🚗 Acura TL/TSX/MDX Radio Not Working? Screen Black? It Might Be the Anti-Theft System — Here’s the Fix

Many Acura owners suddenly find that their factory radio or navigation system stops working:

• The screen goes black

• The buttons light up but nothing responds

• The audio, navigation, and A/C display disappear

• After replacing the battery, the unit won’t turn on

• The radio asks for “CODE”

In most cases, your factory head unit is not broken.
It is simply locked by the Acura Anti-Theft System.

This guide explains why it happens and how to fix it in a few minutes.

❗️The Problem: Factory Radio or Navigation Suddenly Stops Working

Typical symptoms:

• Black screen

• “CODE” message on the display

• No response from the radio or navigation system

• Audio and climate display missing

• Happens right after battery replacement or unplugging the radio

If this looks familiar, don’t worry.
Your Acura is asking for its Radio Unlock Code.

❗️Why Does This Happen?

Acura Anti-Theft Protection

Most 2000–2010 Acura models (TL, TSX, MDX, RL) use an anti-theft lock inside the factory head unit.
Whenever the car experiences a power interruption, the system assumes the radio might have been removed or stolen.

It activates when:

🔋 1. The battery is disconnected or replaced

(Definitely the most common reason.)

🛠 2. The radio/navigation unit is unplugged

During repair, upgrade, or electrical work.

⚡ 3. The power supply to the unit becomes unstable

Older cars experience this more often.

Once triggered, the system locks the unit until a 5-digit Radio Code is entered.

✅ The Solution: Unlock the Radio in 3 Simple Steps

Here’s how to restore your Acura TL/TSX/MDX radio to normal.

Step 1: Get the Radio Serial Number

Even when the radio is locked, you can still display the serial number.

👉 Press and hold 1 + 6

👉 While holding them, press the Power (PWR) button

The screen will show:

• Two lines: Uxxxx / Lxxxx
  or

• One 8-digit serial number

Take a clear picture or write it down.

Step 2: Get Your VIN Number (Vehicle Identification Number)

Acura needs the VIN + Serial Number to verify ownership.

You can find your VIN:

• On the dashboard near the windshield (driver side)

• On the door frame

• On your registration or insurance card

Step 3: Request the Radio Unlock Code

You can get the official 5-digit code from:

✔ Your local Acura dealership

Usually free, sometimes $10–20 depending on policy.

✔ Acura’s official online code retrieval system

(Available for many regions; enter VIN + Serial Number.)

✔ Acura customer service / support line

Once you receive your 5-digit Radio Code, enter it directly on the radio keypad.

Your radio, navigation, and screen will instantly return to normal.

💡 Helpful Tips for Acura Owners

📌 1. Save your Radio Code somewhere safe

Put it in your phone, glovebox, or email—it’s needed every time the car loses power.

📌 2. Know your code before unplugging the factory radio

This prevents future lockouts.

📌 3. Consider upgrading to an Android head unit

Many Acura owners eventually switch to modern screens like Roadnavier:

• No more anti-theft lockouts

• Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto

• Faster performance

• High-resolution touch screen

• Keeps factory features

It’s a long-term upgrade that avoids repeated radio code issues.

🧩 Final Summary

If your Acura TL/TSX/MDX radio or navigation suddenly stops working, it’s usually not a hardware failure.
The Anti-Theft system has locked the head unit due to a power interruption.

To unlock it:

1. Press 1 + 6 + Power to get the serial number

2. Find the VIN

3. Request the 5-digit Radio Code from Acura

4. Enter the code — and everything works again

A simple fix that takes only a few minutes.

⭐ Considering a Long-Term Solution?

Many Acura TL owners experience repeated anti-theft lockouts whenever the battery is replaced or the factory unit loses power. If you prefer a modern system that never locks, supports Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, and keeps all factory functions, check out the Roadnavier 12.1” Android upgrade for Acura TL:

👉 Roadnavier 12.1" Android Screen for Acura TL 2004–2008
https://roadnavier.com/products/acura-tl-2004-2008-12-1inch-android-screen-wireless-carplay

This upgrade replaces the aging factory navigation/radio with a fast, high-resolution touch screen while keeping OEM AC controls and vehicle integration.