I recently purchased a Honda Accord from a local dealer. When I purchased the vehicle, the display was showing the word "CODE" and when I asked the dealer he hold me that since the battery was replaced the anti theft system has locked the system up and I need to go to a Honda dealer and they will get it done for less than 100$. When I went to the Honda dealer they are telling me that there could be some other problem.

Basically they are finding that the music system won't power off at all. The display is always on. Intermittently the display shows the test "CODE" and the time like "5:36"

The Honda guys says there is a good chance that I may have to replace the whole unit. Has anybody faced this problem before? Any solution

Did the dealer if attempt to get you the code? More than likely the dealer that you purchased the car from had to replace/install a radio rather than have an open slot in the dash or a defective radio there. Usually, the VIN is enough for most dealers to generate a code, however, if it's not the ORIGINAL OEM radio, they can't help you. It may be necessary for you to pull the dash trim and examine the radio's connections and verify that they haven't been butchered or wired incorrectly. OTW, the Honda guys are right, replacement is necessary.

Sorry, did the Honda dealer even attempt to get you the code and try inputting it?