Ford Ka Radio Code — Unlock It Online

The Ford Ka radio is locked and the display is showing a code prompt — this is the anti-theft system doing exactly what it was designed to do after a battery change or power interruption. Every Ka from the original Mk1 (1996–2008) through to the Mk2 (2008–2016) uses a serial-based code system, and retrieving your unlock code online is quick once you have the serial number from the head unit. This guide covers both generations in full.

Why the Ford Ka Radio Locks

Ford OEM radios in the Ka use a power-loss anti-theft lock. The moment the radio's 12V supply is interrupted — through battery removal, a flat battery requiring a jump, or even a fuse failure — the unit enters a locked state and demands the code on next power-up. Ford Ka radios are notable for using a permanent lockout system: unlike many European rivals, there is no time-based reset after too many wrong attempts. The unit locks permanently and requires dealer intervention.

Ka head units were manufactured by Visteon (the Ford-spun-off electronics supplier) and carry the familiar 4500 RDS, 6000 CD, and (on the Mk2) Sony or Sony DAB names. Serial numbers use Ford's distinctive M- or V-code format.

Finding Your Ford Ka Radio Serial Number

There are two reliable methods for Ford Ka models:

Display scroll method: With the ignition on and the radio showing the code prompt, press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously. The serial number scrolls across the display. On some Mk1 Ka variants, try 2 and 6 if 1 and 6 does not work.
Physical label: Remove the head unit from the dashboard using a set of DIN extraction keys (four keys, inserted into the four removal holes on the unit's face). The M- or V-serial is on a label on the top or side of the unit casing.

Note the full serial number including the M or V prefix, then visit our Ford radio code lookup page to retrieve your code.

Getting Your Unlock Code

Submit your M- or V-serial at radiocodelookup.com. Our database covers the full Ka range — Mk1 4500 RDS, Mk1 6000 CD, and Mk2 Sony/Sony DAB units. Your unique 4-digit code is emailed to you within minutes. This code is permanently tied to the serial number of your specific unit, so keep it somewhere safe for any future battery work.

Entering the Code on a Ford Ka

Turn the ignition to position II (radio on, engine off).
The radio display shows a code prompt or dashes — do not press any preset buttons yet.
Use preset buttons 1, 2, 3 and 4 to cycle each digit to the correct number. Each press of a button increments its digit by one.
When all four digits are correct, press and hold preset button 5 to confirm (on some units this is the asterisk or seek button).
The radio unlocks immediately and returns to normal function.

Remember: Ford Ka radios have a permanent lockout — do not guess. Enter only the confirmed correct code.

Ka Generations and Radio Systems

Generation	Years	Typical Radio	Serial Format	Lockout Type
Ka Mk1	1996–2008	4000 RDS / 4500 RDS / 6000 CD	M / V prefix	Permanent (dealer)
Ka Mk2	2008–2016	6000 CD / Sony / Sony DAB	M / V prefix	Permanent (dealer)

Troubleshooting Ford Ka Radio Error States

Code prompt / dashes — Normal locked state. Enter your 4-digit code as described above.
LOCKED 10 — 10 incorrect code attempts. The unit is permanently locked. A Ford dealer with IDS or FDRS software must reset it. Do not attempt further entry.
LOCKED 13 — Similar permanent lockout state on some 6000 CD and Sony units. Same resolution as LOCKED 10.
ERR — Wrong code entered on some unit types. Check your remaining attempts if displayed before trying again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the M or V stand for in a Ford Ka radio serial number?

The letters M and V in Ford's radio serial number format refer to the manufacturing batch code used by Visteon, Ford's former electronics division. M-code serials (e.g. M123456) and V-code serials (e.g. V123456) are both valid Ford formats and use the same algorithm for code calculation. When submitting for a code at radiocodelookup.com, enter the full serial including the letter prefix.

My Ford Ka Mk2 shows LOCKED 10 — what now?

Unfortunately, LOCKED 10 on a Ford Ka Mk2 radio means the unit has permanently locked after 10 wrong code attempts. There is no way to reset this yourself — you need a Ford main dealer with the appropriate diagnostic software. Take the vehicle's V5C (logbook), proof of purchase, and any service history to your nearest Ford dealer. They can reset the lockout via IDS or FDRS software.

Is the Ford Ka Mk2 radio the same as the Fiesta radio?

The Mk2 Ka (2008–2016) shared its platform with the Fiat 500 and was designed in partnership with Fiat. Its head unit is however sourced from Visteon/Ford and uses the same M/V serial format as other Ford models. The code retrieval process is identical to any other Ford model from the same era — including the Fiesta Mk7 and Focus Mk2.

Can I find the Ford Ka serial number without buying extraction tools?

In most cases, yes. Pressing and holding presets 1 and 6 on a Ka with the ignition on and code prompt displayed will scroll the serial across the radio screen. This works on the majority of 4500 RDS, 6000 CD, and Sony units. If the display method does not work on your specific variant, inexpensive Ford DIN extraction key sets are widely available.

Don't risk permanently locking your Ford Ka. Look up your Ford radio code now — enter your M or V serial and receive the correct 4-digit unlock code by email straight away.