How to Easily Retrieve Your Acura TSX Radio Code

Stuck with a locked radio in your Acura TSX? Don’t worry – you’re about to get your tunes back! After battery disconnection or replacement, your radio’s anti-theft system kicks in, demanding that special 5-digit code. This guide walks you through every possible way to find and enter your radio code, from checking your glove box to retrieving it online.

Why Your Acura TSX Radio Is Asking for a Code

When your Acura TSX battery dies or gets disconnected, the radio screen displays “CODE” instead of giving you music. This isn’t a malfunction – it’s actually a built-in theft protection feature that locks the audio system whenever power is lost.

The system requires a unique 5-digit security code to reactivate, preventing thieves from using your radio if they remove it from your car. While this security measure is excellent for protecting your investment, it can be frustrating when you legitimately need to get your radio working again.

Where to Find Your Acura TSX Radio Code

Check the Anti-Theft ID Card First

The quickest way to find your radio code is by locating the Anti-Theft ID card that came with your vehicle when it was new. This small card contains both your radio code and serial number.

The card is typically:

• Stored in your glove compartment
• Part of your owner’s manual packet
• Wallet-sized with “Anti-Theft” or “Security Code” printed on it

On this card, the radio code appears as the shorter group of numbers (usually 5 digits) in bold at the top of the card.

Alternative Locations to Check

If you can’t find the Anti-Theft card, don’t give up! Acura sometimes places the code in several other spots:

• Inside the glove box: Look at the side panel of the glove box when fully opened
• Under the hood: Check the engine bay fuse box cover for a sticker with the code
• Owner’s manual: Flip through the back pages of your manual
• Maintenance journal: Some vehicles include this information in the service booklet

Find Your VIN Number

If you still can’t locate the physical code, you’ll need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Your VIN is:

• Visible through the driver’s side windshield on the dashboard
• Printed on your vehicle registration
• Listed on your insurance card
• Shown inside the driver’s door jamb

Write this down as you’ll need it when retrieving your code online or from the dealership.

How to Retrieve Your Radio Serial Number

Before you can get your code online, you’ll need your radio’s serial number. The process differs depending on whether your TSX has a navigation system.

For TSX Models Without Navigation:

1. Make sure your car is on (engine running or in accessory mode)
2. Turn the radio power OFF
3. Press and hold radio preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously
4. While holding those buttons, press the power button
5. The display will show an 8-digit serial number (ignore any U/L indicators)

Here’s a visual guide to the preset buttons you’ll use:

For TSX Models With Navigation:

The process is more complex for models with navigation systems and may require:

1. Accessing diagnostic menus through a specific button sequence
2. Removing the radio unit to read the serial number directly from the label
3. Visiting an Acura dealership for assistance

For these models, you might need separate codes for the radio (5-digit) and navigation system (4-digit).

Retrieving Your Code Online

Acura provides an official website where you can retrieve your radio code: radio-navicode.acura.com

To use this service, you’ll need:

1. Your vehicle’s VIN number
2. The radio’s serial number
3. Your phone number and ZIP code (must match records on file with Acura)

The website will guide you through the process and provide your code instantly if all information matches their records.

How to Enter Your Acura TSX Radio Code

Once you have your 5-digit radio code, entering it is straightforward:

1. Make sure your vehicle is on (either running or in accessory mode)
2. If your radio doesn’t already show “CODE,” press the power button until it does
3. Use the preset buttons 1-5 to enter each digit of your code:
   • Press preset 1 for the first digit
   • Press preset 2 for the second digit
   • Press preset 3 for the third digit
   • Press preset 4 for the fourth digit
   • Press preset 5 for the fifth digit

For example, if your code is 35214:

• Press button 1 three times until “3” appears
• Press button 2 five times until “5” appears
• Press button 3 twice until “2” appears
• Press button 4 once until “1” appears
• Press button 5 four times until “4” appears

The radio should automatically unlock after the fifth digit is entered correctly. If the display shows “ERROR,” wait until it shows “CODE” again and try re-entering your code carefully.

Important Tips for Success

• The radio code only uses numbers 1-6, since these correspond to the available preset buttons
• You have about 10 attempts before the system goes into a locked state requiring dealer intervention
• Write down your code somewhere safe for future reference
• If your battery is weak or dying, fix that issue first before attempting code entry
• Some older TSX models might require holding the power button while entering the code

Getting Help from an Acura Dealership

If the previous methods don’t work, contact your local Acura dealership. They can retrieve your radio code using:

• Your vehicle’s VIN number
• Proof of ownership (registration, title, or insurance)
• The radio’s serial number

Most dealerships require you to visit in person with your ID and vehicle documentation rather than providing codes over the phone. Some Honda dealerships may also be able to help, as they share similar systems with Acura.

Additional Resources for Acura TSX Owners

If you need visual guidance, these resources can help:

• The official Acura owners website has additional tutorials
• Your owner’s manual contains detailed information specific to your model year
• Acura forums like AcuraZine have dedicated threads for radio code issues

Preventing Future Radio Code Problems

To avoid going through this process again:

• Keep your Anti-Theft ID card in a safe place
• Write down the radio code in multiple secure locations
• When replacing your car battery, consider using a power memory saver to maintain radio settings
• If you plan to disconnect your battery, have your radio code ready beforehand

By following these steps, you’ll have your Acura TSX radio up and running again in no time. The anti-theft system that seems frustrating now will be something you’ll appreciate if your vehicle ever becomes a target for thieves.