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-   -   2003 Honda Accord Wiring problem (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=8584)

  • May 6, 2006, 01:49 PM
    firstandlasthonda
    We have a 2003 Accord Coupe EXL. Have had many problems, rattling bolts inside the doors, sunroof switch came unplugged, brake rotors warped within 5000 miles, etc. Most during the warranty period, some not. I replaced one of the O2 sensors last month. The black vinyl coating on the window trim is starting to peel, again. Of course our radio backlight went out as well.

    After seeing all the people who have posted on this site as well as others, I called Honda to see if I could get it covered even though my warranty is expired. I talked to Javier, who said no "campaigns” or “updates” were outstanding for my car. I asked him to check service bulletin 04-027 and he first said that it didn’t apply to my model, so I read to him from the bulletin. He then replied that my warranty was up and gave me a song and dance about how service bulletins were just for the dealers to help in identifying problems. I told him of the many people who where having success in getting Honda to replace the defective radio and he said it was a dealer thing. I finally said the magic words“Goodwill consideration” and he gave me a claim number and said someone would call me back later.

    Caroline called me back two days later about my “light dimmer” and basically said the car was out of warranty and there was nothing Honda could do for me. After explaining that the problem was not a light dimmer, I told her about service bulletin 04-027 and she repeated that it was just a tool for dealers. After much going round and round she finally asked who did my service. When I replied that I did, she said that part of what they look at on goodwill claims was how loyal the customer was to the dealer. I asked her why the owners manual even explained how to change the oil. Finally, she said I would have to take the car to the dealer for “diagnostics”, which I would pay for. She said this must occur before Honda would consider any goodwill towards “part of the replacement cost.”

    After much thought, I decided to repair the radio myself, and never darken the door of a Honda dealership again. Repair was quite easy, and took less time then my conversations with Javier and Caroline. Thanks to mystified88 for your post on the faulty part, and to all the other people who took the time to post on this problem.
  • May 16, 2006, 12:00 PM
    esywu
    I'm from Toronto Canada, and my 2003 Accord is having the same problem as everyone posted here, and I'm so glad that I found this forum!

    So I did the same thing as others suggested here, contacted my service dealer, and shown them bulletin 04-027. They told me nothing in Canada about this, and Honda Canada never issued such bulletin. I would have to pay $275 to send the radio out for repair, and then $98 for labour in order to get this problem solved.

    So I contacted Honda Canada directly, told them the exact problem, and asked if such bulletin was issued for Canada. The gentleman replied yes so I asked further about the "goodwill consideration" as I'm at 38 months, 73K now so my basic warranty expired already but I bought the extended warranty but just that it's not covering the radio.

    He asked me how much off I am from the warranty, so I told him. Then he asked me for my VIN#, dealer etc. and then placed me on hold for 20 minutes. Got back to me, and told me he got to dig deeper and would cotact me back. That's from yesterday...

    An hour ago got email from the General Service Manager of my service dealer (as I was talking to him about my case), and he said Honda Canada approved my radio replacement, but I've to pay for the labour of $98. So I've scheduled an appointment to get this done tomorrow. The end.

    So for Canadian viewers in this forum, I've a success! If you've the same problem as me, go contact Honda Canada directly, and forget about talking to the dealers if you've no more warranty. Good luck!
  • May 18, 2006, 03:30 PM
    kwikk9
    Looks like I've found the forum I need. 2 weeks ago at 59,000mi. I lost the illumination in my radio display. Checked fuses, no problem. On 5/17, I took it to my dealer who charged me $40. To confirm the light is out (duh). Quoted $700 to replace or send to factory for $275. Minimum. Found this forum last night which gave me info and ammo to call Honda America. Very accommodating (I have a feeling they have heard about this problem over and over). Gave me a case number and said I would get a call in 2 business days. We'll see. They mentioned 100% coverage and "good will consideration". I think this has all the earmarks of a quiet recall. Will post future results. In some way I think Honda really has a beef with their radio supplier, but they are hearing the customer's wrath.
  • May 22, 2006, 09:06 AM
    robmtx
    On May 22, 2006 I called Bankston Honda in Lewisville, TX and told them I had the dim radio problem, and if they could order the part ahead of time (as per the bulletin). The service advisor told me NO, I would have to leave my car there for 2-3 days while the part was then ordered, delivered, and installed.

    They don't provide loan cars, and when I said "well thats inconvenient" he agreed but said they have too many radios on the shelf from preorders that never got fulfilled. Unforuntely one of the radios on the shelf wasn't for my car!

    So I called America Honda and spoke with Bruce who was helpful in getting all my information and a case number. I reported the dealership and he said someone would follow up in 2 days.
  • May 23, 2006, 12:14 PM
    djun
    I have the same problem. It happened about 3 years ago, Spring 2003 - 6 months after I bought the car (2003 Honda Accord). I was just a few hundred miles past 36,000 miles/just right over my warranty (how convenient). My dealership would not cover it and told me I would have to come in for a diagnosis. They were going to charge me for an estimate. I was tired of my dealership making money off me, so at the time, I decided not to pursue it any further.

    I tried taking the advice that you guys wrote and called American Honda, and the customer service rep said she's never heard of the problem and there's nothing she can do. When I politely said that it is a shame the Honda doesn't care about their customers and it's poor marketing to allow hundreds of customers be unhappy with their vehicle and risk non-repeat buyers, she didn't care and sarcastically thanked me for calling and hung up on me. I have just decided that I will suffer without a backlight and never ever buy a Honda again. I refuse to ever let me children or any other members of my family buy one.

    I would also gladly sign a petition write a letter, anything that might help our cause. I didn't realize there were so many others with the same problem. I am in the process of talking with a friend to hire a lawyer.
  • May 23, 2006, 04:52 PM
    firstandlasthonda
    djun,

    I can relate with your desire to keep family members from buying Honda. My sister has an 8 year old Accord she bought used. She just graduated college and got a real job, and this weekend told me she had test drove a new Honda. I explained about my radio problem and the help (or lack thereof) I received from Honda and showed her these boards and others.

    She's test driving a Camry tonight!

    If you or anyone you know is handy with a soldering iron in tight spaces, you can repair the radio yourself. Lots of help here and on other boards. If only Honda was as helpful. Must depend on who you talk to, or "How many Hondas do you own?".

    Now, my brother-in-law is looking at a new Honda mower... I'll see what I can do to change that, too.
  • May 25, 2006, 12:24 PM
    cathyw
    I think I got in just under the wire regarding the warranty. The dealer replaced the radio at no charge. No problems with radio since. However, now my keyless entry and automatic door locks are not working. Anybody know something about this? Not too happy about all these problems with a 3 year old car.
  • Jun 2, 2006, 09:29 AM
    ivybjla
    I have a 2003 Honda Accord EX, that had the radio, and console lights go out last week. After reading all the articles about it online, and talking with the Honda dealership, I also found out that Honda has a tech doc regarding this. The lights in my Accord went out at 59,000 miles. I have a platinum service contract with the dealership, with a $100 deductable. I called Honda America after finding it was covered by my service contract. Honda America told me that this was reviewed on a case by case basis. A day or so later, Honda America called me, and informed me that they would cover my deductable. I doesn't hurt to call them, they may replace the part for free.
  • Jun 6, 2006, 01:02 PM
    Divasquez
    I wrote a while back about my ongoing battle to get my radio replaced by Honda America. I changed my radio in October after I was advised by a Honda dealership that I had the options of paying over $500 for a new OEM radio or settled for something cheaper. I chose the latter and forgot about keeping the old radio. Now I'm frustrated and very close to trade-in my car. Honda America won't consider my case unless I have the actual radio. Can someone advice me on what to do??
  • Jun 9, 2006, 12:52 PM
    robmtx
    Update to my case. AmericanHonda took good care of me. I went to a different dealership (McDavid Honda in Irving, TX) and they did the quick verify that it was indeed this problem. They didn't have to keep the car like the other dealership claimed. A week later (my preferred scheduling) I was back in the dealership and in less than an hour had my new radio at no cost to me. AmericanHonda even called me the following Monday to make sure all was working well. Even got free car washes each time I took the car in :)

    Thanks American Honda!
  • Jun 10, 2006, 09:30 AM
    Rasheed21
    Hi: I am a new member of the NO-BACKLIGHT-CLUB, my 2003 V6 has only 15k and the backlight went out this morn. So I'll follow the many advise I've seen so far and take it in on Monday for verification and then call Honda and see what happens. I'm the 2nd owner and it's out of warranty so lets see if they try to BS me. I also owned a 2004 and had the same problem--I must love the punishment--thank God I didn't have it for very long.
  • Jun 12, 2006, 12:55 PM
    Rasheed21
    It's me again from above

    So I decided to call Honda first before taking the car in for diagnosis and it was an excellent idea and you'll see why from the following.

    I told the person that it's a known problem, so she looked it up and verified that indeed that is the case. She then said I have to take it in for diagnosis/verification and once that's done the regional Honda Manager will look into the case to come up with a verdict. It sounds kind of scary as if there was a possibility that they will not cover it, but for some reason I felt at ease especially seeing many people here have had everything covered by Honda. Also it seems the more widespread the problem becomes the more accommodating Honda gets. So anyway I told her what I Dealer I would take it to and she said someone should contact me within a day or 2 once the problem is verified.

    Not wanting to waste anytime I went to the dealer couple hours after the conversation ended. When I got there I explained that it's a known problem and that Honda just wants you guys to verify it and I'll be all set. They seemed to be at ease with verifying it EXCEPT that they wanted me to PAY for the diagnosis. So I argued with them for a few minutes as to why I can not afford to pay diagnostic fees for something that is Honda's responsibility because it's a known problem and there's even a tech-bulletin on the matter. Fortunately at some point in our debate we both decided that maybe we should consult with someone higher up in the chain. So he went out of site and then came back asking for my name and disappeared again. He then came back and said that EVERYTHING was ALL taken care of. Honda had called the local dealership and told them that they have ordered a new stereo and will cover ALL replacement charges and all I have to do is just schedule an appointment. So I did -- scheduled an appointment -- and off I went. Then when I got back to my office I saw there was a voice message from Honda, the person basically said we Honda have decided to FULLY cover everything, the stereo has been ordered and the dealer should be calling you to set up an appointment for the replacement.

    The appointment is set for next Tuesday and even though everything looks fine, I'm still keeping myself open for some unforseen problem or clause that was initially overlooked. So God willing I'll update this post after Tuesday and let you guys know how it went. In the meantime keep the following points in mind:

    1. Call Honda 1st before going to the dealer. 800-999-1009
    2. ALWAYS let them know that it's a known problem and there's a bulletin out on the matter
    3. Make a little stink about diagnostic fees even if you don't succeed its worth the try, however, if you're not successful I believe Honda will reimburse you.
    4. You may even want to wait for Honda to get back to you with their verdict before going into the dealer, as you can see in my case they didn't even required any diagnosis after all was said and done.

    OK so I'll let you guys know what happens after next Tuesday.
  • Jun 20, 2006, 02:24 PM
    kwikk9
    Good news. Happy ending. As a follow-up to my post of 5/18/06, I'm happy to report that Honda America took care of everything. Full replacement of the radio done yesterday at no charge. All it took was patience and persistence. Call backs take a while, but they do call back. Initial call to a full and satisfactory resolution took one month. It helps to be calm, remind them that you are a long standing Honda customer (I buy new every 24-30 months) and keep a record of your calls. The Honda rep was very courteous and efficient. Needless to say, I for one, am a satisfied customer.
  • Jun 21, 2006, 11:02 AM
    kilsengage
    Hey I just called honda 1800-999-1009 and they told me there's a recall on the door lock which is causing your problem so just call the dealership and tell them too call for a recall and give them your vin... it will show up
  • Jun 22, 2006, 04:39 AM
    HOODABOB
    I Am A Car Stereo Teck With 20= Years Of Experience. There Is A Internal Fuse In This Radio Part That Causes The Lights To Go Out On The Units With The 6 Disc Changers. It Is Labeled F1 On The Circuit Board. (hard To Find But Near The Large Heat Sink On The Side Of Unit)
    Hope This Helps
  • Jun 22, 2006, 06:46 PM
    Rasheed21
    Ok it is me again from 4 posts above, this is my final update. I missed my Tuesday appointment with Honda and just showed up yesterday (Wed) and they somewhat reluctantly said that they will take care of the car without an appointment but I'll have to leave it for the day. So I did and they shuttled me back to work. Around 3PM I received a call informing me that the car is ready and to schedule a pickup time for the shuttle, however, I opted to have my mom drop me there. I got there and went to the service advisor for my keys and asked him if he transferred the CDs that were in the old system to the new one, which he affirmed. I then went to where my car was parked an noticed that Honda had given it a complimentary wash sparkling clean. Went inside the car, turned on the ignition and notice there was "light". There were minor scuffs on the unit from installation but that's OK, also he messed up the order of the CDs that I had in the player. They weren't music, rather lectures and proper order was important, but this too was a minor issue. In reality I'm thankful to God that everything went so smoothly and I also commend Honda on their fast and appropriate handling of the situation. I hope you guys have similar success, peace-out!!
  • Jul 4, 2006, 09:03 PM
    papahurls
    Here is the actual service bulletin:
    1
    Service Bulletin
    2004 American Honda Motor Co. Inc. – All Rights Reserved
    ATB 27062-27387 (0407)

    1 of 2
    CUSTOMER INFORMATION:
    The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,
    And training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Honda automobile dealer.


    July 9, 2004
    04-027

    Applies To:
    See VEHICLES AFFECTED

    Audio-HVAC Display Module Is Dim or Dark
    (Supersedes 04-027, dated June 15, 2004)

    SYMPTOM
    The audio display and controls (knobs, buttons, bars)
    Of the audio-HVAC display module are dim or are dark.

    PROBABLE CAUSE
    Faulty audio unit.

    VEHICLES AFFECTED
    NOTE: Affected vehicles do not have the navigation
    System.

    2003 Accord (except DX models and LX L4
    Models): ALL
    2004 Accord EX and EX-L 2-door L4:
    From VIN 1HGCM7... 4A000001 through
    1HGCM7... 4A015326
    2004 Accord EX and LX 2-door V6:
    From VIN 1HGCM8... 4A000001 through
    1HGCM8... 4A014719
    2004 Accord EX and EX-L 4-door L4:
    From VIN 1HGCM5... 4A000001 through
    1HGCM5... 4A079049
    From VIN JHMCM5... 4C000001 through
    JHMCM5... 4C032880
    2004 Accord EX and LX 4-door V6:
    From VIN 1HGCM6... 4A000001 through
    1HGCM6... 4A057650

    CORRECTIVE ACTION
    Replace the audio unit. Refer to S/B 98-019, Audio Unit
    In-Warranty Exchange/Out-of-Warranty Repair.
    If a customer calls ahead to schedule an appointment,
    And the vehicle is in the affected VIN range, order the
    Remanufactured audio unit right away so it is available
    When the customer comes in.

    PARTS INFORMATION
    Order the appropriate remanufactured audio unit.
    NOTE: The audio unit is listed as a Tuner Assembly in
    The Interactive Network (iN) Parts Catalog. This unit is
    Both a tuner and a 6-disc CD changer.

    2003 Accord
    EX and EX-L 2-door L4:
    P/N 39175-SDN-A11RM, H/C 7422066
    EX 2-door V6 with A/T:
    P/N 39175-SDN-A11RM, H/C 7422066
    EX 2-door V6 with M/T:
    P/N 39175-SDN-A61RM, H/C 7422132
    EX and EX-L 4-door L4:
    P/N 39175-SDA-A11RM, H/C 7256266
    EX and LX 4-door V6:
    P/N 39175-SDA-A11RM, H/C 7256266
    LX 2-door V6:
    P/N 39175-SDN-A11RM, H/C 7422066
    2004 Accord
    EX 2-door L4:
    P/N 39175-SDN-A11RM, H/C 7422066
    EX-L 2-door L4:
    P/N 39175-SDN-L11RM, H/C 7656200
    EX 2-door V6 with A/T:
    P/N 39175-SDN-L11RM, H/C 7656200
    EX 2-door V6 with M/T:
    P/N 39175-SDN-L61RM, H/C 7654890
    EX 4-door L4:
    P/N 39175-SDA-A11RM, H/C 7256266
    EX-L 4-door L4:
    P/N 39175-SDA-L11RM, H/C 7654643
    EX 4-door V6:
    P/N 39175-SDA-L11RM, H/C 7654643
    LX 2-door V6:
    P/N 39175-SDN-A11RM, H/C 7422066
    LX 4-door V6:
    P/N 39175-SDA-A11RM, H/C 7256266
    ________________________________________
    Page 2
    2 of 2
    04-027

    WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
    In warranty: The normal warranty applies.
    Operation Number: 010149
    Flat Rate Time:
    0.5 hour
    Failed Part:
    Use the RM part number (from the
    Repair order) without the RM.
    Example: 39175-SDN-A11
    Defect Code:
    03214
    Symptom Code:
    03272
    Skill Level:
    Repair Technician

    Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty
    Expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by
    The District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone
    Office. You must request consideration, and get a
    Decision, before starting work.

    REPAIR PROCEDURE
    1. Go to S/B 98-019, Audio Unit In-Warranty
    Exchange/Out-of-Warranty Repair, for guidance on
    How to get the remanufactured audio unit.
    2. If you can read the audio display, write down your
    Customer's radio station presets.
    3. Remove the audio-HVAC display module (see page
    22-289 of the 2003–04 Accord Service Manual). (In
    ISIS, use the keyword DIS MOD, and select Audio-
    HVAC Display Module Removal/Installation from
    The list.)
    4. Remove the faulty audio unit from the audio-HVAC
    Display module (see page 22-290). (In ISIS, use the
    Keyword DIS PAN, and select Audio-HVAC
    Display Panel Removal/Installation from the list.)
    5. Transfer the left and right brackets from the faulty
    Audio unit to the remanufactured audio unit. If the
    Remanufactured unit has a shipping cover and
    Shipping screws, make sure you transfer them to
    The faulty unit being returned.
    6. Install the remanufactured audio unit in the audio-
    HVAC display module. Then reinstall the audio-
    HVAC display module.
    7. Enter the anti-theft code for the new audio unit.
    Enter your customer's radio station presets if you
    Recorded them in step 2.
    8. Make sure all of the functions of the audio unit and
    HVAC work properly.
    9. Replace the sticker on your customer's anti-theft
    Radio identification card with one of the new stickers
    That show the anti-theft code. Apply the other
    Sticker that shows the anti-theft code onto the
    Vehicle history file copy of the repair order.
    10. Remove all old serial number stickers from the side
    Of the glove box or inside the center console. Then
    Apply the new sticker that shows only the serial
    Number to the side of the glove box.
    11. Return the faulty audio unit to the parts
    Department. Refer to S/B 98-019 for parts return
    Instructions.
  • Jul 5, 2006, 10:07 AM
    HondaDriver
    Thank you everyone for posting to this thread! I found it very helpful and therefore wanted to be sure I replied as well to inform everyone of my experience with my 2003 Accord with 45,025 miles.

    On the day I first noticed the backlight on my radio not working, I Googled “Accord radio light” and this was the first thread that appeared. After reading several of the responses, I called American Honda (800.999.1009) and told them of the problem, of the many email threads on the internet discussing the known problem and the service bulletin. The person taking the call immediately acknowledged the problem and said he would assign a case number and a representative would be calling me within 48 hours. In passing, I said Honda must be very unhappy with the manufacturer of the radio. He replied that “Alpine” ends up paying for it. (Not sure if this was based on fact or just his opinion.)

    The case manager called on the second day and asked if I had it diagnosed. I said not because it just happened and that I had immediately searched the internet and found numerous threads about this known problem and I did not want to pay for a diagnosis that is so obvious. She said that I would still need to have it diagnosed, and it can be done by just asking the service manager to look at the display. She also said to let her know the day I was going to bring it in so she could talk to the service manager. I called the dealership and after a brief discussion about the diagnosis fee, they said I could bring it in and the service manager would look at it without a fee. I brought it in that afternoon, the service manager looked at it for 5 seconds and agreed it was the problem in the service bulletin. He then called American Honda, spoke to my case manager and the approval was given to replace it for FREE as a Good Will replacement.

    On a different problem, but similar situation/outcome. When I had 41,000 miles (just 5,000 miles and 2 months out of warrantee) my transmission started failing. Again I Googled and found that Honda and Acura were having problems with their transmissions slipping. I told the case manager at that time about it being just out of warranty and the fact our family had purchased 7 New Honda's since 1985. I'm not sure if that fact did it or the fact it was just out of warranty, but the Good Willed the replacement for FREE after a diagnosis by the dealership and also covered the diagnosis fee as well. This had made me extremely happy since I was told by the service manager it would cost me approximately $5,000 to replace by the dealership and would come with a 3-year warranty. I assume it would have been significantly cheaper at a transmission shop and perhaps a 6-month or 1-year warranty, but it got resolved before I had a chance to look into that route.

    Bottom line, I am still a vary happy Honda owner! They standby their product!
  • Jul 7, 2006, 11:20 AM
    pdxhonda
    Thanks everyone for participating in this thread!

    I called American Honda and was immediately assigned a case number. Took the car to the dealer and wasn't even charged for the diagnosis (Beaverton Honda). Got a green light from AH the next day. Apparently, everything will be covered. Will let you know in a week when the radio is in.
  • Jul 7, 2006, 10:33 PM
    k3v1nc
    Thanks for all the great info from everyone,

    I had the dark display on a 2003 2-Dr EX

    I called Honda, they gave me a hard time about getting it covered (not under warranty). Would'nt even give a case number.

    I followed the instructions on fixing it myself someone posted above. I took lots of pictures, I will probably put a website together that details what I did to fix it.

    Basically I replaced resistor R797 with a bridge of solder, and all is well again. Cost me $20 (Cheap solder tool at walmart) and 2 hours, saved the hassle of the dealing with the dealer and honda.

    I will never buy annother vehicle with radio and climate control built into the same unit... normally I would have just purchased an aftermarket radio.
  • Jul 21, 2006, 12:32 AM
    Joseracer
    Hello, I have 96 Civic coupe EX and Im having the same problem as the 03' honda accords, radio controls, center console and dashboard light go out when I turn on my headlights. Has anyone heard civics having this issue?
  • Jul 21, 2006, 07:31 PM
    aframpton
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tgardner
    My 2003 Honda Accord EX has a problem with the backlighting on the radio and the ac controls. All the lights have gone out, but everything else on it seems to work still. I have looked for a blown fuse but could not find one. Any suggestions?

    There is a transistor burnt out. It will cost 300.00 to fix at the dealer or 1.50 to buy the transistor and do it yourself. Total time hour.
  • Jul 21, 2006, 07:40 PM
    aframpton
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mpopeskov
    Thanks for advice. Unfortunatelly I am in Canada and have to deal with Honda Canada. They were not satisfied with diagnostic that my dealership did (probably because they did it for free and visualy) and to open the case they require me to do full diagnostic ($95 + tax) and after that they would consider doing something for me.

    I am not sure what they do during "diagnostic" and what the result of diagnostic would tell them what is wrong. I will try to get that info from the dealership. For me it is obvious just looking at the unit. Everything works normally except it doesn't have light, so to see information on the display I now use battery lamp. Not convinient but at least it is cheaper.

    They know that it is a transistor gone and it is known issue. The Radio is made by Panasonic and will cost $300.00 to fix at the dealer. The transistor cost $1.50.
  • Jul 25, 2006, 06:52 PM
    pdxhonda
    Just wanted to give an update on the repair. The radio (refurbished?) came in after 14 days and it took the dealer a mere 1 hour to put it in. Now I can tell time while driving again. :D Again, zero cost from my end.
  • Jul 28, 2006, 11:50 AM
    Zarah27
    My '03 Accord's (53,000 miles) radio display went dark in the middle of June. I called my longtime dealership to inquire about the problem, and was told they were well aware of the problem, but it would be a $600 repair. I said no thanks, I can live with it. That was before I drove the car at night and had zero backlights on my air conditioning unit as well. I did a little surfing, found this forum and another one that had the tech bulletin link, and promptly called American Honda.

    I had a good experience with their representative, especially after I mentioned that I had had a Civic for nine years, love my Accord, and that my parents have a 98 Accord. He did not, however, offer a case number. When I asked for one, he said that he doesn't usually volunteer them because they're so long. I told him that they can't be any longer than the VIN # that I had to give him. After I got the case number, he told me to go to my dealership to have them visually diagnose the problem.

    My dealership took all of 2 seconds to look at my display and agree that it was a faulty unit. I think they were surprised that I had a copy of the Tech Bulletin, a case #, and print screens of this forum thread. They ordered the part that day, and it was installed a week later. I was there for less than an hour and had zero costs. All in all, my experience was a good one, and I didn't have to spend $600 to fix a poorly designed radio unit. American Honda even called a few days later to make sure I had been taken care of.
  • Aug 2, 2006, 10:54 AM
    DJNB
    1 Attachment(s)
    I live in Canada and had the same issue with my 2003 Honda Accord radio (no backlighting). The warranty had expired by six months and 20,000 km.

    I returned to the dealership where I bought the car, showed the service manager the Honda Service Bulletin 04-027, and said that I wish the unit to be repaired under Honda's "goodwill consideration" as stated in the bulletin.

    After some humming and hahing, he approved the replacement of the radio, charging me only 1-hour labour ($100).
  • Aug 7, 2006, 06:05 AM
    CMCKINNEY
    No Display 2003 Accord EX

    I have the same issue. My car has 87k on it but I have only had it for 3 years. I am furious at this point. I have made the appointment with the dealer. They of course stated it is not a big problem. However, prior to going there, I am going to call American Honda especially after reading these posts. Can anyone tell me how their experience was with American Honda or any advice they can len me? I would do it myself if easy enough but I do not want to do any additional damage.
  • Aug 12, 2006, 01:54 PM
    olydog
    I parked my 2003 (with 37,000 miles) the other night and all was well. Got back in the car a few hours later and radio/AC lights were out but everything still works. THANK YOU to all who have shared information here. You have saved me hours of frustation and probably money too. Isn't the internet great? I've printed the advice and service bulletin posted on this thread. I will call Honda on Monday.
  • Aug 15, 2006, 07:57 AM
    Me2
    I had the same problem w/ my 03 EX. My local service dept told me this was common w/ that model & the entire radio unit had to be replaced. They told me it would cost about $400 w/labor & gave me a number to call American Honda (800-999-1009) about the problem. They said some people had luck getting the units replaced at no cost. When I called American Honda, they were extremely helpful & easy to deal with. They opened a case & within a week they arranged for me to have a new 'free' unit replacement w/ out any arugument (I was expecting one) or out of pocket expense. That was earlier this yr & I've had no problems since then.
  • Aug 15, 2006, 11:43 PM
    schzad
    Hi people
    I have Honda accord 2003 Japanese model, car is amazing but there is one thing I hate about it... its navigation screen is in Japanese... can any one help me and tell me how can I change the language to english.
  • Aug 16, 2006, 07:45 AM
    darnel
    For those in Canada, and beyond their warranty, Honda Canada Customer Relations will begin by telling you "tough luck". However, similar to some other contributors to this thread, I reminded the service rep of the fact that I was a long time Honda customer (who also does all the service work at my original dealer) and that because it was faulty wiring, rather than general wear and tear, Honda needed to take ownership of the issue. After all, there should have been a recall. The rep put me on hold, contacted my dealership, and came back on the line with an offer of a 50% discount. Curiously, this took only 2 minutes, which struck me as odd after the initial response was "there was nothing they could do".

    I accepted the offer because of their willingness to meet me half way, and clearly not a lot of more favourable options, but at the same time am left wondering why Honda would risk alienating this many Honda owners over an issue relating to quality. Isn't that their trademark and the reason that 95% of us bought Hondas in the first place? Isn't that reputation worth protecting in age where they are head to head with Toyota and Hyundai is getting larger and larger in their rear view mirrors? There must be a smarter guy than I at Honda with an answer to that, I surely don't.
  • Aug 18, 2006, 04:44 PM
    ia728
    Regarding the 2003 Honda Accord radio ---

    One day you turn the ignition on and all functions of the radio are dead plus the display doesn't light up, though if you look closely you'll see the faintest trace of the display.

    This happened to me and I went back to my dealer where I was told there was a defect built into the radio and a replacement would cost $800. My warranty had expired a year earlier and I was three thousand miles over the mileage component of the warranty.

    My service person said on the basis of my low mileage and that it was Honda's fault, they would comp the radio -- which they did. The radio was rebuilt -- probably one of the defective ones with the defect fixed. My dealer was Kramer Honda, Santa Monica CA.

    So my suggestion is to push the dealer, explain that other dealers are comping the replacement and see if Honda will do the right thing and comp a new radio for you.

    PS: My EX is almost four years old and NOTHING has gone wrong with it so far except for the radio.

    Michael
  • Aug 24, 2006, 09:41 AM
    January1479
    I have a 2004 Accord Coupe EX. As so many of those before, my backlight went out on my radio screen at 36,000 (When my warentee expires). :mad: Had I known it was not just a fuse problem, I would have taken it right then. But now I have 38,700 miles. I took it to the dealership and they said I would have to replace the entire radio, which costs around a GRAND with labor and other charges!! :eek:
    They suggested I call the customer service number in the manual and tell them how few miles I have on my car and they may "good will" the replacement radio, which I did yesterday and have a case number out. Obviously this is an ongoing problem that they do not intend to fix. I encourage everyone to call and demand Honda pay at least half, if not full.
  • Aug 28, 2006, 08:20 AM
    Halee
    I was told about 2 years ago that this was a recall, and my radio was replaced. Guess what? Now, it is out of warranty and my display went out for the 2nd time. I'm taking it in today, we'll see what they say. They should relpace it. A radio display should last for more than 2 years!
  • Aug 30, 2006, 06:56 PM
    Leper Man
    Thanks to mystified and hypo I too fixed my CD dim light problem
    Just to summarize the problem is a resistor bearing the number R797 on the surface of the circuit board. It is a little black box next to the heat sink.

    Here is how to remove your CD player in two different versions. They helped me remove my cd player.

    One has pictures but you really need to read both as some of the steps involve pulling on things till the stupid clips let go. The ones that seemed hardest to me was removing the top cover on the dash and the "faceplate" of the cd but both came off with no damage and went back on easily.

    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/561772/3

    http://www.cdplayerrepair.com/Remtips/accord_rem.htm

    After removing the cd player from the brackets attached to the "faceplate" part, the bottom plate is taken off by the obvious screws and removing all of the screws in the heat sink.. following mystifieds original procedure

    "Open the bottom by first taking off the heatsink and some screws. Pry the bottom off carefully and remove the circuit board. Unplug the ribbon cable and look at the Parts side of the board. Located very near the heatsink is a resistor labeled something like R727 (sorry not exact) You can't miss it... it is black and located between two other parts that appear similar."

    As pointed out by hypo and I can confirm the number of the resistor is R797.

    I removed the resistor from the board and soldered a small wire across the holes where the resistor was. Probably easier would just be to just cut or crush the resistor and solder a short wire between the two resulting wires in the board which were previously leads on the resistor. Anyway assuming you have some ski8lls at soldering you will solve this problem and putting it all back together is easy.

    Works like a charm
  • Aug 31, 2006, 09:19 AM
    bhayne
    Resistors always fail as an open circuit. There is no need to crush or remove the original resistor. Just bypass it!
  • Aug 31, 2006, 09:46 AM
    Leper Man
    BHAYNE is correct. However due to the small size and cramped quarters crushing or cutting the resistor will lead to two small studs which may be easier to solder to. Any of these suggestions will result in a fix as long as the burnt out resistor is bypassed with a wire.
  • Sep 2, 2006, 05:19 AM
    firstandlasthonda
    Repaired mine in early May of this year. Bent a short piece of solid copper telephone wire into a horseshoe and tinned it with solder. Placed it over the defective resister and heated it with a low wattage iron until it stuck. Still working!

    It is very tight quarters, as noted above.

    Buying a new SUV today, and it's not a Pilot!
  • Sep 3, 2006, 06:54 PM
    stacyd7
    I just purchased a 2003 Honda Accord and yep, you guessed it, the backlighting went out on the radio/ac controls. Has there been any progress on dealing with Honda about this issue?
  • Sep 5, 2006, 06:50 AM
    edhastings
    I'm glad I found this thread, as I've spent the last week looking for the burnt out fuse. I have a 2003 Accord V6 and the display went out, but all else works fine. I just called the Honda number (800-999-1009) and played dumb. The person I talked to said that it was very strange, but it wasn't on any recall list. She also wanted to make sure I understood that I would have to pay for any fixes to the problem. I'm going to call back and point out all the people here with this problem and point her to her own Service Bulletin (04-027).

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