In 1983, Mitsubishi released a rugged SUV it dubbed the “Montero.” As the years progressed, Mitsubishi changed its stance on the Montero and made it more refined while still retaining most of its off-road capabilities. The 2001 Montero flaunted its ruggedness with its standard four-wheel-drive system and 9.3 inches of ground clearance but displayed its luxurious side with features like leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, air conditioning and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player. When you replace the CD player or the battery discharges for more than an hour, the radio locks itself as a security measure. Unlocking the radio is fairly simple but requires a special code. You can also temporarily unlock a radio for testing purposes.
Find the radio anti-theft system card, which came with the vehicle when it was new or that came with the replacement radio. If you do not have this card, you need to remove the stereo and obtain its serial number and part number, which you can find on the information sticker on top. Once you have this information call Mitsubishi's customer service line at 1-888-648-7820 from Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pacific Time to obtain the radio's security code.
Read the “Code No.” box on the anti-theft system card. This is the security code for your radio.
Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “Acc” or “On” position. Turn the radio on, by pressing the “PWR” button. Once the radio turns on, the radio’s display shows “Code.”
Press and release the “1” preset button until the first digit on the radio’s display matches the first number on the anti-theft system card. Repeat this step, using preset keys “2," “3” and “4,” to set the values for digits 2, 3 and 4 on the radio’s code.
Press and release the “CD” button and listen for the audible beep. If you entered the security code correctly, the radio operates as it normally would. If you entered the code incorrectly, “Err” appears on the radio’s display and you must repeat the process from Step 4.
Insert the key in the ignition and turn it to the “On” or “Acc” position.
Press and release the “PWR” and “Eject” button simultaneously.
Observe as the radio begins operating as it normally would. This only overrides the radio’s security system for three minutes, so you may test a new radio before purchasing or installing it.
