Can't Find Your Unit's S/N? Follow The Steps Below for Dodge Avenger 2013
The first step is to find the radio's serial number.
Based on the head unit type fitted in your 2013 Avenger, the serial can usually be found either through the display menu or by pulling the unit out and checking the label on the radio itself.
Below are the most common methods to identify your S/N quickly.
2013 Avenger - Which Radio Did You Get?
For the 2013 Avenger the factory head-unit choice is essentially a three-way pick between the RES base CD, the RBZ MyGIG without navigation, and the RHB MyGIG 430N with Garmin navigation. The double-DIN bezel cutout is the same in all three cases, so the differences are inside the faceplate.
- RES (Media Center 130) - base AM/FM/CD with AUX. Standard on 2013 SE and many SXT cars. Visual ID: single-CD slot, monochrome segmented display, classic rotary volume and tune knobs flanked by hard preset buttons, 3.5 mm AUX jack on the face, no touchscreen, no USB on most builds. If your 2013 Avenger's stereo looks like a 'normal' single-DIN-style radio inside a wider double-DIN trim ring, this is what you have.
- RBZ (Media Center 430) - MyGIG touchscreen, no navigation. The most common factory MyGIG on 2013 SXT and R/T Avengers. Visual ID: 6.5-inch full-color touchscreen, MyGIG splash on boot, hard side buttons for MEDIA / NAV / MORE, a USB port on the faceplate, and a CD/DVD slot. Tap NAV and you see a placeholder rather than a map - that's the giveaway it's RBZ rather than RHB.
- RHB (Media Center 430N) - MyGIG 6.5-inch with Garmin navigation. The premium factory radio, typical on 2013 R/T cars optioned with the nav/Sun and Sound group. Visual ID: identical bezel and 6.5-inch touchscreen as RBZ, but the boot screen shows a Garmin logo, and pressing NAV brings up a real Garmin moving-map navigation interface. On some 2013 builds a small NAV badge is silk-screened on the faceplate.
- Quick at-a-glance summary: no touchscreen = RES; touchscreen but no real map = RBZ; touchscreen with a Garmin splash and live moving map = RHB.
- Sales-code label: once the radio is out, the sales code (RES / RBZ / RHB) is printed on the chassis label next to the 14-character serial number, so you can confirm the exact part before reading the serial.
Check the Display First - Serial Retrieval Without Tools
The method for 2013 Dodge Avenger is this:
The 2013 Dodge Avenger front-wheel-drive sedan from this era may feature a MyGIG radio (RER 730N) or an first-generation Uconnect system fitted in the sedan's center stack. These pre-2014 head units do not support on-screen serial display.
The serial number can only be accessed by pulling the radio from the Avenger's center stack and reading the barcode label on the unit casing.
Taking Out the Radio Unit to See the S/N on the Tag
If the serial does not appear on display, the next step is checking the radio itself.
Many Dodge radios require physical access to the serial tag attached to the unit.
Usual approach:
- Start by completely shutting off the engine - pull the key out.
- Then detach the trim panel.
- Next, release the mounting points and slide the radio forward.
- Look for a printed tag showing the serial number.
To access the serial on the 2013 Avenger's radio, you'll need to remove it from the dash:
- Turn off the vehicle.
- Carefully remove the center trim panel around the radio. The Avenger's sedan trim panel releases with friction clips – start at the bottom.
- Remove the four Torx T20 mounting screws holding the radio.
- Slide the unit forward and locate the serial label on the top, side, or back of the radio.
Take care with the wiring harness. You don't have to disconnect it unless absolutely necessary.
Releasing the Unit to Access the S/N on the Tag
The 2013 Avenger continues the JS-platform head-unit lineup with the Uconnect/RES 130S base CD radio and the optional RBZ 430 MyGIG 6.5-inch touchscreen. The serial number lives on a printed white label on the radio chassis - it is not exposed on the dash screen on these units, so pulling the radio is the reliable way to read it.
Safety Notice
Switch the ignition fully off and remove the key before you start. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait several minutes so the airbag/SRS capacitors can fully discharge. Stay clear of any yellow-jacketed wiring or yellow connectors behind the dash - those carry SRS signals and must not be pulled or probed. Use plastic trim tools rather than metal screwdrivers against the bezel and dash trim.
Tools You Will Need
You will need a T20 Torx bit and short-handled driver for the four radio mounting screws, a plastic dash trim removal kit or wide nylon pry wedge for the bezel clips, a small Phillips screwdriver as a backup, and a soft cloth or microfibre to protect the centre console while you work.
Removal Overview
Start by prying the HVAC/climate-control panel free at its lower edge with the trim tool. If silver screws are revealed beneath the climate panel, remove them, then unclip the upper trim above the radio. Work the trim tool around the radio bezel and release the spring clips a section at a time until the bezel lifts away. Remove the four T20 Torx screws (two upper, two lower) that hold the radio chassis to the dash cage, pull the unit straight back, and disconnect the antenna lead and the multi-pin connectors at the rear before lifting the radio clear.
Where the Serial Is Printed
Look at the top, side, or rear face of the metal chassis for a white printed label. The serial number is the alphanumeric string near or directly under the barcode and is normally preceded by a Mopar part number that begins with P05. On a RBZ 430 MyGIG the label often sits on the upper face of the chassis, while on the RES 130S base unit it is more often on the side or rear panel.
Reinstallation Tips
Photograph the label so the part number, model designator, and serial are all captured before you reinstall. Reconnect each plug fully so it audibly clicks home, slide the radio back into its cage, and start the four T20 Torx screws by hand to avoid cross-threading. Press the bezel and HVAC panel back on so every clip seats audibly, reconnect the battery, and cycle the ignition to verify the radio prompts for its code.
Example: Dodge Avenger serial number label location
How Serial Numbers Usually Look on These Avenger Radios
Common radio units in the 2013 Dodge Avenger and their serial formats:
- MyGIG REP 430 (non-nav touchscreen) – Serial prefix:
TM9 - MyGIG RBZ 430 (6.5" touchscreen) – Serial prefix:
TM9orT00AM - MyGIG RER 730N (navigation) – Serial prefix:
TM9 - RES 130 (base CD/MP3) – Serial prefix:
TM9orT00AM
All serials are 14 characters. Be sure to use the serial number, not the part number (P05064... or 68...).
Typical Serial Number Examples for 2013 Avenger
Serial numbers on the 2013 Avenger factory radios are alphanumeric strings printed on a white chassis label alongside a barcode. They typically begin with the letter T and span roughly 12 to 14 characters in total, with small variations between production batches and supplier runs.
RBZ 430 MyGIG (Touchscreen)
RBZ units are Mitsubishi-built and most often carry serials beginning with T00AM or T00BE. A typical string looks similar to T00AM3444T0105. The Mopar part number printed beside the serial commonly opens with P05 and is a separate field from the serial.
Uconnect/RES 130S (Base CD)
The base 130S RES radio carries a Mopar/Harman-style serial on its chassis sticker, normally beginning with T and printed beside or below the barcode. The label also lists a model designator and a Mopar part number for cross-reference.
Reading the Label Correctly
Anything that begins with P is a part number rather than the serial - the serial almost always begins with T on these Mopar/Mitsubishi/Harman-built radios. Copy every character exactly as printed, including any leading zeros, because a single wrong character will produce a wrong unlock code. Pay particular attention to the digit 0 versus the letter O, which can look similar in this print.
Final Step - Enter the Radio Code
When you obtain the correct unlock code based on the S/N, you can restore normal functionality by entering it into the unit.
The code entry process depends on the control layout, but most 2013 Avenger systems follow a similar structure using preset buttons, touch controls, or rotary knobs - depending on if it's a factory or an aftermarket unit.
You will typically see ENTER CODE displayed on screen.
Entering Process Explained
To input the unlock code on the 2013 Avenger's radio:
- Turn ignition to ON. The radio displays "CODE" or "ENTER CODE".
- Touchscreen models (REP/RBZ/RER): Tap the touchscreen number pad to enter each digit.
- Non-touchscreen models (RES/REF): Press preset button 1 repeatedly for the first digit, button 2 for the second, 3 for the third, 4 for the fourth. Hold Enter/OK to confirm.
Warning: 3+ wrong attempts trigger a lockout. Keep the Avenger's radio powered for about 60 minutes to clear it.
Step-by-Step Code Input Guide
The 2013 Avenger ships with anti-theft active by default on the factory radios, so any time the radio is interrupted from power it will prompt for the security code on the next start. Type carefully - attempts are limited.
Limited Attempt Warning
The unit only allows three consecutive wrong tries before a timed WAIT state kicks in. Verify each digit on the screen against your code sheet before pressing OK. If you see the WAIT message, leave the ignition in RUN for the documented cool-down period (around 30 minutes) - do not unplug the battery, as that does not clear the lockout.
Code Entry Procedure
Turn the ignition to ACC or RUN to power up the radio and wait for the CODE or Please Enter Anti-Theft Code prompt. On the base RES 130S, press preset 1 the required number of times to set the first digit of the four-digit code, then preset 2 for the second digit, 3 for the third, and 4 for the fourth. On the RBZ 430 MyGIG touchscreen, tap each digit on the on-screen number pad in turn. Confirm the displayed digits match your code exactly before pressing and holding the OK/ENTER control (or the rightmost preset on touchscreen RBZ variants) for two to five seconds to submit.
Behaviour on Incorrect Entry
The screen will indicate that the code is wrong and may show a WAIT message. Do not retry until the 30-minute cool-down has fully cleared - the radio must remain powered with the ignition in RUN throughout that window (the vehicle may be driven during this time). If repeated correct entries still fail after the wait clears, stop and re-verify the serial and code with your provider rather than continuing to guess.
How to Get Your 2013 Dodge Avenger Radio Code
Vehicle radios use security codes dependent on the radio unit itself rather than the model or production year.
- The generator identifies your Dodge radio via serial-based verification.
- Once the serial number is submitted, the system identifies the radio family and retrieves the corresponding code.
- You can then enter the code directly into your Dodge radio.
- Compared to Dodge dealer retrieval, this method is faster and more convenient.
Troubleshooting Common Radio Problems - Avenger 2013
When no "CODE" screen appears after a battery event:
- Confirm the ignition is in ON (not ACC) and wait 15–20 seconds to power up.
- Check the radio fuse — a blown fuse stops the radio.
- On some older units, pressing the power button on the radio face can wake the code prompt.
If the radio stays dark, power issue is the first thing to check.
After three wrong codes on the Avenger's early Uconnect, a 60-minute lockout activates. The display will present "WAIT":
- Keep the radio powered — key must stay in ON, engine off is fine.
- Wait the full 60 minutes.
- Cycling the ignition restarts the wait.
After the 60 minutes, try the verified code again.
A rejected code on the Avenger's MyGIG almost always means a serial number mismatch. The label has both a serial number (TM9 or T00AM, 14 characters) and a part number (P05064... or 68...) — only the serial generates the code.
Look at the sticker again and reach out for a free re-check if needed.
How you enter the code on the Avenger depends on which radio is fitted:
- Touchscreen models (MyGIG REP 430, RBZ, RER 730N) — Use the on-screen number pad. The display confirms each digit.
- Non-touchscreen models (RES 130, REF) — Press preset button 1 cycling to set the first digit, button 2 for the second, 3 for the third, 4 for the fourth. Press and hold Enter/OK to submit.
Not sure of your radio: a touchscreen means touchscreen entry; a non-touch face means preset buttons.
The Avenger's MyGIG radio requires physical removal to read the serial label. On the label:
- Serial number — 14 characters, beginning with
TM9orT00AM. Submit this. - Part number — starts with
P05064or68. Not needed.
Copy all 14 characters carefully — similar-looking characters are easy to mix up on older stickers.
Why Is the Radio Asking for a Code?
2011–2014 Avenger owners face this primarily due to:
- Battery disconnect or replacement — the primary cause on pre-2014 Avengers.
- Aging battery failure — older Dodge sedans are prone to dead batteries which trigger the lock.
- Blown fuse — fuse failure also counts as a power loss.
- Used purchase — second-hand purchase without documentation often means the code was never recorded.
The unlock code is tied to the radio serial and does not expire.