By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
The one I bought was a Burlwood and leather (round) knob from one of those car accssories sites.
I am currently using the aux input adapter on the accord head unit (no dvd or nav) to bring the audio in from the ipod. This looks interesting, it not only pipes the audio in, it allows forward/backward control from the steering wheel and charges the ipod all with one cable.
http://www.densionusa.com/x/index.php?option=content&task=vie- w&id=378&Itemid=82
Thanks
Thanks
I just bought my first Accord 2002 LX w/o ABS, and I am going to upgrade the brake system, such as adding ABS, changing the calipers and pads, etc. Could you guys give some advice? Is it easy to add the ABS system?
Thanks!
UCSC
BTW, I highly recommend to do this! my interior looks TONS better!!!!
wvuguy275 Apr 22, 2004 8:09pm
and my accord EX v6 with NAV has silver and black interior. This trim is terrific. as I posted above, 'Metal look trim' is actually 'Brushed Aluminum' color which matches your other silver interior exactly. I enjoy more and more everyday as I just look at it. I wouldn't recommend any wood trim to any tan color accord owners though.. it looks fake and not that great.
I am taking it back to the dealer this Friday and was wondering if anyone has had experience with this issue or any suggestions.
I am at a loss for how they are going to fix the problem short of giving me a new trunk lid or a new car, as I now have 4 misplaced holes in my trunk lid. By the way, they also neglected to install a fastener in one of the four holes, but installing that fastener would not affect the off center issue.
While I suggest a friendly, "collaborative" approach to ease the process, mentioning BBB would have to be a final recourse if the dealer is recalcitrant.
In recognition of how badly it was installed the first time, the dealer extended the warranty. So - while I was extremely unhappy with the initial work, I am pleased with the dealer response.
Once installed with the original adhesive, the parts can still be removed but without breaking them; blow-heating could soften the adhesive but also warp the plastic parts. Once removed, however, the adhesive residue can be cleaned off with isopropyl alcohol/GooGone/kerosene-water mix.
I've installed 2 of these OEM kits on our two 03 Accords (one that's graphite pearl/grey) with great satisfaction as to results. I chose dark burlwood over brushed aluminum because I wanted an understated effect. But the aluminum kit is also great if you like it; it matches perfectly the material of the factory installed pieces.
They look good but a couple of things to consider: a) the +45 offset and the 235mm tire width would probably cause rim/fender rub with a full car load, and b) flatspotting and balancing difficulties associated with early issues of the factory Turanzas.
If a full car load is rare and the tires are the improved Bridgestones, they're a good buy.
I rarely drive the car with ANY passengers in it at all. The tires that are on the car now are Michelins, but I'm looking to just buy something off eBay or something that includes both the rims AND tires already mounted so I can just take off the old 16" wheels and replace them with the 17" wheels. Is this possible?
Email me for the forum url; it also has info on the tire batch numbers.
Lastly, of course, I don't want to spend a fortune--I am interested in the best bang for the buck (no more than 800 dollars or so). Thanks!
Also, does anyone know if one can upgrade the sedan's sound system with that of the coupe?
Second question--if that's not possible, does anyone have experience with the new Bluetooth products made by Sony Ericsson or Motorola that are hardwired? Does the mute stereo function work?
Final question--does anyone know if bluetooth is a possible option for the 2005 model year? Any indication of other options?
CDMA wireless technology has over 75 million users in North America, and doesn't presently use Bluetooth to any significant degree. GSM wireless technology, that sells more phones that are compatible with Bluetooth, has only about 24 million users in North America.
Recently, there have been concerns expressed in the technical media about Bluetooth security problems. Perhaps those are some of the reasons why Honda hasn't chosen to offer it.
Lastly, has anyone noticed this: while using the Crutchfield website, I entered Accord EX sedan with navigation to see "what fits my car". To my surprise, the website said that none of their 6.5" speakers fit the car!!! What gives? Is there something structurally about the door or panel that the speakers use that makes it impossible to find a different / upgraded pair that fit? There were plenty on the website that apparently fit the rear 6x9's. Advice regarding these questions and my previous posts are greatly appreciated--I think many people have the same questions, too. Thanks.
-----------------------------
When tuning to XM bands, I notice that the volume (signal strength) is much lower than on the other bands. One must turn up the volume much more on the XM band than on the FM band, for example. And the sound isn't quite as good either (save for the normal FM static). Also, when you switch from XM to FM you have to quickly turn down the volume because the difference is that noticeable. I realize that I can add an amp to the overall system but I was wondering if there was a way to boost the XM signal (between the ant. and the receiver) other than just adding an amp to the speaker output. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Honda has a big stake in XM radio so I would not expect much sympathy from them.
One thing you do have is an excellent factory install!
good luck
Regarding the front speakers and the reportedly difficult removal and installation (based on reports from this board), he told me not to worry, that their experts have many tools and do thousands of installs without any trouble. However, he had no specific comments on the 7th generation Accord sedan. He seemed to be talking in very general terms.
Altogether, his advice sounded reasonable to me, which on paper would take the stock 120 watt system and essentially convert it into a 280 watt system. In this way, it would be similar at least in power to higher-end stereos seen on more expensive cars or upgrades. And hopefully this will produce sound much more crisp and full, with smooth bass and less distortion at higher volumes.
So what do you guys think? Sound like a good idea? Has anyone done more or less what this guy suggested? Did you do it yourself or have a professional do it? Any problems? Glad you did it or a waste? Thanks.
Here is my system in my 04 LX:
Alpine 9815 HU
MB Quart 6.5" component speakers in front
Alpine Type R 6x9s in the back
Total cost: $750. I installed the HU and rear speakers myself. I paid Tweeter to do the 6.5s.
If you are not going to upgrade the head unit, I would first install new speakers and see if you like the sound. The amp might not make that big of a difference.
Not upgrading the tweeter is nonsense - any real installer should be able to do both the midwoofer and tweeter. Warning about CC/Best Buy: they wanted to cut holes in my front doors to install the 6.5" speakers. Tweeter did it without cutting anything. If your installer wants to chop your doors apart, go somewhere else.
As far as how difficult it was, replacing the rear 6x9s takes about 15 minutes. I mount my head unit in the cubby-hole with a $30 adapter and it took about 1/2 hour. If you don't like that look (or don't want to lose your cubby-hole) there is an adapter that will replace your factory stereo and A/C controls. It runs about $150.
The front 6.5" speakers were the biggest pain so I paid to have them done.
I wish I can provide you good advice but I don't know much about car stereo.
The only thing I am sure about (after tons of internet forum reading)is to change stock speakers to Infinity Kappa series (front and back) since the most ppl recommend those with great respect.
Chris
Here's a link to the pic:
http://home.houston.rr.com/cwrigh01/accord/photo99.jpg
Regarding my initial comment about leaving the tweeters alone, I was referring to the speakers in the dash (tweeters) -- the guy at Best Buy recommended getting 4 new speakers- 2 in the front and 2 in the back, but not replacing the ones in the dash (the stock is a 6 speaker system). There will of course be tweeters in the new speakers (i.e. 2 or 3 way for example), but nothing physically new in the dash, where the old tweeter speakers were. I am not sure if this is what you understood or misunderstood from my initial post when I referred to leaving the tweeters alone.
I am assuming you left the speakers in the dash (tweeters) alone. If you did, are they still "live"? Are they still connected to anything in your system? I imagine that driving a new amp into these stock tweeters will probably be a waste (or they could blow!), and that a new 4-channel amp driving 4 new speakers will be plenty. What do you think? Thanks.
I mentioned them because in general they have the most store locations available, and they are the least likely to go out of business given their size. Thus, if the something goes wrong down the road, I can first of all find a store (many locations), and second of all, assuming I get an extended warranty, I won't have to worry that the place might be out of business 3 or 4 years from now, when I need to replace a warrantied speaker, or if something comes loose, etc. (knock on wood!) Plus, it seems that given their size and reputation, they can't afford to do bad work!
Am I wrong? Share your thoughts and experiences--I am sure many others like me out there would like to hear your thoughts. If I don't hear from anyone, I will assume all of you are technically inclined and do your own installs, and thus having nothing to say about these companies! If that's the case, more power to you!
I see what they are saying about having just four channels total, but you can drive a set of components (Tweets in the dash & mids in the doors) and two 6x9's in the back with a four channel amp....it's still only four channels.
If I had to do it all over again, I'd move the tweets into the doors perhaps near the mirrors just to prevent the reflection from the windshield. Instead I just found a sweet spot in the crossover controls to set them at and fine tuned them with the controls in my stock Navi System.
Overall, I'm very happy with the system.
Eclipse Components with 4ch amp
10" Sub and Mono Amp
Don't go cheap on systems....it will sound through.
http://www.pbase.com/image/29890806
Another issue was that Tweeter was actually cheaper than BB/CC.
My last issue is that if you are going to be purchasing the speakers/amp/headunit, a more specialized store will have better brands at the same price points at CC/BB.
RE tweeter location: the installer removed the factory tweeters and put the MB Quart tweeters in their place. I have all of the factory speakers in a box in my basement.
I am also looking for some floor mats...I mean I have the basic mats that came with it (tan color) but I don't want them all messed up. I was either thinking of purchasing other mats or getting the premium mats and using the regular mats as my everyday mats. Thoughts..Opinions? Perhaps even buying two sets of the everyday mats? Or anywhere where I can get good everyday mats?
Also, I am looking to make any upgrades that would be beneficial to the look of my car. I do not want to upgrade the radio. (happy enough with it) was thinking of tinting the windows and any other suggestions? I am looking for a classly/luxurious look. I am 25 and don't want anything too over the top. any thoughts are appreciated. THanks
My coup is charcoal grey. I had all five windows tinted, and I added the rear spoiler myself. You should have seen the neighbors when they saw me going at the trunk of my brand new car with a drill! These mods are about all I need to add to this car... I considered the front, side, and rear underside spoilers, but I think I'd rather put the money to better use elsewhere.
Oh, I guess I'll drop in a K&N air filter when the time comes to change out the original. I'll also convert to synthetic oil at the second oil change.
From the spoiler experience, I know that the Honda touch up paint matches perfectly to the stock color of the car. PERFECTLY!