A Citroën radio asks for its security code after the head unit loses its permanent live feed — a flat battery, a battery change, a jump start or the radio being unplugged. The code is held against the serial number of that head unit, not against the registration or VIN. The serial normally looks like C1234567. Look for the code card in the handbook wallet or service book first — Citroën supplied one with most cars. Once you have the serial, enter it in the radio code finder on this page.
Radio codes belong to the head unit serial number, not the vehicle registration or VIN.
A flat battery, battery replacement or radio removal is what triggers the code prompt.
Citroën serial formats: RD4 / RD45 (e.g. C1234567); RD3 / Clarion (e.g. PU1234567); MyWay / NaviDrive (e.g. SI1234567).
Display messages: CODE = Security code required. · ERROR = Incorrect code — re-check the serial rather than guessing again. · WAIT = Lockout timer running. Keep the ignition on.
Bob's never displays a guessed or generated code — if a working code can't be retrieved you get a full refund.
Where to find the serial number, what the display messages mean and how to key the code back in on a Citroën.
A Citroën radio code is a four-digit anti-theft code stored against the head unit's serial number. It is not linked to the key or the BSI, so a unit fitted from a breaker's car brings its own code with it.
When you'll be asked for the code:
After a flat battery, battery change or jump start
When the BSI or the radio loom has been disturbed
After a used RD4 or RD45 has been fitted
Following a fuse failure on the permanent live circuit
Serial number formats:
RD4 / RD45 — for example C1234567. C3, C4, Berlingo, Nemo — casing label.
RD3 / Clarion — for example PU1234567. Older C3, Xsara Picasso and Berlingo units.
MyWay / NaviDrive — for example SI1234567. Navigation head units on C4, C5 and C8.
How to find the serial number:
Look for the code card in the handbook wallet or service book first — Citroën supplied one with most cars.
Citroën units do not normally show the serial on screen, so the radio comes out.
Single-DIN units release with four flat extraction keys into the corner slots.
Double-DIN RD4 units are behind a clipped trim surround with four screws underneath.
Note the serial from the casing label exactly, prefix letters included.
What the display messages mean:
CODE — Security code required.
ERROR — Incorrect code — re-check the serial rather than guessing again.
WAIT — Lockout timer running. Keep the ignition on.
How to key the code in:
Use presets 1 to 4 to set the four digits.
On some units the arrows change the value and the source button advances the position.
Hold OK or preset 5 to submit the code.
Wait for the confirmation before switching the ignition off.
Is the Citroën code the same as the Peugeot one? The system is the same — shared PSA hardware — but the code itself is unique to your unit's serial. A code from another car will not work.
Where is the code card in a Berlingo? Usually in the plastic wallet with the handbook, or stapled into the service book. On ex-fleet vans it is often long gone, which is why the serial route matters.
Can a Citroën radio code be found from the VIN? Not dependably. The VIN only reflects the factory-fitted unit, and on older vans the radio is frequently replaced.
My C3 radio locked after three tries That is normal behaviour. Leave the ignition in accessory with the radio powered and let the timer run down — switching off restarts it.