Honda Odyssey Audio, iPod, Bluetooth, Video Questions

chaylabird · June 2006

I have a 2005 exl w/ navy/res. About 8 months after we purchased the car the cd player started acting up. Cd's began skipping - it started out as an occasional occurence and I could fix it by switching the disc to another slot. I postponed taking care of the problem because I have 3 kids and didn't want to take the time to bring the car in - but eventually it was completeley unusable so I took it to the dealer and they installed a new player. So far, so good, but a week later the cd player jammed and became unusable. I never use anything except "approved" discs. I brought it in, they replaced it, and now we are back to the skipping problem. To make a short story long... anyone else experience or hear of anything like this? The dealer has offered me a $400 credit to put my own system in, but I'm not sure if that will work since it's connected to the navy/res system. I asked the dealer and I'm still waiting for a reply. I am completely frustrated by this whole thing - although I know that this is nothing on par with the brakes failing, I still need to leave the car each time, wait until they have a loaner appointment and it's now the 3rd failed cd player! Plus we are on the last book of Harry Potter and my kids are so sad not to be able to listen to it in the car! Any help would be really appreciated. Thanks, Lynne

sebring95 · June 2006

I've not heard of many problems like that, and we've had none in 15 months/15k miles. Are the CD's scratched at all? I wouldn't go with aftermarket due to the integration of the DVD/Changer/XM/etc. Just make them keep changing it, seems like a bad string of luck or something.

FWIW, you should be able to load the CD into the DVD player and change your speakers to that source and finish off the book!

gcane93 · June 2006

I also just bought the 2006 Odyssey EX-L R&N, I was going to get the ipod connection, but too expensive. So, I decided to get the ipod FM Transmitter. It plays and charges at the same time. I tried many FM transmitters, but this is the ONE that work the best. It is made by Kensington and approx $80.00 You can preset your own FM frequency (3 presets). No static at all and never lose connection. Besides I can take the FM Transmitter to my other car.

newhonda06 · June 2006

Cannot use FM transmitter in the NY area...too much interference...just got the usa spec ipod connector ...Other users of the Usa Spec say the volume level is a bit lower than radio & CD....any else have this problem....?

sebring95 · June 2006

I've seen this problem with many "3.5mm to RCA" type connectors. The 3.5mm jacks typically don't put out as much volume as other outputs. They make a booster, but you have to power it from an aux. power source.

papa6 · June 2006

I have an '06 EX L that has radio reception problems from day 1. The dealer says it is normal but I have never had this kind of trouble on any car in the past 40 years. I believe that the "In Glass" antennae is the problem. A friend has a 02 Odyssey and an 06 CR-V and has had no problem - but both have Mast antennas. I get interference on AM (which can be normal to a degree)at every overpass and even in my garage. I leave in a major metropolitan area with a well know AM station that is heard nationally. So, distance from transmission is not a problem. But I also get static on FM stations that I have never had a problem with before this. In general I call it "reception challenged" because it will work fine under perfect conditions but any interference media, such as an overpass, high rise etc. will cause static interference.

Anyone else experience this? Do you have a solution?

sdj5 · June 2006

We're trying to find a suitable dvd unit. Not sure which brands or size to go with. Keep getting informed that the sunroof creates a problem. Does anyone have a particular brand and size that has worked well with the sunroof in the 2006 EXL? Thanks

chaylabird · June 2006

Thanks for your response. The cd's can't be all scratched - some of them are brand new. And they will skip in one slot and play fine in another one, for the time being. The dealer has told me they have seen problems with this radio, although given the volume they sell of this make and model there are not any problems. I did a little research and in order to go after-market I would have to replace the whole nav/res system - it would cost quite a bit more than the offered credit. The dealership has ordered me a new cd player to install - apparently when you get an item repaired under warranty, at least at this dealership, you get a "refurbishe" item. Hopefully this will solve the problem, although the one that came with the car was not refurbished (I don't think...) and it still had the problem. If not, I need to contact Honda and deal with them, since Iwill then be eligible for the lemo law in IL. I can't believe I have to go through this with a Honda but I guess it happens every once and awhile...

newhonda06 · June 2006

just installed the ipod interface made by usa-Spec ....works as advertised....great sound (no volume loss) and easy to manage from the steering wheel...I hooked it up in Direct Mode.....my company car a 2002 taurus ...I installed the aux input by Usa Spec....and considerable volume loss from the 3.5" jack...thnks for the tech advise.

whcoombs · June 2006

We just got a 2006 EX-l w/ res but the DVD player has already been replaced once because when a dvd was put in it just made the eject noise which caused an error and then would not eject the disk. The new one, only 4 disks put in it is doing the same thing. HELP????

robr2 · June 2006

Are you using original DVD's or copies? Some DVD players don't like copies.

twood5 · July 2006

I have a 05 with factory RES and the factory in dash cd changer. I want to add a line-in port to allow me to plug in my mp3 (not Ipod, I have a Zen) or my XM MyFi (its the walkman style XM) I know I cant charge the units or control them through the steering wheel, but I might be able to control the volume. I am figuring I have to use the XM/AUX option on the radio and bring the sound in via the headphone plug on the XM and the MP3 units. Has anyone else done this and how is the sound quality? I dont need primo, but I dont want crap either.

sebring95 · July 2006

There are two options. Circuit City/Best Buy/anywhere online sell RCA adaptors that hook in to the auxilliary plugs on the back of the stereo. They you buy a 3.5mm to RCA adaptor (headphone to RCA) that plugs into that. They seem to run around $80-$100 for the adaptors. I put one in my Tundra and it works good.

The cheaper option since you have the RES is to get the 3.5mm to RCA adaptor and a long RCA patch cable and plug it into the rear jacks. Then you just switch the rear to AUX and it will pull from those jacks. Sound should be fine.

esoteric_2k · July 2006

Hello all. I'm new here and I need your help. I own a 2000 Odyssey EX which has the original CD/radio unit and cassette player, plus an under-seat 6-disc CD changer, and 6 speakers (EX model comes with 4 mid-ranges plus 2 tweeters). I'm willing to spend about 200-300 dollars to obtain better sound. I'm thinking I should get a more powerful amp and replace the 4 main speakers for better ones(keeping the original tweeters). Can anyone knowledgeable in this area suggest/recommend me a decent amp + 4 speaker "package"? (brand name, model, price..?) Also, would I need a 2 channel or 4 channel amp to drive the 4 speakers? What accessories (connector, adaptor, etc) would I need -- for this particular van? If you've also owned a 2000 Ody, have spent about that much money and sucessfully obtained better sound, please.. show me the way! :-) Basically, with no more than $300 budget to spend for everything including amp, speakers, adaptors, wires and whatever else necessary, what "goodies" can I get to have better audio in my Ody? Any help is much appreciated.

peniel · July 2006

:confuse: Does any one knows how to display the clock and temperature on the Navigation Display of an Odyssey 2006?
One of the vendors at the dealership where I bought my minivan told me it is possible, but could not remember how to do it.
Has any one done it?

oceanmist · July 2006

Does anyone know if it is possible to setup the dvd system to play DVD's bought in Europe? My son got a lot of DVD's from his grandparents in Europe, but they won't play on the Van. Home DVD's often have a setup procedure to change the zone coding. How can I do it on the Odyssey's system? I called Honda service guys, but they couldn't help:"What, there are different zones for DVD's? - I didn't even know that..."
THANKS.

kcrossley · August 2006

I take it you're using the Honda Navigation monitor as your display. Is this correct?

julierichardso · August 2006

I am interested in purchasing an 06 Odyssey, but cannot decide between the EX-L or the Touring. This is because I don's understand the difference between "XM Ready" on the EX-L and "XM Included" on the Touring model. Can anyone explain?

Thank you.

stickguy · August 2006

Ready means that the headunit is Xm compatible (it will show the program info, etc), but the satellite pieces (antenna and the receiver/decoder box) are not included. On the touring, the extra pieces are included as standard.

Not cheap either to add as an accessory if you want it all nicely integrated.

julierichardso · August 2006

Any idea how much the satellite pieces (antenna and the receiver/decoder box) run?

Will I need to purchase / have them installed at a Honda dealership? Or, can I have done at any electronic chop (Best Buy, Cirsuit City, etc)?

Thank you.

jimbo1992 · August 2006

You are correct that some DVD players can be 'hacked' to change or even remove the region encoding. However, even if possible to do this with the RES, it may not help. European DVDs are set to play on PAL televisions whereas the US uses NTSC. I have managed to watch some EU DVDs on my computer, but when I try to watch on my TV, there is a lot of flicker and usually only B&W.

sebring95 · August 2006

From what I understand, the XM parts run around $500 installed by the dealer. You can probably buy them for less and install them youself....but I'm not sure I'd recoommend that. At least it would be covered under the factory warranty if you have the dealer install it before you take delivery.

IMHO, $500 for these pieces is way overpriced.

Are you looking at buying the DVD system. If so, you could aslo add the NAV option and it also includes the full XM system. When I was shopping, I wanted tha NAV system anyway. But either way, cost for the NAV system which includes backup camera, voice activated controls, NAV, and XM seemed easier to swallow than just paying $500 for XM by itself.

stickguy · August 2006

Yeah, installed dealer cost is about $500 - $600. I asked about it when I had speakers and an ipod adapter installed, and the stereo shop (a custom place) said you had to get the parts from Honda.

For that much, I would just get a portable XM unit and give up the integration, but I really do like having it in my Accord.

talfe · August 2006

Hi! I don't know if anyonw has answered your question, but I know Sirius sells a "brain" that you can get to replace the XM satellite radio brain in the car. Take care! Veronica

julierichardso · August 2006

Does anyone know if it is possible to add a Bluetooth Hands-Free Integrated Phone to an Odyssey with the NAV? I have only been able to locate installers that would need to add a second screen to display the incoming number (cannot show on the NAV screen).
Has anyone been abel to do this?

rnie · September 2006

I have a 06 Odyssey would like to add a mp3 port (not iPod). Looks like Honda only offer an iPod adapter, which is useless for me. I contacted my dealer, they said be careful to use a aftermarket adapter if it's not certified by Honda, because it will void the car's warantty on radio, cd and even navigation.
Anyone knows about a certified product that can be used without void warantty?

prime76 · September 2006

I'm having the same problem with my DVD player in my Honda Pilot EXL. Did you ever figure out how to fix it?

Paul

johnddent · October 2006

I was frustrated that bluetooth can not be included even in the 07, so we are getting an 07 EXL with no RES or NAV and doing an aftermarket install of Pioneer's AVIC Z1 nav and an Alpine 10inch RES. All of it will integrate in the same location as the Honda nav, but includes Bluetooth which will have the caller id on the nav, automatically mute the radio, and includes a 30GB hard drive that will store all of the cds that I put into it.

My only hesitation is the lack of extended warranty on the aftermarket items. They are giving us 3 years 36,000 on this stuff since it will be installed at the dealer at the time of purchase.

Any thoughts or opinions from other OEM or aftermarket installs?

fx35awd · October 2006

From reading the back of the manufacturer navigation manual, the Honda Odyssey Nav is actually made by Alpine. I thought I bring it up if it eases your mind at all.

sebring95 · October 2006

I wonder if they use the same database for the OEM Navi. Mine leaves a lot to be desired....which seems consistent with most other OEM NAV's I've used. My Garmin is a lot better.

johnddent · October 2006

No, the Pioneer uses a different database and software, and it has received a ton of great reviews, but it fits in the same spot the OEM would and works with voice commands and steering controls.

The Alpine 10 inch screen integrates with the front too.

peniel · October 2006

:mad: Does any one knows how to display the clock and temperature on the Navigation Display of an Odyssey 2006?
One of the vendors at the dealership where I bought my minivan told me it is possible, but could not remember how to do it.
Has any one done it?

admendel · October 2006

Google something like Honda Ipod or Honda RCA input, there are several out there that allow you to run RCA inputs (from Any source) into your factory radio. As for warranty and aftermarket parts, they would have to prove that your part caused a failure of the others parts. I have never heard of a line in plug causing any problems. If you have an EXL-RES or Touring, you already have RCA inputs in the back driver side, you can plug whatever you want in there and listen on AUX.

leadfingers · October 2006

We have an '05 Ody w/ RES and we're really confused.

It looks like you can't use the AUX inputs in the back to plug in an iPod. Ok, so what the heck CAN you plug into them? Something like a game system (NES, PS, etc)?

fx35awd · October 2006

Yeah, a camcorder, VCR, DVD player, video game consoles, etc., but not an ipod.

leadfingers · October 2006

I guess what I struggle with is...Isn't "Audio In" just..."Audio In"? Apparantly the answer is "No", but I can't see why for the life of me.

We also tried plugging in a laptop, and of course, that didn't work either...
:confuse: :confuse: :confuse:

kris995 · October 2006

I'm looking at Bernardi and I'm unsure exactlywhat would need to be purchased for the XM radio. Do I need the base or just the antenna and attachment kit??

Has anybody installed this themselves??

cayennes · October 2006

For my '06 Touring - plugged in my cellphone to the audio RCA inputs for playing MP3's on my cellphone. Chose AUX in the front radio control and it works fine?

I have a cable that connects my phone to just the audio inputs - but I suppose it is dependent on whether one can fine a cable for an MP3 player/iPod/PSP/etc.?

oddad · November 2006

Were you able to complete the installation of the Pioneer AVIC-Z1 on your '07 Odyssey? I was contemplating a very similar plan as yours for my '06, but was dissuaded from doing so because the local install techs I talked to thought the job was highly custom in nature and not be clean (interpret: ugly hole in dash).

I assumed that the double DIN of the AVIC-Z1 would be easily drop in place where the factory radio and CD player exist. Is that the case? Was the installation clean? Does it look like it was factory installed? Did you use any aftermarket install kits? (I could only find one for the AVIC-N3... and it obviously needed to be modified for the Z1.)

I have not yet purchased the DVD player... but was actually going to do so today, until I ran across your message. If you have any photos of the install, I would love to see them.

tellocat · November 2006

Hope you're having a good Ex-Pat experience. I have had the same experience with our DVD player in the Ody. One replaced already and I KNOW it's the dead battery that caused this. There must be an answer. You get any info?

Ex-ExPat

johnddent · November 2006

It is a PERFECT FIT. The local techs have it wrong. The Z1 looks like it was the original system. I can send you photos today. Email me at johnddent@hotmail.com

The only thing I am still not content with is the echo on the bluetooth. Check out avic411.com to read about all the things people have found out about the awesome Pioneer system. As the driver in the car you don't hear an echo but I guess the callers do, and it can be pretty bad. We have minimized it, but it is still there.

Overall I would HIGHLY recommend both the Avic Z1 and the Rosen 10.5 inch in the 07 Ody. It blows away the factory install. Have your tech install the bypass so you can activate everything while driving (or your passenger can).

John

cableguy06 · November 2006

I don't think there is an option for this. Are you sure you got good information? I have a 2006 Touring with NAV too.

cayennes · November 2006

One way to go around it is to use the voice command and ask the car "What time is it?" :shades:

cableguy06 · November 2006

Or just look at the clock that is mounted in the dash to the right of the NAV unit

kzr4 · November 2006

Does anyone know how to make the DVD screen stay bright all the time even when the headlights are on? We fixed the navigation screen to stay bright at all times and tried to adjust the settings on the DVD screen (the contrast?) but the screen still dims when the lights are on. The salesman said it could be done by adjusting but we can't figure out. Any ideas? Thanks!

sebring95 · November 2006

Try adjusting the dash lights (turn the odomoter/selection knob clockwise). If you have the DVD settings correct, this will brighten the screen when the headlamps are on. I have mine set this way because I run with the headlamps on all the time. I turn the screen up during the day, and down at night using the odometer knob.

milby · November 2006

Does the Alpine 10 inch screen block vision using rear view mirror? I was impressed that the factory installed drop-down DVD screen did not block rear view, but I like the options your complete system has. Thanks.

fx35awd · November 2006

I think this screen is built in the radio unit and to be installed in the middle of the front console by the transmission shifter. So it would not block your rear view.

johnddent · November 2006

Yes the 10.5 inch screen does impede the rear view mirror. You can also choose to have the 7 inch from Rosen, which is installed just like the factory and doesn't impede the view. However the 10.2 has built in video games(basic, but they are there), and has a removable hard-drive that docks to your computer and allows you to transfer movies etc to it.
http://www.rosenentertainment.com/rosenallinonesystems-T12-T10.htm

One negative is that the inputs for an external gaming system are on the unit (attached to the ceiling) as opposed to the back side panel in the Touring Nav.

milby · November 2006

Thanks for the info. Can you let me know the cost of the system both with and without the rear entertainment part of your system? If I were to buy the EXL with the factory DVD, can the nav system you have still be added?

Honda Odyssey Audio, iPod, Bluetooth, Video Questions

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