mabmab12345

After reading many posts here and some helpful advice I managed getting through the radio serial number and unlock code process. On the '97 CL 3.0 automatic it is not that hard. The faceplace comes off very easy, just pry with a small screwdriver, then unhook the emergency light and rear defrost wireing. My serial number was on the bottom of the radio, so the toughest part was unhooking the tray holder from the bottom of the radio. There are 2 screws on the sides at the bottom of the radio, these hold the radio and tray holder together. Be careful, my screws fell to the great abyss way down below. Once you have the two separated you can tilt the radio up enough to see the serial number below. I am not sure what is holding the radio from the backside, mine never did slide all the way out. At that point I called the number listed on Acura.com "Client Relations", by giving them the VIN and serial number, they gave me the unlock code for the radio.

• Acura - (800) 382-2238 toll free
  Monday through Friday
  6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  Pacific Standard Time

Hope this helps.

TrueNorth

I think there are easier ways to find the radio code. Some other members have posted that it is sometimes hidden on the side of the glove-box.

I found mine hidden on the inner panel of the fuse-box cover located in the engine bay (as in the fuse box under the hood, not the one located by the pedals). It doesn't say what's it's for, but there are 5 digits or something like that written underneath this cover and they should work for the stereo code.