Volvo V50 Radio Code — Unlock It Online
If your Volvo V50 is displaying a blank screen or the word CODE after a battery disconnect, you need a radio unlock code before your stereo will work again. This guide covers every V50 built between 2004 and 2012, explains exactly where to find the serial number, and shows you how to enter the code once you have it.
Why Your Volvo V50 Radio Has Locked
Volvo fitted an anti-theft lock to all V50 radios from the very first 2004 model. Any interruption to the 12-volt supply — a flat battery, a battery swap, or even a brief disconnect during a repair — causes the head unit to freeze and demand a four- or five-digit security code before it will operate again. The lock is built into the radio's firmware and cannot be bypassed; only the correct code will release it.
Finding Your Volvo V50 Serial Number
You need the serial number printed on the radio's chassis to generate your unlock code. There are two ways to retrieve it.
Button-combination method (no removal needed)
- Turn the ignition to accessory (position I) so the radio powers on and displays CODE.
- Press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously for about three seconds.
- The display will cycle through the serial number in segments — note down every digit.
- Repeat if necessary; the number is typically eight characters long.
Label on the radio chassis
- Carefully remove the head unit using appropriate trim tools (the V50 uses a single-DIN slot behind a flush fascia).
- On the top or side of the unit you will find a white label printed with Serial No. or S/N followed by the number.
- Refit the unit before proceeding — you only need the number, not physical access to the radio.
How to Get Your V50 Radio Code Online
Once you have the serial number, visit the order page and enter it along with your make and model. Your code is retrieved from the manufacturer's database and delivered to your email address, typically within a few minutes. There is no need to visit a dealership or wait days for a callback. You can browse all supported Volvo radios here.
How to Enter the Code
The V50 uses a touchscreen or button-entry method depending on the head unit fitted. For button-entry radios (HU-403 / HU-613 and similar):
- Switch the ignition to accessory so the radio shows CODE.
- Use the preset buttons to dial in each digit of your code — press the button as many times as the digit requires.
- When all digits are displayed, press the OK or Enter button to confirm.
- The radio will tune to the last station if the code is accepted.
For touchscreen models (HU-850 / Sensus Connect), follow the on-screen prompts to type the code using the keypad displayed.
Volvo V50 Generations and Radio Variants
The V50 was sold as a single generation (2004–2012), though the infotainment hardware evolved over the production run. Clarion and Denso supplied the majority of head units under Volvo's HU- product codes, while later Sensus-branded radios came from Harman and Denso.
| Model Year Range | Typical Radio | OEM Manufacturer | Entry Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2007 (early V50) | HU-403 / HU-613 | Clarion / Philips | Preset buttons |
| 2007–2010 (mid V50) | HU-650 / HU-850 | Clarion / Denso | Preset buttons / touchscreen |
| 2010–2012 (late V50) | HU-850 / RTI | Harman / Denso | Touchscreen |
Troubleshooting Common Error Messages
If something goes wrong during code entry, you may see one of the following:
- CODE — Normal prompt; the radio is waiting for input.
- WAIT or a countdown timer — Too many incorrect attempts. Leave the ignition on and wait for the timer to expire before trying again.
- LOCKED — The radio has triggered an extended lockout after repeated failures. Leave power applied for up to one hour.
- ERR — The code entered was incorrect. Do not attempt further entries until the wait period has passed.
- SAFE — Some older Volvo units display this as confirmation that anti-theft mode is active and a code is required.
If the correct code is rejected repeatedly, double-check that you have read the serial number correctly — zeros and the letter O are commonly confused, as are 1 and I.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the serial number on a Volvo V50 radio?
You can retrieve it without removing the unit by holding presets 1 and 6 simultaneously until the digits scroll across the display. Alternatively, pull the head unit out and read the white label on the chassis.
How many digits is the Volvo V50 radio code?
Most V50 radios use a four-digit code. Some later HU-850 and Sensus units use a five-digit code. The service will identify the correct format from your serial number.
Can I enter the code without the ignition on?
No. The radio must be powered up and showing the CODE prompt before you can enter digits. Turn the key to accessory position (position I) — you do not need to start the engine.
My V50 shows WAIT — what should I do?
Do not switch off the ignition. Leave the radio powered and wait for the countdown to reach zero. Depending on how many attempts have been made, this may take up to one hour.
Will a code from a different V50 work in mine?
No. Each code is tied to a specific serial number. Even identical radio models carry unique codes — only the code generated from your unit's serial number will work.
Ready to get your code? Order your Volvo V50 radio code here and have your stereo working again within minutes.