Zenec 2010 is a navigation unit with a specific locking problem. An incorrectly set PIN means that every time it is switched on, the radio asks for a code, yet it will not accept any code as valid. Not only the owner of the unit, but also car audio workshops do not know why this happens, that the code they read out does not work. Today we decided to explain what causes the problem and what method can be used to protect against such a fault.

Cause of the locked radio problem

Have you disconnected the battery terminal and your Zenec 2010 is asking for a PIN? Theoretically that is not a problem – many companies offer code reading services. Unfortunately, in this case most workshops are unable to help – even if they have the skills and equipment and read out the code – the digits 0000 provided do not work.

Let's go back to the radio menu.

When browsing the settings, you may come across the Anti Theft option. This is the Zenec 2010 function that activates the protection system. If the option is enabled, you need to enter a code to start it.

Makes sense?

Theoretically yes, but it is worse when you have not set any PIN and the radio still keeps asking for a password. The system should accept 0000, but nothing doing. Code error is the radio's response to such digits.

Code readout with Martech Box III

With the right technical capabilities, you can read the code from the K9F1G08 nand memory.

Navigation board containing the nand memory — Zenec 2010 navigation board with K9F1G08U0C nand memory

Then, using the Martech Box III service device, you can extract the original PIN code – unfortunately, in 90% of cases you will see the following digits as the code:

This is what the code readout from nand memory looks like — Code readout using Martech Box III

As you might expect, code 0000 does not work (PIN 65535 cannot be entered either, as the radio accepts a 4-digit code).
And this is not a fault of the Martech software – the Zenec 2010 radio has a software defect which prevents the radio from being unlocked again.

Why 0000 does not work with the Zenec 2010 radio

This navigation unit has a rather odd feature, perhaps a software bug, which allows an unset code to be enabled! This means that after switching it on again, the receiver will not accept ANY code.

If we leave “Anti Theft On” and the code set to “- - - -”, we end up with a lock that cannot be deactivated.
Repair is then only possible at an appropriate workshop.

This setting is exactly what causes the radio to ask for a code the next time it is switched on, but it will not accept any code as valid.
So even if you read the nand memory and see 0000 as the original code, the radio will not accept it.

Correct security system setting

If you have a normally working Zenec 2010 radio and can access the settings, you need to perform the following steps:

if the code request on switching on the radio is enabled (“ANTI THEFT SW – On)” then in the KOD ZABEZP. position you should see the word “Blokada”
if we click and select this option, the system will ask for the current password – “0000” – we enter it and instead of “Blokada” we have “- - - -” there – that is, an unspecified code.
To define it, select this option once again and enter the new, made-up code twice.
the code can be changed in the menu (access via the PIC button): SETUP/RÓŻNE/KOD ZABEZP.

Only this menu setting will protect you from the problem in the future.

We receive radios with this fault quite often – which is why we feel obliged to warn against setting it again.

Software fault in the radio

And what should we do if the radio already has the wrong configuration and 0000 does not work?

Then we can help – at OEMatic we are able to repair this fault. The result is a fully working navigation unit again – even with the option to set and change the code to one of your choice once more.

Finally, a small gallery – if your radio looks like the one in the photos, the instructions above are just for you.