Ford 6000CD Radio Code Guide

The Ford 6000CD is arguably the most widely fitted factory stereo in British automotive history — appearing in millions of Fiestas, Focuses, Mondeos, C-Maxes, and Transits across the 2000s. If yours is locked after a battery change, a blown fuse, or a vehicle purchase, this guide will show you exactly how to find the M- or V-serial and get your unlock code without a dealer visit.

What Is the Ford 6000CD and Where Is It Found?

The Ford 6000CD is a single-DIN CD/radio unit manufactured primarily by Visteon (with some units sourced from Sony or Ford directly). It was the standard-fit stereo across Ford's European range from approximately 2005 to 2011, featured in:

Fiesta Mk6 and Mk7 (2002–2012)
Focus Mk2 and Mk2.5 (2004–2011)
Mondeo Mk4 (2007–2014)
C-Max and Grand C-Max
Galaxy, S-Max, and Transit Connect

It is distinguished by the single-line display, five preset buttons, and a central rotary volume knob. If you own any of these models and the display reads LOCKED, this guide applies to you. You can look up your Ford radio code online using your serial number.

Finding the M- or V-Serial Number

The Ford 6000CD uses either an M-code or a V-code as its serial identifier. The letter indicates the generation of the unit and determines the algorithm used to calculate the unlock code. There are three ways to retrieve it:

On-screen display (easiest): With the radio showing LOCKED (or after power-up), press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously for a few seconds. The unit may briefly display its serial. Alternatively, on some 6000CD variants, the serial can be revealed by pressing 2 and 6.
Radio label — removal required: Using Ford radio extraction keys (four blades inserted into the four holes around the unit's face), slide the unit out far enough to read the white serial sticker on its top or side. The code begins with M followed by six digits, or V followed by six digits.
Sticker in the glovebox or handbook: Some Ford owners have the serial recorded on a card in the vehicle's documentation wallet.

Note down the full serial (e.g. M123456 or V456789) and then use it to get your Ford 6000CD code online.

How to Enter the Code on a Ford 6000CD

Switch the ignition to position II (electrics on).
The display shows CODE or LOCKED.
Use preset buttons 1, 2, 3, and 4 to cycle each digit of your four-digit code upwards.
Once all four digits are correct, press preset button 5 or the * (asterisk) button to confirm.
The unit should briefly display the code, then switch to normal radio operation.

Serial Format and Model Reference

Serial Prefix	Unit Generation	Typical Vehicle	OEM Maker	Code Length
M	6000CD (early)	Fiesta Mk6, Focus Mk2	Visteon	4 digits
V	6000CD (later)	Focus Mk2.5, C-Max	Visteon / Ford	4 digits
V / —	6000CD Sony variant	Fiesta Mk7, Mondeo Mk4	Visteon / Sony	4 digits

Understanding LOCKED 10 and LOCKED 13

If your 6000CD displays LOCKED 10 or LOCKED 13, the unit has been permanently locked due to too many incorrect code entries. Unlike the temporary one-hour lockout seen on VW or Renault units, Ford's lockout system is permanent — the unit will not accept further code attempts without a dealer-level diagnostic reset. This is the most important reason to ensure you have the correct code before entering it. If you are already at this stage:

The only recovery path is a Ford dealer using IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System) to reset the unit's attempt counter.
Some independent auto electricians with Ford diagnostic tools can also perform this reset.
The reset requires proof of vehicle ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an M-code and a V-code serial?

The M and V prefixes denote different generations of the Visteon-manufactured 6000CD unit. The letter changes the algorithm used to compute the four-digit unlock code, which is why you must use the exact serial — including the prefix letter — when requesting your code.

My 6000CD shows LOCKED but I haven't touched the battery — why?

A blown fuse in the radio's supply circuit, a brief voltage drop during engine cranking, or a poor battery terminal connection can all cause the unit to lose power and re-enter the locked state. The fix is the same: retrieve your M/V serial and enter the code.

Can I get the Ford 6000CD code from a Ford dealer without the serial?

Ford dealers can look up the code using the vehicle's VIN, but many will still ask for the serial as a cross-reference. The fastest route is to retrieve the M or V serial yourself and request the code online.

Is the 6000CD the same as the 6006 CDC?

No. The 6006 CDC is a CD changer-compatible unit fitted to higher-spec Fords of the same era. It uses the same M/V serial system and the same code entry procedure, but is a physically different unit with six-disc functionality.

Ready to unlock your Ford 6000CD? Get your Ford radio code online now — enter your M or V serial and receive the code within minutes.