How to Enter a Car Radio Code — All Brands
You have the code. Now you need to enter it without triggering a lockout. The method varies considerably between manufacturers — some use numbered preset buttons, some use rotary scroll wheels, some use a touchscreen keypad. Getting this wrong even once on a Ford can lock the radio permanently without a dealer reset.
This guide covers every major entry method so you can unlock your radio with confidence. If you still need the code itself, visit our brands page to order one.
Entry Method 1: Preset Buttons (Most Common)
The majority of OEM radios in Volkswagen, SEAT, Škoda, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën, Renault, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and Toyota use the station preset buttons (numbered 1–5 or 1–6) to build up the code digit by digit.
There are two sub-variants:
Scrolling method (most VW Group, Vauxhall, Peugeot/Citroën RD4):
- Switch on the ignition. The display shows
CODEand four or five dashes. - Press preset 1 repeatedly to scroll the first digit to the correct number.
- Press preset 2 repeatedly to scroll the second digit.
- Continue with presets 3, 4 (and 5 if five-digit).
- Press the seek/scan or designated confirm button to submit.
On VW RCD 310, Composition, and similar units, the confirm button is usually the track-forward (▶▶) or the search knob. On Vauxhall CD 30 units the fifth preset confirms. On Peugeot RD4 units preset 6 or the tuning knob confirms.
Direct-press method (Ford 6000 CD, Renault Blaupunkt):
- Turn on the ignition — display shows
CODEorSAFE. - Press each preset button once for the corresponding digit. For example, a code of 3-1-2-4 means press 3, then 1, then 2, then 4.
- On Ford 6000 CD: confirm by pressing preset 5 or the ★ button.
- On Renault Update List: confirm with preset 6 or mute.
Entry Method 2: Rotary Control / iDrive Controller
Audi MMI, BMW iDrive (CCC/CIC), and Mercedes COMAND-equipped vehicles enter codes through the vehicle's main controller rather than radio buttons.
- Audi MMI 3G+ / MIB2 — The code prompt appears on the MMI screen. Use the MMI rotary knob to scroll to each digit, then push to confirm each one.
- BMW iDrive (CCC/CIC) — On vehicles where a code is applicable, use the iDrive controller to navigate to the code entry screen and input digits via scroll.
- Mercedes COMAND / Audio 20 — Use the COMAND controller or navigation buttons to scroll and confirm each digit on the display.
Entry Method 3: Touchscreen Keypad
Many post-2015 radios — including Ford SYNC 2/3, Renault Media Nav, Renault R-Link, Peugeot RT6/RCC, and Citroën touchscreen variants — present a PIN-pad directly on the display.
- Tap each digit of your code on the on-screen number pad.
- A confirmation button (usually labelled OK or Enter) submits the code.
- The display will briefly show a confirmation message before returning to normal operation.
Code Entry Reference by Brand
| Brand / Radio | Entry Method | Confirm Button | Attempts Before Lockout |
|---|---|---|---|
| VW RCD 310 / RNS 310 | Scroll (presets 1–4) | Seek/search knob | 3, then 1-hour wait |
| Ford 6000 CD | Direct (presets 1–4) | Preset 5 or ★ | 10 (permanent) |
| Vauxhall CD 30 / CD 300 | Scroll (presets 1–4) | Preset 5 | 3, then wait |
| Peugeot / Citroën RD4 | Scroll (presets 1–4) | Preset 6 or tuning knob | 3, then wait |
| Renault Update List | Direct (presets 1–4) | Preset 5 or 6 | 3, then 60-min wait |
| Audi MMI / Concert | MMI controller scroll | Push MMI knob | 3, then wait |
| Mercedes Audio 20 | Scroll (presets 1–4) | COMAND controller | 3, then wait |
| Ford SYNC 2/3 | Touchscreen keypad | OK on screen | Varies |
After Entering the Code
A correct code produces an immediate unlocking response: the display returns to normal (showing frequency, time, or a welcome screen). The radio resumes full operation — you should be able to tune stations, use DAB, or connect Bluetooth immediately.
If the display shows ERR, FAIL, or returns to CODE, the entry was incorrect. On Ford, stop immediately after this first wrong attempt — do not guess again without verifying the code. Other brands allow two or three attempts before imposing a wait period.
Frequently Asked Questions
I entered the code correctly but the radio says ERR — what's wrong?
Double-check the entry method. On scrolling radios, pressing preset 1 three times does not enter the digit 3 — you press preset 1 repeatedly until the display shows 3. On direct-press radios, press preset 3 once for the digit 3. Confirm you are using the right method for your radio model.
Is the code case-sensitive or format-sensitive?
Radio codes are numeric only, typically four or five digits. There are no letters and no zero-padding issues — if the code is 1234, enter 1-2-3-4 exactly.
The radio is showing WAIT or 1000 — can I enter the code now?
No. WAIT or 1000 on VW Group radios means the unit is in its one-hour lockout window. Leave the ignition on and wait until the display changes back to CODE before entering the code.
My code has only three digits — is that right?
Some older Mercedes Becker units use a five-digit code; some Renault units use a four-digit PRE-code. If your code appears shorter than expected, check you have received the correct format for your specific radio model. Contact us if unsure.
Where do I get the code if I don't have it yet?
Visit our brands page, choose your make, and provide the radio serial number. Codes are delivered by email, usually within minutes.