Jan 27, 2008

How to reset the security code on a Kenwood stereo


Kenwood KDC-X859
Originally uploaded by buckyreed
You will need a Kenwood RC-410 remote control. This remote works on KDC-519, KDC-X859, KDC-319, KDC-4019, KDC-MP919, KDC-X759, KDC-419, KDC-X459, KDC-MPV619, KDC-MPV7019, KDC-2022, KDC-2022V, KRC-435, KRC-535 and KDC-X959. It is available from Kenwood for $12.50 at:

http://store.kenwoodusa.com/product.asp?sku=2367089

The Instruction Manual on Kenwood's website is basically useless if you are trying to unlock the security code on your Kenwood deck!
The B51-7901-00 (K) 3169 Service Manual is where I found the details necessary to reset the security code!

I downloaded it here:

http://www.eserviceinfo.com/downloadsm/29917/Kenwood_KDC-8021,%20KDC-M9021,%20KDC-X859.html

To reset the code do the following:

1) Turn on the car.
2) The faceplate rotates out and the CODE - - - - prompt appears.
3) Press >>| and Auto keys simultaneously on the faceplate and hold for 4 seconds. (If the faceplate rotates back into the console push on the upper left top edge of the faceplate and it will flip back around. Press the Eject button and then try it again.)
4) The screen will still say CODE, but the - - - - will disappear! When this happens press the 5 key on the remote twice and it enters a K on the display on the faceplate. Hit the >>| key on the faceplate.
5) Press the 2 key on the remote three times and it enters a C on the display on the faceplate. Hit the >>| key on the faceplate.
6) Press the 2 key on the remote once and it enters an A on the display on the faceplate. Hit the >>| key on the faceplate.
7) Press the 7 key on the remote twice and it enters an R on the display on the faceplate. Hit the >>| key on the faceplate.
8) The radio goes into All Off mode and you are set! Hit the SRC button on the faceplate to select CD, Radio, etc.

64 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow Bucky, you have saved me from the wrath of my wife as we prepare for a long trip.

I had just got back from CarToys (local stereo installer) and had no luck. The tech at CarToys was extremely helpful, unlike their reputation. He even stayed 10minutes past closing time to try and get this resolved. After no luck, I came home for some investigation - stumbled upon your very helpful blog post and eventually unlocked my stereo.

I can confirm that this works on a KDC - x789 - pressing >>| and Auto at the same time for 3 seconds.

Thanks for doing such a good write up :)

Anonymous said...

thanks a million man kcar worked awesome

Anonymous said...

Thank you! My battery went dead, and my face plate started asking for a code. So glad this workaround is available, since I dont remember ever assigning a code.

Anonymous said...

Hello.

I have a Kenwood KDC-X789. The "Auto" button is on faceplate or in the remote control?

I hadn't lucky with this techniques.

Unknown said...

Thanks. This worked for My PDC-MP825.

I couldn't follow the other write-ups on the net, but yours was clear. Thanks for the extra attention to specifying keys on the remote vs the faceplate.

Anonymous said...

Thanks a million man! I made some random code that I forgot about and was stuck today on a 2 hour drive to Mac World with no radio. Found this blog while at the conference and worked like a champ

Model KDC-x689

Note: Press Auto on the headunit first then the right cursor on the faceplace and ---- will disappear.

Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Hey Bucky
Can you help me on a KDC-515S

Anonymous said...

Also works on Kenwood MPV5025

Anonymous said...

doesn't work on my KDC-MPV619. Any tips?

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

HI Bucky i have KDC-4019 I TRY TO DO THE STEPS BUT THE STEREO HAS TURNEN OFF BY PRESIN THE KEYS >>] & AUTO can anybody help mee thanks

Anonymous said...

Thanks alot! This process really helped me! It worked great on my KDC-MP528.

Unknown said...

Anybody Have the service manual of the KDC-4019, please my email, is airemx@gmail.com
Lot of thanks

Anonymous said...

It worked on a KDC MP4032. You da man, Bucky!!!

Anonymous said...

is there any method for a kdc-x592? please help!

Anonymous said...

So this remote won't work on the KDC-MP4032 model??

Anonymous said...

Bucky
This looks like the way to do the job. The problem I have is that my KRC-435 has no "Auto" key. Any suggestions?

DoctaJay said...

I have the MPV5025 and whenever I press the >> and the auto key the screen turns off. Can someone please help me out!?

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much! This worked on my KDC-X789 but I had to use the remote to forward to the next letter of KCAR each time. There was no indication/prompt on the display that I was at the next letter until I tried to enter the character. Unit replied Approved after the final >>. Bad part is that I am at factory default settings and have to go thru the manual again. What a damn headache for a changing a car battery. Thank you again!

Steve / Lahaina, Maui

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for these instructions! Worked for me on a KDC-MP238.

Unknown said...

hi can any one help me how to reset the code for kenwood kdc-z828

Anonymous said...

I will be grateful if you could help me reset security code for KDC-X879.

Anonymous said...

How do I reset the security code on my KDC-322 if I do not have the remote for it any longer?
Please help me, it sucks not having a radio to listen to.

Unknown said...

Thanks, I bought a used KDC-MP528 and this writeup worked perfectly. I had to make sure to press the auto button a split second before holding the fast forward button on the joystick. Thanks a ton!

Unknown said...

Works on MP5028. The only difference is I had to use the >>| on the remote instead of the faceplay when entering the code.

Anonymous said...

worked on my KDC-MP638U!!!! YAY!!!!
I bought a van with a dead electrical system that had this cd player in it and was afraid I'd never get to use it, now I can, Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I have a KDC-MP242 and it has no auto button? I bought the remote but can't get past the first step.

Anonymous said...

IT WORKED ON MY KENWOOD KDC-MPV5025...THANK YOU.

Anonymous said...

thanks,thanks,thanks working on a mpv5025 just press auto first then >>| hold it same time for 4 secs,put "kcar" use u remote then hold >>| on face plate till shut off,turn on and u will have new stereo 2 use :),thanks was on hold for about 5 years was my dad he forgot code #s thank you,thank you.

Unknown said...

Gayan..
i have kenwood DPX-8000MJ without remote. pls.. help me to unlock it. No "auto" button on the faceplate.
Plss... Pls... HELP me.

Anonymous said...

Can you help me with my KDC-MP3035, got a new car battery and now I need the code. Havnt listend to my car in months !

Unknown said...

Bucky
Please help if you can with KDC-515S code. we bought this vehicle w/ the model radio installed and no code to unlock no remote and no patience after 4 weeks .... bbneice@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

You mention alot of models but mine wasn't listed (kenwood kdc-mp922)What is your advice for this particular model due Brain Surgery, I suffer from short and long term memory loss and don't remember the code!

Anonymous said...

will this work on the KDC-MP4032?

Unknown said...

Can any one help me unlock my ddxd512.I have no remote kids lost it an had to change batt in car can't get past second and I have no idea what I put 2 years ago please help if u can!! Shoot me an email if ya have a thought to bgk21575@gmail.com thanks

Anonymous said...

worked for me with model Model KDC-x689 although on mine I had to move to the next letter with the remote button. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Awesome write up bucky...worked perfect for my 689... Had to hit auto button on faceplate first, then hit >> button on faceplate to bring CODE command up. . .then input letters with remote control and BAM! Pretty much just like that lol...thanks again!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Bucky it worked just as you explained.

Arindam Ray said...

It worked for me having KDC-MP-228. Hats off man. You are real champ.

Dagatekeeper said...

Does anyone have any information for the security code reset for a KDC-MP528? I bought it from an individual about a year ago and it's worked just fine. Blew a fuse (myself) and now I cannot operate it, just says "ENTER CODE".

Anonymous said...

Thanks, thanks, thanks!! My KDC 3028 froze on 'enter code ----" after I had the battery changed and even after I tracked down a new RC-517 remote control, I couldn't enter the KCAR code.... thought my new remote was bad...until I found your site and tried the '>> and auto for 4 sec' move. It worked! I had to use the remote >> instead of the faceplate to advance the position, but it worked and I have my music back. You rock!

Kurt said...

Hello,tought i might post my request here after searching for months.I have a KDC-W8531 wich has no auto button.any idea on this type?This is the radio.
http://www.niceiceinstallations.co.uk/images/kdc-w8531-a.jpg
I do have the original remote,and tried every single unlock(3 different) write- up i found but no result.Thanks.

Campbc20 said...

What do I do for reseting the code on a kdc322 without a remote?

Anonymous said...

By first doing the auto and the right cursor together for 4 seconds and then using the remote to spell out the KCAR and by using the right cursor on the remote after each letter worked great!! Thanks for the advice!

Anonymous said...

Cant figure out what im doing wrong . Held the bittons for over 4 sec n nothing happens . I have a kdc-mp919 & the remote . What do i do ?

Anonymous said...

hi i Have Kenwood KDC-W413U how i could unlock it

Anonymous said...

IV got a Mazda 323 1.5 m5 with a factory head unit ( alpine ) that has shut down b4 I got it , need a master code or an over ride code as its security coded, can any 1 help? driveing without music sux ,

Anonymous said...

Anyone know how to reset the security code for a Kenwood DNX9140. I have the remote but can't get past the security screen

Unknown said...

Anyone got one for DDX4038BT.
Bought the car 2 years ago. No code, no remote. Now, after a battery change I'm locked out!!!! Help!

Unknown said...

Start by gettin online n gettin a replacement or universal remote..apparently unless u stumble accross it by accident number punchin u have to have the remote

Anonymous said...

How do I get code off on the kdc-x791 without the remote control as I lost it lol

Unknown said...

Your blog is really attention-grabbing for me; I will definitely bookmark your website. Thanks Inovah.net

Unknown said...

Hi. Please help me with kenwood ddx 4015 dab. I change my car battery since then

Unknown said...

Hi. Please help me with kenwood ddx 4015 dab. I change my car battery since then is asking for code. I will be happy if someone can help me.

Anonymous said...

Did you get help for this as I too am looking for a code for the same stereo.

Unknown said...

Hi I've got a DNX5310BT Kenwood Double Din and have not got my manual any long . The problem I have is that I can not Remember my pin code and have had to change my car battery hence locking myself out of my head unit.
I live in SA and have not much Joy with Kenwood themselves. Does anyone know how to bypass this security code. I've tried to rest aswell as hard rest but the security code still remains. Any ideas?

Unknown said...

Hi I've got a DNX5310BT Kenwood Double Din and have not got my manual any long . The problem I have is that I can not Remember my pin code and have had to change my car battery hence locking myself out of my head unit.
I live in SA and have not much Joy with Kenwood themselves. Does anyone know how to bypass this security code. I've tried to rest aswell as hard rest but the security code still remains. Any ideas?

Unknown said...

I finally got my DDX-4015DAB BACK.
I HAVE TO PAY 40 POUNDS BUT WITHOUT STRESS.
Fillers 01728746743 I call this people and they explained what to do next and all done in less than 72hours.
I hope I help u out.

Unknown said...

I need security code for Kenwood ddx714

Anonymous said...

i have dnx-9140 ho to remove the code plese help me

Unknown said...

I need security code for Kenwood st
dnx5120

Anonymous said...

What I'd you have no remote????

Anonymous said...

Need security code for kdc 3028 kenwood??? And we also have lost the remote?? Any help would be greatly appreciated ty

btterfly79 said...

Hi I've got a DNX5310BT Kenwood Double Din and have not got my manual any long . The problem I have is that I can not Remember my pin code and have had to change my car battery hence locking myself out of my head unit.
I live in SA and have not much Joy with Kenwood themselves. Does anyone know how to bypass this security code. I've tried to rest aswell as hard rest but the security code still remains. Any ideas?