2010-2018

Radio code Ford Focus Mk3

When it launched in 2011, the Ford Focus Mk3 had the best driving dynamics in the compact segment and won plenty of awards. Less glamorous: a battery change leaves you with a locked radio, just like every other car. And with the Mk3 it also matters which system is fitted, because SYNC 2 and the 6000 CD are completely different.

Summary

Brand: Ford
Generation: Focus Mk3
Production years: 2010-2018
Standard radio: Ford 6000 CD; Visteon
Radio option 2: Sony DAB; Sony
Radio option 3: SYNC 2 (MyFord Touch); Ford / Microsoft

Which radio is in the Ford Focus Mk3?

The Focus Mk3 (2010–2018) splits clearly into two radio generations, more or less tied to the model year.

Ford 6000 CD — standard in the early Focus Mk3 (2010–around 2014). A single-DIN CD radio with a recognisable front panel featuring four corner holes for removal keys. Requires a code after a power interruption.

Sony DAB — optional upgrade with DAB+ reception. Recognisable by the Sony logo. Uses the same code-entry procedure as the 6000 CD but with a different confirmation button.

SYNC 2 (MyFord Touch) — touchscreen infotainment that became standard in the later Focus Mk3 (2015–2018). A large touchscreen of around 8 inches. Requires no radio code — SYNC 2 authenticates via the vehicle itself and starts up normally after a battery change.

Radio	Model year	Code needed?
-------	----------	-------------
Ford 6000 CD	2010–2014	Yes
Sony DAB	2010–2017	Yes
SYNC 2 (MyFord Touch)	2015–2018	No

Retrieving the V-serial number via the screen

With the Focus Mk3 you don't need to remove the radio to get the serial number:

Ford 6000 CD and Sony DAB:

Turn the ignition on.

Press and hold buttons 1 and 6 together — for three seconds.

The radio cycles through a series of information screens.

At the end the serial number appears: a V followed by six digits (e.g. V123456).

Note down the full V-serial number. Doesn't this work on your car? The serial number can also be read from the sticker on the side of the radio after partial removal.

Finding the radio code via the code card

Ford supplied a Security Code Card with new cars:

In the glovebox — the document wallet or the Audio Guide booklet
Sticker in the boot — sometimes under the floor trim or on the inside of the boot lid
Service booklet — next to the VIN entry

Second-hand Focus Mk3s often no longer have this card with them. The V-serial number is then the way to go.

Removing the radio — Ford 6000 CD and Sony DAB

The 6000 CD and Sony DAB have four round holes in the corners of the front panel. You'll need four DIN removal keys (PC5-132).

Note: Some Focus Mk3 variants have a plastic trim surround around the radio. Remove this first with a plastic pry tool before inserting the removal keys.

Step by step:

Turn the ignition off.

If present, remove the plastic trim surround around the radio.

Insert all four DIN removal keys into the four corner holes.

Bend the ends of the keys outwards — this releases the spring clips inside.

Pull the radio evenly forwards with both hands.

Slide it four to five centimetres out of the dashboard. You don't need to disconnect the cables just to read the serial number.

The serial number is on a sticker on the side or top of the chassis.

Entering the code — Ford 6000 CD

Turn the ignition on. The display shows "CODE".

Press button 1 repeatedly until the first digit appears. Each press increases the number by one.

Set the second, third and fourth digits with buttons 2, 3 and 4.

Check that the code is shown correctly on the display.

Press button 5 to confirm. With a correct code the radio switches straight over to normal mode.

Entering the code — Sony DAB

Identical to the 6000 CD, except for the confirmation button:

Use buttons 1 to 4 for the four digits.

Confirm with the asterisk (*) button — not with button 5. This is a common mistake among owners switching from the 6000 CD to the Sony.

SYNC 2 — no code needed

Does your Focus Mk3 have the large SYNC 2 touchscreen? Then there's nothing to do after a battery change. SYNC 2 stores its settings and authentication in the vehicle, not in the radio.

Check whether you have SYNC 2: the system has a touchscreen of around 8 inches and displays the Ford SYNC logo when starting up.

Preventing and resolving a lockout

The Ford 6000 CD and Sony DAB give you ten attempts for the radio code. After ten incorrect attempts the radio locks with "LOCKED" — permanently, and no longer recoverable on your own.

If the radio locks temporarily (fewer than ten incorrect attempts), wait thirty minutes with the ignition on. After that you can try again.

With LOCKED you'll need a Ford dealer with the correct diagnostic software. There is no self-help option for fully locked Ford radios.

Ordering the radio code

With the V-serial number of your Focus Mk3 radio you can request the official unlock code straight away online.

Order your Ford Focus Mk3 radio code via RadioCodeLookup.com →

Other Ford generations

Frequently asked questions

The early Focus Mk3 (2010-2014) came with the Ford 6000 CD or Sony DAB. Later models (2015-2018) had the SYNC 2 touchscreen (also known as MyFord Touch) as standard. SYNC 2 does not require a radio code — the 6000 CD and Sony DAB do.

Press and hold buttons 1 and 6 together for three seconds. After a moment the radio shows the serial number starting with V on the display. This works for the 6000 CD and Sony DAB. With SYNC 2 you don't need a serial number.

Use buttons 1 to 4 to set each digit of the code. Each press increases the digit by one. Confirm the code with button 5. On the Sony DAB you confirm with the asterisk (*) button.

The 6000 CD has four round holes in the corners. Insert four DIN removal keys (PC5-132) into the holes, bend the ends outwards and pull the radio evenly forwards. Some Mk3 variants have a plastic trim surround that you need to remove first.

No. LOCKED appears after ten incorrect code attempts and permanently blocks the radio. Only a Ford dealer with the correct diagnostic software can unlock the radio. Don't try to guess the code.

Need a Ford radio code?

Safe and fast via RadioCodeLookup.com — all you need is the serial number.

Order radio code

Laatst bijgewerkt: 2026-04-10