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?

Could be a bad connection. Likely you will have to pull the panel off. Usually that is easy once you find the trick. It is a matter of finding an out of sight screw or 2 and then pulling the right place. I don't know the trick, and you may have to buy a manual to find out. I think the expensive factory shop manuals are much better then the books from the auto parts store.

I have experienced the same problem. $300 and two weeks to send the unit out for repair. $700 for dealer to install new one. E-bay has a few used ones but they don't last long. I paid a little over $100 and got a piece of junk. It's going back tomorrow. There is a service bulletin on it, but I have not been fortunate enough to find someone willing to give me a copy of it.

We have the same issue. Car is barely 2 years old and Radio light does not work. I called Honda and they have opened up an Incident report to see if they can offer anything. As all ways it's not a recalled. Also there is no way to find out how to fix it without major expense. :confused:

My local dealer was willing to repair the unit (out of warranty) for about $400.00. They were going to ship it out to a repair shop that turned out to be someone I'll mention later.
I then purchased an EX radio from bronco_buddy on Ebay for $185.00 plus $15.00 shipping (he knows their value). He generally has a unit up for sale on a regular basis. They are coming from wrecked cars.
I checked tonight and there was not one unit for sale. Some joker is trying to pass off a face plate as a dim light solution. Stay away from that one.
I then was able to download instructions on how to remove the old unit. It took me about 90 minutes.
In fooling around with this nightmare, I discovered that the part that is bad, is inside the head of the unit, not the face plate. It is some kind of transformer.
Make sure that if you buy a unit, that it is the exact one for your series (EX, LX, DX), it really makes a difference. A local radio repair thief wanted $286 to repair my old unit and they hadn't even diagnosed the problem.
If you have any other questions, drop me another note. I hope this helps!
Pat in Cleveland

Here were the directions that I used:

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

I feel lucky to have found this message thread a few weeks ago. I had this same problem with my 2003 Honda Accord EX and thought it odd that it wasn't just a blown fuse. In this instance, I was fortunate to have purchased an extended warranty from the dealership. Consequently, they kept me somewhat shielded from the specifics of the problem fix. It was not easy, though. After about 30-minutes of diagnosis I was told that the problem was with the radio (hard to believe that the radio can cause backlighting problems, but, oh well... ). The dealership was simply going to take the radio out of the Accord, send it to get fixed, and call me when it returned (the idea was to keep me in possession of my car while the radio was being fixed offsite). About an hour later, the service technician told me that things had unexpectedly "snowballed" and that by removing the radio the Accord's defrost function was unable to operate. He then went on to explain to me that the dealership could not release the car with inoperable defrost ventilation. Next stop, Enterprise Car Rental. From what I then understand the dealership spent the next three days trying to repair the radio. On the forth day, the dealership called to tell me that they had fixed the problem. When I arrived at the dealership, I learned that "fixing" the problem was achieved by installing a new radio. The service technician told me that he could go into the specifics of my problem if I wished, but that, with the new radio solution, it would most likely be a waste of time to explain. In hindsight (about 18-hours of hindsight), I would have liked an explanation. At the time, however, I was just glad to ditch the rental and get my car back. And everything works fine...

I also have this problem. Has anyone had the dealer replace their radio without cost using the extended warranty? Or otherwise? Thanks.

Has anymore heard any updates on a possible recall?? I have a 2003 Honda Accord EX with the same issue.

I'm taking my car in on Friday. I'll let you know what they have to say.
Dm

I'm experiencing the same issue... no lights in the radio display... also no lights in the AC button wording. The green light that says if the A/C is on Auto works, but at night, you can't see what any of the buttons are since you can't see the actual word "Auto". It's also really dark in the car at night now :-(

I've barely had the car for 2 years. Bad luck? Or do they need to recall this thing?

Dealer said not covered under extended warranty. About $300 canadian to fix faceplate (needs to be shipped out... which means I have to leave the car for 3-4 days.) About $1000 for new faceplate. I'm not happy. Why buy a new faceplate that is going to burn out again in 2 years? I'm going to write honda canada.

Dm

I own a 2003 Accord with a 6 cd indash radio. I had to get my radio replaced by the dealer due to a CD getting stuck, this was under warranty. I didn't have the problems mentioned in this forum probably because after that I installed an aftermarket radio. After reading how much people have to pay and dedicate time to get this fixed, I'll say that I took out my stock radio and spent less than $200 buying an installation kit which includes the climate control buttons, nobs and slot to fit the new radio. Installed a $400 (Sony CDX-M9905X) with no problem or interference with other stock components. Obviously it can be any radio of lower ot higher price. The point is in the event this is a common "glitch" among these radios, this might be a solution.
Below is a link with an image of the installation kit.

http://www.installer.com/photos/99-7864.jpg

I just purchased my 2003 Honda Accord EX it has 24K miles on it, and I've owned it for 2 days, and then the display on the CD pad goes out.. I can barely read this display, I still have audio sound.. I believe I'm still covered under the orig warranty. Has anybody taken it to Honda and have it covered under the orig warranty? [email protected]

Any response would be greatly appreciated!

Just this morning as got in my car, I noticed that the radio/CD/clock display is dead. The radio works. It looks like the LCD backlight is dead. The lights behind the climate control buttons are fine.

I still have close to year/11000 miles of my 3 year / 36000 miles warranty left. This problem is covered by the warranty, I assume. Has anyone had difficulty getting this fixed under this warranty?

Thanks,

Baskaran

Same Issue 2003 EX. Out of warranty and the radio went out. I thought it came on for a time but no luck. What is the going price now for a new radio installed? Is there another option? Thanks for the tip at least I'll save a step and not try screwing around with the wiring.

I'm having the same problem with my 03 Accord. I went to fill up with gas last Thursday (10/27) night and noticed it was very dark in the car. The center console display was dark. By shining a flashlight on the display, I could tell the LCD portion was working just fine. But there was no backlight. I checked the fuses, tried tapping the display, etc, but it wouldn't light up.

The next morning as I was driving in to work, the display suddenly came back on. I figure the vibration from the road I was driving on caused something to temporarily fuse back together providing power to the backlight. After arriving at work I turned the car off, then back on... the display was out again and has not come back on since.

I had an appointment with my dealership for the 75K mile service Monday (10/31) morning and showed them the problem with the display. The dealership told me that the entire radio would need to be replaced. I don't have an extended warranty, and with close to 75K miles on the car, I was bracing for the bad news. My service advisor told me that the radio would normally cost around $400 plus $79 for labor to replace. However, they are only going to charge me for the labor. I suppose they are picking up the cost of the radio for "goodwill" since I've had the car serviced exclusively by them.

Anyway, the "new" radio is on order and my service advisor is supposed to call me when it arrives so I can have it installed. We'll see what happens...

I also have a 2003 Accord and the radio and climate control lights have went out, seems like Honda has a problem they should own up to and have a recall! I bought the car new and planned on driving it till the wheels fell off, the only problem is it looks like the rest of the car is a piece of crap. My moon roof will open but will not close, I have to use the hand crank, as I mentioned my radio and air con. Lights have went out, no bad fuse anywhere I can find. I will buy American Union Made autos from now on, at least my money will help support the US economy.

My light went out in my dash this past summer. I brought it to my local dealer and they replaced the radio free of charge without any questions asked. They said it is a common problem with this model and should be covered by warranty since it is a "defect". The only way to fix it is to replace the entire unit with a new one. Of course, the first time they ordered the radio they ordered the radio for the 4 door model (I HAVE A 2 DOOR). But they ordered the correct radio and I had it resolved with-in a week.

My 2003 Honda Accord EX Stereo backlight ALSO went out as well as the illumination for the center console. The stereo and all functions still work. I know this is a reoccuring problem

My question is:::: WHAT EXACT PART IN THE FACEPLATE or RADIO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS AND WHERE IS IT?? If anyone can tell me the exact location or what the part is and what it looks like, I can replace it myself! Or if anyone has the schematics for the unit, that would help too!!

I have done lots of research online for this... found instructions to take the radio out... Someone says it is a transformer in the head of the unit... someone else says it is in the faceplate. I even found out what color wires power up the illumination from the harness(red and black). But I cannot find what the exact problem is!! I am negligant to paying hundreds to have the whole unit replaced. If anyone can help me with my question... please let me know and I am sure it will help others looking in this thread as well

Did you check with your local dealer to see if they will do it under warranty? They should. It is a defect in the radio. There is no reason we (the consumer) should pay for it. My car is a lease. Is yours? Maybe they would only cover a leased vehicle?

Yes I called my dealer. My car has 48,000 miles on it and it isn't covered since the warrentee ran out at 36,000! I know this problem is so easy to fix, it's just that Honda won't give their wiring diagrams away!

Thanks for the help though...

Ugh! I'm having this same problem with my 03 Accord. I cannot believe Honda isn't doing anything to fix this problem when the part is clearly defective. My dealer wants to charge me $800 to fix it. I don't even want to pay $400, much less $800.

I have a call in to the service manager. I'll try to hash it out with her, but my warranty is out (I'm at 2 1/2 years and 52,000 miles.) How frustrating! I never expected this from Honda!

Susan in Texas

My main motivation for posting this reply is to reaffirm that this is a wide spread problem among 03 Accords. Since I have gone through the trouble of signing up, I might as well share my experience as well.

I called American Honda about the problem and as of today 11/17/05, there is still no recall; no surprise there. I now have a case pending on the matter and I can assure you that I will be on pins and needles until I hear back.

I would suggest that anyone who comes across this post do the same thing. I don't expect that it would lead to a recall, but, at the very least, Honda will have to spend the time it takes to document the case and possibly even follow up with you.

Here's the number: 800-999-1009
You will need your VIN prior to calling.

Good luck to you all, I'm getting XM.

I have the same problem with radio and lights of the console. I think it happened when I turned the ignition key on while the engine was running already. If some of the other members also had the same event, it might be a good step towards the solution.

I don't think the problem with the console would be solved when the radio is changed. However, I realized this after the dealer ordered a replacement for the radio of my 18 months old Honda accord EX. I would pursue more tomorrow.

Take care all...

Update: I had my radio replaced on Nov 8th. My dealership only charged me the agreed upon $79.00 for the labor. I'm sooo happy to have to functionality back again... driving without it really sucked!
I'm also pleased with my dealership... Bankston Honda in Lewisville Tx.
Good luck to all!

Has anyone had any luck getting this resolved without paying a lot when your vehicle is out of warranty? If so what did you do. This is rotten of Honda I would have never thought this would come from them. I have always owned a Honda and this and the transmission recall is making me nervous about buying another car form them. Does anyone have the copy of the service Bulletin that Honda had out regarding this issue? If so can someone e-mail it to me. Thanks

My car has 63000 miles and it is 2 1/2 years old, I called American Honda after I read all the e-mails and was furious. They are being totally cool they are replacing my radio free of charge and my car is completely out of warranty and they never asked if I always get my car serviced there. I called one dealer, and he wasn't helpful where another was. Just bypass the dealers and call American Honda,they will help you, Thank God.

I bought my 2003 Honda Accord EX 3 months ago with 35,400 miles on it. I did not buy the extended warranty due to Honda being so reputable, therefore I felt I did not need it. Of course now the backlight on my 6 disc CD changer/center console does not work and I am now over 36,000 miles. I found this problem to be quite common after reading all the above posts! How disheartening! I tried to call American Honda as suggested above and they are closed until Monday. (It' the day after Thanksgiving.) I then called the dealership where I purchased the car and they said they would charge me $95 labor and their cost on the replacement part, but they couldn't determine what part needed replacing over the phone. The parts manager told me that it is one of 3 components that needs replacing and the cost is anywhere from $400 to $800 at THEIR cost. Diagnosis of the problem is an additional $45. I am going to call American Honda on Monday to see if I have any luck getting this covered through them. My car only has 41,000 miles on it. I wish I had known about this problem prior to buying my car. Hopefully Honda will do the right thing and stand by their product. I will let you all know what happens.

Wow, I had no idea this was such a widespread problem. Much like everyone else, my 2003 Accord EX display went dark a few days ago. I spoke to the dealer and Honda Canada. I should suggest that they read this site as they said that my problem was quite unusual and unique. I too am beyond my warranty and my extended warranty doesn't cover this.
Any suggestions for someone in Canada (Ottawa)? Has anyone got Honda Canada to acknowledge the defect or found a dealer willing to replace the unit?

Thanks

This is a huge problem and not a new one, here are 2 other sites of chat rooms that have a lot of the same problem http://www.car-groups.com/board/nextpost/29523/0 and tryhttp://www.hondaaccordforum.com/m_79...key_/tm.htm#82
Try calling your main Honda headquarters in Canada.American Honda is the Mainone out here and they helped me a lot and my car had 63000 miles try calling american Honda maybe they can give you a number in your area 1-800-999-1009. Good luck

Thanks Renee, I'll follow up on your suggestions and let you (and the group) know how it went.

Cheers.

Call Honda of America and insist that they replace your radio. They will try to deny your request but be persistent. I did it and you can to. First take your car to the dealer. Ask them all information on how they can fix it and ask for the serviceman name and remember all the bull**** that they told you. Call Honda of America and tell them what had happened at the dealership. The person at Honda of America is super patient so you must be extra super persistent to get it your way. Do not hang up without getting a case number. Insist that this is not your fault and that it is a common problem. Tell them that there is a bullentin issued by Honda about the problem. Remember that the person at Honda of America will still insist that they can not help you. They will ask you various questions. Tell them this is your 2nd or 3rd Honda. DO NOT GIVE UP. Repeat your problems and concerns and insist that you love Honda vehicles and that you believe in Honda will do the right thing for you. Be patience with them until they finally give you a case number and write it down. They then will contact your local Honda dealer where you had brought your vehicle in where they claim they can't help you. Give them the number and name of the serviceman. Within a couple of days, Honda dealer or Honda of America will contact you to schedule a replacement for a new unit FREE!! Don't worry that your car is in warranty or out of warranty. It does not matter. Just believe that Honda is at fault in this issue. It can take up to an hour to insist that Honda is at fault so if you are not patience and persistence with them, it won't work. Believe me if you persist it will pay. Good luck and congratulation on your new unit.

I have the same problem with the 2003 Honda Accord Backlight. This seems to be a problem with Honda Accord across the board. I have owned Honda accords since 1984. I trusted Honda for the quality and at present I am very disappointed. Honda wants 370 dollars to repair my radio. One thing for sure they have lost a loyal customer. What happened to standing behind your product? I would like to start a letter writing campaign to Honda. I am starting a campaign. If you are interested in participating to make Honda stand up to its name. Just send your name, email address and the year of your accord to [email protected].
I will compile a list and articulate a letter with customer concerns and complaints and forward it to Honda of America.
Please assist me --I will keep sending the list at least until I get a response.
There is power in numbers.How would Honda look if we told everyone how they do not stand behind the product. :(

I called American Honda and spoke to a representative. I explained to her what happened with my backlight problem and informed her that it happened within the first 90 days of buying my 2003 Honda. I also told her I was aware that there is a service bulletin regarding this problem. I requested that Honda repair this at no cost due to the frequency is which this is occurring. She was VERY nice, and assigned me a case # right away. She told me a case manager would be contacting me within 48 hours to discuss my claim and asked me which dealership I would be taking my car to for repair. I will be waiting for their decision, but based on my conversation with the representative I believe Honda will be replacing my radio at no cost. I will advise when I have this confirmed. Good luck to all of you still working on a solution for this problem. I hope this works out the way I am hoping it will, not only for me, but for all of you. For those of you who do not have the American Honda number from one of the above posts, here it is again. 1-800-999-1009. You will need your VIN when you call. Good luck!

I bought my '03 Accord EX Oct '02. Apr. 2004 at 27,000 miles the lighting in console went out. The dealer replaced it because it was still in warranty. Yet again, Sept '05 at 71,000 miles the same thing. This time they made me pay the Honda cost of $127.08 for the radio. Supposedly they fixed the problem. Tonight my accord wouldn't start (maybe starter) at 74,000 miles. Honda is not winning my allegiance. My '90 Civic didn't have these kinds of problems.

Honda contacted my dealer, and they called me to inform me that they will be replacing my radio at no cost! They ordered my new 6 disc cd changer, and they will call me when it comes in to schedule an appointment to replace it. I am SO happy this worked out! Who has the extra money, let alone at Christmas time, to spend on something that shouldn't have happened in the first place? I am impressed that Honda handled this the way that they did. I met with no resistance when I requested the free replacement, and they got back to me within 24 hours with their decision. The only thing they asked me to do prior to making their decision was to take my car to my dealer to have the dealer document the light was in fact out. After having done that, the dealership contacted me the next day to let me know the part was going to be covered under "warranty" even though I was over 40k miles.
My concern after reading the above post is that this may happen again! If it does I will install an after market stereo and be done with this, but hopefully it will not come to that. Merry Christmas to you all. CALL HONDA! They will help you.

I bought Honda Accord, model EX, in April 2003. The problem that occurred a few days ago was that backlight of Clock/Radio/CD/Climate display went off. Every component of the unit works properly, but I cannot see information on dashboard.

I called my dealership and they told me that just to determine what is the problem, what I already could see, I have to pay $95.00 + tax. I told them that this is too expensive for something so obvious, so they told me to come to service and they will look that for free and give me options what I can do. Next day I went there and they even didn’t try to look my car. Instead the service advisor told me that because car is out of warranty I have to pay $1200 to get whole unit replaced. It looked to me they already had these cases and they knew what was wrong.

Because that option sounded to me very stupid (paying $1200 just to get light), I called customer service for Honda Canada. After listening to complain she immediately told me that I have 2 options. To pay $1200 for replacement or to get unit refurbished for $300. Again she sounded like somebody who already came across the problem. I told her that I found on different forums tons of people with the same car and the same problem, and that it was obvious that something is wrong in the design of that unit when it requires replacement/refurbishing of the whole unit just because of light. That would be like selling $300 lamp that has to be replaced when bulb gets broken. So she took VIN of my car but she told me that she could not open the case until proper diagnostic is done on my car. She called the service and they told her they did visual check, but for diagnostic I have to go back and pay $95.00 + tax. After that Honda may pay me part of repair to get that light back.

I am very disappointed with my experience with both Honda customer service and Honda dealership. They all know there is a system problem with the radio unit in the car but instead to fix it, they choose to make profit of it. I understand their motivation to act like that but on the end they will just loose one customer and I hope I can persuade somebody else not to buy their cars.

I wonder if there are any TV stations that would be interested in picking this up, referencing this web site. Sometimes local stations are interested in consumer stories. I think that would get some attention and it would alert people in general about the problem. Or, I think Money magazine has a section for issues like this. Again, it would make it more public, perhaps motivating Honda to take care of its mess.

I found that Honda knows about the problem with the radio in all Accords 2003 and in some Accords 2004. They issued Service Bulletin in July 2004 that describes the problem. But they also decided not to inform owners of vehicles about the problem. Instead they wait for the problem to occur and if the car is in the warranty they would accept the cost of the repair, and if it is not they would consider to accept the cost, at least in USA.

:D I read on another forum that you may can get your radio fixed for FREE!! If you call Honda af America (1-800-999-1009) and make a claim a radio replacement They will replace your radio for free. I'm going through it right now and should have a response soon! You will need to take it to your local dealer and get a radio replacement price, call that number, give them the diagnosis, vin #, proof of purchase, and a little other information. They will let your know if they will do it or not. It's worth a shot!!