How To: Radio Code for 2001 3.2 TL

[Love Machine]

I thought I'd share how I received my radio code. I bought my TL used from CarMax. After changing the car battery the radio didn't work 'cause an anti theft code was required. After reading many posts on this forum, here is what I did...

1) I removed the piece of fake wood trim on the center console (passenger side - see pic one below).

2) I opened up the center console box and started pulling the trim from there. It came out easily. (see pic two below)

3) There's a white sticker next to the radio with the radio serial number. (see pic three below).

4) I called my local Acura dealer. In my case Criswell Acrua Annapolis, MD. I talked to the parts dept and I fax'd them a copy of my registration and my driver's lisence to show proof of ownership along with the radio serial number. After he received it he gave me my five digit lock out code over the phone.

5) I turned the radio on and entered the five digits using the station preset buttons. Even though the screen showed "err 3" (my wife played around with it) it still took the code ok.

No fuss, no muss. I hope this will help others.

[Zarba]

How is that trim attached?

[Love Machine]

It is held by small metal clips that pull out/push in easily.

[papajide]

Hey!
Unfortunately, I just came across the same problem. Transmission work was done and both my radio and navi need there codes.

I see how you get the serial # for the radio, how about the NAVI serial #??

[Omzy]

I also had to detach my battery for some work. all i had to do is call the dealership where the car was originally purchased, give them the VIN number and they gave me the five digit code. Take the simple way out first, then if they fuss go ahead with the method stated above.

[Mary Robertson]

If you have a 2001 3.2 TL check the following places BEFORE ripping off the trim. Check Inside the fuze box top, (located inside the hood top left hand side) check underneath the ash-tray (coin tray)-the peice they pull out to do a smog check or on the left side of the glove box (when it's opened ) near the hinge. I just found mine. It had the 5 digit code and the stero serial number. Good Luck!

[6MTUA5]

Remember to WRITE THE CODE DOWN when you get it for future reference

[chris103]

hey everyone! battery just replaced and i bought my car used a few years back without a code. wasn't interested in taking apart interior. called a local acura dealer and they walked me through getting the radio serial number via the radio buttons. pretty easy. here are the steps.
1.) Start by putting the key in the ignition and turn to the ON position. Basically dash board is lit up but do not turn the car over.
2.) Make sure radio is off.
3.) Press radio preset buttons 1 and 6 at the same time.
4.) Use your other hand and turn on the radio while holding down preset buttons 1 and 6.
5.) Display will show 4 numbers with a small "U" (upper, ie: 1234). After 5 seconds, the display will change and show another 4 numbers with a small "L" (lower, ie:5678). This will be repeated twice, then the dreadful "CODE" will show up.
6.) Put it together and your radio serial number is now 12345678.

this worked on my 03 TL, not sure about other years or navi units as i don't have one.

for those in the toronto area, to get the code, call the guys at acura of north toronto. they gave me the code right over the phone in about 10 sec after i gave them the serial number. other acura dealerships in the toronto area were looking to charge me $100 for the code, yeah right - lol.

[zacdaddy13]

Thank you very much my dealer (Nalley Acura) said I would have to REMOVE the radio in order to find the code. You saved me a whole lot of time.