need tips for 2004 accord sedan install

keghead · 03-16-2004, 02:16 PM

My dad just bought a 2004 accord sedan (not the one with the gps) and wants me to put in a carputer for mp3/gps/dvd... looking for the cheapest routes possible... i have a few ?'s

1. i don't want to replace the factory stereo so how should i hook up audio? do accords stereo's have aux or cd changer inputs or will i have to go with the fm tuner route

2. anyone know the best place to mount the screen?

3. what is the cheapest decent screen for mp3/gps/dvd

4. what other cost cutters (i already can build pc from spare parts) i.e. how much will i have to spend on screen, fm modulator (if needed), power inverter, etc....

god_of_cpu · 03-16-2004, 02:26 PM

Very few stock radios have aux input, you can get an AUX input for honda's here
http://www.pac-audio.com/products/aai.htm

The cheapest screen is going to be a lilliput. Theres a group buy on here for $240. Anything thats not VGA will suck for GPS. Search the forum, I'm sure someone else has mounted one of these in an accord.

Given that this isn't for yourself, I would recommend you go for stable over the absolute cheapest and get an OPUS power supply.

tejesh83 · 03-16-2004, 02:48 PM

Don't go too cheap or you may come to regret it...

1. Try browsing some car audio forums or searching google too. There may be a few 04 or similar accord owners here, but you're more likely to find this answer elsewhere.
2. Post some pics. I prefer flush mounted in dash.
3. VGA screens are more expensive. You could go with non vga and a vid card that has tv-out. But it won't be as crisp, so text will be harder to read. This may or may not be an issue depending on the software you plan on running.
4. An inverter may save you from buying a pricey dc-dc psu. But you'll miss out on the built in feature the Opus and other units offer. See the psu forum for details. You can cut costs on your input devices. Use wired units instead of wireless, but you'll have to run more wires and it may not look as clean. Skip the touchscreen. Use a cheaper GPS software instead of CoPilot, but again you'll miss out on what CoPilot offers over its alternatives.

Do some research, look through posts here, and check out the member rides. There are lots of alternatives and pros and cons to each. If you take too many shortcuts, you may be sacrificing some ease of use or reliability, and it may not come out as good as you would've liked. You'll spend your time constantly upgrading instead of building it right the first time.

Good luck!

Spongebob · 03-17-2004, 12:23 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by keghead

My dad just bought a 2004 accord sedan (not the one with the gps) and wants me to put in a carputer for mp3/gps/dvd... looking for the cheapest routes possible... i have a few ?'s

1. i don't want to replace the factory stereo so how should i hook up audio? do accords stereo's have aux or cd changer inputs or will i have to go with the fm tuner route

2. anyone know the best place to mount the screen?

3. what is the cheapest decent screen for mp3/gps/dvd

4. what other cost cutters (i already can build pc from spare parts) i.e. how much will i have to spend on screen, fm modulator (if needed), power inverter, etc....

I am almost positve that your '04 Accord uses the same exact interface as my Acura TSX for audio input. Check out this link for the product. It allows the use of RCA inputs to the factory head unit - a much better option than FM Modulation.

http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/sounsnhond3.html

And this link talks about it in the TSX Acura forum

http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/show...&threadid=3148

Good luck

audiscotty · 04-10-2005, 10:34 AM

Radio removal 2004 Honda Accord,
Want to remove this unit as a ticket [not traffic] went into CD player and disabled unit. No navigator just CD and radio. How do I remove the plastic cover over the radio to get access? Thanks,
Scotty

shizzle · 04-10-2005, 10:55 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by audiscotty

Radio removal 2004 Honda Accord,
Want to remove this unit as a ticket [not traffic] went into CD player and disabled unit. No navigator just CD and radio. How do I remove the plastic cover over the radio to get access? Thanks,
Scotty

http://www.photo-log.com/
I found that in three seconds by

ing THE FORUM for "accord dash remove"
If its not the same as yours,

BTW... what the hell are you talking about "disabled unit." ???

shizzle · 04-10-2005, 11:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by KEGHEAD

1. i don't want to replace the factory stereo so how should i hook up audio? do accords stereo's have aux or cd changer inputs or will i have to go with the fm tuner route

My accord (98) had an input for cd changer. Its called a molex connector I think. The adapter mentioned is called an Ip/Bus adapter or something similar... I just ordered one for my new HU (pioneer) and it was pretty universal from what I gathered. Best buy and the like carry them as well. It provides rca inputs as mentioned, and is a better option than a fm mod IMO.

The rest depends on how you want it to perform AND look. You can flush mount the screen, and its permanent (at least no readily removable) or you can mount it so that its detachable or even on a gooseneck. Search for Peoples, he did an accord install and has a progress page.

rmjjensen · 04-14-2005, 06:19 PM

shizzle that's not what a 2004 honda accord looks like ....that was nice

anyway - how about the huge space in front of the shifter below the radio? There's really not much of a choice in that car. And it get's better. There's already a kit that can convert that space for a regular radio. If you don't want to hack up the stock stuff (who would) just spend the $20 for the kit: http://www.sjgreatdeals.com/sisha1573b.html Highly recommended! Enjoy and good luck.

98EXL · 05-16-2005, 11:21 AM

basically if you want to do this and have it look nice, you are opening up a whole can of worms. I think I get the award for 'most crazy idea to do first' check out my thread about molding the screen:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/fabrication/44783-03-05-accord-7-mold.html

ill_ace · 05-16-2005, 01:39 PM

i have seen what you want done before. All you need is a aux adaptor those go for around 100. I have heard the cubby hole does not house xenarcs as nicely as lilliputs.

98EXL · 05-16-2005, 01:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ill_ace

i have seen what you want done before. All you need is a aux adaptor those go for around 100. I have heard the cubby hole does not house xenarcs as nicely as lilliputs.

I am ditching the stock HU completely, it provides me with absolutely no benefits whatsoever, it is a big hunk of junk that is a crucial part of the security system......it actually makes things more of a wiring pain in the ***

ill_ace · 05-16-2005, 06:25 PM

yeah i guess we will see who finishes there install first. I should start my screen tonight if im not lazy. By the way did you chop up your original hu or did you buy a new one? I have been thinking about this project for over a year so I started to buy stuff awhile ago and got lucky on ebay. I got an entire hu for 40shipped lol. Now they go for 140+

MRACCORD · 07-07-2006, 10:44 AM

I HAVE AN 04 ACCORD EX-V6, I MOUNTED A DVD PLAYER UNDER THE RADIO WHERE THE CD BIN USED TO BE BUT INSTEAD OF HOOKING UP ONE OF THOSE CRAPPY FM MODULATERS I WANT TO RUN THE AUDIO INTO THE BACK OF THE RADIO USING A SNHOND3 CONVERTER, BUT MY XM RADIO IS CURRENTLY USING THAT PLUG. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF I BUY A P.I.E. HONO3-F/MM Y HARNESS WILL I BE ABLE TO HOOK BOTH MY XM AND MY DVD AUDIO INTO THAT AUX PLUG ON MY HEAD UNIT?

SNHOND3
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/sounsnhond3.html

HONO3-F/MM
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piehon03fmm1.html

98EXL · 07-07-2006, 10:48 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by MRACCORD

I HAVE AN 04 ACCORD EX-V6, I MOUNTED A DVD PLAYER UNDER THE RADIO WHERE THE CD BIN USED TO BE BUT INSTEAD OF HOOKING UP ONE OF THOSE CRAPPY FM MODULATERS I WANT TO RUN THE AUDIO INTO THE BACK OF THE RADIO USING A SNHOND3 CONVERTER, BUT MY XM RADIO IS CURRENTLY USING THAT PLUG. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF I BUY A P.I.E. HONO3-F/MM Y HARNESS WILL I BE ABLE TO HOOK BOTH MY XM AND MY DVD AUDIO INTO THAT AUX PLUG ON MY HEAD UNIT?

SNHOND3
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/sounsnhond3.html

HONO3-F/MM
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piehon03fmm1.html

no need to shout

MRACCORD · 07-07-2006, 11:06 AM

Im Not Shouting, Do You Understand The Problem Im Having? Do You Know If Using The Y Harness Will Allow Me To Keep My Xm And Also Hook Up My Dvd Audio?

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