Radio Pin Code

[allan]

Hi all. I'm still stuffing around with the power ariel fitting, I'll get to it one day! I'm probably going to have to remove the radio and with a bit of searching I've found a 4 digit number in the owner info in the manual and I have to assume (every time I assume something it turns to crap) that it's the radio pin code.
Is there a way to check if it is the pin without killing the radio?

BTW, my local Ford dealer wants to charge me a fee (they couldn't tell how much!)if I go in person and talk to their service manager. These radios must be ultra expensive to go to these lengths on security!

[Bucknaked]

I guess the only way to check is to disconnect the battery. But the only 4 code pin would be the radio. I'm almost certain.

I'd call Ford Customer Service in Melbourne. They would be able to let you know over the phone I imagine.

[EFDream]

If you punch in the wrong code it'll let you put it in again. If you put the wrong one in too many times you just have to wait for it to clear. I Didn't have the code when I bought the car so I went to Ford and they did it for free. All they wanted was the proff of ownership and 5 mins later I was happy. Don't know why they'd want to charge?

[allan]

Thanks guys, I'll give Ford Melbourne a try. As for wanting to charge for the code I can only suppose that it's easy money for the service department!

[Casper]

if none of the 4 digits are higher than a 6 (so numbers 1-6 only) then its almost certainly the pin for the radio.

[plext]

The radio itself is not so much ultra expensive as much as the dashboard around it, which your local junkie/loser/whatever will be pleased to break to remove said radio if it did not have the code.

Rewriting the code is not really an option unless you have the appropriate eprom writer and the required software, neither of which will be turning up on torrentspy/ebay anytime soon.

The normal routine is to ensure that the car you buy has the code with it, or demand an appropriate reduction in price to replace the head should the power be cut at any stage.

To gain access to the code in my experience requires proving ownership of the vehicle, which naturally entails the showing of documents. Sad to say, but you will be unlikely to get this over the phone or for free.

Sign of the times, but it does protect the majority from the horror of a smashed dashboard in the name of feeding some habit somewhere.

Either pay the fee to reveal the code or replace the head unit. Sucks, but it's the world we live in I'm afraid.


EDIT: Oh great........misread the first post and look stupid. Yes, I'm sure the good folk at Ford could tell you if the code you are reading is the radio code. I have usually seen it as a seperate card though which is included with the books. I will read more thoroughly in future, I promise. :/

[boodek]

Originally Posted by plext

To gain access to the code in my experience requires proving ownership of the vehicle, which naturally entails the showing of documents. Sad to say, but you will be unlikely to get this over the phone or for free.

Actually...I had to reinstall the original radio in my ED before selling it (the code had been lost before I bought the car), so I rang the local dealer who asked me what the car's VIN was, then provided the code over the phone! The whole process took two minutes, and was very hassle free.

[GK]

Some dealers charge, some don't. I reckon they shouldn't of course (provided you prove ownership), as it should be part of building customer service relationships.

GK

[Papa Smurf]

The reason they are so touchy about PIN Codes is the fear of being sued by an owner for breach of privacy. That's why Ford dealers require proof of ownership.
There IS no reason really for a dealer to charge other than the fact you are paying for a Service?