How to Reset a Factory Car Stereo

By reading this brief article you can save yourself some time, money and stress when dealing with trouble relating to Mitsubishi factory car stereos.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Telephone
• Owner's manual
• Phone number to local Mitsubishi dealership

Mitubishi Factory Car Stereo Functioing and Troubleshooting

1. If you own a Mitsubishi vehicle many of the factory model car stereos will appear to malfunction, specifically when the battery is disconnected from the engine for any length of time. For example, a mechanic will need to disconnect the battery when replacing the starter, or when battery replacement must be completed. Often, when the battery is reconnected, the car's anti-theft component will kick in thus rendering the car stereo inoperable. You will know that this is the case when the stereo display simply reads "code." When this occurs you must follow a series of steps in order to get your stereo functioning normally. This problem can range from easily manageable to completely absurd. However, by following these steps you will overcome this difficulty.

2. After observing that the stereo display states, "code," consult the vehicle's original paperwork for one or two small cards that appear to be business cards. If you are lucky and are the vehicle's original owner, the four-digit code should be written or printed on this card. If you do see the code, consult the owner's manual on proper procedure on entering the code using the stereo buttons. However, if you are not the original owner or have misplaced the original paperwork, you must take additional measures. Please note, the code is four digits and the anti-theft system allows three attempts at inputing the code before the display reads "lock." If this happens you must leave the key in the ACC or on position for 45 minutes to 1 hour to reset the vehicle's computer. After that period of time you will be allowed three more tries before the stereo "locks" again.

3. If, at this point, you have failed to locate the correct code and find yourself frustrated and feeling hopeless, do not worry! Simply take a Phillips head screwdriver and remove the two screws on either side of the central dashboard consul. The screws are located underneath the consul. Next, remove or loosen the dashboard until you are able to see the exposed metal of the car stereo. Printed on the front of the stereo will be a serial number. Write this number down and call the closest Mitsubishi dealership and ask for the service department. More often than not the mechanic who answers the phone can--after you read the serial number--consult a database and within moments give you the correct code. If you live in a larger city or didn't purchase the vehicle from that particular dealership, the mechanic may ask you to go there and show the car's registration and a photo ID to validate that you are the legitimate owner.

4. After getting the code from the mechanic/dealership, replace the central dashboard consul and enter the four-digit code in order to once more get your stereo operational. Please note, it is very easy to figure out how to input the code using the stereo buttons, but if you require further assistance, the owner's manual describes a step-by-step method for code input.

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on 6/24/2008 I have locked my car radio