Instant code

Older Ford (3-number code) radio

How to tell it’s this radio, find its serial and enter the code.

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When it’s locked, the display shows

CODE ----
Serial looks like
123456Last 6 numbers of the serial
Show the serial
On the label on the radio
Taking it out
Needed to read the label

No photo of this radio yet. Match yours by what the display says and the shape of the serial.

On this page
  1. Is this your radio?
  2. Find the serial
  3. Enter the code
  4. Locked out

Is this your radio?

Fitted toOlder Fords with a 3-number code, such as the Escort, Fiesta, Sierra and Orion of the 1980s and early 1990s.
Radio namesOlder Ford radios
SerialLast 6 numbers of the serial, for example 123456
When lockedThe display shows CODE ----

Find the serial

  1. Take the radio out with radio removal keys.
  2. Read the serial on the label on the radio.
  3. Type in the last 6 numbers.

It isn’t shown on the display, so read it from the label on the radio’s case (usually the top or side).

Taking the radio out

The radio has to come out so you can read the label. Most slide out with a pair of radio removal keys (a few pounds from any car parts shop); some are held in by screws behind the trim. Photograph the label rather than copying it by hand.

RADIOPush both keys in until they click, then pull the radio forward

Enter the code

  1. Set each of the 3 numbers with the numbered buttons.
  2. Finish as your handbook shows (usually button 5).

Locked out?

Too many wrong codes lock the radio for a while. Leave it switched on with the ignition on until the display changes, then try again.

What LOCKED, WAIT and SAFE mean, and how long to wait →

Brand pages

This radio is covered on: Ford radio code.

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