Missing radio code
Q I bought a 2009 Ford Fiesta 1.25 new from Arnold Clark. I now want to charge up my battery as I noticed the display dim when I put on my lights. My Haynes manual says that if I remove the battery to do this I will need to enter a code into the audio system when I reconnect the battery and that I should have been given this with the car documents.
I have not got any code in the documents and, when I rang Arnold Clark, was told they do not keep this information and I would have to book in the car so they could generate a code. This is ridiculous: they did not give me the code when I bought the car, so now I will probably have to pay more than the price of a battery for them to generate a code. Shouldn’t they provide me with the number free of charge? If not, who should I complain to at Ford? Can I charge the battery without removing it? Alan Farrell
A As you purchased the vehicle from new, I feel the dealer should have been a little more helpful. According to the data I have received from Ford, each unit incorporates a unique code that is linked to the vehicle identification number (VIN). The system will automatically check that the audio unit and vehicle match before allowing operation.
This means that provided the radio is in the same vehicle – which yours is – then no code will need to be entered.
It goes on to say that if a security code message appears, to contact your dealer. If this should happen and the dealer is still less than accommodating, I would contact Ford Customer Relations on 020 3546 4444 or by post at Ford Customer Relationship Centre, Royal Oak Way South, Daventry, Northamptonshire NN11 8NT. In the unlikely event that your problem is not solved, Ford UK is a member of the Motor Ombudsman accreditation scheme; you can contact them at themotorombudsman.org
Although disconnecting the battery while charging it will totally eliminate the possibility of any damage occurring, using a trickle or smart charger to replenish the battery while still connected to the vehicle should not result in any problems.