Ford Radio LOCKED 13 or 10: How to Fix
Your Ford radio is showing LOCKED 13 or LOCKED 10 and nothing you press makes any difference. The radio is in a time-locked state after too many wrong code attempts — but it is not permanently broken, and you can get back in. Here is a complete explanation of what the numbers mean and exactly what to do.
What Does LOCKED 13 or LOCKED 10 Mean?
Ford radios — including the 6000 CD, 4500 RDS, Sony DAB, and SYNC 1 units found in Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo, C-Max, S-Max, Transit and other models — use a countdown lockout system. Each time an incorrect code is entered, the radio records the failed attempt. Once a threshold is reached, it enters a LOCKED state and displays a number showing how many ignition cycles you must complete before another code attempt is permitted.
- LOCKED 10 — 10 ignition cycles remaining before the code prompt returns.
- LOCKED 13 — 13 ignition cycles remaining (the maximum counter on most Ford units).
An ignition cycle means switching the ignition from off to on (or starting the engine). Each complete cycle reduces the counter by one. This is not a time delay — it is a usage-based countdown.
Ford Radios That Use the LOCKED Countdown
| Radio Model | OEM Manufacturer | Common Vehicles | Serial Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford 6000 CD | Visteon | Fiesta Mk6/Mk7, Focus Mk2/Mk3, Mondeo Mk3/Mk4 | M-prefix or V-prefix |
| Ford 4500 RDS / 4000 RDS | Visteon | Fiesta Mk6, Ka Mk1/Mk2, Fusion | M-prefix or V-prefix |
| Ford Sony DAB | Visteon / Sony | Fiesta Mk7/Mk7.5, Focus Mk3, Mondeo Mk5 | M-prefix or V-prefix |
| Ford 6006 CDC | Visteon | Galaxy, S-Max, Focus Mk2 | M-prefix or V-prefix |
| Ford SYNC 1 | Ford / Visteon | Focus Mk3, Mondeo Mk5, Kuga II | M-prefix or V-prefix |
| Ford 5000C | Visteon | Transit, Ranger | M-prefix or V-prefix |
How to Count Down from LOCKED 13 or LOCKED 10
- Note the number displayed — for example, LOCKED 13.
- Switch the ignition off and fully remove the key (or hold the start button until all systems power down on keyless entry vehicles).
- Wait at least 10 seconds, then switch the ignition back on (position II or start the engine).
- The LOCKED number should decrease by one each time — LOCKED 12, then LOCKED 11, and so on.
- Continue until the display shows CODE (or the standard cursor), which means it is ready to accept the unlock code again.
- Enter your correct four-digit code using preset buttons 1–4, then press button 5 or the asterisk (*) button to confirm (varies slightly by model).
How to Find Your Ford Radio Code
The serial number on your Ford radio begins with either M or V (sometimes shown as M- or V- on the label). There are two ways to find it without removing the radio:
- 6000 CD: With the radio showing CODE, press and hold preset button 6 for two seconds. The serial scrolls across the display.
- 6006 CDC / 5000C: Remove the unit with DIN extraction keys; the serial is on the label on the unit's side.
Once you have the serial, retrieve your Ford radio code at MyRenaultRadioCode.com/brands. Keep the code written down — you will need it each time the battery is disconnected.
Tips to Avoid Getting Locked Again
- Double-check the code before entering it. Write it down in your service book or note it in your phone.
- Use the serial number screen shortcut to confirm the serial matches your code before entry.
- On the 6000 CD, the entry method is: use buttons 1–4 to set each digit, then press button 5 to confirm. Do not press Enter or Menu.
- If the display shows ERR briefly before resetting to CODE after a wrong entry, that is normal — it is counting the attempt.
Is the Ford LOCKED State Permanent?
No. Unlike some older Blaupunkt units, Ford radios never permanently lock — they use a finite countdown. Even a LOCKED 13 display will clear after 13 ignition cycles. However, Ford's official policy for units locked by a dealer (after too many failed attempts at a Ford service centre) is that the unit is permanently deactivated and must be replaced. This is distinct from the standard LOCKED 13 customer countdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ignition cycles does it take to go from LOCKED 13 to CODE?
Exactly 13 complete ignition cycles — off, wait, on. You will see the counter decrease by one each cycle: LOCKED 13 → 12 → 11 → ... → CODE. This typically takes 13 short drives or driveway start-ups.
Can I drive the car normally while counting down from LOCKED 13?
Yes. You can drive completely normally — the radio simply will not produce any audio. Each journey counts as one ignition cycle, so normal driving is the most convenient way to count down.
My Ford radio shows LOCKED with no number — what does that mean?
On some older Ford units (4000 RDS, 4500 RDS) the display simply shows LOCKED without a number. Switch off and on again — this usually clears to CODE after a single ignition cycle, indicating only one failed attempt had been made.
I have reached LOCKED 1 but my code still is not working. What should I do?
Stop. Do not enter the code on LOCKED 1 until you are 100% certain you have the correct code. Retrieve the code fresh from our Ford lookup page using the serial number displayed by pressing preset button 6. Verify every digit before pressing confirm.
Does the Ford 6000 CD use M- or V-prefix serials?
Both. Units manufactured by Visteon in different periods use either the M- (mechanical/moulded) or V- prefix. Both formats are equally valid and both generate a four-digit code via the same lookup algorithm. Enter whichever prefix appears on your unit's label or display.