Acura Says “Enter Code”. What’s This and How to Fix the Issue?

Getting an "Enter Code" request from your infotainment display does not always happen. But when it does, your driving becomes incomplete. When you rely heavily on applications like the radio and navigating mode, driving without it could cause frustration and distress throughout the ride. 

Whether you own an RDX or a TLX, this request only means you cannot access the advanced features in your vehicle's central hub. If you're the driver who got used to advanced features such as reverse camera and phone integration, this could highly affect your entire trip, especially if you're going for a long drive.

To end your frustrations and confusion, we'll help you understand why the system is asking you for a code through this article.

Why is My Acura Requesting a Code?

When the system asks for a code, it means the system has activated its anti-theft feature to protect the device.

Regardless of the model, your Acura vehicle has assigned a security code specific to your unit. It's the system's way of gaining access to the radio, navigation, or infotainment device. 

For the thieves, this code is not easy to obtain. While this code is readily available during your vehicle purchase, you may not notice it until the system asks for a code.

First, you cannot open the device without the code.

Second, it's the system's way of verifying device ownership.

Third, the code will help the system to decide if it will allow access to the current users. 

The codes you need to obtain access are the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and device serial number. 

The Acura Security Anti-theft Feature

Even before manufacturers started installing infotainment systems, car stereos have been a target of thieves. Although selling the factory car stereo would be difficult for thieves, those radios with added features will sell much quicker than the ones without them. The thieves can sell an entire unit with touchscreen pads, navigation, Wi-Fi, and phone integration features. Of course, even for an Acura device, selling it could be a breeze. 

Good thing manufacturers today have placed security features on their devices. And that security feature requires a code to unlock those saleable features in an infotainment, radio, or navigation device.

Here are the anti-theft feature abilities of Acura vehicles to protect infotainment devices:

• Using the standard immobilizer for the wrong detection of keyfob signals
• Using a passcode to allow access to the infotainment device
• The ability to lock or unlock your infotainment device remotely through AcuraLink Mobile App
• Supports theft tracking technology, including GPS & RFID

What triggers the anti-theft system to ask for a code?

Now that you know the features of Acura's anti-theft security system, it's time to find out what triggers the system to ask for a security code. 

If you noticed, this request pops up when your engine power supply has been interrupted. Here are more instances that trigger the anti-theft system to ask for a security code.

1) Disconnection from battery

Due to the advancements in automotive technology today, electronic devices are so sensitive. Acura designed the anti-theft system to require a code if there is an electric supply interruption from the battery with the device.

The system will reset and ask for a code. You will receive this prompt because the power interruption will cause the system memory to forget the security code programmed to it during purchase. As a security measure, your infotainment device will ask for a security code exclusive to your vehicle after your battery has been recharged or replaced.

2) Disconnection from ignition

When the ignition disconnects from the electrical system, it will prompt the anti-theft system to ask for a code. It likely happens when removing the key from the ignition or the wiring connection breaks.  

As soon as the system detects the connection between the ignition and electrical supply has been restored, it will launch an algorithm to verify the code. 

3) After an ECU replacement

Replacing your ECU would mean disconnection from your vehicle's anti-theft system, prompting it to ask for a code. All vehicle systems, not only the anti-theft feature, will have trouble communicating with the ECU.

After reinstalling the ECU, they must re-establish their communication using the correct code. However, you have to reprogram the new ECU to accept the security code of the infotainment device or radio. 

4) Immobilizer antenna replacement

The Acura immobilizer antenna reads the information on the RFID chip placed on your keys inserted in the ignition slot. It sends this information to the ECU, where the computer verifies the code. A matched code allows access to the infotainment, radio, or navigation board.

However, replacing the immobilizer may cause miscommunication between the keyfob and the new immobilizer antenna, prompting the anti-theft system to ask for the code. The only way to fix this is to enter the security code specific to your vehicle.

How Do I Obtain my Radio and Navigation Code?

If you think you are lost right away when the system asks for the code, do not worry. You have no idea this code is around your vehicle and written on your manual and other documents.

• Check it in your Radio or Anti-theft ID Card included in your manual.
• You can find it in your maintenance journal.
• Find the sticker on your glove box, door, or trunk jamb. Take note of the five-digit code and your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• You can find your VIN at the bottom of the driverside windshield.
• Also, some documents would have your VIN: insurance policy, vehicle registration, and financial statements.
• If you only have the VIN, you may call your dealership and ask for your device serial number.

If you still have trouble acquiring your code, you may request it online and verify your identity. 

You need to include certain details in your request:

• Vehicle Identification Number
• ZIP Code
• Phone Number
• Email address

You can request your radio code or NAVI code only, or both.

How to Input My Acura Code?

Now that you have your VIN and device number, you are a few steps closer to accessing your device. Grab a copy of your five-digit radio code. 

Press the Power button until the display shows the word "Code".

Press each number stated on your code. Remember that every time you press a digit, the digital display will spell out the word " C-O-D-E". Just go on typing the correct digits, and the device will unlock after you press the fifth digit.

Can I Unlock my Radio or Navigation Even without a Code?

You can reset your radio or navigation without inputting a code. After all the frustration of retrieving the code, we found an easy way to gain temporary access to your radio or touchpad infotainment.

• First, insert your key and turn the ignition on. Your screen will display CODE, which means the system asks for this combination.
• Turn off your device, and press the power button.
• And hold it for up to one minute until it unlocks.

Sometimes, it opens in thirty seconds or under a minute. 

If it doesn't work, try this other method. 

• Insert your key and turn the ignition key on.
• Turn the device off if the display shows CODE.
• Press the power and down buttons together and hold them for about a minute.

It should unlock your Acura radio. This method works for Acura's released in 2010 or newer units of RDX, ILX, and TLX.

In another variation, you will need your serial number. 

• Press the numbers one and six buttons along with the power button to unlock the radio. Or, if your device has a touchscreen pad, press the buttons: power, eject, and home. It will display the menu.
• Tap "Detailed info settings,"
• Select, "Unit check".
• Choose "DA unit."

You will receive a free code that will help you unlock your device.

How to Get out of Theft Mode?

Deactivating the anti-theft mode is one way to bypass Acura vehicles asking for a code.

In this method, you will use the vehicle's physical key. 

• Go to the driverside.
• Insert the physical key into the key slot. Press the button on the keyfob to slide the key out. Some keyfobs have keys built in, even if you use keyless entry.
• Once you have inserted the physical key in the slot, turn the ignition on but do not release it yet.
• Hold it within thirty seconds.

This process will help your system recognize the actual key. 

You can use your car keys to bypass the anti-theft system. 

• Shut all your car doors off.
• Insert your physical key into the door and lock it.
• Unlock the door by turning it twice.
• Get inside your car.
• Insert the key into the ignition.
• From the off position, turn the ignition on twice.

This process will help you reset the anti-theft system.

Final Thoughts

While you can always bypass the Acura anti-theft system, this is not usually advisable. It can damage your key slots, plus it can also void your warranty. Also, doing this will void your warranty. It is always best to obtain your device code and use it for your car's security. 

Your Acura code is unique to your vehicle. And the anti-theft system is one of the most advanced technology to help you protect your device.

Using the Acura code is so beneficial, especially if you want a personalized experience. Imagine setting your device according to your preference. You'll get to enjoy the most advanced features of your infotainment system. From navigation to radio to internet and web access and remote control options, imagine all the applications you can enjoy powered by your Acura code.