What are the risks in replacing the factory radio in a '98 - '02 Accord EX?

Question

It looks like the anti-theft system on these cars is built in to the radio. What do you lose when you replace the radio? Do you risk immobilzing the car? Do the remote door locks not work? Is there a stereo to look for that can use the steering wheel audio controls? Are there additional complications if the factory stereo has the 6-disc CD changer?

Answer 1

The anti-theft system built into the factory radio is only for the factory radio. If you disconnect the power to the radio, you'll need to enter a code to make it work again when it's re-connected. No other vehicle systems will be affected by removal of the factory radio.

There are 3rd-party adapters available to convert the factory steering wheel controls so they can be used with an after-market radio. To use the adapter, you need to pick a CD player that either has an input on the rear for a wired remote (preferred) or comes with its own wireless remote (not as good, but it will work). The adapters usually run around $70 or so, depending on where you look. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-y2YILYeisXz/cgi-bin/ProdGroup.asp?search=swi&skipvs=T&g=118900

Having a 6-disk changer doesn't complicate anything when installing a new after-market head unit, but if it's a separate trunk-mounted CD changer, it won't work with the after-market deck. If you have CD's in it, make sure you take them out before you remove the stock radio.

PS: In certain Honda CIVICs from 1996-1998, the factory keyless entry and alarm systems are integrated with the factory radio. If you replace the radio in one of these vehicles, you have to relocate the factory radio and keep it wired into the system in order to keep the factory alarm and keyless. However, this was never the case on an Accord. I think the person below me probably has a Civic.

Answer 2

Had the same problem. At Circuit City they can install a new stereo, but leave the old one behind the dashboard cover. New stereo works and the anti-theft is not disabled, but make sure the old one doesn't have any speakers still attached.

Answer 3

If you change your radio nothing will be lost, you will still be able to operate your doors, you car, everything; but you will have to look forward is to get a radio with similar characteristics like steering wheel audio controls if you still want them. But if you get to the car radio store, they will know how to do those changes and your car won´t have any problem.

Answer 4

that's impossible for a ninety 8 accord to have a production facility put in ipod interface as a results of fact the ipod replaced into no longer released via apple until 2001. to boot which until 2006 there have been no autos that got here with ipod connectivity as a classic characteristic, in uncomplicated terms as an decision.