Visteon Radio Code Guide
Visteon is one of Ford's former in-house electronics divisions, spun off as an independent company in 2000. If your radio is displaying LOCKED after a battery change and your vehicle is a Ford — or a car using a Ford-derived radio platform — you almost certainly have a Visteon unit. This guide covers how to find the M- or V-code serial and enter your radio code on Ford 6000 CD, Sony DAB and SYNC-generation units.
Which Vehicles Use Visteon OEM Radios?
Visteon was the primary Ford OEM head-unit supplier from the late 1990s through to the mid-2010s. Look for Visteon hardware in:
- Ford Fiesta — Mk6 (2002–2008), Mk7 (2008–2012), Mk7.5 (2012–2017), Mk8 (2017–2023)
- Ford Focus — Mk2 (2004–2008), Mk2.5 (2008–2011), Mk3 (2011–2014), Mk3.5 (2014–2018), Mk4 (2018–2022)
- Ford Ka — Mk2 (2008–2016)
- Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max (2010–2019)
- Ford Mondeo, Galaxy, S-Max, Transit Connect — various Visteon/Sony combinations
Common radio models across these vehicles include the 4000 RDS, 4500 RDS, 6000 CD, 6006 CDC, 5000C, Sony DAB, and SYNC 1/2/3. Browse all supported makes at MyRenaultRadioCode.com/brands.
Serial Number Format — M-Code and V-Code
Ford / Visteon uses two distinct serial formats:
- M-code: Begins with the letter
Mfollowed by six digits (e.g.M123456). Found on older Ford units from the early 2000s. - V-code: Begins with the letter
Vfollowed by six digits (e.g.V123456). The more common format on Fiesta Mk6/7, Focus Mk2/3, and Ka Mk2.
The serial number is distinct from the part number (which typically begins with a longer alphanumeric string like 1S6T-18C815-AD).
How to Find the Serial Number on a Ford Visteon Radio
There are two methods, and neither requires specialist tools for modern units:
- On-screen display (6000 CD / 4500 RDS): Switch the ignition to position II. Press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously for three seconds. The display cycles through the serial number and part number. Note down the M- or V-code.
- Physical label: Use a pair of DIN extraction keys to slide the unit out. The M- or V-code sticker is on the top of the radio casing. On Sony DAB units a combined part/serial sticker appears on the side.
How to Get Your Unlock Code
Once you have the M- or V-code, go to MyRenaultRadioCode.com/brands, select Ford, enter your serial, and receive your four-digit code by email.
How to Enter the Code on a Ford Radio
- Switch the ignition to position II (radio should show
LOCKEDor a blank code prompt). - Use preset buttons 1, 2, 3, 4 to set each digit. Each press increments that digit by one.
- Press button 5 (or the * button on some models) to confirm the complete code.
- The display should clear and the radio resume normal operation.
On Ford SYNC 1/2/3 touchscreen units a PIN entry keypad is shown on the touchscreen itself — tap the digits and confirm on-screen.
Visteon / Sony Combination Units
Many Ford Fiesta Mk7 and Focus Mk3 models came with a Sony DAB head unit. These are physically built by Sony but integrated by Visteon/Ford and share the same M/V serial format. The unlock procedure is identical to the standard Visteon method.
| Model | Generation | Common Radio | Serial Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Fiesta | Mk6 (2002–2008) | 4500 RDS / 6000 CD | V / M code |
| Ford Fiesta | Mk7/7.5 (2008–2017) | 6000 CD / Sony DAB / SYNC 1 | V / M code |
| Ford Focus | Mk2/2.5 (2004–2011) | 6000 CD / Sony | V / M code |
| Ford Focus | Mk3/3.5 (2011–2018) | 6000 CD / Sony DAB / SYNC 1/2 | V / M code |
| Ford Ka | Mk2 (2008–2016) | 4500 RDS / 6000 CD | V / M code |
Troubleshooting
- LOCKED with no code prompt: Ford units differ from VAG units in that after 10 incorrect attempts the radio locks permanently — it cannot be unlocked at home and must be sent to a specialist or replaced. Use the correct code on the first attempt.
- Button 5 does nothing: On some older 4000 RDS models button 5 is not fitted. Try holding the final preset button for two seconds instead.
- SYNC 3 shows no code screen: Post-2017 SYNC 3 units may not require a code at all — they use APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) reactivation tied to the VIN. If no code prompt appears, the unit is likely already unlocked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a V-code and an M-code Ford serial?
Both are Visteon serial formats. M-codes were used on earlier Ford models (late 1990s to early 2000s), while V-codes became standard from around 2002 onwards. The lookup calculation differs for each, which is why you must supply the full letter and digits when retrieving your code.
Can a Ford 6000 CD be permanently locked?
Yes. Unlike VAG or Renault units that only impose a time-delay lockout, Ford/Visteon radios can lock permanently after 10 failed attempts. This is one of the most important reasons to retrieve the correct code before any entry attempts.
My Ford Fiesta shows LOCKED and no buttons work — what do I do?
If the unit displays LOCKED and is completely unresponsive, it is in its locked state pending code entry. Switch the ignition to position II (not start). The preset buttons should then become active for code entry. If they still do not respond, the unit may have already been permanently locked by previous wrong attempts.
Does a Ford SYNC 1 radio need a code?
Early SYNC 1 units (2011–2014) may require a PIN entry on the touchscreen after a battery change. Later SYNC 2 and SYNC 3 units typically handle reactivation automatically via the vehicle's CAN bus, though some configurations do prompt for a code.
Where is the serial number on a Ford Ka Mk2?
The Ford Ka Mk2 uses a 6000 CD or 4500 RDS head unit. Press and hold presets 1 and 6 with the ignition on to display the serial on screen. Alternatively, extract the unit with DIN keys and read the sticker on the top.