
Can I find the C1 radio code in the vehicle handbook?
Some dealers include a code card in the wallet with the handbook. If it is present, try that code first. Second-hand C1s often arrive without this card, in which case the serial-number method is the correct approach.
How long does the Citroën C1 radio lockout last?
Approximately 60 minutes with the ignition on and the radio powered. After that, the unit resets and accepts new entry attempts.
Unlock your Citroën C1 stereo in minutes — go to our brands page, pick Citroën, type in your serial number, and your code is waiting.