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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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??

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!!

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.

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!

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.

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.