after diconecting battery i then went to reset my audio system with the code . entered the wrong code 3 times it is now showing up as error on the display. I have read that it has now activated the anti theft system and the unit must be replaced. Can anyone help please i find it hard to believe that the unit has to be replaced. Surely a dealership can reset the unit

 

OK..

First M8, welcome the the club.

It would really help if you added some details about what year RX-8 you are talking about.

Please only start one thread at a time on the same subject for the correct Series RX-8.
https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/what-series-rx-8-do-i-own-221330/

I am not certain "why" you had to enter any code after a Battery Disconnect, as it is not normal or necessary to do so.

Did you removed the Audio and then reinstalled it?

I honestly was not aware of a 'lock out' on the RX-8 audio system (I know of other Mazda's with lock out), in that case of a 'lock out' you have to take car, audio and owner verification details to a Mazda Dealer and get it re-coded....there is no other way that I am aware of.

Someone else may be able to confirm for US markets.

 

Call mazda with your vin number and they will be able to pull up your radio code. (edit: just saw you entered code too many times). Take it to the dealership and they should be able to reset it.

For those who are curious about entering code on the radio:
IIRC to enter the code you need to put the car to ACC and then hold AUTOM and 6 for a few seconds.

 

As I said in your other thread, I'm not aware of any RX8's having a radio theft code. But usually on other vehicles, entering the code incorrectly too many times simply locks you out for a set period of time. Usually a few hours.

 

What I found with a little bit of research before I disconnected my battery is that US-market RX-8s do not have a radio security code, but in some other markets like the UK, they do.

When I removed the base radio from my US 2010 RX-8 and reinstalled it, I did not have to enter a code.

 

Hmm. I may do this tomorrow morning, just to make sure I have a code just in case. And if somehow I screw it up and brick my radio...well, time to get a new radio for the Metra case I just have lying here.