Removing radio in 2001 Accord

I have a 2001 Accord VP so it has the sound system upgrade. Fuse pulling
and battery disconnecting to check for any electrical problem has caused the
radio anti-theft device to reset so now I have to enter the 5 digit code to
get it working again.

Alas, I bought the car used and the previous owners did not include the card
that has this code plus the serial number and I had no idea of any codes to
begin with. I called the dealer and they said they don't keep the codes on
file (I thought that was a load of crap but who knows) but they offered to
take the radio out and I presume to check the serial number to get the code
all for $45. Or I could remove the radio myself and take my proof of
ownership down there to get the code.

My question is is how difficult is it to remove the radio for this car? I
am a complete newbie in this regard. Is there any place I can get step by
step directions?

Also, do you buy the fact that the dealer doesn't keep the codes on file.
Considering how careless many people are I would think dealers would get
many many calls about this matter. Of course, the cynic/realist would say
they do it on purpose so they can milk you for $45.

Thanks.
Drew

 

Second question first: the dealer doesn't need to keep the serial
number on file. The radios can move from car to car, so it would be
fruitless. That being said, my salesman keeps all my radio codes on
file as a favor to me (and all his other customers). We all know that
if we're out on vacation and need the radio code, we can call him.

But, I followed Honda's advice and put the radio serial number sticker
in the glove box for easy reference. Maybe your previous owner did, to.
This means you wouldn't have to remove the radio.

But if you do have to remove the radio, it's a 2 minute process. At the
bottom of the trim piece surrounding the radio, going upwards, are two
screws. Remove them. Now, with a small flat screwdriver and some care,
put the small screwdriver underneath the bottom of your clock and pry
gently. The clock will pop right out. Pull it all the way out and
unplug the connectors. Behind the clock is a screw; pull it out. (I
*always* do things like this with a magnetic screwdriver.)

Now all the screws are out. Get a rag and put it into the clock hole.
Get your fingers in there and YANK. The trim piece will POP! out.
Remove the trim piece.

Now you can see the radio bracket and the 4 screws holding it in.
Remove those screws, and the radio slides right out.

 

Thanks. Luckily it didn't need to come to that. The service person at
another dealer was much more helpful than the ones at the place where the
car was purchased. I knew about possible sticker placement in the glove box
but didn't know there were other places where the code and serial # could be
placed. Another place to try is the fusebox(es). I found my code under the
lid of the fusebox under the hood. Another place to check is the underside
of the change holder.

 

====================

I write the code inside the fuse box cover, and inside the owner's
manual. It's five digits long. It may be on a sticker in the glove box
or even under the hood.

'Curly'

======================

 

yep, I found the sticker inside the fusebox cover. I wonder why they put
it commonly in the glovebox. I know thieves try to work as quickly as
possible just to get the radio but they could just take a quick look in
there.