Visteon R013 Radio Unlock: CAN Filter installation

Unlocking Visteon R013 radio: CAN Filter Installation Guide

The Visteon R013 radio becomes locked when removed from its original vehicle, preventing reuse in another car or testing on a bench. This security feature blocks retrofits and standalone operation. This installation guide covers the R013 1DIN, R013 2DIN, R013 X07, R013 X87/X98, R013-PH2 and R013-CMFB units.

On startup, the radio checks for a vehicle ID message on the CAN bus. While waiting for this expected unlocking message, the screen displays:
“Authentication in progress…”

If the expected message is not received — or if the ID doesn’t match the one stored internally — the radio enters a locked state and displays a warning message:
“Radio Locked. Please Contact Dealer”.

To bypass this restriction, a CAN filter for the Visteon R013 (also known as a security code emulator or immobilizer bypass) can be installed. This device automatically learns the radio’s security ID  and simulates the required unlock message on the CAN line, allowing the radio to boot normally.

Visteon R013 CAN Filter Installation Options

To unlock the Visteon R013 radio, the CAN filter (immobilizer emulator) can be installed in two ways, depending on your use case:

1.  External Installation

Best for bench testing or quick retrofits. The filter is connected externally to the wiring harness, without opening the radio unit.
✅ Easy to install, fully reversible, and ideal for diagnostics or testing.

2.  Internal Installation

More advanced option. The filter is mounted inside the radio, directly to the PCB.
✅ Offers a clean, OEM-style integration with no visible modifications.
⚠️ Requires soldering skills and technical knowledge.

CAN Bus Filter Configuration

⚠️Important: The CAN filter must be configured for Visteon R013 units by soldering jumper J3 on the PCB.

External CAN Bus Filter Installation

External installation is the easiest method and requires only a few basic connections:

🔋 Power Supply:

• +12V → Connect to ignition voltage (ACC) or a constant power (R013-PH2, R013-CMFB units only)
• GND → Connect to ground

🔗 CAN Bus Connection:

• CAN2 → Connect to the unit’s CAN lines
• CAN1 → Connect during in-vehicle installation

🔧 Note:
The CAN1 connection can remain disconnected for first-generation R013 units, even in a vehicle. However, it’s recommended to connect it to enable passthrough of the vehicle’s CAN traffic.
The CAN1 connection is mandatory for second-generation (Phase 2 / PH2) units, as these radios are woken up via the CAN bus

By connecting CAN1 to the vehicle’s CAN bus, the filter passes CAN traffic through to the radio, allowing diagnostic communication and steering wheel controls (if equipped) to continue functioning. This setup ensures full communication with the radio while bypassing the immobilizer lock.

🖼️ Refer to the wiring diagrams below for correct connection points.

Wiring diagram for first-generation R013 units

Wiring diagram for second-generation R013 units: R013-PH2, R013-CMFB

Internal CAN Bus Filter Installation

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Disassemble the Radio Unit

Carefully open the Visteon R013 enclosure to access the internal PCB. Remove the necessary screws and gently separate the housing without damaging the ribbon cables.

2. Mount the CAN Filter Board

Position the CAN filter module securely inside the housing. Use non-conductive adhesive (e.g., hot glue or double-sided tape) to prevent the board from shifting or contacting nearby components.

3. Identify Connection Points on the PCB

Refer to the provided diagrams below to locate power and CAN lines on the radio’s mainboard. These are where the CAN filter will connect.

4. Modify the CAN Bus Line

You must remove the existing CAN choke on a CAN line to properly insert the CAN filter in-line.

5. Solder Filter Wires to PCB

Connect the CAN filter’s wires to the appropriate pads:

• Power:
  • +12V ignition (pin 7 on power connector) for 1st gen units
  • +12V constant power for 2nd gen units
• GND
• CAN2 High / CAN2 Low
• CAN1 High / CAN1 Low 

🔧 Note: The CAN1 connection can remain disconnected for 1st gen units. However, it’s recommended to connect it to enable passthrough of the vehicle’s CAN traffic. The CAN1 connection is mandatory for 2nd gen units!

6. Final Assembly and Power Test

After verifying all connections, reassemble the unit and apply power. The radio should now bypass the factory immobilizer lock and boot normally.

Watch the status LED on the CAN filter — it tells you what’s happening:

• LED on (lit): the filter is waking the radio and learning its ID
• LED off: the ID has been learned successfully, and the radio is unlocked.

Learning takes a few seconds after power-up. What you see next depends on which R013 variant you have.

Testing First-Generation R013 units

These are powered together with the radio through the ignition wire.

1. Turn the ignition on. Within a few seconds, the radio boots and the filter’s LED turns off, then begins blinking slowly.
2. Turn the ignition off and on again to confirm the radio re-unlocks each time.

On the bench, apply both ignition and power — the radio should boot the same way.

Testing Second-Generation (Phase 2) Units

These are permanently powered and have no separate ignition wire.

1. Apply power to the radio. The CAN filter wakes the unit, learns its security ID, and temporarily keeps the radio powered for approximately 5 seconds so the unlock process can be confirmed. Once the learning process is complete, the filter turns the radio back off, and the LED remains off.
2. After that brief confirmation, the radio is allowed to go back to sleep so it doesn’t drain the battery while the vehicle is parked. This is normal — the LED stays off, and the radio is off.
3. In the vehicle, switching the ignition on automatically wakes and re-unlocks the radio; it powers down again with the vehicle. No action is needed.

Bench Testing Phase 2 Units

Because a Ph2 radio is meant to sleep, it won’t stay powered on a bench with no vehicle. To keep it awake and unlocked continuously for testing, solder jumper J4 in addition to J3. The filter will then keep the unit awake and unlocked so you can verify it fully.

⚠️ Important: Remove jumper J4 before installing the radio in the vehicle. J4 is intended for continuous bench operation and should not remain installed during normal vehicle use.

Troubleshooting

Radio Does Not Power On

• Confirm CAN-H / CAN-L are not swapped and are on the correct pins.
• Check the filter is powered and its LED lights at power-up.
• If the LED remains on and does not turn off, the filter isn’t learning the ID — re-check the CAN wiring to the radio.