Fixed - Radio refuses to take radio code
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Just another confirmation that entering the code in an underground parking garage works 9/23/2013. 2000 Acura TL 3.2.
I'm the original owner of this car, and while this isn't the first time I've ran into this problem, the dealer "fixed" it for free before. This week I replaced the battery myself, and the code didn't work. The dealer insisted on $65 to remove and "flash" the radio. Mmm-hmm. Either ignorant or greedy, not sure which is worse.
I found this thread, parked in the lowest floor, middle part of my work parking garage. Made sure there was no line of sight to the entrance and as many walls surrounding as possible. Turned the key, turned on the radio, the display showed on Err4 from the previous attempts. First try, code accepted.
Thanks everyone!
I'm the original owner of this car, and while this isn't the first time I've ran into this problem, the dealer "fixed" it for free before. This week I replaced the battery myself, and the code didn't work. The dealer insisted on $65 to remove and "flash" the radio. Mmm-hmm. Either ignorant or greedy, not sure which is worse.
I found this thread, parked in the lowest floor, middle part of my work parking garage. Made sure there was no line of sight to the entrance and as many walls surrounding as possible. Turned the key, turned on the radio, the display showed on Err4 from the previous attempts. First try, code accepted.
Thanks everyone!
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 162
Likes: 6
Once the bloody radio doesn't accept the code anymore, do you always have to remove the antenna cable to input the code? I plan to work on my car in the upcoming weekends and I can't stand to have to be doing this every week just to get my radio back.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 36
Likes: 4
From: Long Island, NY
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
You have to either:
1) Remove Radio Antenna Cable
2) Park in underground garage where radio signals are weak to non-existent
Did the antenna remove today - not THAT bad - pictures don't really show location - just feel lower corner that's exposed after molding is removed - I had to move a group of wires out of the way with one hand, and feel for the antenna cable with the other. It comes out easy enough. Punch is code and push back antenna cable in firmly.
Post by Mezacan916 explains it, step by step
You have to either:
1) Remove Radio Antenna Cable
2) Park in underground garage where radio signals are weak to non-existent
Did the antenna remove today - not THAT bad - pictures don't really show location - just feel lower corner that's exposed after molding is removed - I had to move a group of wires out of the way with one hand, and feel for the antenna cable with the other. It comes out easy enough. Punch is code and push back antenna cable in firmly.
Post by Mezacan916 explains it, step by step
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
radio code on 2003 tl doesnt work but...
Symptom: After disconnecting the battery the factory radio refuses to take the dealer provided radio code. Radio cycles through codes Err1-9 continuously.
Fix: Disconnect the FM/AM antenna from the radio and then re-enter the code.
Pics:
Required Tools:
1 small flat head screw driver
1 small philips head screw driver
1 pair of needle nose pliers, the smaller the better (optional)
DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for any damage you may cause to your vehicle when performing the DIY steps. Please use your better judgment when bending and removing interior pieces.
DIY Steps:
1. Remove burlwood trim piece from center console by popping it out using a small flat head screw driver. Start at the edge nearest the rear of the car.
2. Remove the 3 philips head screws holding the side panel in place.
3. Pop the lower dash piece (found bellow the steering wheel) towards you starting with the piece with intersects with the side panel under the dash. It should pop off and hang.
Before performing step 4 you may want to warm up your car. This will ensure that the plastic interior piece is less brittle.
4. Gently bend the side piece and wiggle it until the two prongs pointing toward the rear of the car are free. Once the two prongs are free pull the side panel straight up and out towards the driver side door.
5. You should now be able to see the left side of the factory radio. In the small hole bellow the radio you will see a black cable wrapped in foam. This is the AM/FM antenna line. Gently reach in and pull or push the cable away from the radio. It should pop out quite easily. You can also use a pair in needle nose pliers to pop it out.
6. Place your keys in the ignition and turn to the on position. Turn the radio on and enter the unlock code (5 digit code). The radio should come on but have all static. This is due to the fact that at this point it no longer has an antenna.
7. Turn the key to the off position.
8. Follow the above mentioned steps in reverse order. First attach the radio antenna and confirm that it works.
Questions, comments and suggestions are welcomed!
Fix: Disconnect the FM/AM antenna from the radio and then re-enter the code.
Pics:
Required Tools:
1 small flat head screw driver
1 small philips head screw driver
1 pair of needle nose pliers, the smaller the better (optional)
DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for any damage you may cause to your vehicle when performing the DIY steps. Please use your better judgment when bending and removing interior pieces.
DIY Steps:
1. Remove burlwood trim piece from center console by popping it out using a small flat head screw driver. Start at the edge nearest the rear of the car.
2. Remove the 3 philips head screws holding the side panel in place.
3. Pop the lower dash piece (found bellow the steering wheel) towards you starting with the piece with intersects with the side panel under the dash. It should pop off and hang.
Before performing step 4 you may want to warm up your car. This will ensure that the plastic interior piece is less brittle.
4. Gently bend the side piece and wiggle it until the two prongs pointing toward the rear of the car are free. Once the two prongs are free pull the side panel straight up and out towards the driver side door.
5. You should now be able to see the left side of the factory radio. In the small hole bellow the radio you will see a black cable wrapped in foam. This is the AM/FM antenna line. Gently reach in and pull or push the cable away from the radio. It should pop out quite easily. You can also use a pair in needle nose pliers to pop it out.
6. Place your keys in the ignition and turn to the on position. Turn the radio on and enter the unlock code (5 digit code). The radio should come on but have all static. This is due to the fact that at this point it no longer has an antenna.
7. Turn the key to the off position.
8. Follow the above mentioned steps in reverse order. First attach the radio antenna and confirm that it works.
Questions, comments and suggestions are welcomed!
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Thanks to who recommended the foil
Had the same problem as others and didn't want to disconnect the antenna and didn't live near an underground garage. I had entered the correct code several times and kept getting the ERR message.
Covered my rear windshield with 3 sheets of aluminum foil, 1 layer deep (covering the antenna) and entered the code. Radio accepted it the very first time.
Covered my rear windshield with 3 sheets of aluminum foil, 1 layer deep (covering the antenna) and entered the code. Radio accepted it the very first time.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 597
Likes: 35
From: Silicon Valley, CA
I just experienced this problem a few weeks ago...
Taking the necessary center console panels off to get to the antenna lead was not a big deal... The antenna plug was a little challenging to get to, but nothing a pair of needlenose pliers didn't solve...
Taking the necessary center console panels off to get to the antenna lead was not a big deal... The antenna plug was a little challenging to get to, but nothing a pair of needlenose pliers didn't solve...
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Symptom: After disconnecting the battery the factory radio refuses to take the dealer provided radio code. Radio cycles through codes Err1-9 continuously.
Fix: Disconnect the FM/AM antenna from the radio and then re-enter the code.
Pics:
Required Tools:
1 small flat head screw driver
1 small philips head screw driver
1 pair of needle nose pliers, the smaller the better (optional)
DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for any damage you may cause to your vehicle when performing the DIY steps. Please use your better judgment when bending and removing interior pieces.
DIY Steps:
1. Remove burlwood trim piece from center console by popping it out using a small flat head screw driver. Start at the edge nearest the rear of the car.
2. Remove the 3 philips head screws holding the side panel in place.
3. Pop the lower dash piece (found bellow the steering wheel) towards you starting with the piece with intersects with the side panel under the dash. It should pop off and hang.
Before performing step 4 you may want to warm up your car. This will ensure that the plastic interior piece is less brittle.
4. Gently bend the side piece and wiggle it until the two prongs pointing toward the rear of the car are free. Once the two prongs are free pull the side panel straight up and out towards the driver side door.
5. You should now be able to see the left side of the factory radio. In the small hole bellow the radio you will see a black cable wrapped in foam. This is the AM/FM antenna line. Gently reach in and pull or push the cable away from the radio. It should pop out quite easily. You can also use a pair in needle nose pliers to pop it out.
6. Place your keys in the ignition and turn to the on position. Turn the radio on and enter the unlock code (5 digit code). The radio should come on but have all static. This is due to the fact that at this point it no longer has an antenna.
7. Turn the key to the off position.
8. Follow the above mentioned steps in reverse order. First attach the radio antenna and confirm that it works.
Questions, comments and suggestions are welcomed!
Fix: Disconnect the FM/AM antenna from the radio and then re-enter the code.
Pics:
Required Tools:
1 small flat head screw driver
1 small philips head screw driver
1 pair of needle nose pliers, the smaller the better (optional)
DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for any damage you may cause to your vehicle when performing the DIY steps. Please use your better judgment when bending and removing interior pieces.
DIY Steps:
1. Remove burlwood trim piece from center console by popping it out using a small flat head screw driver. Start at the edge nearest the rear of the car.
2. Remove the 3 philips head screws holding the side panel in place.
3. Pop the lower dash piece (found bellow the steering wheel) towards you starting with the piece with intersects with the side panel under the dash. It should pop off and hang.
Before performing step 4 you may want to warm up your car. This will ensure that the plastic interior piece is less brittle.
4. Gently bend the side piece and wiggle it until the two prongs pointing toward the rear of the car are free. Once the two prongs are free pull the side panel straight up and out towards the driver side door.
5. You should now be able to see the left side of the factory radio. In the small hole bellow the radio you will see a black cable wrapped in foam. This is the AM/FM antenna line. Gently reach in and pull or push the cable away from the radio. It should pop out quite easily. You can also use a pair in needle nose pliers to pop it out.
6. Place your keys in the ignition and turn to the on position. Turn the radio on and enter the unlock code (5 digit code). The radio should come on but have all static. This is due to the fact that at this point it no longer has an antenna.
7. Turn the key to the off position.
8. Follow the above mentioned steps in reverse order. First attach the radio antenna and confirm that it works.
Questions, comments and suggestions are welcomed!
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
quick fix
had this problem also. drove me crazy for 5 days. didn't want to pay 100.00 to have acura fix it. tried the parking garage thing too. didn't work. here's what did: we are in Memphis tn. no under ground parking garages around here. there is a tunnel that the airport runway goes over. we drove through it.half way through we entered the code and boom! radio works! I giggled all the way home. make sure the radio is showing "code".we had ours off also and turned it on when we entered the tunnel.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Still doesn't work. Losing my mind here.
Please, guys and gals, if anyone has gone through this, help me out. It's been over a month. No radio. Both antennas are currently disconnected. Car is in pieces. Code does not work. Not on battery. Not on "on." Not in drive or park or underground or in a pond (next move) the code is correct. In three places on my car and also the Acura website. Someone, please help.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
1st Gear
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
From: Syr
Symptom: After disconnecting the battery the factory radio refuses to take the dealer provided radio code. Radio cycles through codes Err1-9 continuously.
Fix: Disconnect the FM/AM antenna from the radio and then re-enter the code.
Pics:
Attachment 55048
Attachment 55049
Required Tools:
1 small flat head screw driver
1 small philips head screw driver
1 pair of needle nose pliers, the smaller the better (optional)
DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for any damage you may cause to your vehicle when performing the DIY steps. Please use your better judgment when bending and removing interior pieces.
DIY Steps:
1. Remove burlwood trim piece from center console by popping it out using a small flat head screw driver. Start at the edge nearest the rear of the car.
2. Remove the 3 philips head screws holding the side panel in place.
3. Pop the lower dash piece (found bellow the steering wheel) towards you starting with the piece with intersects with the side panel under the dash. It should pop off and hang.
Before performing step 4 you may want to warm up your car. This will ensure that the plastic interior piece is less brittle.
4. Gently bend the side piece and wiggle it until the two prongs pointing toward the rear of the car are free. Once the two prongs are free pull the side panel straight up and out towards the driver side door.
5. You should now be able to see the left side of the factory radio. In the small hole bellow the radio you will see a black cable wrapped in foam. This is the AM/FM antenna line. Gently reach in and pull or push the cable away from the radio. It should pop out quite easily. You can also use a pair in needle nose pliers to pop it out.
6. Place your keys in the ignition and turn to the on position. Turn the radio on and enter the unlock code (5 digit code). The radio should come on but have all static. This is due to the fact that at this point it no longer has an antenna.
7. Turn the key to the off position.
8. Follow the above mentioned steps in reverse order. First attach the radio antenna and confirm that it works.
Questions, comments and suggestions are welcomed!
Fix: Disconnect the FM/AM antenna from the radio and then re-enter the code.
Pics:
Attachment 55048
Attachment 55049
Required Tools:
1 small flat head screw driver
1 small philips head screw driver
1 pair of needle nose pliers, the smaller the better (optional)
DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for any damage you may cause to your vehicle when performing the DIY steps. Please use your better judgment when bending and removing interior pieces.
DIY Steps:
1. Remove burlwood trim piece from center console by popping it out using a small flat head screw driver. Start at the edge nearest the rear of the car.
2. Remove the 3 philips head screws holding the side panel in place.
3. Pop the lower dash piece (found bellow the steering wheel) towards you starting with the piece with intersects with the side panel under the dash. It should pop off and hang.
Before performing step 4 you may want to warm up your car. This will ensure that the plastic interior piece is less brittle.
4. Gently bend the side piece and wiggle it until the two prongs pointing toward the rear of the car are free. Once the two prongs are free pull the side panel straight up and out towards the driver side door.
5. You should now be able to see the left side of the factory radio. In the small hole bellow the radio you will see a black cable wrapped in foam. This is the AM/FM antenna line. Gently reach in and pull or push the cable away from the radio. It should pop out quite easily. You can also use a pair in needle nose pliers to pop it out.
6. Place your keys in the ignition and turn to the on position. Turn the radio on and enter the unlock code (5 digit code). The radio should come on but have all static. This is due to the fact that at this point it no longer has an antenna.
7. Turn the key to the off position.
8. Follow the above mentioned steps in reverse order. First attach the radio antenna and confirm that it works.
Questions, comments and suggestions are welcomed!
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 597
Likes: 35
From: Silicon Valley, CA
My previous post in this thread was 10 years ago!!! Wow...
My radio is still locked because I haven't found the time to yank the antenna (or to find an underground parking garage). But I'll fix it soon.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 597
Likes: 35
From: Silicon Valley, CA
So you did try yanking the antenna lead and punching in the correct code, and it still didn't work?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
