How to Reset a Kenwood Security Code

Four digit security codes protect Kenwood car stereos from theft. If a thief steals a Kenwood car stereo, he/she will not be able to use the stereo until the secret four digit security code is entered.

Unfortunately, many legitimate owners are also locked out of their Kenwood car stereos due to these security codes. This typically happens to people who buy used cars from people who forget to share the security code. However, it also happens to people who simply forget their security codes after several years.

Common Kenwood Security Codes

Many Kenwood radios are configured with the same security codes:

• KCAR – This seems to be a “backdoor” to some Kenwood models.
• 3051 – This is the security code that is printed in many Kenwood model manuals.
• 1234 – This is a security code that Kenwood owners commonly choose.

Entering the Kenwood Security Code

If the car battery fails or is disconnected, the Kenwood will ask for the security code.

The procedure for entering the security code differs on various models of Kenwood car stereos. Here are three of the more common procedures:

Type 1

• During the code request mode, while pressing the DISP key, press and hold the Volume UP or DOWN key for 3 seconds until the “…” display disappears.
• Enter the security code with the Kenwood remote.

Type 2

• Press the “Auto” button and “Track up” on the face of radio at the same time until the four dash lines disappear.
• Enter the security code with the Kenwood remote.

Type 3: Model# DPX-4020 and DPX-4030

• Press and hold the 1 then the 6 preset keys until the display shows the letter C.
• Enter the security code with the Kenwood remote.

Entering Letters with a Kenwood Remote

To enter a letter with a Kenwood remote, press a button once for the first letter, twice for the second letter, and three times for the third letter. Press the Track Up or Next Track key to send the letter.

To send the letter A, press the 2 key once then press the Track Up key. To send the letter B, press the 2 key twice then press the Track up key.

Finally, when all of the letters are entered, press and hold the Track Up button for 3 seconds.

The key sequence to enter the security code KCAR is:

• 5
• 5
• Track Up
• 2
• 2
• 2
• Track Up
• 2
• Track Up
• 7
• 7
• Track Up

The Kenwood should then enter tuner mode.

A Security Code Bug in Some Kenwoods

There is a reported bug in the security code handling of some Kenwood stereos. In models with the bug, the security code is stored incorrectly. The workaround is to enter the wrong security code.

In models with this bug, decrement the third character of the security code by one. For example, if the security code is 1111, enter it as 1101. If the security code is 9999, enter 9989.

Finding the Kenwood Security Code

There are backdoor codes for each Kenwood car stereo, based on the model and serial numbers.

Find out how to reset the code or what the common backdoor codes are here (among solutions).

Sending the RadioBack to Kenwood

If all else fails, send the stereo back to Kenwood to have the security code reset.