OK, thanks. Maybe that's why I am satisfied with my front speakers and a lot of people are talking about or have replaced the fronts. I am going to let the fronts alone, but will probably add a small subwoofer soon.
Some corrections on an earlier posting where I desciber the tweeter split off (for non-V6 coupe models). According to the Helm "Electrical Troubleshooting" manual, a "junction connector" located "under the right side of the dash" is where the door-speaker wiring and tweeter-wiring are joined to the output from the head-unit. Both the left and right channels are handled in this junction connector. Based on the photo in the book, this connector is located directly under the passenger air-bag, and does not appear readily accesible. The connector block is blue (not light-blue - that's a different one).
Before hardwiring my radar detector and possibly an auto-dimming mirror into my 2004 Accord EX V6 Coupe, I might as well seek some expertise here.
I'm planning on a non-compass mirror (Donnelly Model 19713 - CIPA 36100) since I already have Navigation and don't need a compass. Therefore, I don't plan to run a wiring harness down the "A" pillar.
Since I don't yet have a Honda wiring diagram, all I'm concerned with is determining (before dismantling my headliner) if anyone here has found an ignition-switched wire in the overhead lighting/sunroof area. If so, what color-code is it? I'm presuming that I can find a simple place to connect a ground in the same area.
I do think you may want the 19711 model (Cam style mount) rather than the 19713 "Wedge style".
I'm curious how the wiring integrates into the Honda Harness... Even Honda screwed up theirs which interfered with the SRS system. I installed the 04 Honda one myself and there were alot of wires and four or more connectors; some large. What site did you go to in order to research the installation and mirror type for your Honda?
Update: I did just find these instructions......... Looks like you want the "Cam Type" mount as I mentioned up above, and you'll have to splice into the Honda harness.
The Honda mirror looks just like the Donnelly mirror except for the harness. I wonder who makes the mirrors for Honda???
Headliner Wiring: I do not believe there is a switched wire in the headliner as the Homelink, dome lights work even with the ignition off. You'll have to route the wires down to the fuse box on the drivers side. It's not a hard job. Go to www.handa-accessories.com and review the installation instructions for the genuine honda mirror. Those instructions will tell you how to easily route the wires.
Please gentlemen! Most of your replies about speakers go waaay over my head. Too technical for a layman like me who just wants better sound. I would really appreciate it if someone could help me qith the following questions.
I own a 2003 Accord EXV6 with NAVIGATION and I wish to upgrade my speaker system. The sound is totally LIFELESS!!
1. Can I get any decent performance by just upgrading the front and rear speakers without any hissing or other unwanted NOISE?
If so what kind of speakers should I get?
2. If just adding the speakers makes no difference then what kind of AMP should I get?
And what kind of speakers (front and rear) should I get(with the AMP)?
3. I guess tweeter is the best place for any kind of professional installation!?
4. If a new head unit also is needed what kind should I get and does it integrate into the navigation screen?
I have been searching for a way to add an XM radio to my '03 Accord with NAVI. I called the Honda dealer and all they have to offer is an add-on unit - looks like an Alpine add-on with a separate head unit which causes me to loose the lower-center storage area. The cost of the hardware is $750 plus labor - too much for an FM modulator in my book.
Does anyone know if there is a way to add a XM radio just like the '04 model to an '03 Accord? It would seem to me that the '03 and '04 equipment can't be that different. I'm looking for a clean install with integration into the factory head unit.
Thanks for the input. Yes, I agree that the auto-dimming mirror price is right (if I do my own installation). The MagnaDonnelly website automatically refers you to their authorized distributor, CIPA-USA, for sales, support and instructions @ http://www.cipamirrors.com . Robin at CIPA advised me that Hondas use WEDGE-style mounts, not camlock-style. She also faxed me the same instructions that you found at the rpminnovations website.
She also checked with the manufacturer for me and faxed a copy of her e-mail from John Lindahl of MagnaDonnelly. He stated "Because our mirrors are connected to an ignition source and ground, there should be no conflict with the computer. He (me) needs to verify that the '04 Accord still uses the camlock mount and not a wedge mount (a contradiction with the above). Also, I have seen on some very new cars that it is very difficult to find a line that is switched by the ignition. Sometimes everything in the fusebox is hot all the time and are turned off by the computer. Maybe this is the case with the new Accord. If so, he (me) would have to splice into a wire that is always on with the key...."
This is why I'm in need of someone's advice who may have an '04 wiring diagram for the overhead wiring. Probably the most likely useable circuit up there is the one for the sunroof motor. I used that circuit to hardwire my V1 radar detector into my '99 Cougar.
For what it's worth, my 04 has a cam lock mount (Horseshoe shaped spring and a 90 degree twist and lock). My 03 has the same mount as the 04. As for the switched power, it is true that the sunroof might be switched, but that will involve a lot more dismantling of the headliner (potential creating a lot of rattles, etc) than finding some line near the fuse box like the installation instructions suggest. I would still recommend that you read the installation istructions for the Honda mirror (www.handa-accessories.com) for the easiest means to run wire to the fuse box. You might want to ask your contacts at MagnaDonnelly for help locating the correct wire on an 04 Accord should no one on this board know.
Good luck with your install and let us know how it turns out.
>1. Can I get any decent performance by just >upgrading the front and rear speakers without >any hissing or other unwanted NOISE?
New speakers won't add noise or hissing.
>If so what kind of speakers should I get? Depends on your budget. The rear speakers are 6x9s and the fronts are 6.5" components. You will have to goto local shops and listen to see what you like.
>2. If just adding the speakers makes no >difference then what kind of AMP should I get?
Add the speakers first, and then see if you like the improvement. An amp almost always makes aftermarket speakers sound better, but it isn't a necessity.
>3. I guess tweeter is the best place for any >kind of professional installation!?
Anywhere but Best Buy and Circuit City.
>4. If a new head unit also is needed what kind >should I get and does it integrate into the >navigation screen?
If you get a new headunit it will install in your 'cubbyhole' below your factory system. Nothing will integrate with the nav system in the Accord. Alpine is a good brand.
Since it does not seem like you know where to start, I'd replace all 4 speakers and see if you like the sound or not. If not, maybe add an amp, and last a new headunit. I say the headunit last since you have the nav system. I'm not sure how the nav works, but if it ever makes 'noises' through the speakers (talks, etc) you won't be able to replace the headunit.
Lots of luck in your quest. If you are able to get it done please post back. If you browse the xm radio sites you'll discover that no other late model brands allow dealers to retrofit cars for integrated xm radios if they were not factory installed. Type in xm or satellite radio in the search area of Edmunds and you will probably see similar results. Manufacturers are also refusing to release the security codes of the xm stereo units that might be picked up in salvage yards from wrecked cars, so that option seems to be unavailable.
I'm interested in the "small" spoiler, like the ones found on the Toyota Solara. The 2004 Accord Coupe brochure shows a red with the same spoiler. I think it's part of a package. thanks.
Honda now offers the 2 spoilers for their Coupes. Both can be ordered by your Honda Part Department. The 1st spoiler is the more traditional style with the center stop light. The 2nd is a "lip spoiler" that was previously offered only on the 4-dr Accord. Saw this spoiler at the dealer and it does give the coupe a different shape in the rear. Check out handa-accessories.com for a view and a cheaper price. I know that Honda dealers are aware of them, and some may attempt to match their prices.
I recently saw a picture of the Metra installation kit for the 2003 Honda Accord Coupe, the one that totally replaces the factory radio. Has anybody seen and actual picture of an installation using this adapter? If so, where did you see it? Want to see a picture, in order to get a better idea of what it looks like.
Thanks! I have never seen it on a coupe. As I mentioned on my original post, I have only seen it on picture in the 2004 brochure. The deck lid seems "larger" than the Solara.
The lip spoiler for the coupe is the same height as on the 4 dr. Saw it on the coupe and it really changes the profile of the coupe. Takes away the rounded trunk top and gives it a definite edge. Looks great.
Thanks a lot Kendrid. My comments to your replies...
>Depends on your budget. The rear speakers are >6x9s and the fronts are 6.5" components.
I will do that. I have hear good comments about crutchfield. Is it a good idea to buy stuff there and once delivered go to tweeter for the install. I wouldn't mind spending about $300 for both front and rear..am not sure whether that is too little or too much either!!
>I'm not sure how the nav works, but if it ever >makes 'noises' through the speakers (talks, etc)
Yes, the NAV does give voice feedback through the front speakers. So I guess that eliminates a head unit upgrade. Good.. I really didnt want to mess with the head unit anyways. An AMP is the farthest I would go.
One last question: Q. Which of the speakers generate the BASS? front or rear? I am guessing its the rear.
I've been hunting for a good price on Honda rear wing spoiler and have not been able to find a price better than $400 including shipping (from H and A). I came across a good deal on eBay, but the spoiler is red and I'm looking for deep green pearl :-(. Does anyone have a better source for these things?
BTW, if anyone is looking for a great deal, the url is:
It doesn't specify whether this is for the sedan or the coupe, but someone could probably snag it for a good price. I have no connection to the seller.
Yesterday, I purchased a 2004 Accord EX-L sedan that came with "standard" floor mats (see www.hondafloormats.com). The dealership's parts department was closed when the vehicle was sold, so I'll be going there again next week to pick up the all-weather mats that were included in the sale. My question is for anyone that has recently purchased an EX-L sedan: did your vehicle come with the "standard" fabric mats or the "premium" (premium's have Accord stitched into them)? Thanks.
When you purchased your Accords, did the Owner's Manual, Warranties booklet, etc. come in a "binder" of sorts? I ask this because in every vehicle I've previously owned, these booklets were combined in a binder that either zipped, snapped, etc. Thanks.
I asked the exact same question. My Accord manual came in a zip-loc bag, so I thought that maybe they'd forgotten to give me a binder. No such luck--no binder with the Accord.
I guess it's up to the dealer. I have a decent cardboar/paper flap type folder that holds everything sufficiently, with the dealer's name on it and lines on the cover to fill in details about the car, owner, etc...
My car had the owner's manual, warranty booklet, and "Cliff's Notes manual" in a pouch with the dealership's logo and address/phone number on it. I think that is something that the dealership chooses to provide or not.
The web site only lists two colors, but I called them and got black mats which match my black interior. They fit perfectly inside. (I only got the front.) Having just returned from a weekend in New Hampshire and for the amount of snow and dirt we've already had, this was a great purchase.
One of the things I love about my dealer is they don't add on anything, unless you specifically request it. The bad news is they don't have cars on the lot with accessories.
I'm meeting with a friend of a friend who also has an 03 Accord, to see the real difference with fog lights. There is little chance I will decide not to get them after seeing them.
Unfortunately, I don't know anyone with the auto mirror, so can't find out on my own. For those of you who have it, especially those who had the regular mirror (no, Jebinc, I'm really NOT singling you out!) - was it worth it? I've read (I think here) that the mirror is smaller than the regular mirror - is it very noticeable? Does it respond differently in very cold (it's been sub Arctic here in VT) weather? Does anyone have the auto, and find they never use the auto feature?
I keep thinking it would be so helpful for the highway driving I do, though I might miss the ritual "curse and mirror flip" when some creep is blinding me...
I have 04 EX-V6 and I bought the auto mirror from HandA through online. I installed myself, spent 3 hours(you should have proper tools and especially attaching ground wire to the terminal was really painful). Now, I really enjoy it and worth to every penny. The auto mirror is not smaller than the regular mirror, it's just about same size. Another good thing is it has built in compass. Highly recommend to buy one.
I'm considering purchasing Fog Lights from H&A for my '04 Accord EX-L. The instructions for installation are lengthy, but do not seem too difficult. Has anyone else out there tried to install the Honda fog light kit themselves? And if so, how was the experience? Any tips?
Can anyone give me any information about whether it is truly difficult to hook an amp up in an accord...Is there a certain spot where it would be easy for it to go through the firewall, a certain easy area???
Any information would be helpful.. Thanks alot Chilldog
There prices are similar to H&A but they don't have high shipping rates.
I'm interested in getting some accessories such as the splashguards, cargo tray, door guards, fender guards, and possibly the rear wing spoiler...maybe.
I've used both handa and hondaacuraworld. Both have been reliable for me. The latter is in NY so shipments reach me in MA in a couple of days as opposed to 7 from the left coast.
I was looking at the catch-all mats mentioned in #792 of this thread and the website mentioned says they fit 98 and up accords, but when I go to the manufacturers website www.niftyproducts.com they only go from 98-00.
Have these been confirmed that they fit 03-04s?
robr2: Thanks for the response. I'll be ordering from hondacuraworld.com today.
I would appreciate feedback from anyone who might be able to help.
I had a choice of purchasing a 2004 Accord WITHOUT leather seating (cloth seating) or WITH leather seating. If I had purchased the leather seating option (for $3K more, I would have received, in addition to the leather, a factory installed radio/CD player which also receives XM radio (presuming I was willing to purchase an XM account.) Apart from the addition of the leather seats and the XM services, the cloth vs. leather 2004 Accord are identical cars.
Because the cars are identical, is there any reason why I can't pull the factory installed radio on my cloth 2004 Accord (non-XM radio) and plug in the same XM compatible radio that comes standard on the Accord WITH the leather seating option? In short, if someone were to steal my non-XM radio from my Accord, could I replace it with the default radio/cd/XM radio that come standard on the Accord WITH leather seating?
I understand that other hardware components would need to be installed as part of this replacement process. I also understand that I can have XM radio as a physical add-on accessory (e.g., Crutchfield, Circut City, etc.) However, what I want is to be able to control my XM option via my stearing wheel radio control button thats on my Accord. I wouldn't have this function if I added XM as an attached add-on accessory.
I've spoken with the parts department at my local dealership where I bought the car. They seem to think I'm pretty wacko for wanting to pursue this avenue. If I got copies of the schematics from the parts dept. for both of the factory installed radio options, wouldn't that tell me if a physical incompatibility exists which might preclude the substitution of one radio system for the other?
Corporate Honda services in Torrance, CA have been of no help.
I just got a new 2004 Accord EX V6 sedan with navigation yesterday, and I want to replace the rear speakers. If I buy speakers through Crutchfield, circuitcity, or Best Buy, are they easy to replace myself? Why have people been "bashing" Best Buy or Circuit City when it comes to installation?
If you're talking about an EX, I *think* it should have the same head unit as the EX-L and EX-V6. Presumably, you could just order the OEM XM unit, antenna (?) and wiring harness from Honda and install them yourself. BTW, the XM receiver is located behind a trunk panel and the wiring harness plugs into the aux input on the headunit. The question is whether you'd have to install a wiring harness from the steering wheel to the head unit.
If you pay someone to install those you will be getting ripped off.
It takes about 15 minutes in the 03/04 Accord. You take off the plastic cover and 4 screws. That is all. To get the plastic cover off you have to squeeze clips from inside of the trunk lid. It is pretty obvious once you see it.
Crutchfield sells most items at MSRP, so I'd look elsewhere. If you are willing to 'gamble' there are quite a few new speakers on Ebay and websites for about 1/2 of MSRP. I purchased my Alpine Type R 6x9s for $100 one Ebay (new). They are $200 at Crutchfield. My MB Quart 6.5 components were $150 - $300 at Tweeter.
It seems like a waste of money to spend what will probably end up being several hundred dollars, maybe even $1000, more to install XM when you had the option of an EX-L Accord with factory XM for only $1800 more. MSRP of EX-L auto is $24,790 and the MSRP of the EX auto is $22,990. For that $1800 you would get leather, dual-zone climate control, already-installed XM, heated seats, power seat, and side curtain airbags standard. And since your Accord didn't come with the XM radio from the factory if you have it installed afterwards Honda might not warranty the stereo, speakers, etc.
Just discovered an outfit that appears to meet my needs in adding XM Radio to an non-XM ready Honda. The Turbo2 is an aftermarket radio install kit that retains the look of the existing dash pannel. See at metraonline.com or Dec. 2003 issue of Automedia Magazine, p. 18.
I know this may be a subjective question, but what speakers are the best, in your opinion? Are Polk, Kenwood, or MB Quart good speakers? Also, where is the best place to have the front speakers, an amp, and a sub installed near the Washington, D.C./Waldorf, MD area?
I have a 2003 accord lx automatic. My steering wheel virbates while I have my foot on the breakpedal while stopped at a red light. Are others having this problem? Is this normal? It is not a heavy virbation what could be doing this? A friend said not toworry about it. But I do not think it should virbate. Who is a good honda dealer to take car too in Philly area? I only have 15,000 miles on it.
Need an opinion from the viewers. I like Infinity speakers and I am wondering if I should put a 6 1/2 inch coaxial type speaker or a component speaker in the front door. Different installer recommended different ideas. My concern is the location of the tweeters and their performance due to the location. Any opinions?
If you have the 4-cyl, the vibration is "Honda-normal." Vibration increases when the steering wheel is turned, a/c is on, and the vehicle is stationary as in waiting to turn in an intersection.
Explanation: engine, at idle speed, is fighting the load of the power accessories like the steering pump and a/c compressor.
An improvement area for Honda, I believe. My 4-cyl Toyota Solara didn't vibrate at all.
Dmert...I would recommended the component speakers. I have coxial type installed and had now upgraded to a pair of 5 1/4 Infinity Reference component's. Component's will sound alot better upfront (improve imaging and staging) while 2ways will be fine for the rear. As for the tweeters location, Tweeter installers installed them on the two inner black plastic parts next to or parralel the rear view mirrors. Make sure u get the 6 1/2 component. I get mine the wrong size, therefore, ended up making a bracket for them. BTW, Infintity sounded sweeeet!
It's been about a month since I've posted but that's cause I've been busy installing. Here's the list:
Component Front speakers - Diamond S600a's - tweeters are in the original spot as the stock except they are mounted through the grille(I cut it, underneath the grille they sounded bad),new wire run from the trunk amp to the front doors also. The crossovers are in the trunk also, they pick up way too much engine noise if they are in the front of the car. (dmert) my speakers fit with out cutting a hole but the there is no adapter that fit my speaker holes, they were all to short in diameter so I just made do. I also trimmed out the plastic ring on the door panel so it wouldn't get in the way of speaker movement and also put on the speaker mounting platic backwards on the top of the speaker to make sure that the surround of the speaker didn't hit the door panel. All I can say in general is that the bigger the speaker in power handling, the more likely you'll have a problem with installation. I know Infinity Kappa component series have magnets too large to mount without cutting the metal of the door.
Rear Speakers - Boston RM9's 6 X 9 - Originally Diamond 6 X 9's but the passive x-over let mid range bleed into the tweeters and sound horrible, this is how they will all sound with at least 50 watts rms, below that they won't, these also run of the amp in the trunk.
2 JL Audio amps - 450/4 and a 250/1 - the 450 for the fronts and rears and the 250 for a single 12" sealed Diamond CM3 woofer. 4 gauge wire ran from battery, (chilidog)there's a plastic gromit in the middle of the firewall in the engine compartment that fits a 4 gauge perfectly, if you feed a wire through you can feel for it by putting your hand up behind the stereo area on the drivers side. I ran it to the trunk on the drivers side.
I got an Eclipse CD8053 CD Player that is mounted using the Metra below stock stereo kit. Just the simple one. I also customized the wiring harnesess behind the deck and stock stereo so that they both function the same as before installing the new deck. The standard harness the kit comes with leaves your honda stereo with it's lights and temperature controls but no actual radio or cd player or xm. I just got some extra wires and stared at the layout a lot and now if I want to listen to the honda stereo I choose the aux input on the eclipse deck and now it runs through the system just the same as the eclipse, using the amps and speakers. I will say that since I'm using a L.O.C. to get the honda signal it isn't that clean but I only listen to the XM Radio on it anyway, Comedy Channels.
I think that's just about everything, now I just need to measure my amp mounting so I can get some Plastic to cover it up.
Comments
I'm planning on a non-compass mirror (Donnelly Model 19713 - CIPA 36100) since I already have Navigation and don't need a compass. Therefore, I don't plan to run a wiring harness down the "A" pillar.
Since I don't yet have a Honda wiring diagram, all I'm concerned with is determining (before dismantling my headliner) if anyone here has found an ignition-switched wire in the overhead lighting/sunroof area. If so, what color-code is it? I'm presuming that I can find a simple place to connect a ground in the same area.
http://www.magnadonstore.com/store/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=5&a- mp;a- mp;a- mp;a- mp;a- mp;a- mp;cat=Auto-Dimming+Mirrors
I do think you may want the 19711 model (Cam style mount) rather than the 19713 "Wedge style".
I'm curious how the wiring integrates into the Honda Harness... Even Honda screwed up theirs which interfered with the SRS system. I installed the 04 Honda one myself and there were alot of wires and four or more connectors; some large. What site did you go to in order to research the installation and mirror type for your Honda?
Update: I did just find these instructions......... Looks like you want the "Cam Type" mount as I mentioned up above, and you'll have to splice into the Honda harness.
http://www.rpminnovations.com/auto_dim_install_pg_3.htm
The Honda mirror looks just like the Donnelly mirror except for the harness. I wonder who makes the mirrors for Honda???
Headliner Wiring: I do not believe there is a switched wire in the headliner as the Homelink, dome lights work even with the ignition off. You'll have to route the wires down to the fuse box on the drivers side. It's not a hard job. Go to www.handa-accessories.com and review the installation instructions for the genuine honda mirror. Those instructions will tell you how to easily route the wires.
I own a 2003 Accord EXV6 with NAVIGATION and I wish to upgrade my speaker system. The sound is totally LIFELESS!!
1. Can I get any decent performance by just upgrading the front and rear speakers without any hissing or other unwanted NOISE?
If so what kind of speakers should I get?
2. If just adding the speakers makes no difference then what kind of AMP should I get?
And what kind of speakers (front and rear) should I get(with the AMP)?
3. I guess tweeter is the best place for any kind of professional installation!?
4. If a new head unit also is needed what kind should I get and does it integrate into the navigation screen?
Thanks
naveen
Does anyone know if there is a way to add a XM radio just like the '04 model to an '03 Accord? It would seem to me that the '03 and '04 equipment can't be that different. I'm looking for a clean install with integration into the factory head unit.
Thanks for the input. Yes, I agree that the auto-dimming mirror price is right (if I do my own installation). The MagnaDonnelly website automatically refers you to their authorized distributor, CIPA-USA, for sales, support and instructions @ http://www.cipamirrors.com . Robin at CIPA advised me that Hondas use WEDGE-style mounts, not camlock-style. She also faxed me the same instructions that you found at the rpminnovations website.
She also checked with the manufacturer for me and faxed a copy of her e-mail from John Lindahl of MagnaDonnelly. He stated "Because our mirrors are connected to an ignition source and ground, there should be no conflict with the computer. He (me) needs to verify that the '04 Accord still uses the camlock mount and not a wedge mount (a contradiction with the above). Also, I have seen on some very new cars that it is very difficult to find a line that is switched by the ignition. Sometimes everything in the fusebox is hot all the time and are turned off by the computer. Maybe this is the case with the new Accord. If so, he (me) would have to splice into a wire that is always on with the key...."
This is why I'm in need of someone's advice who may have an '04 wiring diagram for the overhead wiring. Probably the most likely useable circuit up there is the one for the sunroof motor. I used that circuit to hardwire my V1 radar detector into my '99 Cougar.
Good luck with your install and let us know how it turns out.
New speakers won't add noise or hissing.
>If so what kind of speakers should I get?
Depends on your budget. The rear speakers are 6x9s and the fronts are 6.5" components. You will have to goto local shops and listen to see what you like.
>2. If just adding the speakers makes no >difference then what kind of AMP should I get?
Add the speakers first, and then see if you like the improvement. An amp almost always makes aftermarket speakers sound better, but it isn't a necessity.
>3. I guess tweeter is the best place for any >kind of professional installation!?
Anywhere but Best Buy and Circuit City.
>4. If a new head unit also is needed what kind >should I get and does it integrate into the >navigation screen?
If you get a new headunit it will install in your 'cubbyhole' below your factory system. Nothing will integrate with the nav system in the Accord.
Alpine is a good brand.
Since it does not seem like you know where to start, I'd replace all 4 speakers and see if you like the sound or not. If not, maybe add an amp, and last a new headunit. I say the headunit last since you have the nav system. I'm not sure how the nav works, but if it ever makes 'noises' through the speakers (talks, etc) you won't be able to replace the headunit.
Thanks!
>Depends on your budget. The rear speakers are >6x9s and the fronts are 6.5" components.
I will do that. I have hear good comments about crutchfield. Is it a good idea to buy stuff there and once delivered go to tweeter for the install.
I wouldn't mind spending about $300 for both front and rear..am not sure whether that is too little or too much either!!
>I'm not sure how the nav works, but if it ever >makes 'noises' through the speakers (talks, etc)
Yes, the NAV does give voice feedback through the front speakers. So I guess that eliminates a head unit upgrade. Good.. I really didnt want to mess with the head unit anyways. An AMP is the farthest I would go.
One last question:
Q. Which of the speakers generate the BASS? front or rear? I am guessing its the rear.
$300 is not enough for some people, plenty for others. After you listen to some you will know if you want to spend more money.
Both front and rear speakers create bass, but the rears create the most.
BTW, if anyone is looking for a great deal, the url is:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&cate- gory=33638&item=2453147734
It doesn't specify whether this is for the sedan or the coupe, but someone could probably snag it for a good price. I have no connection to the seller.
Barry S.
Barry S.
The web site only lists two colors, but I called them and got black mats which match my black interior. They fit perfectly inside. (I only got the front.) Having just returned from a weekend in New Hampshire and for the amount of snow and dirt we've already had, this was a great purchase.
I'm meeting with a friend of a friend who also has an 03 Accord, to see the real difference with fog lights. There is little chance I will decide not to get them after seeing them.
Unfortunately, I don't know anyone with the auto mirror, so can't find out on my own. For those of you who have it, especially those who had the regular mirror (no, Jebinc, I'm really NOT singling you out!) - was it worth it? I've read (I think here) that the mirror is smaller than the regular mirror - is it very noticeable? Does it respond differently in very cold (it's been sub Arctic here in VT) weather? Does anyone have the auto, and find they never use the auto feature?
I keep thinking it would be so helpful for the highway driving I do, though I might miss the ritual "curse and mirror flip" when some creep is blinding me...
Thanks!
Any information would be helpful..
Thanks alot
Chilldog
Anyone had experience with this company?
There prices are similar to H&A but they don't have high shipping rates.
I'm interested in getting some accessories such as the splashguards, cargo tray, door guards, fender guards, and possibly the rear wing spoiler...maybe.
Have these been confirmed that they fit 03-04s?
robr2: Thanks for the response. I'll be ordering from hondacuraworld.com today.
I had a choice of purchasing a 2004 Accord WITHOUT leather seating (cloth seating) or WITH leather seating. If I had purchased the leather seating option (for $3K more, I would have received, in addition to the leather, a factory installed radio/CD player which also receives XM radio (presuming I was willing to purchase an XM account.) Apart from the addition of the leather seats and the XM services, the cloth vs. leather 2004 Accord are identical cars.
Because the cars are identical, is there any reason why I can't pull the factory installed radio on my cloth 2004 Accord (non-XM radio) and plug in the same XM compatible radio that comes standard on the Accord WITH the leather seating option? In short, if someone were to steal my non-XM radio from my Accord, could I replace it with the default radio/cd/XM radio that come standard on the Accord WITH leather seating?
I understand that other hardware components would need to be installed as part of this replacement process. I also understand that I can have XM radio as a physical add-on accessory (e.g., Crutchfield, Circut City, etc.) However, what I want is to be able to control my XM option via my stearing wheel radio control button thats on my Accord. I wouldn't have this function if I added XM as an attached add-on accessory.
I've spoken with the parts department at my local dealership where I bought the car. They seem to think I'm pretty wacko for wanting to pursue this avenue. If I got copies of the schematics from the parts dept. for both of the factory installed radio options, wouldn't that tell me if a physical incompatibility exists which might preclude the substitution of one radio system for the other?
Corporate Honda services in Torrance, CA have been of no help.
Barry S.
It takes about 15 minutes in the 03/04 Accord. You take off the plastic cover and 4 screws. That is all. To get the plastic cover off you have to squeeze clips from inside of the trunk lid. It is pretty obvious once you see it.
Crutchfield sells most items at MSRP, so I'd look elsewhere. If you are willing to 'gamble' there are quite a few new speakers on Ebay and websites for about 1/2 of MSRP. I purchased my Alpine Type R 6x9s for $100 one Ebay (new). They are $200 at Crutchfield. My MB Quart 6.5 components were $150 - $300 at Tweeter.
Explanation: engine, at idle speed, is fighting the load of the power accessories like the steering pump and a/c compressor.
An improvement area for Honda, I believe. My 4-cyl Toyota Solara didn't vibrate at all.
Component Front speakers - Diamond S600a's
- tweeters are in the original spot as the stock except they are mounted through the grille(I cut it, underneath the grille they sounded bad),new wire run from the trunk amp to the front doors also. The crossovers are in the trunk also, they pick up way too much engine noise if they are in the front of the car. (dmert) my speakers fit with out cutting a hole but the there is no adapter that fit my speaker holes, they were all to short in diameter so I just made do. I also trimmed out the plastic ring on the door panel so it wouldn't get in the way of speaker movement and also put on the speaker mounting platic backwards on the top of the speaker to make sure that the surround of the speaker didn't hit the door panel. All I can say in general is that the bigger the speaker in power handling, the more likely you'll have a problem with installation. I know Infinity Kappa component series have magnets too large to mount without cutting the metal of the door.
Rear Speakers - Boston RM9's 6 X 9
- Originally Diamond 6 X 9's but the passive x-over let mid range bleed into the tweeters and sound horrible, this is how they will all sound with at least 50 watts rms, below that they won't, these also run of the amp in the trunk.
2 JL Audio amps - 450/4 and a 250/1
- the 450 for the fronts and rears and the 250 for a single 12" sealed Diamond CM3 woofer. 4 gauge wire ran from battery, (chilidog)there's a plastic gromit in the middle of the firewall in the engine compartment that fits a 4 gauge perfectly, if you feed a wire through you can feel for it by putting your hand up behind the stereo area on the drivers side. I ran it to the trunk on the drivers side.
I got an Eclipse CD8053 CD Player that is mounted using the Metra below stock stereo kit. Just the simple one. I also customized the wiring harnesess behind the deck and stock stereo so that they both function the same as before installing the new deck. The standard harness the kit comes with leaves your honda stereo with it's lights and temperature controls but no actual radio or cd player or xm. I just got some extra wires and stared at the layout a lot and now if I want to listen to the honda stereo I choose the aux input on the eclipse deck and now it runs through the system just the same as the eclipse, using the amps and speakers. I will say that since I'm using a L.O.C. to get the honda signal it isn't that clean but I only listen to the XM Radio on it anyway, Comedy Channels.
I think that's just about everything, now I just need to measure my amp mounting so I can get some Plastic to cover it up.
Here are some pics:
http://www.soundongames.com/car/car_audio.html
- Kyle
2004 EX-L