How do you unlock a Ford car radio?

Answer 1

You need to have the unlock code. The unlock code is a 3-digit or 4-digit (depending on your model) number. This number is unique for each radio unit so there is no such thing as a standard code.

The code should mentioned somewhere in the instructions. If you do not have the code, you have three possible ways of action:

1. Contact your dealer.

2. Use a calculator software. You can download this software online. It allows you to get the code from your radio serial number. The serial number looks like Axxxxxx, Lxxxxxx, Cxxxxxx, Mxxxxxx or Vxxxxxx (where xxxxxx means 6 digits). But if you have a Vxxxxxx serial number, there is no calculator software for it.

3. Contact a professional decoding specialist who will read the memory chip inside the radio unit with a special programming device.

You should also note that your radio may lock-out if you do several attempts to enter the wrong code.

If you see one of the following messages "WAIT", "HOLD", "CODE 30" or "HOLD 30", you just have to leave the radio on for 30-240 minutes. It will reset itself.

If you see one of the following messages "LOCKED", "LOCKED 10", "10 LOCKED", "-10-" or "TEN", it means that 10 invalid attempts to enter the code were made. In this case, the radio will NOT reset itself. According to the manual, you need to contact your dealer. However, sometimes you can reset the radio yourself.

For "LOCKED", "LOCKED 10" or "10 LOCKED" messages: turn the radio off, press and hold the "6" preset button, turn the radio on while holding the "6" preset button.

Then the radio will allow THREE additional attempts to enter the code. If you use these attempts up, you will get the "LOCKED 13" or "13 LOCKED" messages. If you see these messages, the radio cannot be unlocked by customers. You will need to contact a professional decoding specialist or your dealer (but maybe your dealer will not be able to unlock it).

For "TEN": press and hold the "SELECT" and "MAN" buttons.

Then the radio will allow ONE additional attempt to enter the code. If you use these attempts up, you will get the "TEN+" message. If you see this message, the radio cannot be unlocked by customers. You will need to contact a professional decoding specialist or your dealer (but maybe your dealer will not be able to unlock it).

For "-10-": unfortunately, there is no DIY solution.