I've just bought a 2nd hand Magna TJ and unfortunately the previous owners lost the owner's manual (though I do have one coming now from Imlachs in Melbourne).

I disconnected the battery today and when I reconnected it the radio asked for a security code. I got the code from a Mitsubishi dealer but didn't really know how to type it in because I don't have the owner's manual. Now the radio just shows three dashes and won't work. I haven't barfed it beyond repair, have I? I'm hoping that this is a pretty common occurrence and there's a way of getting the security code in properly and restoring the radio to normal service. So can anyone please advise:

1) How do I get a 2nd chance at entering the code?
2) How do you actually enter the 4-digit code properly?

Thanks in advance,
Phill

the four dashes correspond to the station keys marked 1, 2, 3, 4. Push station 1 button until you get the right number, repeat for the others. Once you have the correct numbers in it will work by itself.

This works for a 2004 Lancer, input method for your radio may be the same, but not guaranteed. Experiment if this does not work.

You haven't barfed it, just turn the ignition off and start again. lol

Don't worry, everyone has this problem (and a stupid look on their face) when they first disconnect the battery. You will also need to re-input the station presets, bummer!

Helps to write the code and reset method somewhere - piece of paper in your wallet, perhaps?

the four dashes correspond to the station keys marked 1, 2, 3, 4. Push station 1 button until you get the right number, repeat for the others. Once you have the correct numbers in it will work by itself.


Sorry, I think we may be misunderstanding each other. The radio is no longer prompting me to enter a code. It's just sitting there with 3 dashes (not four) and not allowing me to enter anything whatsoever. That's why I think I may have barfed it. Does anyone know how to stop it sitting there stubbornly with 3 dashes and get it to ask me for the code again?

Simply disconnect your battery again champ. Problem solved.

Yes, its sulking because you couldn't get the codes right. You get three attempts, then it shuts down and locks out any further input. Disconnect the battery for a few minutes and it will forget to sulk (clears its memory), reconnect and try again. Went through the same process when I replaced a 6 year old battery.
Experiment all you like, you won't do it any harm.

Yes, its sulking because you couldn't get the codes right. You get three attempts, then it shuts down and locks out any further input. Disconnect the battery for a few minutes and it will forget to sulk (clears its memory), reconnect and try again. Went through the same process when I replaced a 6 year old battery.
Experiment all you like, you won't do it any harm.

LMAO @ Sulking. Its like when the Minister for War & Finance dont get what she wants, she sulks and refuses to work too.

LMAO @ Sulking. Its like when the Minister for War & Finance dont get what she wants, she sulks and refuses to work too.

Try disconnecting her battery for a few minutes. lol Perhaps no, not such a good idea on second thought. lol

There are potentially a few options in a TJ-era vehicle for which radio head-unit was fitted. The details of how to enter the code can vary a bit, and in one case is so counter-intuitive that I usually stuff it up even when reading the instructions.
As already stated, the codes are input using the radio-station preset buttons.
One "system" uses preset buttons 1 - 4, and pressing button No 1 consecutively ups the number you want to be the first digit of the code (so if code is 3652, you begin by pressing Preset button No 1 for 3 times, then press Preset button No 2 for 6 presses, etc - you usually get to see the number you have reached on the display in the LCD of head-unit, so its fairly straightforward. In this "system" the codes can consist of any number - 0 thru 9.
Another "system" I have come across is what I find confusing... it uses the 6 Radio Preset buttons to enter the code numbers, but the display does not show what you have already keyed-in. The 6 Preset buttons just stand for the numerals 1 thru 6, so these codes consist only of 1,2,3,4,5,6 - no zeros, none of 7, 8, 9 in these codes. You just have to carefully press the buttons in the correct order and hope that each press registers (so if code is 3652, you press Preset No 3, then press Preset No 6, then 5 and then 2). I always seems to stuff this up, as the display doesn't indicate what number you have entered, nor which digit of the code you are up to.
Generally you get 3 attempts at the code entry, and if you duff them all you need to wait a hour WITH the ignition on, before you try again.

Generally you get 3 attempts at the code entry, and if you duff them all you need to wait a hour WITH the ignition on, before you try again.

Aaah - I've been patiently waiting for hours with the battery disconnected and then reconnected for it to let me have another crack at the code. Sounds like the trick is to have the ignition on while waiting - thanks very much as I would never have worked that one out!

This is turning into a major saga! Aftermarket MP3 playing head units don't have this problem. (hint, hint)

And are very easy to fit at home (further hinting)