Mitsubishi Outlander Radio Code — Unlock It Online

If your Mitsubishi Outlander is showing a blank display or the word CODE after a battery change or disconnection, you need your radio unlock code before you can listen to music again. The good news is that retrieving and entering the code is straightforward — and this guide covers every Outlander generation from the original 2001 CU through to the long-running GF model that ended in 2021.

Why Does Your Outlander Radio Lock?

Mitsubishi fits its OEM radios with an anti-theft system that activates whenever the unit loses power — whether from a flat battery, a swap to a new battery, or a workshop disconnection. The moment power is restored, the radio demands a four- or five-digit PIN before it will function. This is entirely normal and does not mean there is a fault with the stereo.

Finding Your Outlander Radio Serial Number

You need the serial number to obtain the correct unlock code. There are two reliable methods:

1. Button combination on the display: Switch the ignition to position II (accessories on) with the radio showing the CODE prompt. Hold the preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously for two to three seconds. The serial number should scroll across the display. Note it down exactly as shown.
2. Label on the radio chassis: Remove the head unit using a pair of DIN extraction keys (two thin metal pins inserted into the small holes on either side of the radio fascia). The serial number sticker is on the top or side of the unit. Mitsubishi OEM radios supplied to European-market Outlanders are commonly manufactured by Clarion or Mitsubishi Electric.

Once you have the serial number, you can get your Mitsubishi radio code instantly online without visiting a dealer.

Getting Your Unlock Code

With the serial number in hand, visit the order page, select Mitsubishi as your make and submit the serial. Codes are typically delivered by email within minutes. Keep a note of the code somewhere safe — in your vehicle handbook works well — so you are never locked out again.

How to Enter the Code in Your Outlander

1. Switch the ignition on (position II).
2. The display shows CODE or a series of dashes.
3. Use the numbered preset buttons (1–4 or 1–6) to enter each digit. Pressing button 1 repeatedly cycles through 0–9 for the first digit; button 2 for the second, and so on.
4. Once all digits are set, press and hold the OK or SOURCE button to confirm.
5. If the code is correct, the radio will display the station name or WAIT momentarily before unlocking.

Differences Between Outlander Generations

The three main generations differ in the style of head unit fitted as standard, which affects both how you retrieve the serial and which code format is used.

Generation	Years	Chassis Code	Typical Radio Type	Serial Method
Outlander I	2001–2006	CU	Single-DIN CD/cassette (Clarion)	Label behind unit
Outlander II	2006–2012	CW	Single-DIN CD/MP3 (Clarion/Mitsubishi Electric)	Label or button combo
Outlander III	2012–2021	GF	Double-DIN touchscreen / Rockford Fosgate (PHEV)	Label or on-screen menu

The Outlander III (GF) introduced a touchscreen infotainment system on higher trim levels. If your GF shows a PIN prompt rather than a full lock, navigate to Settings > System > Security PIN within the infotainment menu to enter the code there rather than using preset buttons.

Troubleshooting Common Error Messages

• CODE: Normal locked state — enter your code.
• WAIT / LOCKED: You have entered the wrong code too many times. The radio imposes a temporary lockout, typically 30–60 minutes. Switch the ignition off, wait the required time, then try again.
• ERR: Incorrect code entered. Count remaining attempts carefully; if you are unsure of your code, do not keep guessing.
• 1000: On some units this indicates the unit is in safe mode after a lockout period — wait one hour with the ignition on before trying again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the Outlander radio code from a Mitsubishi dealer?

Yes, dealers can look up your code using the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the radio serial. However, this typically requires a booked appointment and sometimes a charge. Using an online lookup service with your serial number is quicker and available around the clock.

What if the button combination does not display the serial number?

Not all Outlander head units respond to the preset-button combination. In that case, extract the radio using DIN keys and read the serial from the sticker on the unit's chassis. The serial is usually a ten- to fourteen-character alphanumeric string.

My Outlander III (GF) has a factory navigation screen — does it need a code?

The touchscreen navigation unit found in many GF Outlanders may use a different security method, sometimes linked to the VIN. If the standard unlock procedure does not apply, the Mitsubishi dealer tool or the unit's own menu will be necessary. Standard single-DIN and older double-DIN units fitted to base and mid-spec trims still use a conventional numeric PIN.

How many attempts do I have before the radio locks permanently?

Mitsubishi OEM radios typically allow around ten attempts before imposing an extended lockout. Unlike some Ford units, the lockout is generally temporary rather than permanent. Always double-check your code before entering it.

Ready to unlock your Outlander stereo right now? Order your Mitsubishi radio code online — receive it by email in minutes and get back on the road with your music.