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The Radio Code
Guide · 1996–2005

How to find your Ford V Series serial

V series units predate the M series and are common in Escort, early Focus and Transit vehicles. The serial is almost always only on the physical label, so the unit usually has to be slid out.

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What to look forFree guide

Serial digits (without the V)

241096

Example format

Six digits. Type it with or without the leading V — both work.

Everything on this page is free to read. Once you have the serial, you can key the code in yourself using the steps below — or have us calculate it.

Step one

Where to look

In rough order of how little work each option takes on a Ford V unit.

  1. 01

    On the case label

    Look along the top face or the right-hand side of the metal chassis. You want the short line beginning with V followed by six digits — not the 11-character part number.

  2. 02

    Barcode sticker on the fascia surround

    Some Transit vans have a duplicate barcode sticker inside the fascia aperture, so you can read the serial with only the trim ring removed.

Got the serial?

We can turn it into the 4-digit unlock code

Optional — this guide stays free either way. If you would rather not chase the code down yourself, enter the serial and we return the digits straight away.

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Step two

Entering the code

However you got the four digits, this is how they go in.

  1. 1

    Turn the ignition to accessory. The display shows CODE.

  2. 2

    Enter the four digits using preset buttons 1 to 4.

  3. 3

    Hold button 5 until the display confirms.

If the unit locks you out

Wrong entries add a delay that doubles each time. If the display shows WAIT, leave the ignition on and let the timer run down rather than cycling power.

Worth knowing

Tips from the workbench

  • V series units need two DIN removal keys pushed into the small holes either side of the fascia until they click, then pull straight out.

  • Disconnect the battery before removing the unit on vehicles where the aerial amplifier is live.

Got the serial? Get the code.

$9.99 for the 4-digit unlock code · Money-back if a code is wrong

Enter my serial digits (without the v)
How to find your Ford V Series radio serial number — The Radio Code