Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Electronic Antitheft System Code
Special tools and workshop equipment required
- Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing and Information System VAS 5051 or Vehicle Diagnosis and Service System VAS 5052
- Diagnostic adapter cable VAS 5051/5a or VAS 5051/6a or VAS 5052/3
Accessing Electronic Antitheft System Code with VAS Tester
Select "Guided Functions" in Diagnostic Operation System VAS 5051 or Vehicle Diagnosis and Service System VAS 5052.
or
Select "Guided Fault Finding" in Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing and Information System VAS 5051 or Vehicle Diagnosis and Service System VAS 5052.
After DTC memory of all control modules has been checked:
-- Press button "Jump".
-- Select "Function/Component Selection".
-- Select "Body".
-- Select "Electrical Systems".
-- Select "01 self-diagnosis-enabled systems".
-- Select "Radio navigation system"
-- Select "Functions"
-- Select and start "radio code inquiry".
An authorization to the system will be requested: Then the operating data, the VIN and the Radio/RNS unit serial number will be automatically read out.
When installing new radio / radio-navigation unit, or a unit which has not be adapted to the vehicle, it can happen that tester will not be able to read the serial number of the radio/radio-navigation unit. In this case, enter the serial number manually. The serial number can be found on a sticker on the unit and is also stamped into the side of the unit.
Then the radio code will be displayed in the tester.
The radio navigation system antitheft code must not be entered manually.
Electronic Antitheft System, Deactivating
-- Enter the radio code appearing in the display in the RNS 510 number block and confirm it.
Unit is enabled and ready for operation.
If the antitheft code has been entered incorrectly, it can be corrected immediately in another attempt. If antitheft code is entered incorrectly twice, then the radio navigation system is locked for an hour. Leave radio navigation system and ignition switched on. The remaining running time appears in the radio navigation system display. After one hour, the procedure for deactivating the electronic antitheft system can be repeated. Remember that you always have two attempts to enter the code. After that, the radio navigation system will be locked up for one hour.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.