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How to reset Pioneer Car Stereo (6 Working Methods)

How to Reset Pioneer Car Stereo
How to Reset Pioneer Car Stereo

Resetting a Pioneer car stereo is a simple, straightforward process that anyone can do. You need to factory reset your Pioneer car stereo if any of the following applies:

  • The display is blank or has died.
  • You have tried installing a different firmware, but failed to install it properly.
  • The unit doesn’t respond well when pressing buttons on the front panel or remote control.
  • There are unusual noises coming from the head unit when playing music.
  • The stereo doesn’t charge your iPod/iPhone well. – You want to restore factory settings for any other reason.

Below we have  outlined how to reset a Pioneer car stereo for different Pioneer models such as AVH, DEH, single din and touchscreen models . The process is the same for all models produced by the company, but they may vary slightly in details. This short article will help you reset your factory settings on almost any model of Pioneer head unit.

Method 1: Resetting Pioneer DEH Car Stereo

Step 1: Hold the SRC button, until the stereo goes to sleep mode.

Step 2: Press and hold the sector button for a second until you will find the menu option on the display.

Step 3: You will need to press and hold the selector button until you see “Initial” on the display.

Step 4: Turn the selector button again to select the factory reset option and push the Selector to confirm it.

Once you confirm, your Pioneer car stereo will restart and will be in normal working order, like when you first bought it. It is possible that some settings may be lost after.

Method 2: Resetting Pioneer AVH NEX Car Stereo

Resetting a Pioneer AVH car stereo is almost the same as resetting a DEH model, but there are some differences. To factory reset your head unit you need to follow these steps:

How to Reset Factory Settings on Pioneer AVH Model: Step-By-Step

Step 1: Tap the gear icon, located at the right top of the home screen.

Step 2: Select the wrench and screwdriver icon (also called tools icon)

Step 3: Scroll at the bottom and you will find the restore settings option, simply select that option and now your stereo will go into factory reset mode.

Wait for a few seconds and your stereo starts like a new one and will be ready to accept your personal settings, like the time and date.

Method 3: Resetting 2 Din Pioneer Car Stereo

In order to reset your Pioneer double din stereo, follow the below steps:

Step1: You will need to remove the unit from the bracket and take off plastic panels on the sides of it. 

Step 2: The main power wire for the car stereo is located underneath a panel on the right side of the unit. You need to unplug it.

Step 3: Once you remove all panels and wire, look for a small hole on the bottom part of the unit. 

Step 4: It has a tiny reset button. You need to use a thin object such as a needle or paper clip and push on this button for at least 5 seconds until the display goes blank/black . Then you can hold the SRC button until you see Initial on the screen.

Step 5: Next, push Selector to confirm the Factory Reset option and the process will finish in a minute or two. Your head unit should be in a factory setting ready to use.

Resetting Pioneer DEH Model (No touchscreen display)

If you have a DEH model without an LED screen (just symbols), then follow this procedure:

Step 1: Hold the SRC button until the screen goes blank.

Step 2: Press and hold down the MENU button for 3 seconds.

Step 3: Select Initial by turning control dial.

Step 4: When you confirm, your Pioneer car stereo will restart and will be in normal working order, like when you first bought it . You should set up all necessary settings after the formatting process.

Resetting Single Din Pioneer Car Stereo

You should do exactly the same as with a 2 din stereo (see steps 1-5). You need to hold the SRC button until the screen goes blank and then press the MENU button several times until you find “Initial” on the display.

Turn the control dial to select Initial and press Selector to confirm it. Your Pioneer car stereo should restart and be in factory settings ready to accept your personal settings again.

Resetting 1.5 Din Pioneer Car Stereo

Please note that some models of car stereos need an extra step in the process. If your model is not listed in this section, you will need to:

Step 1: Remove metal frame and plastic panels on the sides of it.

Step 2: Unplug the main power wire and turn off ignition.

Step 3: Locate hole on the bottom of the unit with a tiny reset button inside it.

Step 4: Use a thin object such as a needle or paper clip to push the button for at least 15 seconds. This step will deactivate the built-in amplifier, so you need to turn it on again (if you had an option).

Step 5: Now wait for the radio to power off and then hold the SRC button until the screen goes blank.

Step 6: Push Selector to confirm Factory Reset option and the process will finish in a couple of minutes. Your Pioneer head unit will be in a factory setting ready to accept your personal settings and use.

FAQs

How do I restore the factory default settings on my Pioneer car stereo?

To reset a Pioneer car stereo you need to turn off ignition, unplug all wires from the back of the radio and push a thin object such as needle or paper clip into the small hole on the bottom of it. This will deactivate the built-in amplifier, so you need to turn it on again (if you had an option). Then hold the SRC button until the screen goes blank and follow the instructions above depending on what type of Pioneer car stereo you have.

How do I reset my Pioneer car stereo with a touchscreen display?

When you reset a Pioneer AVH-X7800BHS or AVH-X5800BHS touchscreen head unit, then you need to follow the same procedure as with the regular models above. You just have to push the SRC button until the screen goes blank and then press the MENU button several times until you find “Initial” on the display. Turn select dial to select Initial and press Selector to confirm it.

What do I need to do when I get a “factory reset has failed” notice?

Some car stereos might show “Factory Reset has Failed” notice when this happens please start over and try again. If you follow all the steps correctly and your car stereo still does not work, then you should contact Pioneer support service.

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I'm Miles Walker and I'm the founder of AudioWiser.com I've been in the car audio industry for over 20 years and have a wealth of knowledge to offer on all things related to car audio. I graduated from UC Berkeley with an electrical engineering degree, so you can rely on me for top-notch expertise and advice when it comes to upgrading your sound system.

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