How do I reset code to get radio to turn on in my 1996 madza 929?

Is it a 1996 Mazda 929? In North America the last 929 model was 1995. Assuming it is a 1995 Mazda 929, it sounds like you need to contact the Mazda dealer with your VIN to get the code. You cannot activate or reset the 4-digit code without it. The process of activating the radio is holding down the Select and Auto buttons simultaneously for 2 seconds... and _ _ _ _ comes up on the dial and you click the first four preset buttons below the display the number of times to input each number (the number will show in the display). It is IMPORTANT that you know the code ahead of time and not guess as it only takes 3 false attempts to PERMANENTLY deactivate the radio.

While this system is certainly effective at deterring thieves from stealing what would be a non-working set, it also creates a lot of difficulty when the car is resold and the new owner isn't given the code, and, for instance, the battery dies or gets replaced - and all of a sudden the radio doesn't work.