iPod Install in 2001 Honda Civic
Posted by Ben on July 19th, 2003
The following is a description of how I was able to install my new iPod into my 2001 Honda Civic EX.
Edit 2003-07-20 13:07 - added the pictures
1) Acquire the necessary parts and do your homework…
- First, you’ll need the HON-AUX input converter, available from Logjam Electronics - I bought mine for ~$50 + S&H. This plugs into the CD-Changer port which is located on the back of the your stock head unit, and talks the unit into thinking that a set of RCA inputs is really a CD changer. (If you’re clever, you’ll see how this can be used to tie in a satellite radio unit like XM or Sirius as well!)
- Second, the HON-AUX converter provides female stereo RCA jacks, so you’ll need either a cable or adapter which converts 2 male RCA jacks to a 1/8″ stereo jack. I ended up with a $20 Monster Cable (because Best Buy was out of cheaper ones), but you can find one at your local RadioShack for under $10 - try part numbers 42-2551 ($6.99) or 42-2483 ($7.99).
- Third, a power supply for your iPod. I’ve got one of the new 10GB ones with the Dock connector on the bottom, so I went with the Belkin unit, which you can get at an Apple retail store, or buy it online from Apple for $39.99
- Fourth (optional), something to put your iPod on/in. I found a cell-phone holder at RadioShack for $21.99 which seems to work fine.
- Fifth, tools. I used a couple metric sockets (8 and 10 mm), a flathead screwdriver, and a cordless drill.
- Sixth, your stereo security code. In the packet of material that came with your owners manual, there should be a small card/sticker which contains your radio’s serial number and the security code for it (a 5-digit number). You’ll need this or your radio won’t work when you’re done!
2) Opening the center console and removing the stereo.
For this section, I relied on a couple illustrations from this page at carstereohelp.com. Print it up and take it out to your car with you!
a) Before doing any electrical work on your car, always disconnect the power. Pop open the hood and disconnect the negative battery terminal. The bolt on mine was tough to get a normal wrench at, but a 10mm socket wrench worked fine.
b) Remove the lower center panel (where the cigarette lighter plug is located at). It’s easiest to pry gently at the bottom left and right sides first - then the panel comes off fairly easily. Disconnect the power plug to the cigarette lighter (it pulls off).
Blue arrows indicate the points where the securing clips are located at. The two on the right side are mirrored in the left. Click the pic for a bigger view.
c) Following the diagrams you printed up, there are two bolts holding in the radio / air conditioner control assembly which are located under the top edge of the open panel. I just reclined the seat and laid upside-down with my head under the steering wheel to get good access. The bolts are both 8mm heads. Yellow arrows on the picture above show the approximate location of the bolts behind the panel.
d) Remove the upper panel. Be careful prying, as you can damage the dash! Just so you’re not surprised, this isn’t just the faceplate you’re removing - it’s the entire unit, which includes the climate control knobs/buttons, the head unit, and the CD storage box.
Blue arrows indicate approximate locations of securing clips. I did dent the console a little bit when I was prying on the bottom (bottom-left arrow).
e) The HON-AUX converter plugs into a connector on the rear of the head unit on the right side (just next to the main wiring harness). Based on the diagrams included with the converter, if you’ve got the factory cassette deck installed as well, I assume you daisy-chain and connect to the cassette deck instead.
f) Route the RCA jacks on the converter to a good location for you. I drilled a hole in the inside top of the little pocket in the bottom center panel and fed them through there. You might be able to just fish them around the side of the panel on the passenger side as an alternate routing. (Eventually, I ended up switching to this as well.)
The hole.
g) Reinstall the upper center panel, the bolts holding it in place, the cigarette lighter connector, and the lower center panel.
h) Reconnect the negative battery terminal, turn the car on. When you turn on the radio, it will request the security code, which you can enter using the radio station preset buttons.
3) Connecting the iPod
a) If you just plug the iPod into the input jacks directly, you’ll probably hear terrible static instead of your music. Apparently, the power source of the car and the iPod’s battery compete. So, the car charger isn’t only smart, it’s necessary. The Belkin adapter I’m using also provides line-out capability, so I plug into it instead of the iPod’s headphone jack.
b) To get your head unit to the new input, push the “CD / Tape” button until “CD-C” (CD-Changer) is displayed as the mode. Push again to cycle back to the in-dash CD player
c) I didn’t want to leave the iPod on my passenger seat to slide around, so I got a mount for it. The one I described above can be mounted into the tray below the parking brake handle. Putting it in the front left corner keeps it from interfering with the parking brake, and puts it right at your fingertips if your arm’s on the armrest.
Click for a larger view.
Update 2004-06-29 - I posted some followups to comments in another blog entry. Read that article too before posting a question. Thanks!
Update 2007-02-22 - I’ve redone how I have my iPod installed in the car, and gone to an even more integrated approach.
For Christmas, I got the harman/kardon drive+play system for the iPod. This is, in my mind, the best way to integrate an iPod into the stock head unit. The system consists of a “brain”, which is hidden from view, a small LCD display which can be mounted on the dash, console, etc., and a controller which mimics the iPod interface. On the LCD display, you’ve got full access to the “Music” section of your iPod’s menu - playlists, sorting by artist, genre, etc. The controller has the same 5 buttons you’ve got on the iPod’s Click Wheel, and it rotates to simulate the touch function of the wheel.
Here’s how I installed it:
1) Install the power connections - Remove the lower center console per the instructions above and disconnect the cigarette lighter connection. The wires going to the cigarette lighter should be yellow and black. Carefully cut and strip the yellow wire (+12 VDC) and connect it to the yellow AND red wires on the d+p’s wire harness. You should have three yellow wires (the two ends of the yellow wire going to the lighter and the d+p yelllow wire) and the red ACC wire. Twist together using pliers and join with a suitable wirenut. Wrap off the wirenut in electrical tape to secure. Cut the black wire, strip the ends, and twist them together with the black wire from the d+p’s harness.
2) Test power connection and choose location for “brain” - Just connect up the controller, display, and iPod cable, hook up your iPod, and start the car. On my car, the display comes on and turns off while the engine is starting. Push the Play button on the d+p controller to turn it on. The iPod display should give you the “Ok to disconnect” message. You should have control of the iPod through the d+p now. If you’ve connected your HON-AUX to the d+p “brain”, you ought to be hearing music now. Now, stash the brain somewhere. I stashed mine behind the center console on the driver’s side - there’s a nice amount of space there.
3) Select controller and display location and mount methods - I chose to mount my display to the left of the dashboard, above the vent and roughly even with the windshield pillar. I mounted the controller basically where I used to have the iPod - right where my hand would rest off the end of the armrest just in front of the gearshift. In both cases, you have the option of self-adhesive mounts or screw-on mounts. I opted for adhesive, as I might be getting a new car in the next couple years. Route the cables as you see fit. I routed the controller cable straight down the driver’s side of the console, then tucked it under the plastic all the way to the “brain”. For the display, I tucked it into the seam wher the windshield pillar and dash meet, down the inside of the door, above the hood release, under the floor mats just behind the pedals to the “brain”.
4) Select location for iPod - the natural place is the covered pocket in the center console under the armrest - it’s out of view to deter theft, but easy to access to grab your iPod. You can remove the black part of the console (up to the seam by the gearshift) by prying. Start from a back corner and work forward. The parking brake handle will need to be up to remove it. Drill a 1/2″ hole in the bottom rear of the pocket. Route the cable to the “brain” underneath the center console.
5) Replace all your covers and rock on.
Enjoy, and if you’ve got any questions/comments, please post below - if you want a response, be sure to include a valid e-mail address!
Also - in the comments below, I periodically insert my responses to your questions in italics. Just so you know…
August 6th, 2003 at 5:32 pm
Thanks for the help! I drive a 03 civic and use an itrip. My drive to work is too far so I constantly have to change stations which is a pain while driving. I wanted to hook up my ipod directly to my stereo but every car audio store told me it was impossible. I just orded my cables… I let you know how it comes out! Thanks again.
August 14th, 2003 at 8:21 pm
Works Great! Thanks for the links! Got my AUX cord in 3 days. Got the RCA to 1/8″ cord from www.everythingipod.com for $4.95. I had everything installed for me because it seems as if 03 civic dashes are harder to get into (?) or maybe I’m just dumb… Thanks Ben!
August 16th, 2003 at 5:22 pm
Hey, this is so wild, I am trying to do the exact same thing as you - install my ipod into my 2001 civic ex. Wild. I bought the same equipment as you, but the sound keeps cuttng out. I am so frustrated at this point. Could you get back to me at my email address? Before I blow up my car? Thanks!
September 30th, 2003 at 2:58 pm
dude, you needed to take off some more panels so you didn’t have to cut ugly holes in your ride. Just did this in my 98 civic and it looks a hell of a lot better that that frankenstein job.
September 30th, 2003 at 6:03 pm
LOL…the only way that ugly hole is visible is if you’re laying on the floor. It’s in the upper (ie, not visible when sitting) side of the pocket next to the power socket.
October 10th, 2003 at 9:54 pm
I have a new 2003 Civic EX that I’d like to add an AUX input to for a 30GB iPod. I just looked at http://www.logjamelectronics.com/auxacurahon.html, and I see 2 basic aux input thing, one from blitzsafe and one from P.I.E. Do you know the difference between them, and whicih did you use?
October 12th, 2003 at 10:35 pm
(also sent by email)
Jon,
I don’t know that there really is any difference between the two units. I used the P.I.E. one in my setup, and it seemed to work fine, and it’s running $10 or $20 cheaper. I’m looking at Logjam’s site myself, and I noticed that they indicate people are getting engine noise in their setups and that they do provide grounding instructions.
If you’re using the Belkin charger/line-out unit that most people use, this will provide the required grounding, as your iPod will be vehicle-powered. If you’re just running off batteries, you’ll need to connect the wire to chassis ground as described at Logjam’s site, which could entail more work and make getting the Blitzsafe worth your while.
–Ben
December 2nd, 2003 at 9:54 pm
I’ll be a hero! Just got a 04 civic ex in the family. Wife loves the IPOD but can’t listen in the car, thanks so much for the post!!
December 16th, 2003 at 12:55 am
I connected PIE AUX input for my Mp3 player (not iPod). Whenever I turn on mp3 player. I heard “pop” sound. How can I remove this noise.
Do you have any idea?
December 30th, 2003 at 8:35 pm
Ben-
Great site!!!! I was amazed when I discovered it online. I just hooked up my new iPod in my 2003 Civic….and it works great!!!! Good tips on all the necessary accessories. Thanks again for making this info available.
Rob
January 10th, 2004 at 1:43 pm
Great advice! I want to connect my iPod in my 2002 civic coupe but it came with the indash 6 cd-changer. Can I still do this?
January 16th, 2004 at 1:42 pm
I thank you very greatly for your site. YOU ROCK!!!!!!! got my xm in my car just fine thanks to you! thanks again
January 22nd, 2004 at 4:16 pm
Thanks for the much needed tips!! I was actually in the process of looking for a new deck that would allow me to connect my ipod. No need now! Thanks a alot! Here’s a site that I found that has really great mounts for various items. Especially nice for an ipod. Cheers!
January 23rd, 2004 at 8:34 pm
Has anyone tried to hook a non-iPod MP3 player to their civic? I tried to hook up a 40Gb Creative Nomad Zen XTRA to my car and it works when the player is turned down, but when I turn it up past 50% the stereo can’t seem to handle it and “pops” alot. Please shoot me an e-mail if anyone has any suggestions. If I ever figure it out I’ll post an update.
Awesome site - thanks for the info. This probably saved us all ALOT of money!
January 23rd, 2004 at 10:04 pm
Thanks for stopping by. What you’ve probably got is a ground loop - use the Radio Shack ground loop isolator I mentioned on my site, and that should do the trick. One thing you can also try is to get a power supply which will power your Zen from the cigarette lighter outlet. That way, the Zen and your car stereo share a common ground.
The third, and most involved thing is a modification the the HON-AUX adapter. See http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piehonaux.html for details.
January 25th, 2004 at 8:30 pm
HI I was able to remove the lower center panel, however the bolt to the right is very difficult to get to — tried for about 10 mins with not luck. Can anyone tell me if there is some kind of tool out there I can use? Thanks.
January 29th, 2004 at 10:16 pm
So basically if I get the Hon-Aux and the Belkin Charger with line out I won’t need to get that Radioshack ground loop isolator? And if I do can I use that instead of doing that whole switch install that LongJam describes?
Tom
January 30th, 2004 at 12:11 am
Yes, it should work. If it doesn’t you’ll need to do the switch thing LogJam describes.
January 30th, 2004 at 8:32 am
So basically with the set-up you described below…did you have to use the Radioshack thing? I was probably just going to plan to buy that and install it all so I don’t have to tear the dash apart twice. Basically whatever worked for you Accord should work for my Civic.
Thanks for putting all of this up by the way. Even the people in the Apple store I go to didn’t know there was this option for Hondas.
Tom
January 30th, 2004 at 8:33 am
Sorry…I said Accord, but realized you have a Civic. So either way, like I said. If whatever worked for you worked, then it should work for me. I have a 2000 Honda. But the audio is pretty similiar.
Tom
February 3rd, 2004 at 8:25 pm
I plugged in my hon-aux and even without plugging it into any mp3 player it is making this weird noise when I turn my volume on to high? I finally plugged it into my mp3 player using a cigarette lighter as an adapter, and I am still getting the same noise. Is anyone having this problem too? Or maybe I just have a defected product.
thanks.
al
February 5th, 2004 at 1:36 pm
alex:
Yes, I’m getting the same thing with my setup. I tried the ground loop isolator in hopes of clearing this problem, to no avail. I was originally trying to use a non-iPod devide (Creative Nomad Zen XTRA). I thought it was the Nomad doing this so I got rid of it and bought an iPod instead. While the noise subsided a bit, I still get some sort of weird feedback from the head unit. I’ve been getting by with turning the volume on the Belkin down and cranking up the volume on the head unit. Although the noise isn’t too bad, it still bugs me. I’m thinking about getting a new head unit with RCA input, or maybe waiting until later this year when Alpine releases their car stereo with automated iPod integration. Should be sweet, but $$$$. Good luck, and let us know if you solve the problem.
February 6th, 2004 at 1:26 pm
I finally figured it out. The ground loop isolator did not help when I was using the “other” MP3 player, and only helped a little when I used it with my iPod. However, when I did not use the ground loop isolator with my iPod, evertyhing sounded 100% perfect! Weird, my other MP3 player sounded as bad without the ground loop isolator than it did with it. All I can suggest to anyone thinking about this is, don’t try this with another MP3 player…you might hit some trouble. Stick with the best - The iPod setup described above should work. Once again, thanks for the helpfull page. I can now rock out to any one of my 300 CDs with the touch the scroll wheel!
February 12th, 2004 at 8:13 am
Well I have mine set up. I think I pretty much did it the way Ben has outlines. HON-AUX into head unit, to RCA Plugs, to Belkin Charger, Charger to iPOD. When I’m using the line out through the charger I get a slight hum. Can’t really hear it with most of my music. But the softer/quiter stuff I can hear the buzz. Kind of annoying (considering I spent close to $100 to get this set-up). May try to the ground loop isolator. Does everyone think this would work? If I’m not using the charger and just run it right from iPOD’s headphone jack…no buzz. But that way sucks because you have to crank the iPOD volume and crank my head unit volume just to get it to the correct listening level. Plus I usually want to be charging my iPOD while in the car.
Again the buzz isn’t too bad, especially since I can’t even hear it with most of hte music I listen to. But I would still like to get it right…and if it costs another $15 to get this ground loop isolator from Radioshack it would be worth it.
Tom
February 13th, 2004 at 12:08 am
I am just starting my research for hooking up my future Ipod. Thanks for the great info!! A few questions: one audio store recommended a wired FM modulator (instead of the crappy wireless ones). Anyone have experience with that? How does that compare to the aux input?
February 13th, 2004 at 2:00 pm
Pat,
Thanks for stopping in. A hard-wired FM modulator will sound better than a wireless FM transmitter, but will probably be a little bit inferior to a good cassette adapter, and defiitely inferior to a hard-wired install through a CD changer port if yours has one available.
If you have some kind of aux input into your head unit, that’s far and away the best one to use.
–Ben
February 14th, 2004 at 12:19 am
I bought a used 98 CRV, how can I: 1) tell if there’s even an AUX plug (or should I just assume there is) and 2) do you know how I can find my code?
February 16th, 2004 at 8:44 pm
Regarding all this about the grounding and engine noise… I just want to ask to one of you who has the non-grounded installation (the one that requires the iPod to be connected to the 12V socket to prevent the noise) to try this and post the result or email me back.
Use your Dock connecting the line-in 1/8″ jack to the line-out on it instead of the iPod’s headphone’s jack.
Does it grounds the installation? Is still the noise there?
February 16th, 2004 at 10:22 pm
Pat,
Look for a sticker in your owner’s manual - it should be a 5-digit number using the numbers 1-6 only (to correspond with the radio preset buttons). Otherwise, you’ll have to shell out $50 to a Honda Dealer to get the code.
Alex,
I haven’t tried that particular setup, but I can’t imagine it would really be any different. You might be able to create a “broken ground” by wiring a custom cord/jack so that the “sleeve” contact (at the base of the plug) isn’t connected to anything - that would prevent a current draw.
February 19th, 2004 at 12:31 pm
I set up a Blitzsafe HON/AUX DMX V.1 in my 2003 Civic-Hybread (I got the Blitzsafe because the P.I.E. unit has some grounding loop problems). I found that when I removed the lower panel (the one with the 12v socket) I was able to reach in back of the radio to plug in the Blitzsafe. I used zip ties to mount The aux converter to a the dash support just behind the panel I removed. I then ran the RCA to 1/8 in cable out the back of the dash and hide the wire in the slot just above the cup holder. I did not have to remove the radio panel or modify the dash and the whole job took about 10 min. Thanks for the web site. If you want pictures of the 2003 job let me know.
Mike
February 20th, 2004 at 4:34 pm
FYI regarding my last post. I’m not using an iPod, I have a Arcos MP3 player using RockBox firmware and I’m not getting any buzz or ground loop problems with the BlitzSafe. I have also tried my friends iPod with and without his Belkin adapter, it also is buzz free.
February 28th, 2004 at 5:57 pm
I installed the PIE adapter today. I hooked it up to a XM Roady and a Dell DJ Music Player. The XM I plug into the power adapter in the dash and the Dell uses it’s own power. It’s great. There are no sound problems or noises other than the music. I have a 2004 Civic LX.
I didn’t make any holes either. I took off the center console and popped out 1 ot the spare switch plate covers. All my wires are hidden behind the console.
This car now has all this and by FM modulator I have a Kenwood Music Keg and the Sirius 902 reciver daisy chained.
I’ll take a picture if anyone is interested.
Yes,I’m insane.
February 29th, 2004 at 10:22 pm
Larry-
I really want to put in an adapter (probably the Blitzsafe) into the ‘04 Civic LX I just got; does yours have the newest style of console? If it does, how did you take it off? I can’t use the instructions on this page, since the lower portion is completely different. Also, I’m leasing, so I want to be extra careful when doing this job, and I can’t find ANY info on ‘04 Civic console/stereo removal on the web. If you (or anyone else) can point me to detailed instructions with pics I would greatly appreciate it!
Thanks,
Erik
March 1st, 2004 at 3:17 pm
I’m looking to do this mod on my 2004 Civic EX, but one problem is that the console is different to the posted pictures. Mainly the cup holders have a clickable flip lid and the there’s no slot space under the power connector. I was wondering if anyone had any experience taking apart the new style console to fit the HON-AUX adapter as I’d like to have some advice on how it works before I start ripping my console apart!
March 1st, 2004 at 6:45 pm
Hi,
Can anyone of you tell me, if instead of purchasing PIE or Blitsafe products from logjam, I can use things that are equally compatible from this site… http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Jlw7mRJvPLy/cgi-bin/ProdGroup.asp?c=11&g=50900&s=0&cc=01&avf=Y&search=
The products are much more reasonably priced at this place. I just want to know what one would be equivalent/compatible to the PIE/Blitsafe HON/AUX Auxiliary Input Converter?
Thanks
March 2nd, 2004 at 3:45 am
I have the hon-aux installed in my 1999 Honda. I’m using the Sik charger with line out plugged into my onboard cigarrette lighter. One thing I have noticed though is if my Ipod is on pause or playing a quiet portion of a song — and the volume is turned all the way up on my headunit — I can hear a slight buzz. If I turn off the headlights, the buzz goes away. Can anyone explain this? Anyone else experiencing this?
March 4th, 2004 at 12:21 pm
The instructions from carstereohelp.com are extremely basic and only point out a couple of things that Ben’s did not. Only 3 pictures of the dash (same ones on the selling page) with just arrows drawn in to show you where the release clips are. The pictures are not of the actual removal. They are cheap ($2.99) but almost worthless.
I plan to connect my iPod with a Sik products charger / line level out adaptor to a pie Hon/aux. Hopefully all will go well. Note that the Belkin’s output is amplified and may cause distortion, and the Sik line out is line level- unaltered. Here is a link- I will post back with news of my progress-
http://sik.com/imp.php
March 4th, 2004 at 5:42 pm
OK I got the PIE, the Sik charger w/ line out and I did not have to remove the head unit to install the PIE. I removed the lower panel withthe 12v socket, and if you reach up there you can get the PIE cord plugged in without too much trouble. Specs= 2001 civic ex 2dr., sik imp and 30g 3g iPod. The setup works great, as long as the charger is plugged in, without it you get nothing but noise.
I did not use the ground wire for the PIE, it made some humm noise when connected but did enable me to unplug the charger. I suppose the ground loop isolator could solve this but I’d rather charge the thing anyway.
I have to say the sound quality to me is better than the stock head unit’s cd or radio sound. iPod all the way!
March 4th, 2004 at 10:34 pm
I’ve collected some of the good learnings from everyone who’s commented here in a follow-up article. Check it out, and thanks for visiting!
March 7th, 2004 at 11:04 pm
Thanks for all the great advice. I just picked up a 2004 Hybrid today. I had sworn that two things I would do before even test driving the car would be to connect my son’s car seat to make sure it fit comfortably and then plug the iPod in to test out the stereo. I almost walked when I couldn’t use the iPod.
I’m looking forward to trying this out.
One question, especially for Mike K: is there anything unique in the hybrid (particularly related to the uniqueness of having much more electrical in the car) that you found. I plan to use the Blitzsafe as you did. I’ll probably run the iPod from its internal battery and keep it free of other connections.
Thanks all for your help and Ben for this awesome work you’ve put together.
March 9th, 2004 at 4:12 pm
Marc, The only thing that was different with my Hybrid was that I could get to the socket on the back of the radio without removeing the main console, I only had to remove the lower panel (the one with the 12v port in it). everything else worked just as Ben said. If you want I did take pictures that I could send you.
Mike K.
March 9th, 2004 at 8:23 pm
I have a 1998 honda CRV, and i want to hook up my Archos (different MP3 player) to my car, do you think i will get any “poping” noise?…also i think i am going to go with the PIE model (because it is cheaper).
March 10th, 2004 at 10:14 am
Thanks, Mike.
I’d be interested in seeing the pictures, but only if it’s convenient for you.
I’m really anxious to get my iPod going again. My kid keeps asking me to play things that I put into it specifically for him. Not that *I* miss the Wiggles, but it does make the drive longer when I keep having to tell him “we don’t have that” — if you know what I mean.
Thanks, again.
March 11th, 2004 at 3:20 am
Thanks for the posting!! I am looking to install this into a ‘97 Honda Civic Dx and was wondering how long I should expect for installation? This will be my first car audio install. Is it worth the extra $20 for the Blitzsafe convertor or should I stick with the PIE that seems to require a ground loop? Thanks again.
March 15th, 2004 at 1:36 pm
Just a quick comment to say that thanks to the help on this page, and help from someone who emailed me in response to my post on this page, I successfully fitted the PIE HON/AUX connector in my 2004 Civic Coupe EX yesterday. Although the fitting was a little more complex than what is posted above, I’ll just summarize the difference.
1 - you need to remove the top of the gear shift (I have a stick shift) and then lift off the panel that the gear shift is housed in upwards from the front (its held on by clips).
2. The bottom part shown in the first figure above in the EX has plastic housing that stretches all the way to the centre console. Now the top plastic is removed you can unclip this from the sides buy pushing on the clips, and then when it is detached from the sides, pull on the part with the accessory adapter so it comes off.
Everything else is the same, except I didn’t pry on the dashboard to get the stereo out, I pushed from behind until it popped out, thus avoiding denting my dash.
Oh and I popped out one of the plastic blanking plates that would be used from the Fog lamps which I don’t have, drilled a hole in it and fitting a 2.5″ headphone jack to it, so there’s a AUX input in my lower dash now, rather than having a wire hanging out of the dash. Looks like a pro-job despite the fact that I am a rank amateur!
March 17th, 2004 at 2:14 pm
I thought this might be helpful to those who need help installing the
HON/AUX connector. This site has various honda parts. Along with a description they give instructions. I havent done it yet because I havent really had the time. But if you look at a few of these they should give you a pretty good idea how to do it. I looked at the lighter and stereo setup…but I’m sure you can go to other products to see if those instructions are a little clearer.
http://www.cheaphondaparts.com/shop/instructions/civic04/aii25443.pdf
http://www.cheaphondaparts.com/shop/instructions/civic04/aii25487.pdf
Let me know if these helped anyone out! Thanks!
March 17th, 2004 at 5:06 pm
okay, i just ordered my cable (PIE model), and i will expect to install the cable on the 27th or 28th of march sometime, becaue i have no time on my hands right now to install it.
March 19th, 2004 at 1:42 pm
Ben,
HELP!Please help I just purchased an iPod mini and want to install it into my Civic 2001 (I still have the factory cd player). I’ve read your instructions and it seems simple. I’ve tried the Belkin FM transmitter but the reception wasn’t that great. So now I want to try it your way. I want my iPod to sound perfect (without static). Some of the other comments left on your website is confusing because some people talk about PIE, Blitz, ground looping, fm modulator, hmmming noises. I would really appreciate it if you can answer a few of my questions and help clarify the different terms and products out there.
1.)Would your way work with a mini iPod?
2.)What exactly do I need? (ex. ground looping?)
3.)I guess everything is by trial and error because some people recommend different things. What do you think will work for my mini?
4.)Do I need a car charger? What kind do you recommend?
5.)Is your way really the best way to listen to a iPod in a car (I mean without buying a car radio, and working with the factory one)
Your website is great! Thanks for posting it on the net! Hope you can answer my question, Thank you again!
March 26th, 2004 at 8:03 pm
I had an iPod hooked up to my 2001 Honda Civic coupe, but recently purchased a 350Z and took out the HON-AUX auxilary converter before I selling it. If anyone would like to purchase the HON-AUX converter, please let me know. I might also have a ground loop isolator floating around the house, but I never needed it. You can pay me via paypal or personal check (will ship when check clears. Let me know how much you would like to offer me…kjh176@hotmail.com. Good Luck!
March 26th, 2004 at 10:59 pm
Ben, Looking from instructions on how to uninstall a Nokia and found your site… Thanks! Worked great!
March 31st, 2004 at 1:04 am
I was wondering what you used to remove the bezel so you can access the headunit. I am thinking about putting a new one in there and I dont want to damage the car.
March 31st, 2004 at 10:05 pm
i drilled a hole in one of the blank filler panels next to the power socket and installed a 1/8″ stereo panel-mount jack wired to my head unit’s input. i use this with my xm receiver and laptop. it’s also good for ipod-having friends who want to play dj.
April 1st, 2004 at 4:13 pm
okay, i tried to install the PIE HON-AUX into my 1998 CRV, and it didnt work for some reason. Whenever i pressed the “CD” button on the radio it did not switch to the MP3 player. I think i am going to have a car audio place to it for me, because i obviously must be doing something wrong.
April 3rd, 2004 at 3:34 pm
nah, screw it, i got a whole new radio…hahaha
the Sony 52-Watts Xplod® XM™ Radio-Ready CD Receiver with Changer Controls and 3 Pre-Amp Outputs CDX-M800 is what i got
(Not installed yett thow).
April 7th, 2004 at 5:41 am
Mike K (or anyone else that has them),
Are your pictures available to view online somewhere? I also have a 2003 civic and I’d love to see the pics to give me a better reference since the dash is different on Ben’s car.
Thanks:)
April 10th, 2004 at 11:10 am
>Mike K
I would like some pictures for CIVIC 2004 Hybrid.
I just got one yesterday and investigating on how to connect my ipod.
all your comments are really cool!!
April 18th, 2004 at 3:37 pm
2003 Honda Civic EX iPod Install
I just installed my iPod into the stock head unit in my 2003 Honda Civic EX. I posted a breakdown of what parts I used, and how I actually accomplished the install:
http://www.muc.muohio.edu/~brownljt/iPodInstall
April 19th, 2004 at 12:17 am
Hey Ben, I really appreciate your sharing your process and even giving links to the parts. I got the adapter and cable and I just put them into my 97 Civic today. I am one happy man.
I just tested it out without grounding through a charger. I didn’t notice any popping sounds. Will it ruin my iPod if I don’t ground the set up? If sound is the only issue with not grounding, I might just go ahead and run it off my battery for now.
Ben’s reply: No, shouldn’t be a problem at all. You actually are grounded, but there’s just no ground loop, which is good.
April 23rd, 2004 at 10:36 am
Alot of people have been asking for the pictures that I took. I have a site that I will be posting the pics to in the next week. I will leave a URL once I post ‘um
Mike K
April 23rd, 2004 at 5:02 pm
On a somewhat related note, I’m interested in installing a similar audio hookup for my TiBook 667. Has anyone tried hooking a laptop into the installed stereo jack? Any thoughts on whether or not this would work? (I power the TiBook from the cigarette adapter.)
From Ben: No reason it shouldn’t work.
April 24th, 2004 at 2:59 am
To make the installation cleaner more professional, I’d like to build/buy a faceplate with a female 1/8″ stereo jack. Does anyone know if these are even made and what they are called? I’d probably buy a faceplate, pop the jack itself out of the plate, drill a hole in one of the spare switch locations — i.e. I have no moon roof — and turn that switch location into a faceplate with a jack. Does this seem feasible? Any ideas on how to build this jack?
Thanks.
P.S. This article and all the subsequent comments are a tremendous resource! Thanks!
Ben says: Sure, you can probably buy a 1/8″ female at RadioShack or any similar store. You will need to solder up some wires. I’d probably just solder wires to male RCA connectors to match up with the female connectors on the PIE or whatever converter you’re using. Just drill out a hole in the pop-out for fog lights and mount it right there.
April 30th, 2004 at 1:08 am
Just a quick note, there are three clips on the top of the instrument cluster. I thought there were only two, and when i pulled the contracption out, i broke one of the clips
May 2nd, 2004 at 6:42 pm
Hey there, i just got a 2000 honda CR-V LX, with the alpine CD-Changer already installed. I’d like to have an AUX jack so that the iPod can come with me on road trips, but i’m not sure if it will work since there’s already something plugged in to the head unit’s AUX, namely that CD changer.
Also, i’m wondering if there is an online resource that can tell me how to safely remove the dash unit without making it look like a disaster.
Anyone have any ideas?
May 27th, 2004 at 4:03 pm
Thanks Ben,
If not for nice guys like you I would have to spend God knows how many hours figuring out the whole procedure myself.
June 5th, 2004 at 7:13 pm
Just installed a PIE cable in my ‘03 Civic Hybrid today. Thanks for all of the helpful instructions and comments. I was also able to plug the cable in with just the lower panel removed. It’s a little awkward, but if you just reach up and feel around for the pins of the connector on the back of the stereo head and then plug the cable in - I believe the clip side was up.
Connected the PIE’s ground cable to the 10 mil ground bolt behind the 12V socket and there is no noticible hum with the ipod on battery power.
Next step is a drill 1/8″ hole in one of the fog light inserts for a female stereo jack. I think I’m going to strip a 1/8″ stereo male to male RCA Y cable and solder that to the back of the connector. Seems easier than mounting two male RCAs.
June 19th, 2004 at 3:55 pm
Plan to install 20g iPod in a ‘02 Civic, hopefully I can reach around, I have big hands, perhaps my long fingers will help do the walking, anyways, I am alittle confused with the whole ground loop/grounding issue.
I am getting a BLITZSAFE adapter.
Is there interference/noise when the iPod is self powered???
Ben: With the Blitzsafe, I’m not sure.
I have just recently found all this information -after a whole day searching the web (did not know what all this stuff is called before, I knew about the FM modulation, I fugured there was a way to take advantage of the AUX input) I was suprised Crutchfield did not have any info, though I suppose there are in the buisness of selling aftermarket stereo’s.
Anyway DO I NEED TO WORRY about grounding with or without Belkin charger?
With the Belkin charger, I didn’t need to do anything special to prevent a ground loop.
One thing I’ve noticed which I like is upon disconection/loss power the iPod stops play and subsequently will auto OFF by itself, although I WOULD NEVER LEAVE THE IPOD IN THE CAR!
I would be concerned with the constant full charging, as well as upon power up/starting the car, I would figure there would be some powersurge… normally upon ACC power to elec is up, but then additionally turning the key to IGNITION there is a power drain as the car starts causeing the off/on/off/on effect… I dont think thats good practice especially turning the key full way fast.
Well, in my car, the power does cut off to the iPod when I turn off the car. However, it’ll keep playing until it hits the end of a playlist or the battery dies. I wouldn’t sweat the power surge too much. Hasn’t killed my iPod yet…and, there’s a fuse in the Belkin charger which should help protect the iPod.
Please excuss my brain dump, I am excited about the new toy IT IS AWSOME… technology is cool, watched a postal employee watch live streaming sports video (game) on his cellphone while working HA!
June 23rd, 2004 at 1:39 pm
Awesome site… the pictures aren’t showing up for me though (404 error when I click on them). I’m looking to do a similar install in my 2003 civic, is there any way to access those pics you put up? Or anybody else that has pics of the process for that matter.
Thanks, and its cool to come across this community of civic/iPod owners.
Sorry about that! I screwed up the permissions of the images folder. They should all be viewable now. Oops.
June 26th, 2004 at 10:39 am
Ben:
Great information on your site! When I saw a webpage dedicated to installing an iPod in a 2001 Civic EX, I was dumbfounded!
One comment, however. I bought the PIE HON-AUX for my 2001 Civic EX and it didn’t fit. The connector in the rear of the stereo is rectangular and not round. Upon closer inspection — and I would have found this out if I had paid closer attention to the Logjam website — the one I needed was the HON98-AUX. I’ve ordered the correct one and it should be arriving in a couple of days.
Regarding my installation: Instead of powering my setup vie the external DC socket, I’ve decided to splice in an additonal DC socket behind the DC socket cover and hide my Belkin power supply and the PIE unit behind the cover. I’m also going to Zip tie the whole works together to keep down any possible rattling. That way, all I’ll have coming out the fog lamp switch panel is the one wire for the dock connector. Pretty slick, eh? I’ll post photos when completed.
I’m contemplating installing a hinged covering on the fog lamp switch panel… but that maybe a bit much.
I also concur that it is possible to reach the rear of the stereo to plug in the PIE without pulling the stereo out. And I have monster caveman hands, too.
Andy
July 2nd, 2004 at 3:52 pm
Ben,
I installed the PIE HON98-AUX in my ‘01 Civic. No problems plugging it in without removing the stereo, even with my freakishly large meat hooks.
I know I wasn’t supposed to do this, but I opted not to disconnect the battery. The reason for this was two-fold. First, I didn’t think I was doing anything that would short out the system. Second, I couldn’t find my Sec Code for my stereo and I didn’t want to pay $25 or whatever to have someone dig it up. What can I say, I’m a slacker. I slack.
Anyway, I wasn’t prompted for the Sec Code after plugging in the PIE and I didn’t short anything out. This is where you do the responsible thing and warn your readers not to do what I did. I took a risk and was OK, but, as in all things, YMMV!
As I mentioned in my previous comment, I installed a second power socket behind the socket cover by tapping into the original sockets power leads. I then crammed it, the Belkin Power adapter, the PIE and all the wires behind the cover. After drilling a small notch in the fog light switch panel, all I have coming out of my dash is a Belkin’s dock connector. It looks absolutely clean!
The only problem now is that I have a ground loop hum. It’s not bad, but bad enough for to bother me. As instructed, I grounded the PIE using the provided wire to the grounding screw behind the socket cover, but it’s still making noise.
I’m going back in. I planned to do this anyway after road testing to strap everything down, look for potential problems, etc.
First I’m going to solder a couple leads I accidently cut. They’re ones that power the original socket that I tapped to install my additional socket. I misread the instructions on the back of my clamp-on taps. Anyway, right now they’re just twisted and taped. I’m going to solder (!) and tape the heck out of them. I’m also going to ground my additional socket to the car chassis with a length of wire. Lastly, I’m going put electrical tape on any exposed metal I see.
I would install a ground loop isolator (and I will if the above doesn’t work) but I’m afraid that with all that stuff crammed in back there, it wouldn’t fit. Who knows. Stay tuned.
Again, I’ll post pictures when I’m done. So far, it’s looking pretty good.
Andy
July 3rd, 2004 at 10:20 am
Ben,
Thanks for all the info and the idea. I just wanted to let you know that my local honda dealership kindly gave me instructions to take apart my console. I had a hard time finding them because my car is a 5-speed (2003 civic) and its much more difficult to take apart the console for that model. The instructions provided are used to install a tape deck, but it basically tells you how to get into the center console.
July 10th, 2004 at 1:38 am
Hey Andy,
I think ur gettin a ground loop because ur not suppose to grounded the PIE using the provided wire to the grounding screw behind the socket cover when you are running ur ipod off a of prower from the car. You only ground the PIE when you are runnig the ipod off its own battery atleast thtas wat Logjam suggests…
-TOM
July 10th, 2004 at 1:42 am
Hey has anyone tried the swwitch setup suggested by Logjam because
I want to sometimes power my ipod off the charger when its low and sometimes just run it off the ipod battery when its already charged. An i dont want anonnying ground loops doing either methods…. suggestions or/and comments please thanks
-TOM
July 10th, 2004 at 12:54 pm
If you had the cassette player head unit instead of the cd player, couldn’t you have used one of those converters that let you play cds in a cassette player instead of going through all this hassle?
Sure. Quality isn’t as good though. It’s the classic CD vs. tape comparison.
July 13th, 2004 at 1:59 pm
hi i waqnted to ask how you remove a 2002 honda lx civic radio to put in another? it would help alot to know thank you
marissa
Easy. Follow the instructions above to remove the center console, slide out the stereo chassis, and install the new head unit in there. Beyond that, follow any specialized instructions that came with your stereo.
July 21st, 2004 at 11:23 am
I found this site when I was trying to figure out how to plug my ipood into my new ‘04 Accord. After some more searching I found this page: http://distantcreations.com/accordipod/
It has pretty detailed instructions with pictures for installing in an Accord. I plan on trying it as soon as my cables get here.
Also, check out http://www.cheaphondaparts.com/shop/instructions/ for instructions on how to take apart most of your car
(someone linked to one of the pages above, but this is the index to all the instructions).
Great site Ben!
July 24th, 2004 at 4:31 pm
Does anyone know what Hon-Aux I need to buy for a 2001 Acura 1.7 EL? From the pictures that are on Ben’s Weblog, the stereo itself looks the same (however, I think the heater buttons are in different positions). Also, doesn anyone know where I can get one of these in Canada or for delevery in Canada?
August 18th, 2004 at 3:33 am
This site is great. unfortunately I already ordered (and received) a Clarion head unit with aux in. I really like the ideas that some of the people here have of mounting a 1/8″ female to one of the blank foglight panels. How would I do that though? How would I keep it from getting pulled through the hole or getting pushed back in?
Thanks!
Well, with a 1/8″ panel-mount jack that you could buy at RadioShack, it’ll have a screw-down washer/nut to hold it on.
August 20th, 2004 at 9:40 pm
Why not just get the product at http://www.carplayer.com/whatisit.html
Then you will be able to control the iPod from the car stereo controls and charge it at the same time. I believe logjam has a similar product now.
Caveat from Ben - it’s $180 for this unit, versus ~$50 for the PIE and ~$30 for a SiK IMP (which I’d now recommend over the Belkin car adapter). If you’re going for a concealed install of your iPod, this might be preferable, but I like the way mine’s mounted right at my fingertips. Personally, I’d rather have a solution that allows me to run everything (including volume) from the iPod.
August 22nd, 2004 at 10:56 am
Hey, Ben:
Here’s the Reader Digest version: installed iPod into Honda with no problem, but not all songs will play in stereo sound! I need help!
I have a 98 Civic I bought used. The car came with a trunk mounted Alpine CD player. I’m assuming that the head unit and CD are stock, as a friend of mine has an 2000 Accord with the same setup. I haven’t been able to determine for sure, though. Now, on to the details…
First off, thanks for initially posting your iPod installation info. I have a ‘98 Honda Civic whose CD player died. I had toyed with the idea of adding an iPod to the car somehow, but didn’t have the inclination to do it until I read your site.
Overall, the installation was fairly easy. I picked up the Hon-AUX adapter and the SIK charger. The green plug on the PIE adapter was too big for the AUX port on the back of my head unit. I disconnected the CD player by unplugging the cable that connected it to the head unit. I then used the the 8-PIN DIN adapter that came with the PIE adapter to connect it to the head unit. The DIN cable on the head unit was a bit big for the PIE DIN adapter but I did get it on.
I hooked up the SIK charger to my cigarette light and the PIE converter, plugged in the iPod. I fired up the car, changed the stereo to CD and volia! Eighty albums and thousands of songs at my disposal.
The downside: certain songs will not play in stereo. For example, on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack, Dick Dale’s “Miserlou” and the spoken intro will only come out of the the left speaker. Yet most of the other tracks, such as “Son of a Preacher Man”, do play in stereo. I have a blues compilation that does the same thing. However, the same cuts played on the iPod through headphones on the Mac with iTunes *are* in stereo.
The songs were initially ripped in iTunes (I think version 2) as MP3. I then chucked those and re-ripped as ACC through iTunes 4. Same problem. My next trick was to convert the songs through Quicktime Pro. I haven’t tried it yet but I’m not hopeful.
I think the problem is probably the DIN connection in the glove compartment. It wasn’t a perfect fit, so maybe that’s what’s causing the songs to flake out. Haven’t contacted PIE yet but will this week. If you or anyone else has any suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
Anyway, thanks again for the initial info. While the problem is a bit annoying, being able to listen to nearly my entire music collection on trips with me is fantastic.
Later,
Matt
August 22nd, 2004 at 11:00 am
In my previous e-mail, I neglected to mention that I did the intallation back in March. I just visited PIE’s site, and it appears now that they have a specific adapter for the Honda 98! They just had the one HON-AUX adapter previously. Defintely calling them this week. Thanks for listening.
Matt
August 27th, 2004 at 2:33 am
I bought the 1/8″ female panel mount from radio shack. I had an old stereo rca (male) to 1/8″ (male) so I figured i could just clip off the male 1/8″ and solder on the new female one. this was my first soldering experience and honestly it went very badly. I didn’t expect to have to ground both wires and so now I have four sets of wires to solder, coming from two cables, going to three places. Is there an easier way? Should I just have used rca->rcas and not rca->1/8″?
September 15th, 2004 at 12:53 pm
Did anyone find a solution for an auxiliary device for a 2001 Accord with the 6 CD Changer? I have looked everywhere and it seems that my only solution is the tape adapter or the FM modulator.
I think there’s a device some company sells which allows you to switch between the CD Changer and an aux-input. –Ben
September 16th, 2004 at 10:34 pm
I see you have a single CD headunit. After you add the HonAux adapter, how does the radio handle playing CDs and having the input?
You just push the CD/Tape button to toggle between the in-dash CD player and the aux input (which shows up as CD-C). –ben
September 29th, 2004 at 8:11 pm
Has anyone does this to a 2001 Honda CRV? I have an iPod that I would LOVE to hook up. I listen to books (audible.com) as I have a 50 minute commute each way to work.
Thanks!
I don’t know if it’s been specifically done to a CR-V, but you should be able to find either a PIE or Blitzsafe adapter that’ll fit your stereo head unit (it might even be the same as the Civic’s) –Ben
October 4th, 2004 at 9:59 am
Awesome !! I am going to do this as well in my 2001 Civic. However it looks like you use the regular cigarette lighter for the Belkin charger/adapter. Did you ever think about installing this behind the dashboard as well (i.e install a second cigarette lighter)? In this way only the wire that sticks into your iPod from the Belkin adapter is visible.
Thanks,
Andre
October 4th, 2004 at 10:56 am
ok, so with these 1/8″ female panel mount installations… you’re not installing the additional power adaptor, right? I guess that wouldn’t really make sense if you’d like to use it for sources other than the ipod… i think i just answered my own question.
October 5th, 2004 at 2:12 pm
Ben,
Thanks for all of the information on the site. I am hooking up my new 20GB Ipod and just wanted to make sure that I have all the correct information. Is there an updated article to this one that I am missing? Which adapter should I use from Logjam?
Thanks in advance for all of you help and information!!!
October 5th, 2004 at 2:16 pm
First of all thanks Ben for all of your information. I am getting ready to install my 20GB Ipod in my 2003 Civic LX and just wanted to make sure that I had all the information. Did you have an updated post to this blog, kind of a condensed version? Which adapter from Logjam should I be using?
Thanks in advance for all of your help and information
October 9th, 2004 at 12:49 pm
Works like a charm in my 2003 Civic Si! 40Gig and Cds no more.
Thanks,
Josh
October 9th, 2004 at 12:53 pm
How do i remove the area of cigarette lighter from honda civic 2004 2dr Coupe EX , so I can add the aux hon, are the clips on the side or do i have to remove everything
Thanks for your help
I’m pretty sure you have to remove the whole lower center console. –Ben
October 11th, 2004 at 5:14 pm
A good resource for installation instructions that I have used is www.partscheap.com If you look at how to install a cassette deck for your model it usually has the official honda install guide. If you follow that you certainly lower your risk of wrecking something.
Looks like a good resource…I wasn’t able to find something like that when I did my Civic, so thanks for the info - I’ll incorporate it into the body of the article next time I do an update. –Ben
October 12th, 2004 at 7:58 am
Thanks for the help, i am still not sure if i should do it, its a brand new car , I live in flushing, queens , Does anyone know a good auto dealer that can install ipod in honda 2004 civic 2dr
October 22nd, 2004 at 7:27 pm
hey ben, nice work on the car. only ?’s i have is how did you hold the ipod with near the e-brake? and where can i buy it? thanks a lot
RadioShack - it’s a cellphone holder –Ben
November 20th, 2004 at 5:47 am
I took the PIE adapter out, it was really bad noise problems big time.With a GLI or no ground loop the noise problems were still there. I just tried the Blitzsafe adapter and it is night and day. It cost more than the PIE but the Blitzsafe adapter is worth every penny I also noticed that the dynamic range of the Blitzsafes audio is much, much better than the PIE. I wanted to save some mony so I bought the PIE, in the end it cost more in money and time then the Blitzsafe. In a word buy the Blitzsafe.
November 24th, 2004 at 12:20 pm
i spent an agonizing weekend troubleshooting a noise/beep problem. thinking it was the radio (part # 39110), I took apart the head set to no avail. turns out it was the rca/3.5 mm cord. to the others that complained about the beeping, try that first.
November 29th, 2004 at 11:50 pm
Thanks for posting these instructions. The people at Tweeter’s told me it would cost like $500 to install an aux input into my 2001 Civic — they claimed I’d have to buy a whole new radio. I got the Blitzsafe adapter for $64.99 (including $5 shipping) from www.enfig.com.
It came quickly via USPS priority mail from New Jersey. I just installed it tonight and have not experienced any problems with noise so far. I do not have a car charger so I will have to do some further testing if I ever get one.
Before I started I downloaded the official Honda CD/cassette player installation instructions so I’d have some formal instructions on how to dismantle everything since this is my first do-it-yourself car “repair” and I didn’t want to mess it up. I failed to bookmark the website I got it from but I still have the file, though, if anyone else needs/wants it. Instead of drilling a hole into the console like the picture above I just removed the fog light switch cover and put the cord through there. It looks kind of ugly with a random cord hanging out so I might take everything apart again and reroute the cord under the emergency brake so it comes out of the storage area next to the e-brake, but for now I’m just happy to be able to listen to my iPod in the car. Thanks again for making this possible without costing a fortune.
November 30th, 2004 at 8:21 pm
Based on other people’s comments about the PIE adapter I decided to go with Blitzsafe. I ordered mine from www.enfig.com for $59.99 plus $5 shipping (USPS priority mail from NJ). I received the adapter quickly and installed it last night into my 2001 Civic. It works great and I have not experienced any popping or other weird noises when running off of the iPod battery. I don’t have a car charger yet but will probably buy one since I seem to have a problem with forgetting to turn off the iPod when I park the car.
I downloaded the official Honda instructions on how to take apart a 2001-2005 2- or 4-door Civic if anyone else needs them. Unfortunately I didn’t bookmark the page I got them from but I can email them or whatever if you need them. The instructions were mostly straightforward but I was not able to figure out how to put the car in neutral to get the center console panel off without reconnecting the battery (I have an automatic). Also, the part that took me the longest was getting the radio/heater/vent unit out of the dash. The instructions weren’t too clear and I thought there was supposed to be some kind of latch I could push to unlatch the clips. After looking for this non-existent latch for at least 30 minutes I just used a butter knife to pry the clips off. All of the clips are plastic with a metal sheath over them so they are sturdier than I thought. Initially I was worried I’d break them if I pried them off and I didn’t want to have a loose radio panel in case of an accident (flying objects = bad). Anyway, the install was very easy despite this being my first do-it-yourself car “repair” project.
Once I got the adapter plugged in I removed the piece of plastic that covers the fog light switch and routed the cables through there instead of drilling a hole into the dash. It is kind of ugly to have random cables sticking out and I’m a bit worried that it might get tangled around the gear shifter so this weekend I will probably reroute everything under the center console so the cable comes out from the sliding storage thing next to the e-brake. That way I can tuck the cable out of sight when I’m not using it.
Anyway, thanks Ben for this web site and to all the people who commented on their experiences. The people at Tweeter’s told me I’d have to buy a whole new radio if I wanted to hook up my iPod and that it would cost $500. I guess I’ll just have to swing by and tell them I did it myself for $65.
December 6th, 2004 at 9:37 pm
thanks for the great guide!
I ended up buying the Blitzsafe adapter from the Logjam electronics store (great store, they processed my order the same day). It was a little more expensive but I am happy to pay for the quality.
I took off the lower center panel and reached up with my hand to feel for the socket. After finding, I was able to get the adapter plugged in after a couple minutes of trial and error.
Works great and it sounds perfect. No need for a cigarette adapter.
December 15th, 2004 at 5:22 pm
Thanks for the site ben, very useful information. I just had most of my audio equipment stolen out of my ‘98 Accord and am back to using my stock head unit. The HON/AUX converter is a little much since it won’t be too long before I’ll be buying a new head unit. I’ve been using a cassette tape adapter to listen to my iPod in the car, but the quality is terrible. Do you (or anyone else) have information regarding the DIN Socket the HON/AUX converter plugs into? I’d like to quickly wire up my own aux converter instead of making a purchase. Thanks.
December 18th, 2004 at 12:45 pm
First of all, I want to say thank you to Ben for an excellent site and information. I however have a question. I’m looking to install the setup into my 2001 Civic EX. I went to www.enfig.com and looked at the blitzsafe converter. They said not to use that one with the ipod but instead use title = "Ipod Adapter">this product instead. As you can see that is an extra $70. I was wondering if you would recomend this.
December 19th, 2004 at 12:06 am
Thanks for the info, a friend told me how he did basically the same thing but without as much detail. I’m a little bit weary of doing this myself as I’ve read others are but where did you get it done? Best buy? And do I have to supply the HON/AUX converter and stuff? And about how much are we talking for instilation? Help, anyone.
Thanks!
December 29th, 2004 at 7:04 pm
Thanks MAN!, I was able to intstall a new headunit in my girl’s o4,
and it got me Laid that night! Thanks again.
January 8th, 2005 at 8:21 pm
Thanks a lot for this info.
I was frustrated with poor reception of the iTrip but instaling the PIE Hon AUX-98 was a snap into my 2001 Civic EX coupe. Works great. I grounded it to the chasis (there is convenient ground screw right behind the lower panel). Sounds great just running it of the iPOD battery without any distortion. I too was able to get by without taking of the central panel. For anybody else trying to plug in blindly, the converter plugs into the right side of the radio almost behind the tuner knob. If you can get your hand up there from the lower panel you should be able to feel the open slot on the right side. I used my left hand even though I’m right handed. After that the instalation is easy.
Thanks again Ben.
January 8th, 2005 at 9:44 pm
Thanks Ben and Mike (#30) for the posts. I just installed the Blitzsafe in a 2003 Civic Hybrid. My hands being big, it took quite a bit more than 10 minutes, but I do recommend being patient and trying to work the adapter in without taking off the upper panel. If you shuffle the cords around, you can reach up with your right hand and the adapter plugs in at the bottom, about 2/3 of the way to the right at the back of the stereo. You can feel around first to get the adapter plug oriented.
As far as removing the 12V panel in the 2003/2004, the clips are on the top in the center, and then 2 on each side, about a quarter and a half way up (sorry no photos). I stuck in a small flat head screwdriver and pried as Ben suggests. As long as you insert the screwdriver carefully, you can pry pretty hard without damaging anything. Hope this helps and isn’t redundant.
January 9th, 2005 at 5:01 pm
Thanks to all for the help. Just installed in my ‘04 civic coupe ex. I like the following for a holder http://www.seidio.com/documents/iMount.pdf
January 12th, 2005 at 11:37 pm
what model of the HON-AUX do i need for a 2004 civic. do i need HON98-AUX or just the HON-AUX.. Also, did everyone who used PIE have problems with humming noise after the install if they did i will get the Blitzsafe.
January 13th, 2005 at 9:10 pm
Dan, thank you man
I just now (while on the phone with my gf, it took maybe 10 minutes) got this working with my second gen ipod (20gb, firewire port on the ipod, touch wheel, real buttons, that one). Using the P.I.E HON98-AUX and a big honkin targus power inverter to power the apple wall socket adaptor (yes, I know, this will eventually change) it sounds f-ing great! It I tried it both ways, no ground and with ground. With ground is certainly the way to go for this setup.
Also possibly of interest to this group, I just mounted a Uniden BC350A scanner INSIDE the flip door cd tray under the head unit
I’ll post pictures of all this somewhere and post a link to this site.
January 14th, 2005 at 4:19 pm
Sorry, meant to say “Ben, you are the man” My excuse is that I read the entire thread before posting and forgot who’s weblog this was
January 23rd, 2005 at 12:18 pm
Great install! I have a website, www.ipodincar.net , and I’d like to know if I could feature your install on it. If you’re interested, contact me either through my email address provided here or through the ipod in car site.
Thanks
January 30th, 2005 at 9:16 pm
Just like to thank you for putting this info up on here. I never would have attempted this had I not read everyone’s successes on here.
Anyhow an update for some of those asking about how to do this on a Honda Civic 2003
I have an Automatic Transmission (A/T) 2003 Civic LX with the armrest and the beverage cup holders with the lid. This console bottom is different than others which was really messing me up because even the instructions (the honda ones) were telling me just pry off the console and that was it, but here is a tip for others on what I did.
I first bought the PIE HON98-AUX from this site http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=458
It is cheaper on there than anywhere else i found it.
To get the console off for the install you need to take off the cover on top of the Shifter to get the console off (it is connected from around the lower console all the way to where the armrest starts.
The best directions I saw to take this off were here (I know it is directions for installing an ashtray/lighter but the first part is the important one)
http://www.cheaphondaparts.com/shop/instructions/AII24165.pdf
You don’t have to do the part about removing the under dashboard, just start at #7 on that list.
I also used a butter knife instead of a screwdriver, it was easier for me and I didn’t scratch up anything.
Once you get the thing off you can reach up around in there and feel (even with my big hands) where to plug it in, it was kind of hard manuveuring in there to plug it in, but finally I was able to do it (took me like a half hour and my hand hurts from contorting it) but it was better than ripping out the radio/climate part. I then just put the PIE in the hole behind the console and filtered the Y cable line out of the left fog light hold that wasn’t used (I even was able to pretty much cover the hole back up with the cover from the outside to make it look nicer, at some point maybe I will drill a hole in the cover.
I didn’t hook up the ground wire that comes off the PIE, I was going to but I couldn’t loosen the screw easily that the socket is grounded to, so I just left it. After the hookup it did have back ground loop noise, so I may go back in there later and hook it up, but otherwise as long as I use the Belkin Car Charger it sounds awesome.
Oh yeah, I don’t have an IPOD, I have a 1st Gen Dell DJ 20 and the belkin car charger (if you buy from www.belkin.com you get 50% off anything with code 12345)
If anyone wants pics let me know, but I didn’t take any pics of everything taken apart.
Thanks again for all your help.
February 2nd, 2005 at 10:42 am
I own a 2004 Civic LX. I got the IPOD installed in my car. The process is very simple. I ordered the Aux from Logjam.com and got it fixed at Circuit city car installations. They charged me 22 bucks for it. I also got the car charger for the IPOD…a Belkins product. it has a small amp on it. You dont need to get it though. The sound quality is really good and I have no problems at all. if anyone needs some more info pls feel free to email me.
February 24th, 2005 at 8:50 pm
I have a 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid and I was wondering if the Blitzsafe aux is compatible with my car. Most of the websites like logjam or enfig have the compatible years up to 03 or 04. I wouldn’t think the stock radio would change that much in the 05 for it not to work, but I would hate to buy the wrong cables and not be able to return or exchange them. I would appreciate any help anyone can give me on this. I’m dying to hook my ipod up! Thanks.
February 25th, 2005 at 6:08 am
I got a picture from a Honda dealer that shows how to remove the head unit.
February 27th, 2005 at 9:21 pm
Mari, I would like a copy of the official Honda instructions on how to take apart a 2001-2005 2- or 4-door Civic if anyone else needs them.
Email it to me woozyguy@gmail.com
March 2nd, 2005 at 12:28 am
Thank you so much for making this site. I used a ton of the information here to have a flawless install in my 2002 Civic EX. I found that I didn’t have to take of the main face plate and I could plug it in using my finger tips. It was a little frustrating, but better than scuffing up the dash.
I have the PIE HON98-AUX. I chose it because it was cheaper and I read that it would do the job. It sounds great and it has a ground wire to eliminate any noise.
Thanks again.
March 2nd, 2005 at 4:54 pm
Does anyone have instructions for getting access in a 2000 Civic SE (standard)? I’ve contemplated buying them, but I’m cheap. Plus, I’m concerned that there could be differences between automatic and standard…
If you have ‘em, please email me: johngraham2(at)hotmail.com
Ben - great job you’ve done here. Really top-notch.
March 20th, 2005 at 1:58 pm
Was taking out my stock Honda CD player in my 1998 CRV-EX to add aftermarket unit and Google’d up this page — thanks for info. To assist anyone else in removal / iPod installs / other mods — I found this site to have great Honda official pdf files for such what-not.
http://www.handa-accessories.com/index.html
And by the way — ITZA REAL PAININTHEARSE doing this myself as nearly the whole friggin dash has to remove to get to the stinking radio. Itz antitheft just in how itz installed never mind the security codes ;-P
Ciao!
April 5th, 2005 at 10:47 am
I have a grounding question: I just got the HON98-AUX for my 2000 Civic. Trying to decide whether to ground it or not. I may or may not get a car charger. It sounds like if I ground it I should NEVER use the charger and if I don’t ground it I should ALWAYS use the charger. Is that correct?
April 6th, 2005 at 8:29 am
Post-install, I can answer my own question. I was getting some nasty interference noise when I had the HON98-AUX grounded. It persisted whether I plugged in the car charger or not. With the ground removed, there was no noise, whether I used the car charger or not.
April 15th, 2005 at 11:46 am
I’m in the process of doing this myself, and I found this part: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-tdXWM9RuzDS/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?i=142FMMOD01&s=0&cc=01
It plugs into your antenna jack on the reciever and then you plug the antenna into it (so you don’t lose the ability to recieve radio). You plug the iPod into it like you would with the HON-AUX, but then you tune the radio to a particular frequency (like an iTrip, but with a wire). It’s cheaper than the HON-AUX, and you’d still be able to plug in a CD changer or tape deck or whatever into that port.
You’re taking the FM modulator approach. That’s great if you want to keep the CD changer/tape deck port freed up, but it comes with some audio quality loss. Even with a direct-modulated signal, FM audio’s bandwidth is roughly equivalent to a 64-96 Kbps MP3 file. Even with a pristine source, you’re still listening to FM radio.
Basically, in terms of potential “best” audio quality (assuming a high-quality source), a direct line-in will be best, followed by a cassette adapter, followed by the FM modulator, followed by “over-the-air” consumer FM transmitters.
Personally, I don’t mind eating up the accessory connector on my head unit - haven’t used a tape since the mid-90s, and all my CDs are on the iPod. YMMV.
April 18th, 2005 at 4:16 pm
I have a 2001 Civic EX Coupe with Manual Transmission. Bought the HON98-AUX from Crutchfield along with the RCA to 3.5mm connector for about $70.00 shipped. Bought it Friday before leaving work and it was here when I got home from work Monday.
Hooked it up as stated. Only took about 15 minutes. I too was able to reach my hand up behind the radio, so I only had to take the panel where the power-adapter is out.
I have it grounded with just the black wire that comes with the HON98-AUX and the sound works perfectly with the iPod. Did not buy that part from Radio Shack as mentioned above. Tried it not grounded, and it did not work at all. I have not tried it while being plugged in to the power outlet.
I do however hear a slight beeping noise. Two beeps right in a row, then a pause, and then one more beep, and then that cycle repeats. I only get this for part of the time. Anyone know what causes this and how to resolve?
Looks like I’m going to Best Buy tonight to return the FM Transmitter. That thing sucked!
April 27th, 2005 at 7:39 pm
So I just recently installed an ipod into my car (civic), by gettin the PIE adapter that converts the cd changer (stock head unit) port into RCA’s. then I got an RCA to male cable, which then plugs into the belkin charger (the one with the female input and built in volume control). Finally, from that belkin charger to the ipod dock input.
so at first i grounded the PIE adapter, but when i connected the ipod, i found that the engine noise was coming through. then i did a little research and found that the belkin acts as a ground, so i removed the PIE ground, and the engine noise disappeared.
however, with that problem easily resolved, i have another one that i cant figure out. when the car is running, the ipod will “skip” during heavier tracks. it doesnt skip when the car is off. its not the ipod, because i tried it in my friends car (who has the same setup in a saturn vue) and it ran smoothly. I figure there’s a jolt of power hitting somewhere between the battery of the car, the head unit, the PIE adapter, and the belkin charger.
does this make any sense? do you think i need to wire a fuse or something?
Good question. There should already be a fuse built into the cigarette lighter plug on the Belkin charger already. There might be something else causing distortion - make sure the volume dial on the Belkin is set so that comfortable listening volume is around 3 bars on the head unit.
April 28th, 2005 at 5:55 pm
well, i’ve set the volume on the belkin really low and it still does that ’skip’. is it possible to get a fuse for the cigarette lighter that can handle a bigger load?
You can try, but I don’t think it’s that. The Belkin’s probably got a 1-amp fuse in it, and the iPod is rated for 1 amp, so going lower might result in it tripping. I think the problem may lie elsewhere in your audio system - try plugging a different source into the PIE’s inputs with a line-out level input (not just a headphone jack) in and see what happens. Could be a short elsewhere in your stereo wiring, headunit, etc.
April 30th, 2005 at 1:41 am
well, instead of using the belkin, i opted to try directly into the ipod line out. the ’skip’ was gone, but now the sound quality is terrible. i figure its the “lighter”….and i put that in quotations, cuz its really one of those ‘power adapters’, and i suspect honda may have skimped when it came to installing ‘power adapters’… hence the reason why it costs more to have a smokers package.
but ya, i think i might just replace the ‘lighter’ and see if that works. lemme know what you think.
It definitely sounds like there’s something shady somewhere in your electrical system. I’ve got the stock “power point” there too, and I’ve had no problems. What you’ve got is definitely beond my level of expertise - I’d recommend talking to a car audio professional.
May 3rd, 2005 at 10:25 am
Ben,
I installed an iPod in my 2001 Honda Civic EX this weekend. I used the same equipment that you used and it sounds great. I was also able to reach the back of the stereo without removing the top cover. Thank you!
P.S. Keep making the cream cheese. I make water treatment plants in South Florida.
Tyler Davis, P.E.
BSChE from Ga Tech
May 4th, 2005 at 10:12 pm
hey ben, i figured it out, and im such an idiot… it turns out the y cable i was using was a MONO cable. me = dummy
May 10th, 2005 at 9:38 pm
Wow! Thanks for your Website. I have a 2004 manual Honda Civc LX and I was able to take apart, install and reassemble everything in about 45 minutes.
I used a putty knife to pry at the clips to loosen the lower console. This helped minimize any scruffing that would have occured if I used a flathead screwdriver.
What took the longest was trying to plug the adapter into the cd changer port. Since I decided to leave the radio intact, I had to reach up from underneath through the console. Even with small hands, it was difficult, but I managed to secure it in. I also drilled a hole through one of the empty fog light panels to thread audio cable through. It looks great and now sounds even better! No more fuzzy I-Trips for me!
Thanks Ben!!!
May 27th, 2005 at 10:15 pm
Thanks for the info. It gave me the initial info to get started. I have a 2001 Acura EL (It’s only available in Canada- It’s basically a top of the line Civic)
I used the PIE adapter, a belkin auto kit, and an additional power port. I only needed to remove the panel which housed the power port and was able to reach in behind to plug the PIE into my head unit. I was hooked up in less than 30 minutes, but I spent considerably longer ensuring everything was secured behind the dash. Although I will be using the belkin charger exclusively (not the iPod battery) I still chose to ground the PIE unit. It didn’t seem to make any difference to the sound for me, so I thought I’d play it safe. When on battery power, it was essential to ground the PIE unit as the interference overwhelmed the music without the ground connected. Thanks again.
June 1st, 2005 at 8:52 pm
Installed on a 2001 civic EX with the PIE connector and instead of the Belkin Auto Charger kit… I used the Monster one.
Also was able to just remove the bottom panel and sneak my hands up there.
Works great! Thanks.
June 1st, 2005 at 8:53 pm
oh… I forgot to mention the monster charger does have the line out on the charger.
June 14th, 2005 at 11:43 pm
hey Ben:
Seems everyone had no problem with getting the lower console off, but i can’t get it out. especially the center console trim(the part under the ESCUTCHEON), don’t know what kind of tool to use and always worry about breaking things. what is the structure of the clips anyway? you have a pic? can i just pull it hard to take it out? or i have to press it to release?
June 15th, 2005 at 6:13 pm
got it done!!! sounds very good however the volume is not loud , probably because of my mini disc player. don’t really need to ground the wire tho, without useing the AC from car.
June 21st, 2005 at 2:44 am
thanks so much for the info on your site. helped out a lot with my install. with all the info from this site i was able to do the install in about 1 hour. thanks again.
June 23rd, 2005 at 9:31 pm
I have a 1996 Honda Civic with factory head unit / tape deck. The tape deck has an 8 pin female DIN receptacle on it so I think the HON-AUX piece would work. However, being a poor college student, $50+ seems a bit too high for such a simple adapter. Plus I thought it might be fun/educational to build my own. I called PIE and in my conversation with them they mentioned that their adapters are very simple, as in there are no electronics inside and it’s just a simple adapter mapping pins between connectors. So what I want to do is this:
1. Get a 8 pin DIN male connector (should show up tomorrow).
2. Get a regular 1/8″ panel mount female (already bought at local store).
3. Hack off the ends of an audio cable and solder the two connectors to the ends. This should get me a nice clean female connector without all that RCA crap.
Only question is how do you wire up the DIN connection? I found this page which lists what the pins are for 8 pin DIN (although the diagram is for the head unit I think it applies to the external tapedeck too, which has its own passthrough female DIN connector - PIE themselves told me to plug their 8 pin DIN adapter into the tape deck). I think I have the audio connections figured out. What I don’t know is how do you get the factory head unit to recognize that something is plugged into the CD changer port. I also don’t know how you would address the grounding issues that have been mentioned in previous comments. I’m sure it’s quite easy to fix once you know how.
I figure the simplist way to find out for sure is if someone could open up their HON-AUX (or similar 8 pin DIN adapter) and take a few pictures and document exactly how the thing is built. Would make things a lot cheaper for everyone since the 8 pin DIN connector cost me $4 (incl. shipping) and the female 1/8″ connector even less.
June 24th, 2005 at 3:04 pm
Purchased the new IPOD-Honda CD Changer input from Logjam Link for 2002 civic ex. This adapter is different since it has an IPOD adapter on the plug, so it charges & is a line level input. No need for a separate charger or RCA plugs!
Installation was a breeze. I think it took me 10 mins. Used a screwdriver to pop out the corners of the piece holding the cigarette lighter. Didn’t have to undue the gear shifter or cup holder. The rest of the unit popped out easily once i pulled where the clips were (5 in total). Reached up in there to attach the adapter to the right side of the stereo (towards the cd eject button). Zip-tied the adapter to a metal bracket and had it all closed up in no time. Thanks for the great site and instructions!
July 10th, 2005 at 10:23 am
I decided to mount RCA jacks to the left of my cigarette lighter port. I see some people have been modifying the fog light blanks by drilling them out and putting in a mini-jack, but I think that is the wrong spot as a) That blank is not held in very firmly and will probably come out every time you jiggle the cable, and b) tall beverages will block the cable (or vice versa).
Pictures and description of Install
This was on a 2003 Civic 4 Door Sedan with the manual transmission.
July 31st, 2005 at 3:47 am
Hey Ben how exactly did you secure the PIE HON98? Did you tape it somewhere or screw it on somewhere? I already have mine ins