2003 3.2 TL Radio Codes Error Message
 

Wha'ts up fellas? I recently got my car back from the dealer after nearly two months. They were repairing my head gaskets and installed a new radiator. When I went to pick up my car, the technician asked if my radio code worked because they kept getting an error message whenever they tried to put it in. Their code matched mine and, I never had a problem with the code before this. They told me there was something wrong internally with the radio and reccommended a new one. Has this happened to anyone here? What can I do to fix this? I dont want to pay for a new radio.

My radio code wasn't working when I changed my battery a few weeks ago, and I took it to the dealer and they said the same thing -- if the code doesn't work, might need to replace the radio. The tech pulled the main fuse on the car (from the fuse box in the engine compartment) for about 20 seconds and then put it back in, and the radio then took my code. May want to give that shot.

Thanks SB65. I tried that and disconnected the battery again, neither worked. I will try disconnecting the main fuse a second time.

Probably doesn't matter, but he didn't touch the battery, since pulling the main fuse would/should cut the power to all/most electical components.

well for me, if the code gets reset, sometimes it doesn't take the code even if i try a few times. So i just wait for like an hour and drive the car and then i try again and it works. so i don't know

try disconnecting the antenna lead from the radio- i dont recall if you input the code then or plug it back in and then code- so try it and see- but thats a common way- unplug the antenna,-
check drivers side behind the center console- its a normal wire antenna connector plug like every radio made has

You Have To De-tatch The Antenna From The Back Of The Stereo Turn Power To The Stereo On Then Enter Code Then The Radio Station Should Come On. Insert Antenna Back Into Rear Of Stereo And Your Done. ACURA HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS SO IF IT STILL DOESN'T WORK ASK THE DEALER FOR GOODWILL CONSIDERATION TO REPALCE THE AUDIO UNIT OR CALL CUSTOMER CARE AT (800) 999-5901

Can I get to it from here?


http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/c...0722082001.jpg

It's on the left side, pull the side knee panel, and you will see it on the back, on the bottom side of the radio, use a long nose pliers to pull it down, out of the socket. turn on radio, enter code, and you are done.

L-shaped Needle Nose Pliers Work Best

:thumbsup:

just wanted to add a THANK YOU to everyone who contributed info about inputing a radio code for an "03 TL-S...just put a new battery in my baby yesterday and was determined to get that darn code to work...tried once before about 2 months ago after some body work and chickened out after taking off some trim and the knee brace section...dealer did it as a goodwill service...this time I didn't stop until I got it done...found that damn antenna wire and plucked that sucker out...code went right in and the radio was set to go...'cept I had to get the antenna wire back in...that's the scary part...fat fingers don't have much room to work...even tore up some skin trying...but the needle nose plier idea worked wonders and before you knew it I was cruisin' to CSN&Y again (that's Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young)... :thumbsup:

I'm having the same problem the dealership gave me 2 codes and it won't take any off them i try and i try but it just won't take it. and i can't take it to the dealership because the service department is closed at 6 and i get out of work at 5. please can someone tell me how to remote the panel so i can try unplugging the antenna and enter the code... i looked at it and there no exposed screws or anything for me to take out and i don't want to break it...

Well, life could be worse!:ugh::what:

i had/have an issue with my damn radio too.. a couple weeks back my cd got stuck mid-eject, threw the ere-1 code and after looking through azine, i fixed it and didnt have any more issues.. then, i also changed my battery yesterday and after putting the code in (it took with no problem) the radio now throws an ere-1 code when i hit the cd button.. then it just kicks it back to the tuner.. so wtf?

I'm dumb so can some one please point to where I can get to the antenna wire.:wish:

2003 TL Radio
 

I need the security code for my TL radio, the code on the card does not work or seem to correspond to the radio in the car. I bought the car used.
serial number is 30039102

Thanks

turn off the radio. press and hold 1 and 6 preset buttons. with buttons still held turn on radio. the screen should display one number then another. the two combined are your radio code. call dealer with code. thank me later.

if you were replying back to me, I think you may have misunderstood my post. I did the 1 & 6 got the serial number ( which I put in my post) was hoping someone in the online community knew how to access the codes i.e. honda/Acura service tech

My local dealer is very difficult to deal with. (Burrard Acura in Vancouver)

You are going to have to call the dealer to get the code. Did you search thru the car to look for the radio code?

No where in that pic. Its BEHIND the radio.

Dunbarwally - once you have the serial no. and VIN you can use
https://radio-navicode.acura.com/ to get the radio code.

Hey guys/gals... Dealer wanted $110 to input radio code (error) for my 2003 TL-S after a battery change at home.. I found out that our radios are linked to the on-star system, so you need to get away from a radio signal completely.. I went to a lowest level of IKEA double car parking garage.. or you can do this in underground garage. With no radio signal, I was able to input the 5 digit code.. Saved $110.. Try it.

Took off drivers side armrest molding. Just carfully pull up starting at arm rest and it comes out. Undo four screws holding kick panel. One of the kick panel screws is behind the under steering wheel panel. There are two snap in points on the one under the steering wheel near the kick panel. The other side near door has screw, but that can stay in. Once you pop out the under steering wheel panel on the one side you can get to the last kick panel screw. My antenna plugs right into the back bottom left corner of the radio and I used a needle nose plier to pull out.

Just wanted to say thanks. Used the advice from SERVICEADVISOR and it worked perfect.
I didn't use any pliars and cut up my hands...so I'd recommend using pliars.

I am glad I came across this issue by reading the forums..
I turned the stereo to AM before I disconnected the battery, but still would not take the code. Got the kick panels off and pulled the antenna out. Turned it on, it took the code, put it back together.
Then I decided to become a member of Acurazine!

its worth every penny it cost to join~

This is a great place for real tech help from experienced TL owners, techs, and as you have found - even real acura dealer management helps us out sometimes!
thanks SA~

(crosspost from https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-problems-fixes-117/how-do-i-disconnect-my-antenna-631083/ , as the thread is essentially about the same thing).

Just a quick heads-up (found this thread via Google) - this problem continues unabated, and the solution remains the same:
My 2003 TL-S started rejecting the Radio code in 2009 after a battery change - and the dealership ripped me off to the tune of +$100 to do whatever they had to do to "fix" this. Fast forward to early 2013 : new battery, same thing. Followed the instructions here to take off the kick panel and unplugged the antenna, entered the code, put it all back together, for about a 40-min total, most of which was spent reaching for the most-hidden screw near the steering wheel: pushing down the panel under the steering wheel (only the right side moves) and jamming a small Maglite flashlight into it, and then using a long screw driver forward over the right side gets it. I took some pictures, looking to upload and post them here...

Other option is to find an underground parking garage, and then try the code. I use this option and it works for me. The idea is to isolate the radio from radio signals.

Easy Fix
 

Had this same problem on my 03 TL-S when any work was done. Old owner said to simply put in the code in an underground parking garage when the radio presumably loses signal. It worked for me, best of luck.