Honda Accord Accessories

1303133353643

Comments

  • docdavisdocdavis Member Posts: 8
    lx_steal,

    I appreciate your thoughts, but I really would like to stick with the factory stereo. I'm a firm believer in "where there's the will, there's a way" mentality so I'm sure someone will stumble upon a solution eventually.

    Thanks again,
    docdavis
  • srobaksrobak Member Posts: 96
    Make an A/B switch of sorts so you can transfer the controls from the xm to the ipod.
  • docdavisdocdavis Member Posts: 8
    Barry S.,

    Were you ever able to fabricate an A/B switch for the XM and iPod configuration? If so, can you please let me know how you did it?

    Thanks, docdavis
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    I'm in the same boat as you are with the XM tied to the radio. I won't replace the radio since I have the navi system.

    Maybe an option-- If your willing to dig into the wiring, you could install a phone jack with the built in switch, similar to the kind you find on radios, the ones you plug in your headphones, and the speakers cut out. I would think that would work here, you would have to cut into the XM output to the radio input, and patch the jack in there. Then when you want to use your iPod, you would just plug it in, and select XM on the radio.

    Sound feasible?

    Mrbill
  • dwynnedwynne Member Posts: 4,018
    but I really would like to stick with the factory stereo

    Well you can pound that round peg in the square hole until you are blue in the face, but no one (currently) makes what you are looking for. I think the thought process is if you have XM you don't need the ipod interface and vice-versa. Tie that into your desire keep the OEM stereo (which is pretty poor compared to an aftermarket system) and you are asking someone to make an ipod controller that works with your OEM stereo and XM - that would be a small market. Not saying someone would not make it some day, but that would be at the bottom of the request list.

    What I would look into is an XM tuner like the SkyFi2 or one of the XM2Go models. Much nicer than the OEM tuner and can do lots of neat tricks - 30 minute pause/rewind buffer, song alerts, etc. You can also take the tuner out of the car and use it in other cars, around the house, or about anywhere (XM2Go models) - all with just a single subscription. I put a SkyFi2 car kit in my wife's new Accord and she still one in her other car, so she takes he tuner no matter which car she is in.

    I do the same thing in two cars and on two motorcycles and around the house or outside.

    So I would look into the Dension IceLink and see if it can use an aux in source (like the XM), or check the PIE and BlitzSafe ipod controls and see if they can take an extra external input.

    And was suggested, an aftermarket radio can be fitted and probably still use the wheel controls and be able to do XM and ipod.

    Dennis
  • srobaksrobak Member Posts: 96
    Why would you advise someone who already has an XM receiver - stock or not - to buy another one to put int he same car? That just doesn't make sense. The biggest point here is that the original poster wants to use his steering wheel controls on his ipod, as the ipod adapter allows. These controls also work on the factory xm radio.

    Since there is only one aux input on the factory stereo, and it would be electrically dangerous to do a full-time split between the ipod and the XM, the only real answer is an A/B switch on the split. It means an extra button push when selecting your source, but if it enables the wheel controls and doesn't cause 2 sources receiving commands at the same time - then it solves the problem.
  • midnightcowboymidnightcowboy Member Posts: 1,978
    ipod A--->I---------- AUX
    diode |
    |
    XM B--->|---------------+
    diode
  • docdavisdocdavis Member Posts: 8
    srobak,

    I agree with your reasoning and appreciate your thoughts. Specifically, how would you go about configuring an A/B switch to work for both the iPod and XM? I haven't seen a switch box that accepts the AUX port connector/cable. My assumptions are you would have to procure a switch that allowed an iPod interface cable to connect to Slot A and the XM cable to connect to Slot B as inpuits on one side of the box and then have an output cable (male to male ends) coming from the other side of the box connecting to the AUX port in the back of the factory radio. Is this correct? If so, where do I procure the switch box and necessary male to male cable?

    Thx, docdavis
  • dwynnedwynne Member Posts: 4,018
    It make more sense than paying an XM subscription fee that can only be used in a single car. You can get a SkyFi2 or MyFI on a promo deal for cheap and use it "everywhere". But, I guess if you only have one car and don't want to listen at home or work or at the lake or any place else then the OEM XM tuner is good enough for you.

    Since I have several cars and a couple of motorcycles and listen to XM all day at work and at home paying for subscription that I could only use in a single car does not make any sense.

    Dennis
  • tom010tom010 Member Posts: 2
    I bought the keyless entry kit from HANDAaccessories.com (all honda stuff...even truck opener) and a friend a dealership installed the whole gizmo for $50...took him 4 hours too.
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    tom010:

    $12.50 per hour for labor? Wow! What a deal.
  • snukesnuke Member Posts: 81
    I have a 2000 V6 Accord which came with 15" Alloy Wheels. My son has told me the car would have a much better ride if I purchased 16" or 17" alloy wheels? I would want only Honda manufactured wheels. Can wheels that large be installed on my car and would it improve the ride as my son has told me?
  • b36b36 Member Posts: 15
    I recently purchashed a 05 Accord. The dealer installed the deck lid spoiler as part of the deal. Everyone likes it. My problem is there is a small gap between the upper edge and the top of the trunk lid. It runs all along the edge but is worse on the drivers side. the dealer said this is normal as the tape is foam. He said any water will simply run out the bottom. Has anyone had this problem? You can see the edge of the tape. The tape appears to have gaps in it at the ends.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    16" or 17" wheels will improve the handling of the vehicle. More than likely, the ride will become more harsh as you will have to use lower profile tires in order to maintain the rolling size of the tire.

    Good Luck.
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    Although I don't have one of the deck spoilers, I have looked on the internet to see what is available for my 04 Accord. The factory model appears to use both tape and screws to mount it. I have also seen aftermarket ones that use tape only. Does your spoiler use screws as well? If not, they may not have installed a factory spoiler. You can see the installation instructions at

    http://www.handa-accessories.com/

    This may help in understanding what is going on.

    Mrbill
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    the decklid spoiler installed on my first 2004 sedan and there were no gaps. It was even all the way across. Might be tough to fix though without leaving some obvious marks depending on how they installed it.
  • tweettweet Member Posts: 8
    I'm considering purchasing a rear wing spoiler for my 05 EX V6 Accord Sedan. I was going to purchase a Non Honda spoiler. Any thoughts? Is this not a good idea? Anyone have a spoiler not made by Honda?
  • b36b36 Member Posts: 15
    Mrbill
    Thanks for the info I printed the installation instructions. I don't believe that the tape is all the way across the top on my spoiler I now think they goofed up the tape and then pieced it hence one side has a gap. It is both taped and has 4 screws in it. I am half afraid to have them try and fix it. do intend to talk to them about it.I am worried they will mess it up worse then it is. From the rear it looks fine. i have been told the tape is hard to get off. I"ll let you know the outcome. It does add a lot to the appearance of the car.
  • snukesnuke Member Posts: 81
    Thanks so much robr2 for your response. I don't like low profile tires. My daughter had them on her 1998 Prelude and they seem to wear out extremely fast. So, can I purchase larger wheels without purchasing low profile tires? In your opinion, is it all worth it?
  • suzannaflsuzannafl Member Posts: 84
    I'm looking to get a 2005 EX coupe.
    Thinking about getting the red to replace the white LX I have now.
    (Even though I don't like the shade in the EX as well as the shade of red the DX has.)

    I've heard that red paint does not hold up well, especially not garaged in the Florida sun.

    Truth or fiction?

    Thanks,
    S
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    Sounds like fiction to me. However, "not garaged in the Florida sun", white will reflect more sunlight and the interior might stay a bit cooler.
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    Glad that helped.

    I have worked with double sided foam tape and yes it is hard to remove once it's been on a while. If you are considering removing, re-taping and re-installing the spoiler, the sooner the better.

    If it was me, I would remove the 4 screws and then give the spoiler a pull with hands only. If the tape starts release from the deck lid, then it probably won't be hard to do. If it doesn't budge, then you need to decide how far you want to get into this project. Removing the tape can be time consuming but not impossible to do. Things like WD-40 will soften up the adhesive, and make it easier to rub off with your fingers.

    New tape may be available at auto part stores, if not, an auto paint supply store should have it. It's commonly used for door mouldings.

    I know how you feel when you see something that wasn't installed well. I know it would drive me crazy every time I would look at it.

    Mrbill
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    I would always take the factory (OEM) parts. They were designed by the manufacturer to fit the car.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    If you get larger wheels and larger tires to go along with them, you'll throw the speedometer and odometer off.

    IIRC, you have 195-65R15. You'd jump up to a 205-60R16 as the closet matching diameter. That'll bring your sidewall from 5" to 4.4".

    For a 17" you'd jump to 225-45R17. Your sidewall drops to 4".

    IMHO unless you want the better handling and rougher ride, leave well enough alone.

    How old is your son?
  • lastwraithlastwraith Member Posts: 350
    Goo-gone or a similar citrus based product that is wonderful for removing stickers and stuff would be a good alternative to the WD-40 also. Just be sure to test it out in an inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn't do anything to the paint. Whenever I've used it, it's been fine...but you never know.
  • snukesnuke Member Posts: 81
    The car came with Michelin MXV 205/60R15. The tires ride rather rough and the warranty milege is only 50,000 and yet the tire cost over $100.00. A Discount Tire representative has told me because of my V6, I need to always purchase a performance tire and Michelin is the best for the price. However, I have never been very pleased with the results of the ride (not smooth) and wanted to know what is the best alternative. My son is 22.
  • lastwraithlastwraith Member Posts: 350
    Tirerack.com has an excellent selection of tires that can be drop-shipped anywhere locally for you, even to a tire place to do mounting/balancing. They also have a wealth of information including user reviews.

    I have used Yokohama's on my Accord with good results, but I have an older car. At least the site will give you some comparison ideas.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Personally, I'm not a fan of the Michelin MXV. I replaced the ones on my 98 Accord with a set of Sumitomo's from the TireRack and was very satisfied.

    As long as you get a tire that meets the speed rating (H or V in this case IIRC) and the weight rating (89??), you should be fine.

    I agree - check out the tirerack.com.
  • highrollerhighroller Member Posts: 351
    Hi, im trying to change my cabin filter for my 1997 Honda Accord SE but im having trouble locating it. Can someone who knows where i might find it tell me where it is, i would greatly appreciate it.
  • lx_steallx_steal Member Posts: 45
    You don't have a cabin filter
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    Phone a Honda dealer's Service or Parts department. They'll be glad to tell you over the phone whether your '97 has a cabin air filter.
  • highrollerhighroller Member Posts: 351
    Ok thanks will do.
  • tom05extom05ex Member Posts: 7
    Glad to know I'm not the only one having this problem. I installed the deck lid spoiler myself on my '05 sedan about 2 months ago. About 2 weeks ago, I noticed that approximately the last 10" of tape on the passenger side of the spoiler was no longer sticking to the trunk lid, creating a gap. I could press down on the spoiler and when I'd take my hand away, the tape would hold temporarily and then pop back up. Last Monday I removed the spoiler and re-taped it. To remove the old tape, I first removed the 4 bolts from inside the trunk lid. Note that two of them are nuts that screw on to studs built into the spoiler, and two of them are bolts that attach to threaded holes in the spoiler. The parts of the tape that were still sticking wouldn't budge, so I used a length of nylon line from my string trimmer and sawed through the tape. When I reached the area where the bolts were in the way, I pulled out the nylon line and re-inserted it from the bottom edge of the spoiler, on just the other side of the bolt.

    I removed all the old tape on the spoiler and trunk lid, and then used Scotch #4011 "exterior mounting tape" to re-tape it. It looks identical to the original tape that came with the spoiler. The spoiler itself has lines on it that show exactly where the tape should go, which is helpful. You have to be very careful that when you replace the spoiler, you have it positioned exactly right, because once the tape makes contact with the trunk lid, it's stuck.

    I just washed the car for the first time today (Saturday) since redoing the spoiler on Monday. (I was hoping the tape would set up better if it went several days without getting wet). After washing the car, I could tell that the foam tape is still holding, but it did absorb water, and it made a "squish" sound when I pressed down on the spoiler. The original tape did the same thing and it eventually failed. So, I guess all I can do is wait and see if this tape holds any better. If not, I'll try and find some type of tape that isn't foam.

    One thing about the aftermarket (non-Honda) version of this spoiler. It does not use tape. It uses 2 additional bolts toward the outer edges of the spoiler, for a total of 6 bolts, where the Honda spoiler only has 4. However, there is no way to gain access to the inside of the trunk lid where those two extra bolts are -- you have to drill access holes on the inside of the trunk lid!
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    I'm considering installing the spoiler on my 04 Accord.

    Was the car waxed at any time before you installed the spoiler? Anything the dealer apply to the paint?

    Did you try fitting the spoiler before adding the tape? I wonder if the spoiler isn't following the curve of the deck lid in the areas it's lifting up.

    Mrbill
  • wesman01wesman01 Member Posts: 9
    When I'm looking for tires, I go to tirerack.com and read their reviews and the reader reviews and it's been very helpful. With that said, I've recently tried Kumho tires and find them to be quiet as well as very good performance tires. My brother put them on his Infiniti G35 coupe and my sis on her 330i and I've got them on the wife's CRV. They perform well in wet and dry conditions. Check out tirerack and compare pricing to your Discount Tire. I usually purchase from them and have them shipped to me and since I'm in LA, I've got all these tire shops in ELA that will balance and mount for $40.
  • wesman01wesman01 Member Posts: 9
    I have a 2005 Accord V6 EX and want to better performance. I've replaced the air filter with a K&N, but want to know if there are any other items out there I should consider. I'd like to maximize gas and acceleration performance. I'm not the most aggressive driver so my suspension is fine. Also, I'm not looking to enter the car into a Hot IMport Nights competition. Just looking for some reasonable upgrades that will help out performance.

    Any help is appreciated.
  • wesman01wesman01 Member Posts: 9
    get a K&N replacement air filter. This will help out gas mileage and acceleration.
  • highrollerhighroller Member Posts: 351
    Get a good aftermarket muffler, not the exhaust system just the muffler, which should cost about $25-$50 depending on the brand type. This should increase your hp some. For gas mileage, i would use BG44K (a can pour into your fuel tank) every 9,000 miles to clean up your fuel injectors,carbon deposits, and improve acceleration. Overall, this will help maximize your gas usage and also cleans your entire fuel system. Also if you need to, use OEM type spark plugs like NGK platinum-tipped, this would definitely maximize gas mileage. Oh yeah, i read somewhere that K&N air filters do give you more hp but they also allow more dirt into your engine. The more air the filter allows, the more hp you gain but also the dirt from the air. I would stick with Wix or Napa Gold air filters just to be safe from all the dirt that is being allowed into the engine. Having alot of deposits in your engine COULD REALLY BE COSTLY for your engine. So be safe and be happy =)
  • rbevz67rbevz67 Member Posts: 69
    Hi,

    Thinking about getting an Accord but really dislike the stereo.

    Anyway, Looking at throwing in some 6.5 components in the front and 6x9s in the back with a 4channel amp to replace the stocks. With the funky head unit set up, I want to keep the stock in there for cosmetic reasons.

    My questions:

    Has anyone replaced all 6 speakers before? How difficult was it to get to the tweeters?

    Has anyone hooked up an amp to the stock head unit? How does it sound?

    Lastly, a general stereo question, is it silly to spring for a 75rms x 4 @ 4ohm amp when using the stock head unit? I doubt the stock has RCAs, so is it pointless or will there still be great sound? I've never hooked up an amp and speakers keeping the stock head unit!

    Thanks!
  • highrollerhighroller Member Posts: 351
    I would get the aftermarket headunits, along with new speakers and a good amp. It will not only sound great but totally awesome dude =) . Replacing speakers are pretty easy, just open the door panels and unscrew the speakers. Tweeters, ive never had the chance to replace these before so i do not now how difficult it is. Usually, whenever i get amps, its for the subwoofers not just for the head unit.
  • keysmomkeysmom Member Posts: 1
    I read all the older posts on what is the best security systems. Is there anything new or the best right now. My daughter's car (Honda Accord) was stolen twice and broken into once. She lives in Denver, CO so I also need to get the best installer, too. She has decided to get a new or newer car. Any ideas on what it the best these days. thanks
  • srobaksrobak Member Posts: 96
    No need to replace the head unit. That is an expensive replacement with the custom design and it's integration with the climate controls not to mention the XM and 6 disc changer components that are already built into it.

    Get an amp that accepts speaker-level inputs, and unless your door speakers are going to have crossovers in them to run to external tweets in the dash, you will need a 6 channel amp with a high pass crossover on one pair of channels to route to the tweets.
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    Your best security is a fuel-shutoff device that is hand-activated when the driver parks. It should be accessible from the driver's seat, but not obvious to the casual crook.

    The bad guy can still start the car, but it runs out of gas halfway down the block. He has no other choice than to get out and abandon the car.
  • lastwraithlastwraith Member Posts: 350
    These two are basically mutually exclusive. To get better performance you have to give up some fuel economy (unless your car is not running in top condition). You certainly are not going to find many ways to increase BOTH fuel economy and performance.

    Also, how much do you really think just replacing an air filter is going to do? Even replacing the filter and the airflow path (with a cold air intake) does not give you much in the way of performance gains, but it does make a cool sound when you push the engine. The only way you are going to get more performance out of an air filter replacement is if it flows much more air, which means it isn't filtering as well. If you don't mind trading good filtering for a negligible increase in performance (and yes, it's at the expense of gas mileage) then by all means, go for it.

    Personally, I think you are better off just making sure everything that came with the car is in tip-top consition. That's the best way to get good performance and great MPG. If you need much more performance, you WILL be dropping serious dollars on some real engine modifications. Anything else is likely hype.
  • srobaksrobak Member Posts: 96
    Greetings...

    I dont much care for the solid red tail lights in my 05. Car has about 10k on it, lenses are in perfect condition. Anyone interested in a straight-up swap? I am looking for the split color lenses from the 03 or 04. They bolt right in. We can agree on a day to overnight the lenses to each other so we are not left without lights for very long. Whatever works for you. I can provide pix, expect the same in return. Thanks

    -scr
  • apastor2bapastor2b Member Posts: 3
    I just purchased a '98 Accord to drive to work and back. (My '05 Accord needs time to heal from all the parking lot abuse.) Everything on the car is still stock. I am looking to add an air-intake (AEM V2?), an exhaust system and anything that can add enjoyment to my ride to and from work while trying to stay under the $1K budget. Suggestions please? Thanks.
  • spamanspaman Member Posts: 6
    rob2 is correct. Also, if you get larger rims and want larger tires, you must think about wheel well clearance.

    Low profiles look cool, but usually are have higher tire ratings (for higher speed) thus are more expensive. This also means they wear out faster. They grip great, but are a harsher and bumpier ride. In racing that is the deal. Stiffer means faster.

    So, I think your son is looking for cool looking and not realizing the harshness of ride and cost of using rubber faster.
  • rbevz67rbevz67 Member Posts: 69
    Yea, gonna have crossovers...looking at all MBQuart components up from and MBQ 6x9s in the back powered w/a ppi amp @ 75wX4
  • lastwraithlastwraith Member Posts: 350
    Sounds like you are considering some decent components for your new setup. Just remember you are not limited to amps with speaker level inputs. There are plenty of places that sell converters from speaker level to RCA that incorporate delayed turn-on, basic signal attenuation, and other little goodies to make things easier. There are also quite a few that don't do much of anything however, but at least you don't have to limit the choice of amp based on something so unimportant as speaker level inputs if you are going with some good speakers.

    The "PAC OEM2 System Interface" is one such converter, although a lot of it's "extra features" are a load.

    MBQuart components up front with some 6x9s in the back, powered by an old school PPI Art amp and maybe an IDQ sub would really do justice to a new Accord ;)
  • rbevz67rbevz67 Member Posts: 69
    thanks lastwraith,

    I'll look into those converters you're talking about. i knew there were converters that would take speaker level to RCA, but wasnt aware there were different kinds. Im hoping the sound quality wont suffer too badly using such a setup.
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