About Subaru radio codes
Early-1990s Subarus, such as the Legacy and Impreza, have Philips-made radios with a serial starting SU (for Subaru, not Suzuki). Some Subarus have Clarion radios, whose code comes from the last four numbers of the barcode.
How to find your Subaru radio serial number
The serial isn’t shown on the screen: it is printed on a label on the radio itself. The serial tells us exactly which code your radio needs.
On the label
- It is not shown on screen, so take the radio out.
- Copy the serial from the label: 14 letters and numbers starting SU.
Photograph the label rather than copying it by hand — 0 and O, 1 and I are easy to mix up.
Most radios slide out with a pair of radio removal keys (a few pounds from any car parts shop). Push them into the slots on the front until they click, then ease the radio forward. Some have screws to undo first.
What your serial looks like
-
SU685AX9012989Subaru Philips (early 1990s)14 letters and numbers starting SU Instant -
4471Clarion (barcode)Last 4 numbers of the barcode Instant
Can’t find it or can’t read it? Send us a photo of the label: £9.99, with a full refund if we can’t find your code.
The radio has to come out to read its label. How to remove a car radio shows which release keys you need and where they go.
Which Subaru radio do you have?
These are the radios Subaru fitted we know about, and whether we can unlock them. Not sure which is yours? Type the serial in: the free check works it out for you.
SU685AX9012989
Subaru Philips (early 1990s)
Serial: On the label on the radio
InstantGuide
Locked display
CODE ----
Serial 4471
Clarion (barcode)
Serial: On the label on the radio
InstantGuide
Popular Subaru models
Step-by-step help for the Subaru models people ask us about most:
We also cover:
- Justy
The serial is what counts, as radios are often swapped between cars.
How to enter your Subaru radio code
Once you have your code, key it in like this. Your order page shows the same steps next to your code.
- Usually: press button 1, set the number with the tuning buttons, then press button 1 again.
- Do the same for all 4 numbers. The exact steps vary from radio to radio.
- Buttons 1 to 4 set each number. Clarion codes only use the numbers 1 to 6.
If your Subaru radio says LOCKED, WAIT or SAFE
Each wrong code makes the radio wait longer before the next try, and some radios lock for good after too many. Don’t guess: get the right code first, then follow the steps for your radio.
| Radio | What to do |
|---|---|
| Subaru Philips (early 1990s) | Each wrong try adds a longer delay. Keep the radio switched on while it counts down. |
What LOCKED, WAIT and SAFE mean, and how long to wait →
Why we use your radio’s serial, not your number plate
A radio code belongs to the radio, not the car. A dealer usually looks it up from the Subaru’s number plate or VIN (the 17-character number in your logbook), which only works if the car still has the radio it left the factory with. Radios are often swapped under warranty, upgraded, or changed by a previous owner.
The serial is printed on the radio itself, so the code matches the radio in front of you. It is also what lets us check for free before you pay. Main dealers often charge £30–£130, and you usually have to book the car in.
What we can and can’t do
We can do
- Clarion-built radios — worked out from the barcode on the label
- Philips-made radios of the early 1990s (serial starting SU)
We can’t do (yet)
- Panasonic and Kenwood radios fitted to some cars
- Japanese imports usually have no code at all
We always tell you before you pay. Not sure? Send us a photo of the label.
Subaru radio code questions
Where is the serial on these older radios?
These radios can’t show it on screen. Take the radio out and copy the serial (14 letters and numbers) from the label or the metal case. The original security card also shows it.
Why do you look the code up?
These codes were set by the maker, so they can’t be worked out. We hold millions of them and check yours before you pay.
How much is a Subaru radio code?
£9.99 per code. The free check comes first, so you only pay once we know we can do it, and you get your money back if the code doesn’t work.
How long does it take?
Most Subaru codes appear on screen the moment you’ve paid, and we email you a copy. If yours has to be looked up by our team, we email it within 2 hours and tell you before you pay.
What if the code doesn’t work?
Check the serial first: 0 and O, or 1 and I, are easy to mix up. Still stuck? Tell us from your order page and we’ll put it right or refund you in full.
Updated October 2026
