Searching for the Serial Number on your TL
To get the correct radio code, you first need the radio serial number.
Depending on your TL, you can see it on the screen or find it on the radio unit itself.
Common abbreviations are S/N, SN, Serial, Serial Num., Serial Number...
These are the easiest ways to find it:
1. Viewing TL's S/N on the Display
Unfortunately, on Acura TL radios the serial number cannot be viewed on the screen.
In that case, you'll need to take out the head unit and check the label on the back of the radio.
2. Locating your Serial Number on the Radio Unit
To find the serial number, you'll need to remove the radio unit from the dashboard.
- Start by turning off the ignition and removing the trim panel.
- Next, unscrew the mounting bolts and slide the radio out to check the sticker on the back of the radio. Be careful not to damage the cables.
- Write down full serial number carefully and come back to our website.
- Know that serial number and part number are not equal. You will find both of them on the sticker, but you only care for the first one.
Example: Acura TL serial number label location
Typical Acura TL Radio Serial Number Formats
Your Acura TL radio serial number may start with:
T0MYDTM9
Acura TL's Most Common Radio Code Triggers
Your radio may lock automatically when it loses power.
These are the most common scenarios that trigger the radio code prompt.
Battery Change Problem
After a battery change, your radio may stop working.
This happens because the radio recognizes a voltage interruption, which triggers the security lock.
Other Situations That Trigger a Radio Code on Acura TL
- Installing a replacement head unit will require the original radio code.
- After an ECU or software reset, the radio may enter security mode.
- A fuse removal can cause the Acura TL radio to request a security code.
- Jump-starting the vehicle can trigger anti-theft mode, requiring the PIN.
Places to Check Before Buying a Radio Code
Before you decide to pay, you should check a few places where the code is often stored.
Some drivers find their Acura TL radio code without needing any tools or paperwork.
Here are the most common things to check first.
Check the Car Itself
- In the owner's manual, often on a code card.
- Inside the center console, sometimes on a small card.
- In the spare wheel area, on a service sticker.
- In your car paperwork from the previous owner.
- On the head unit itself, if it was removed before.
Getting a Acura TL Radio Code from the Dealer
A Acura dealer can usually look up the security code using your TL's vehicle identification number.
In most cases, you need to visit or contact them and prove ownership.
Once verified, they can generate the original anti-theft code for your radio.
Disadvantages:
- You usually need to book an appointment and bring ID.
- Dealers often charge a fee for the lookup service and it can cost more than 100$.
- The process can take hours depending on the model and database.
- Some older Acura TL radios may require manual lookup.
Why Choose Our Acura TL Radio Code Generator Service?
Our Acura TL radio code lookup service retrieves the anti-theft code using the radio serial number.
Compared to dealership VIN lookup, this Acura TL radio code generator is faster, doesn't require vehicle documents, and costs less.
It's an easy way to restore access to your factory radio without leaving your home.
The Dealer's VIN Lookup vs FindRadioCode
- Delivery time: May take days, while FindRadioCode is almost instant 95% of the time.
- Availability: Dealers work Mon - Fri, while our service is 24/7.
- In-person visit: Lookup can require a visit, while FindRadioCode works remotely.
- Pricing: It often costs over $100, while our service starts from 9.99 USD.
- Refund policy: Dealers usually offer limited refunds, while we include a full refund policy.
How to Enter the Radio Code on Acura TL
You need to enter the anti-theft code into the system to unlock your Acura's radio.
When the unit is locked, the screen usually shows a security message.
You should use radio presets, control knob, or touchscreen to enter the numbers, then submit the code to restore radio functionality.
If you make a mistake multiple times, you may cause the TL's head unit to enter lockout mode.
When this happens, the screen can display messages like "CODE ERR", "ERROR", or a blank screen.
To unlock the system, you usually need to leave the radio powered for a waiting period or up to a full hour before trying again.
What is a Radio Code and Why is it Important?
A factory radio code, sometimes also known as an anti-theft code is a unique numeric unlock key that unlocks your factory radio after it has been disabled.
This security code is triggered when the radio is disconnected from power.
This system helps prevent stolen radios from working in other vehicles.
If power is cut, the radio disables itself and asks for the CODE before it can work again.
Once the correct numbers is entered, the stereo is restored to normal operation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acura TL Radio Code
Not all of them require a security code, but many factory radios use it as an security measure.
Newer and older models may not require a code depending on the radio unit.
Free codes are uncommon.
You might already possess the code in the paperwork or from a previous owner, but most require a serial number lookup.
Yes. Each stereo has its own unlock code. A replacement radio will need its original code to work.