Honda Accord Audio Questions

bug4

I've had this happen several times -- but it has always been related to loss of signal (i.e. - getting stopped at a light under an overpass -- going into my parking garage, etc.).

viet

I set up blue tooth in my parking garage and tested it with my home phone. It did not sound very clearly in the car. Will test it outside sometime.

blane

Must be that car cover viet.

viet

You are right Blane. The car cover is thick and heavy so I opened it a little bit at the front windshield area and turn on light in the garage and get in the car to pair my blue tooth phone it while the signal receptor on the rear roof was covered. Thanks.

parviz

Thanks. How about the mp3 issue, have you tried any mp3 cd's and if so what info is shown on either navi or the LED screen?

ammoguy

I have had my accord for a bit over a month now. If I turn my volume to around 20 on any of the XM top 20 songs with deep bass my sub makes a really annoying rattle/vibration. Does anyone else get this problem. It's nice to have a decent stereo, but it sucks to not be able to turn it up.

jb_turner

Turn your volume and/or bass down and the vibration will stop.

ammoguy

Thanks for stating the obvious. My bass is set at default and so is my sub. My point is that you should be able to listen to music that has bass in it at volumes above 15 without vibration sound coming from the back.

thegraduate

Do you know what's vibrating? Maybe your license plate?

ammoguy

Not my plate. It's definately the back deck where the sub sits.

viet

When somebody calls me via my Bluetooth hand free link the volume sound was not quite high and of much quality. I had to increase the volume. Is there any extra adjustment?

plina

Hate to say this I'm planning on getting a new 08 accord and the first thing I will do is change the speakers.Honda and Toyota use very cheap speakers for their stereos. I have heard this numerous times from profesional installers, so if you want great music buy some deacent speakers.

ammoguy

I think I'll do the same in the spring. The stereo really isn't that impressive,

parviz

No other adjustments, just the volume control. But you have probably noticed by now that ut keeps your volume setting in the memory for radio apart from the hands free so you don't have to re-adjust every time. I had to crank it up a bit for the hands free to sound decent.

viet

I have not read the manual on the bluetooth thoroughly but after I used it one time while driving the car I knew radio & phone volumes are separate. I only quickly skimmed through the manual. Will keep bluetooth volume in memory. Thanks, Parviz.

bug4

Assuming you realize that the sub has limits - - it will not operate without distortion and "popping" at high volume - - then you must determine for yourself whether or not the popping you are experiencing is reasonable or not. I can tell you that I have actually been impressed with the lack of "buzzing" or "popping" that comes from the stereo in my 08 EX-L. My stereo will not operate at high volume with the sub or bass turned up past 2 or 3. But, it will operate at a mid-high volume without any distortion, buzzing or popping. I sort of have to sneak up on it . . .meaning that I turn the sub and bass controls down, then turn the volume to the desired point. I then slowly raise the sub and bass levels to the level just under where they get any noise or distortion. Using this method and with full appreciation for the fact that this is a factory system with only 270 watts, I have been fairly impressed with the level of noise/distortion free thumping I get!

You might consider whether the popping is from the sub, itself, or wether you are getting noise from the materials that surround the sub (the mounting materials, the back deck, something in the trunk, the tail light-plastic enclosures etc. etc. etc.).

Although I'm not sure how helpful this is because of variations in each stereo, I can tell you that I can operate my stereo at a volume of 20 on any XM station, with the sub set at 3 and the base set at 2 or 3 without any noise or distortion. I can also tell you that I get significantly more distortion from increasing the "bass" volume than I do from increasing the "sub" volume. The "bass" frequencies are being generated by the regular speakers and appear to be the weakest link in the system. (although I'm also unimpressed with the systems mid-range frequency response).

dolfan1

A few months ago, I replaced the tiny magnet factory speakers with some Memphis Audio speakers (front & rear). Made a pretty good improvement. Just had a Rockford Fosgate 200 watt amp installed to supplement the factory head unit. Again, a marked improvement. I suppose it's the best way to increase the stereo quality without spending ridiculous amounts of cash. All told, the four Memphis speakers, an iPod interface, amp, all the parts and labor set me back almost $900.

Is it worth it? Suppose it depends on the individual. For someone who would have to scrimp and save and really sacrifice to do it, I'd say no - it's not worth it. If you want the best sound for the dollar, the above method is probably about the most inexpensive way to do it ( if you consider $900 inexpensive!).

sikathenu

just wanted to know if i can hook a amp n box to my stock radio....
dose it have RCA jacks like all the other or do i have to spend mony to hook it up???
again i have a 2008accord ex non/navi

bvdj84

It should be pretty easy, you simply need the power from the battery to the trunk, and you should be able to take the line out from the speakers in the rear to the amp, without having to mess with the cd player at all. I would check some of your pro shops and ask them to do them, not your bestbuy or circuit city installers.

You can do that, it is just like any other car.

I am pretty there are no RCA outs on your cd player, other than what the pro shop can do for you, they would have a few more options for you. Make sure they tell you exactly what they are going to do to it. Since your 08 is a new design.

As far as the cost, it should be too bad, other than supplies that to hook it all up... which adds up, and definitely get the higher quality cords. Unless you know exactly what your doing, I would have a pro do it.

bvdj84

Wow! Excellent! I have the Memphis Audio in my 06 accord! Running off the CD player, it is a little to late for me to add an amp, since I lease the car. It was the best improvement! When I lease the 08 Accord, I will be taking all of the crappy speakers out that they claim to be all that... look at the size of the magnets.. its hilarious. I am going to replace them all with Memphis Audio, and get a good amp along with it. It will then sound amazing! I am big on music, and I got to have it in my car! The Memphis Audio speakers are amazing! Now, in the 08 EX-L accord, it has a small sub as well, I will leave that unit alone, it'll be fine.

I am calling to get an estimate for all of it soon, I'll keep you guys posted, so if you would like to do the upgrade as well.

Memphis Audio is the way to go!

montyalo

I have a 2008 Accord Sedan EX-L V6 w/ Nav. I'm guessing that my complimentary 3 month XM subscription is gonna end in the next couple of weeks. At what point should i start to see communication from XM about extending the membership. Any tips on how much I should be paying. A limo driver once told me to hold out as long as i can and i could get 2yrs for $200. Is that realistic? Thanks in advance

sikathenu

thanx man...!!!
all i need to find out now is if i need a high low converter.
ALSO>>by me running off my rear speakers am i gunna loose any power to them?
um sooo use to old school radios and aftermarket radios.. i never hooked up to stock so i probly sound like a dumb [non-permissible content removed] with my questions.
BUT TANKS FOR ALL THE INPUT!!!!

dolfan1

The 08 head unit is of course more powerful than the previous generation, but it still may not be enough. My sound guy told me the 120 watt unit in my '07 is really only pumping around 15 watts or so into each speaker.

The amp I had had installed is the technically the smallest one Rockford makes. Memphis probably makes a similar amp that may be a bit costlier. There are cheaper amps of course, but like anything else, you get what you pay for.

Just make sure if you add an amp it won't blow the sub. Professional installers should be able to tell. My sound-shop really had some nice looking Memphis subs, but I never asked what they cost.

tallman1

I'm guessing that my complimentary 3 month XM subscription is gonna end in the next couple of weeks.

Check out the Satellite Radio thread here. People have been able to get all kinds of deals that seem to magically appear without advertising.

XM & Sirius Satellite Radio

viet

Can you guys recommend a very good source to buy a MP3 at affordable price to install in my '05 Accord hybrid w/ navi? Is the installation easy or should I hire a professional to install it? Thanks.

tankbeans

Yeah I meant the one that plays discs. I know for my year and model it came with the option of regular cd player and mp3 cd player.

I have a ton of mp3s and want to play them, but do not want an aftermarket cd player as they would have to mess with the dash to put it in. I'm thinking the factory mp3 cd player would just slide in. Literally I think I have 10-15 mp3 cds with about 130 songs apiece.

I would probably just do the fronts myself. Just getting thoughts.

Has anybody noticed that with the antenna in the rear windshield certain stations crackle. I know where I live there are maybe six stations that are worth anything.

tankbeans

Hey all-

I'm new to this forum and as such have not read many of the previous posts. Anyhow, I just replaced the back speakers in my Accord LX I4 because a friend said they were blown. I was wondering how hard it would be to replace the front speakers, especially since there are the tiny ones near the windshield and the ones in the door.

Second question, how much would it cost to replace the in dash CD player with a factory MP3 player. I know I was looking at aftermarket, but it's around $160 for the installation kit on top of the cost for the radio itself. I don't want to turn the car into a target so I'm just wanting to get another factory radio and better speakers up front and am curious about how much I might expect to spend.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

parviz

Viet,
I was waiting for someone who has better info on this to respond but since there is nothing yet here is my input. Short of buying the Honda's CD MP3 player (expensive even online) or getting an in-dash cd/mp3 player (no way, right?!) I would think if the car has a tape player the next best option would be to just get a portable MP3 player and use one of those tape adaptors to connect the portable mp3 player to the car stereo. I did this on my Corolla for several years and worked very well as those wireless FM transmitters don't do a good job. If the car does not have a tape player you would need to consider dishing out some good money for the Honda in-dash MP3 player, I've seen them online.

stickguy

when I did speakers in our Odyssey, I kept the tweeters in the dash and just replaced the unit in the door. You can get new tweeters though if you really want them, but the stereo guy did not feel it would be worth it.

Not sure what MP3 player you are talking about (you mean to play the disks, right?) Does it replace the CD player already in the car? SOunds messy!

I personally would just go the ipod/portable MP3 route, with a USAspec adapter, and skip the disks.

dolfan1

What year Accord? If prior to '07 you should be OK. However, apparently Honda changed things on the '07. When I had mine replaced (to upgrade), the front speakers had to be destroyed. They were somehow molded into the housing, and required to be cut out thereby destroying the speaker. A silly set up IMO, but I had it done at a professional sound shop & assumed they knew what they were talking about.

tallman1

When I had mine replaced (to upgrade), the front speakers had to be destroyed.

That's true in the 06 as well. I had a clip for the speaker break and they had to replace the whole speaker. This shouldn't be a big deal though since he wants to replace them anyway. It's not like you'd be able to sell the factory speakers or anything.

dolfan1

The reason I said that about the 07 is a another poster replaced his speakers on an older Accord and apparently was able to save them. Also, my sound-shop seemed to suggest it was a situation peculiar to the newer models, but it's true I don't exactly know which models this applies to (how far back it goes). I don't know if it applies to the new model either, perhaps an 08 owner may be able to advise.

Some people like to save the old speakers in case they have to get rid of the car for some reason, then they can reinstall the original speakers & install the upgrades in the next car. But you are correct, by in large it shouldn't matter. I just thought it was a poor design on Honda's part to build it that way.

tallman1

I agree... it is a poor design. It seemed pretty silly to me that they had to replace the whole speaker just because a clip broke. It was their money because of the warranty but still..... :sick:

bvdj84

probably because the speaker is practically nothing. Nothing premium about that.
Did you see it, it is literally plastic and just a bit of metal.

lilengineerboy

The front speakers on my '93 were molded into a housing for the EX. They had to be destroyed to be removed as well. Nothing premium about those speakers either.

tankbeans

I have to wonder why the speakers that come stock with any car always suck. I took out the back speakers and they were cardboard or what amounted to cardboard surrounded by a flimsy edge.

dolfan1

I don't know how many years you've been driving, but believe me they've gotten much better than they have been in years past. Back in the 70s there really was no such thing as a decent factory stereo. Todays cars, while still needing improvement, are equipped with better sound systems than in years past, but of course a lot of that is simply due to better technology across the board.
Perhaps the best thing they can do, and have done, is partner with high end audio companies to install the sound systems. My 99 Town & Country has an Infinity sound system, and generally I've been pleased with it.
Nissan has partnered with Bose, Toyota with JBL. I think these are steps in the right direction, though many still complain about the quality even with these systems. But unless you're willing to go to a professional sound shop and lay down a couple grand to upgrade the factory system, I suppose the partnership with the audio companies is the best alternative.

stereosucks

Can someone explain to me how to remove the speaker grills from the rear of my car. I want to replace the speakers and I am seriously an idiot and have no idea how to do it. Honda seems to have made a very nice car but the stereo is an absolute mess. Thanks

stryder1030

I killed my battery just recently and I replaced the battery but now my radio won't work. It keeps reading code, and no matter what I do, that's all it says. I'm up to Code error 7 now. Anyone know a general code to fix this?

sttkailua

You have supposed to have a card with the radio code on it when you purchased the car from the dealer. Check your file for this card. I do not know if you lost/misplaced the card, if the dealer can help you.

stryder1030

I am not the original purchaser of the car. The code was found on a sticker in the glove box. If you can't find it there, the dealer said you'll have to rip out the radio because it's on the back. Also, they told me to press 1 and 6 at the same time to get the car ID which would be traceable and they could look it up that way.

Thanks for the help.

hondamatic1

1 and 6 only work for newer models, won't work from about 2001 and older. Best thing to do is keep a sticker in your glove compartment with the code. In the older vehicles the radio would be taken out because the dealer needs the serial number on the radio in order to get the code.

dailydose035

Car stereo and charger in my 2002 EX accord suddently lost power while i was driving. I checked the fuse, everything seems to be ok, car works fine, no new battery recently installed. Hasn't been able to use both ther radio and car charger ever since. Whats the problem? anyone know?

dudleyr

I had something similar happen a few years ago. Turned out a metal piece of my cell phone charger broke off in the outlet and was wreaking havoc. Worth a check.

oldman1723

I am wanting to remove the head unit for my radio from the dash. The car is a 2006 Accord(EX-V6). My reason for wanting to do this is to direct-wire something to the FM antenna. How would I go about removing the head unit? I see no obvious way, and the manual does not cover it(naturally). Also, is it even worth removing?(i.e. is direct-wire possible?)

yrmac

Anyone know how to remove the Rear Speaker Grill on the 2008 Accord V6 EX-L. I would like to upgrade the rear speakers but I can't find the screw, bolt or clip that holds the grill to have access to the speakers. Do I have to remove the whole rear deck panel (similar to the Toyota Camry setup) or is the design like the 6th gen Accord? Replacing the rears on the 6th Gen was a breeze.

dolfan1

This has been asked before & no one responded. I had mine replaced professionally.
You might want to consider it, but I hope you get an answer soon.

londonbobby

Hi, this is the first time doing this so if I have missed previous answers about this subject sorry. Just bought a used 2006 Honda Accord V-6, I find that the tranny takes time to shift into gear (from d to r) and when shifting into drive. When driving it shift hard at low acceleration and seem to hesitate when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Car has 24000 miles on it. It shifts well under hard acceleration. Has anyone come across this before, should it be something that I should be worried about

dolfan1

You're really in the wrong forum. Go to the top of the page, click on Honda Accord and scroll down through the various forums to find what you're looking for. You'll probably have much better results than trying your question here.

tankbeans

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.efdf924/3676
Your question would be best answered here.