# Free my radio : Most common three digit password ? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 25, 2003, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386 "2003-02-25T13:42:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/21 "2003-02-25T15:21:30Z")
“USA” (872) also comes to mind, as does “911”, for 9/11. ---
**Author:** ![eunoia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eunoia/32/97_2.png) [@eunoia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eunoia)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/22 "2003-02-25T15:22:28Z")
007 ---
**Author:** ![Nametag](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nametag/32/406_2.png) [@Nametag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nametag)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/23 "2003-02-25T15:31:32Z")
Dude, **what kind of radio is it?** The reset procedure depends on the radio manufacturer, not the car manufacturer. And there’s no such thing as a Toyota radio - the manufacturer should be on the radio, in the manual, or just tell us the model, year, and trim of the car and maybe we can find it. Here’s a site that might help; it’s in German, but if you know who made the radio, it might be possible to translate the relevant portion. ---
**Author:** ![Nametag](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nametag/32/406_2.png) [@Nametag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nametag)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/24 "2003-02-25T15:32:59Z")
Dammit! That should have been [http://www.vastec.be/nederlands/decodering.htm](http://www.vastec.be/nederlands/decodering.htm) and I take it back; I guess it’s in Dutch, not German. ---
**Author:** ![ChuckForbin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecb155/32.png) [@ChuckForbin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChuckForbin)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/25 "2003-02-25T15:46:18Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Nametag \* > \*\*Dude, **what kind of radio is it?** The reset procedure depends on the radio manufacturer, not the car manufacturer. And there’s no such thing as a Toyota radio - the manufacturer should be on the radio, in the manual, or just tell us the model, year, and trim of the car and maybe we can find it. \*\* It just says “Toyota” on the radio. I didn’t see a manufacturer. I’ll check it again on my lunch hour, and maybe try some of the codes on my current list. It’s a 1996 Totota 4Runner. (oops - an SUV). Thanks for the link, my Dutch is rusty, but I think they want some gelders for the info. As for the numeric keypad/telephone keypad hints - I wonder if those wouldn’t apply as the numbers are entered on the radio station keys - six buttons on a horizontal. I like 007, though. I’ll be back after lunch (EST) with news on my first attempts. ---
**Author:** ![5-HT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/f19dbf/32.png) [@5-HT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5-HT)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/26 "2003-02-25T15:49:59Z")
I did some checking on toyota BBS’s around the web and it read two accounts of people taking their cars in to have this exact service performed. In both cases the radio in question was made by panasonic and the mechanic at the dealership had to call the manufacturer and get 2 three digit codes. He then had to enter incorrect codes until it errored out and displayed HLP on the readout. he then entered the two master codes, though he did so in a different way then you would normally enter the codes(whatever that means). Both the accounts related that the codes were model(of the radio, not of the car) specific, and neither had exact details of the procedure used to enter the master codes. that’s the bad news. the good news is that in both cases the mechanic did it for free. So I’d say drive around to different Toyota dealerships and maybe you’ll luck out and find a friendly mechanic like that. ---
**Author:** ![5-HT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/f19dbf/32.png) [@5-HT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5-HT)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/27 "2003-02-25T15:53:06Z")
oh, and if you’re feeling lucky, one of the accounts said that the codes the mechanic used were 878 and 610. but like I said, the codes are model specific, so they may not work even if you do figure out the correct way to enter them. ---
**Author:** ![SmackFu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/53a042/32.png) [@SmackFu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmackFu)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/28 "2003-02-25T16:40:07Z")
Are the numbers on the pad all in a row? Or are they in some kind of grid? ---
**Author:** ![Janie\_Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/13edae/32.png) [@Janie\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Janie_Jones)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/29 "2003-02-25T18:39:54Z")
This may seem too simple, but have you checked your owners’ manual? There’s a space in the front or back page for an owner to write down the pass code. If you’re lucky, the previous owner did this. ---
**Author:** ![saintnobody](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@saintnobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saintnobody)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/30 "2003-02-25T18:59:11Z")
How about the month and year of manufacture ---
**Author:** ![NYR407](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/bbe5ce/32.png) [@NYR407](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NYR407)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/31 "2003-02-25T19:00:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Janie Jones \* > \*\*This may seem too simple, but have you checked your owners’ manual? There’s a space in the front or back page for an owner to write down the pass code. > > If you’re lucky, the previous owner did this. \*\* Isn’t that like putting your PIN to your ATM card in your wallet? I know car/radio thievs might not take the time to check but if they did why give them the satisfaction? No knock at you JJ. It just doesn’t seem like a smart idea by Toyota to tell you to keep it there. Don’t most people keep the owners manual in their cars? ---
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/32 "2003-02-25T21:05:02Z")
**NYR** , never underestimate the stupidity of the average person. Check the manual, **Chuck**. If you didn’t have that 9-try limit, I’d brute-force all thousand possible passkeys. Might take a couple few hours, but it’s guaranteed to work. With that 9-try limit, I agree with what’s been said above: Do eight tries based on what you’d think would be reasonable (666 is good, so is 123, but 923 might not be the best (unless the guy who sold it to you was a September baby :))) and then try to find a good dealership. Mainly, remember what crackers have known all along: People usually _don’t care_ about security. Use that to your advantage. ---
**Author:** ![X\_Slayer\_ALE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/bbe5ce/32.png) [@X\_Slayer\_ALE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X_Slayer_ALE)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/33 "2003-02-25T21:17:43Z")
I dont see what all the fuss is about. Try Brute force. If its a 3 digit password, that means theres only 1000 possible codes (000 thru 999) try them all. You might get lucky and get the code within 500 tries. ---
**Author:** ![X\_Slayer\_ALE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/bbe5ce/32.png) [@X\_Slayer\_ALE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X_Slayer_ALE)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/34 "2003-02-25T21:19:55Z")
Oh if there is a limit. Disconnect the battery and try another set of times. For convenience disconnect the radio rather than the car battery. ---
**Author:** ![NurseCarmen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5daacb/32.png) [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/35 "2003-02-25T21:39:51Z")
I was thinking along those same lines. Just because your battery died, doesn’t mean that there wasn’t enough charge to the radio. Have you tried pulling the radio fuse, or disconnect the battery? ---
**Author:** ![Running\_with\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/36 "2003-02-25T21:53:22Z")
It’s a good bet that the number of tries is stored in some non-volatile way. The radio manufacturers aren’t stupid. However, if it was me, I’d just replace the stereo rather than pay the repair price. You’ll probably end up with a better system anyway. FWIW, my 1993 Volvo’s radio (OEMed by Alpine) code was preset at the factory. I’m assuming each radio is different (as different as four-digit numbers using only the numerals 1-6 can be), and no provision is given to change the code, at least, none in the manual. When we bought the car (new) we were provided with a couple of wallet cards with the codes handwritten on them. ---
**Author:** ![Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troy_mcclure_sf/32/4150_2.png) [@Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troy_McClure_SF)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/37 "2003-02-25T22:03:57Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by SmackFu \* > \*\*Are the numbers on the pad all in a row? Or are they in some kind of grid? \*\* Read three posts up: > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ChuckForbin \* > **As for the numeric keypad/telephone keypad hints - I wonder if those wouldn’t apply as the numbers are entered on the radio station keys - six buttons on a horizontal.** > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by X~Slayer(ALE) \* > **I dont see what all the fuss is about. …theres only 1000 possible codes (000 thru 999) try them all. You might get lucky and get the code within 500 tries.** Read the OP: > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ChuckForbin \* > **I get NINE tries, then it locks up forever.** Grr. ---
**Author:** ![Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troy_mcclure_sf/32/4150_2.png) [@Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troy_McClure_SF)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/38 "2003-02-25T22:05:19Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by X~Slayer(ALE) \* > \*\*Oh if there is a limit. Disconnect the battery and try another set of times. For convenience disconnect the radio rather than the car battery. \*\* Well, dammit. My apologies. ---
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/39 "2003-02-25T22:07:23Z")
> [@](#): > > as different as four-digit numbers using only the numerals 1-6 can be Gives you 1,296 possible passkeys. 🙂 (6[sup]4[/sup]) I might just buy a new radio to spite the manufacturer. You can buy it from a bodyshop place and install it yourself without having to so much as look at those dealership guys. But if you’d rather spend $72 than however much a radio costs (more, I’d assume), it’s up to you. ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2003, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-my-radio-most-common-three-digit-password/157386/40 "2003-02-25T23:06:16Z")
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