欧博百家乐How to Easily Retrieve Your Acura TSX Radio C
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How to Easily Retrieve Your Acura TSX Radio CodeLast Updated on: August 2, 2025 Eric Williams
Stuck with a locked radio in your Acura TSX? Don’t worry – you’re about to get your tunes back! After battery disconnection or replacement, your radio’s anti-theft system kicks in, demanding that special 5-digit code. This guide walks you through every possible way to find and enter your radio code, from checking your glove box to retrieving it online.
Why Your Acura TSX Radio Is Asking for a CodeWhen your Acura TSX battery dies or gets disconnected, the radio screen displays “CODE” instead of giving you music. This isn’t a malfunction – it’s actually a built-in theft protection feature that locks the audio system whenever power is lost.
The system requires a unique 5-digit security code to reactivate, preventing thieves from using your radio if they remove it from your car. While this security measure is excellent for protecting your investment, it can be frustrating when you legitimately need to get your radio working again.
Where to Find Your Acura TSX Radio Code Check the Anti-Theft ID Card FirstThe quickest way to find your radio code is by locating the Anti-Theft ID card that came with your vehicle when it was new. This small card contains both your radio code and serial number.
The card is typically:
Stored in your glove compartment
Part of your owner’s manual packet
Wallet-sized with “Anti-Theft” or “Security Code” printed on it
On this card, the radio code appears as the shorter group of numbers (usually 5 digits) in bold at the top of the card.
Alternative Locations to CheckIf you can’t find the Anti-Theft card, don’t give up! Acura sometimes places the code in several other spots:
Find Your VIN NumberIf you still can’t locate the physical code, you’ll need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Your VIN is:
Visible through the driver’s side windshield on the dashboard
Printed on your vehicle registration
Listed on your insurance card
Shown inside the driver’s door jamb
Write this down as you’ll need it when retrieving your code online or from the dealership.
How to Retrieve Your Radio Serial NumberBefore you can get your code online, you’ll need your radio’s serial number. The process differs depending on whether your TSX has a navigation system.
For TSX Models Without Navigation:Make sure your car is on (engine running or in accessory mode)
Turn the radio power OFF
Press and hold radio preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously
While holding those buttons, press the power button
The display will show an 8-digit serial number (ignore any U/L indicators)
Here’s a visual guide to the preset buttons you’ll use:
Button Position Function for Code Retrieval Function for Code EntryPreset 1 Hold with Preset 6 for serial number First digit of code
Preset 2 Not used for retrieval Second digit of code
Preset 3 Not used for retrieval Third digit of code
Preset 4 Not used for retrieval Fourth digit of code
Preset 5 Not used for retrieval Fifth digit of code
Preset 6 Hold with Preset 1 for serial number Not used for entry
For TSX Models With Navigation:
The process is more complex for models with navigation systems and may require:
Accessing diagnostic menus through a specific button sequence
Removing the radio unit to read the serial number directly from the label
Visiting an Acura dealership for assistance
For these models, you might need separate codes for the radio (5-digit) and navigation system (4-digit).
Retrieving Your Code OnlineAcura provides an official website where you can retrieve your radio code: radio-navicode.acura.com
To use this service, you’ll need:
Your vehicle’s VIN number
The radio’s serial number
Your phone number and ZIP code (must match records on file with Acura)
The website will guide you through the process and provide your code instantly if all information matches their records.
How to Enter Your Acura TSX Radio CodeOnce you have your 5-digit radio code, entering it is straightforward:
Make sure your vehicle is on (either running or in accessory mode)
If your radio doesn’t already show “CODE,” press the power button until it does
Use the preset buttons 1-5 to enter each digit of your code:
Press preset 1 for the first digit
Press preset 2 for the second digit
Press preset 3 for the third digit
Press preset 4 for the fourth digit
Press preset 5 for the fifth digit
For example, if your code is 35214:
Press button 1 three times until “3” appears
Press button 2 five times until “5” appears
Press button 3 twice until “2” appears
Press button 4 once until “1” appears
Press button 5 four times until “4” appears
The radio should automatically unlock after the fifth digit is entered correctly. If the display shows “ERROR,” wait until it shows “CODE” again and try re-entering your code carefully.
Important Tips for SuccessThe radio code only uses numbers 1-6, since these correspond to the available preset buttons
You have about 10 attempts before the system goes into a locked state requiring dealer intervention
Write down your code somewhere safe for future reference
If your battery is weak or dying, fix that issue first before attempting code entry
Some older TSX models might require holding the power button while entering the code
Getting Help from an Acura DealershipIf the previous methods don’t work, contact your local Acura dealership. They can retrieve your radio code using:
Your vehicle’s VIN number
Proof of ownership (registration, title, or insurance)
The radio’s serial number
Most dealerships require you to visit in person with your ID and vehicle documentation rather than providing codes over the phone. Some Honda dealerships may also be able to help, as they share similar systems with Acura.
Additional Resources for Acura TSX OwnersIf you need visual guidance, these resources can help:
Preventing Future Radio Code ProblemsTo avoid going through this process again:
Keep your Anti-Theft ID card in a safe place
Write down the radio code in multiple secure locations
When replacing your car battery, consider using a power memory saver to maintain radio settings
If you plan to disconnect your battery, have your radio code ready beforehand
By following these steps, you’ll have your Acura TSX radio up and running again in no time. The anti-theft system that seems frustrating now will be something you’ll appreciate if your vehicle ever becomes a target for thieves.
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