2002-2008

Radio code Ford Fiesta Mk5

Bought a used Ford Fiesta, replaced the battery, or briefly disconnected the radio for a repair — and now the display reads "CODE". The Fiesta Mk5 has a simple and well-documented security system. With the right serial number you'll have the code in minutes.

Summary

Brand: Ford
Generation: Fiesta Mk5
Production years: 2002-2008
Standard radio: Ford 4500 RDS E-O-N; Visteon
Radio option 2: Ford 6000 CD RDS E-O-N; Visteon

Which radio is fitted in your Fiesta Mk5?

The Ford Fiesta Mk5 (2002-2008) came with two radio options, both made by Visteon (the OEM supplier for Ford):

Ford 4500 RDS E-O-N — the standard radio

The Ford 4500 RDS is the most common radio in the Fiesta Mk5. How to spot it:

Black front panel with six preset buttons
Small green or orange display
No CD slot (cassette or no changer)
Serial number starts with M (M-code format)

The 4500 RDS has an M-code serial number that you can retrieve via the display — but you'll need to use the right buttons (buttons 2 and 6, not 1 and 6).

Ford 6000 CD RDS E-O-N — the upgrade option

The Ford 6000 CD was offered from around 2004 as an upgrade in the Fiesta Mk5. How to spot it:

Similar black front panel with six preset buttons
CD slot visible on the right-hand side
Large round volume knob on the right
Serial number starts with M (before 2004) or V (2004 and later)

This is the most common Ford radio from that period and has a well-documented procedure.

How do you know which one you have? Check whether there's a CD slot. If yes: 6000 CD. If no: 4500 RDS.

Retrieving the serial number

The serial number is the key to the radio code. On most Fiesta Mk5 radios you can retrieve the serial number without removing the radio.

Ford 6000 CD — V-code (2004 and later)

Switch on the ignition (the radio may be on).

Press and hold button 1 and button 6 together for three seconds.

The display starts a short information cycle.

At the end the serial number appears, starting with V, followed by six digits. For example: V123456.

Write down the full serial number. ### Ford 4500 RDS — M-code (always) and 6000 CD before 2004

Switch on the ignition.

Press and hold button 2 and button 6 together.

The serial number appears on the display, starting with M. For example: M123456.

Write down the full serial number. ### Ford 4000 RDS — label only (rare) The older Ford 4000 RDS (which you'll occasionally find in early Mk5 models) has no on-screen display of the serial number. You'll need to remove the radio and read the label.

Removing the radio from the Fiesta Mk5

Tools: DIN removal keys (also known as PC5-132 or Ford radio removal keys). Four of them. Cost: two to five pounds.

Switch off the ignition.

Check whether there's a plastic trim surround around the radio. If so, remove it first (clip fittings, no tools needed).

Insert all four removal keys into the four holes in the corners of the radio front panel.

Bend the tabs on the keys outwards — away from the radio. You'll feel the internal spring clips release.

Pull the radio forwards gently and evenly.

Disconnect the ISO connector and the aerial cable. ### Serial number on the label The serial number is on a barcode sticker on the side, top or bottom of the radio chassis. It starts with M or V, followed by six digits.

Entering the code

The code entry procedure is identical for the 4500 RDS and the 6000 CD:

Switch on the ignition. The radio shows "CODE" on the display.

Press button 1 repeatedly until the first digit of the code is shown.

Use button 2 for the second digit, button 3 for the third, button 4 for the fourth.

Press and hold button 5 for two to three seconds to confirm.

If the code is correct, the radio switches on straight away. Note: The confirmation button on Ford is button 5, not button 6 as on Renault.

Locked radio

On the Fiesta Mk5, Ford allows ten attempts. After ten incorrect codes the radio shows "LOCKED".

When LOCKED there's no temporary waiting time: the radio stays locked until a Ford dealer or specialist workshop resets it using diagnostic software. This is different from Renault, where you can simply carry on trying after a waiting period.

Avoid guessing if you're not sure of the code. With the serial number you can request the code the proper way.

Lost your code card?

New Ford cars came with a Security Code Card or Anti-Theft Identification Card. Check the following places:

The document wallet in the glovebox
The Audio Guide booklet (a separate small booklet, alongside the handbook)
A sticker on the inside of the glovebox
Under the boot lining in the boot
In the service book near the chassis number entry

Ordering a radio code

Use the M- or V-serial number from your radio for the order.

Order your Ford Fiesta Mk5 radio code via RadioCodeOpvragen.nl →

Other Ford generations

Frequently asked questions

Most Fiesta Mk5 models (2002-2008) have a Ford 4500 RDS as the standard radio, or a Ford 6000 CD as an upgrade option from around 2004. Both are made by Visteon.

The M-code is the older serial format, typical of radios built before 2004. The V-code is the newer format for radios from 2004 onwards. The Ford 4500 RDS always uses M-codes. The 6000 CD uses M-codes before 2004 and V-codes after.

On the 6000 CD (V-code): press and hold buttons 1 and 6 at the same time. The serial number scrolls across the display. On the 4500 RDS (M-code): press and hold buttons 2 and 6. The Ford 4000 RDS (rarer) has no on-screen display — removal is required.

Use buttons 1 to 4 to set each digit. Confirm by pressing and holding button 5. This applies to both the 4500 RDS and the 6000 CD.

After 10 incorrect code attempts the radio shows LOCKED. Contact a Ford dealer or a specialist service. You cannot reset it yourself.

Need a Ford radio code?

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Laatst bijgewerkt: 2026-04-10