Radio Code Ford Ka (1996-2008)

Compact and quirky — that's how Ka drivers like to describe their car. The radio fits that picture: a Ford 4500 RDS without a CD player, with a built-in trick to show the serial number directly on the display. Unlike the newer Focus or Fiesta, the Ka reveals its M-code using button 2+6, not button 1+6. That small difference regularly causes confusion.

The Ka ran from 1996 to 2008 and had two possible original radios:

Ford 4500 RDS E-O-N — The standard radio in almost all Kas. Made by Visteon on behalf of Ford. Recognisable by the oval Ford logo, the compact size and the absence of a CD slot. Available with or without a cassette deck, depending on the specific variant. Uses the M-code as its serial number.

Ford 4000 RDS — The absolute base model in the earliest Kas (before around 2000). Also made by Visteon, but without the EON function (Radio Data System enhanced). The serial number is only on the physical label — the display doesn't show it.

If you have a Ka built after 1998 and the radio has normal buttons, you most likely have the 4500 RDS.

Ford used two serial number systems over the years:

• M-code — Older radios, built before 2004. Format: letter M followed by six digits. Example: M183942. Read using button 2+6.
• V-code — Newer radios, built from 2004 onwards. Format: letter V followed by six digits. Read using button 1+6.

The Ka Mk1 (1996–2008) always has an M-code. Accidentally using button 1+6 instead of 2+6? Then the radio won't respond or won't show anything useful. The button combination 2+6 is specific to older Ford models with an M-code.

This is exactly the opposite of the Focus Mk2 and Fiesta Mk6, which both have a V-code accessed with button 1+6.

The Ford 4500 RDS has a built-in function to show the serial number on the display. You don't need to remove the radio to do this.

Ford supplied a keycode card with new Kas. This card could be in any of the following places:

• In the glovebox — On a sticker on the inside of the flap, or as a loose card with the other documents.
• In the Audio Guide booklet — The thin booklet about the radio that came with the owner's manual.
• With the keys — Sometimes in the same set as the spare key.
• In the boot — Under the floor lining or on a sticker in the luggage area.

Bought a second-hand Ka? This card is rarely still present. The M-code via the display is then the quickest route.

Sometimes it's necessary to physically remove the radio — if the display doesn't work, if the radio is already locked and shows nothing, or if you want to check the label.

What you need

The Ka uses semi-circular DIN removal pins, product code PC5-132 (Autoleads) or similar. These are four narrow metal pins with a curved end. Cost: £4 to £8 from car audio shops, online retailers or Halfords. VW pins are round and won't fit.

Step by step

The Ka uses the same entry procedure as other Ford models with the 4500 RDS.

The Ford Ka radio gives you ten attempts — considerably more than the two at Volkswagen. After ten incorrect codes the display shows "LOCKED".

Here's how to reset it:

• Button 1+6 instead of 2+6 — The Ka has an M-code. Button 1+6 is for V-code radios (newer than 2004). On the Ka you always use 2+6.
• Confusing the M-code with the code itself — The M-code is the serial number of the radio, not the code you enter. You use the M-code to calculate the four-digit code you type in.
• Trying the display method on a Ford 4000 RDS — The 4000 RDS doesn't show the serial number on the display. Always remove that radio physically for the label.
• Using VW removal pins — Round VW pins won't fit the semi-circular Ford holes. Use PC5-132.
• Forgetting button 5 — The confirmation is button 5, not the seek button (as with VW). On the Ford 4500 RDS you always confirm with button 5.

With the M-code you can order the official Ford unlock code online straight away. You'll receive the code by email — including step-by-step instructions specific to the Ford 4500 RDS in the Ka.

Order your Ford Ka radio code via RadioCodeOpvragen.nl →