Hyundai Tucson Radio Code — Unlock It Online
Your Hyundai Tucson radio is displaying a code prompt after a battery replacement, flat battery, or power interruption — and you need to know the fastest way to fix it. This guide covers all three Tucson generations (JM, LM/ix35, and TL), explains where to find the serial number, and walks you through the code entry procedure step by step.
Why Does the Hyundai Tucson Radio Lock?
Hyundai fits all its factory radios with an anti-theft security system. When the radio loses power — whether through battery replacement, a flat battery, or any interruption to the car's electrical system — it locks and demands a code before it will operate. The code is unique to each radio's serial number and generated specifically for your unit. This protects the radio from theft: a stolen unit is useless without the matching code.
Finding Your Hyundai Tucson Radio Serial Number
Method 1: Button Combination
- Turn the ignition on so the radio is powered. It should show CODE or a similar prompt.
- Press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously for about two to three seconds.
- The serial number will appear on the radio display. It is typically an eight-character alphanumeric string.
- Write it down exactly as shown.
Method 2: Label on the Unit
- Use DIN extraction tools to slide the head unit partially out of the dashboard.
- Look for a white sticker on the casing (top, side, or rear) — the serial number is printed there alongside a barcode.
- Record the full serial, including any letter prefix.
Once you have the serial number, order your Hyundai Tucson radio code online. Codes are delivered by email within minutes, day or night.
How to Enter the Radio Code on a Hyundai Tucson
Button-Based OEM Radio
- With the radio powered and showing CODE, locate the preset station buttons numbered 1 to 4.
- Use buttons 1 to 4 to set each digit of the code — pressing a button repeatedly cycles through 0 to 9 for that digit position.
- Confirm the entry by pressing button 5 or the seek/OK button.
- The radio should unlock and begin normal operation.
Touchscreen / Blue Link Systems (later TL models)
- Follow the on-screen prompts when the system requests a code.
- Use the touchscreen keypad or navigation controls to enter each digit.
- Confirm when prompted.
Hyundai Tucson Generations: Radio Information
| Generation | Code | Years | Also Sold As | Typical Radio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson I | JM | 2004–2010 | Tucson Classic in some markets | OEM AM/FM/CD (LG/Hyundai Mobis) |
| Tucson II / ix35 | LM | 2009–2015 | Hyundai ix35 | OEM CD / Blue Link touchscreen |
| Tucson III | TL | 2015–2020 | Tucson (UK market refresh 2018) | OEM CD / touchscreen / Blue Link |
All three generations use radio units manufactured by LG Electronics in partnership with Hyundai Mobis, sharing the same security architecture as other Hyundai and Kia models of the respective periods. The ix35 (LM platform, 2009–2015) is essentially the same vehicle as the Tucson II sold in different markets, and uses an identical radio unlocking process.
Troubleshooting Hyundai Tucson Radio Problems
The radio shows WAIT or won't accept input
After too many incorrect code attempts, the radio enters a timed lockout. Turn the ignition off and wait a minimum of 60 minutes before trying again. Do not attempt further entries during the wait — this will reset the timer.
ERR appears after I enter the code
ERR confirms the code was wrong. The most common cause is an incorrectly transcribed serial number. Re-check the serial carefully, paying attention to characters that look alike (0 vs O, 1 vs I, B vs 8). Reorder the code with the corrected serial number.
The radio is completely blank with no display
Check the radio fuse in the vehicle's fuse box. A blown fuse will prevent the radio from receiving power and showing any display, making code entry impossible until the fuse is replaced.
My Tucson is an ix35 — does it use the same process?
Yes. The ix35 and Tucson II share the same platform, electronics, and radio security system. The unlock procedure is identical.
The code I received doesn't unlock the radio
Verify that the serial number used to generate the code was entered correctly. A single wrong character produces the wrong code. Contact our support team with your order details for a re-check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Hyundai dealer provide the radio code?
Yes — Hyundai dealers can retrieve codes from their database, usually with proof of ownership. Our online service provides the same code from the serial number without requiring a dealer visit, and is available around the clock.
How many attempts do I get before the radio locks permanently?
Most Hyundai Tucson radios allow three incorrect attempts before entering a timed lockout. Permanent lockouts are rare, but possible after repeated failures — so always verify your serial and code before attempting entry.
Is the ix35 radio code the same as a Kia Sportage code from the same period?
The Hyundai ix35 (LM) and Kia Sportage III (SL, 2010–2016) share platform architecture and the same OEM radio supplier (LG/Hyundai Mobis). While codes are specific to each individual unit's serial number, the retrieval process is identical for both.
Do I need the code again every time the battery goes flat?
Yes. Any power loss will re-trigger the security lock. Keep your code stored somewhere safe outside the vehicle for future use.
Don't drive in silence — get your Hyundai Tucson radio code now and unlock your stereo in minutes.