Dealer Says Can't upgrade stereo
 

My usb isn't working (2009 Honda Fit Sport no Nav). As long as I have to take it in, I thought I would get a new stereo with bluetooth. Dealer says I can't upgrade, which sounds odd to me. I don't like this particular dealership (and the only other choice isn't much better) - so can anyone out there tell me for sure if I can't upgrade (of course paying for a new unit) and if so why?

If there are any fit freaks in queens, NYcity where do YOU go to have this kind of stuff done to your car? Is there a good place that installs aftermarket stereos that will take care of this issue ? I don't mind anyplace in queens or long island, but I don't want to go into manhattan

Dealer may had meant they had no upgrades to your Fit. You can get a USB Audio Interface from Bernardi Honda for around $91 if that is the problem.

Honda USB Audio Interface - Bernardi Honda Parts and Accessories

http://www.bernardiparts.com/Images/...r_AII45124.pdf


Also welcome to the forum. Good luck.

Thanks! But it should be possible to install a new stereo that is a honda that has working usb and bluetooth into the 2009 honda fit sport?

yep very possible.

Absolutely. Your Honda svc rep isn't aware of the wealth of aftermarket (non-honda) solutions available. The main thing is the plastic trim on the front has to be replaced to conform to industry standard shaped radio displays (rectangular instead of Fit-like). Crutchfield.com includes this trim (installation kit) along with wiring harnesses needed to make it work and still look like a factory install. Any aftermarket stereo shop can help with this.

and very expensive.



So wait, OP.. If I understand this right, you have an 09, and you want the dealer to upgrade you to a newer model headunit (w/Bluetooth)? The unit alone from Honda would be about $1,000, who knows what Honda service would charge for the labor to install it.

Your least expensive option it to just get the BT-35
https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...ck-stereo.html

or buy an aftermarket with much more features than OEM.



Oh, and I'm in Queens, but truthfully I don't trust anyone of those stereo shops... that's just me... but if you're searching I'd recommend going to one that's been around for a while (and w/good reviews, check yelp). There's tons of shops on Queens Blvd (check Ray's, I think they're still around), a few on Jamaica & Liberty Ave's... and wasn't there one in Uniondale, LI that was on some TV show too?

I don't trust any of the stereo shops either
I didn't know it would be so expensive to buy the honda stock radio - I just didn't want to deal with the aftermarket people because I haven't heard anything good about them .

I thought (silly me) that it just sounded simpler to go to the dealer, get the stock (but upgraded) stereo and if I was going to do that, I might as well get it with bluetooth. I fear that the 2009 software is not going to keep up with apple even if the mechanical features did work, so I thought it might be worth putting in a new unit.

Please don't anyone tell me to use a flash drive - that doesn't work any better than the ipod

I very much appreciate everyone's time and helpful advice !!!

NO! Not silly you. :D Most people expect the dealer service to be like a Honda factory, truth of the matter is that most (not all) of the Honda service are a bunch of hacks.


I got an 09 as well (but the Navi version), I'm not telling you to use a flash, but I do in mine (a 2 gig), and aside from having to track fwd many times to get to which tracks I want, there's no glitches at all. It always works, and is quite clear for what it is.
If you're using an ipod/phone, etc, why not try using the aux input (headphone to headphone cable) instead of the USB?

You're welcome... hopefully you can find a solution. :thumbups:

I have painfully long trips offsite for work where the traffic jams are hellish and unpredictable and I have to do a lot of driving in a couple days straight. I like my audiobooks, my podcasts, my music, so I would really like the full functionality of the ipod. I have my own GPS in the charger, so if I use the aux (which I have done) I lose charge if I have a long trip. All of these options are obviously not the end of the world (first world problems !) but it is very frustrating to have the dongle there and not work.

My honda dealers don't actually seem to know as much about my car a the fit freaks do ! Thanks again guys

Crutchfield - they will include harness adapters and a new dash faceplate with the stereo. And detailed instructions, and help via phone oif needed. If you have some mechanical ability, it's simple.

Thanks - that is a great resource

I have so little mechanical ability it counts as an official medical disorder :)

TBT! :rotfl:

You can keep an eye out on the classifieds on here too in case someone may have replaced their stock stereo and are selling it now. From what i've read on here the aftermarket options are much better sound quality anyway, so probably worth it to just ditch the Honda headunit unless you're dead set on keeping the car looking factory.

I don't really care if it looks factory as long as it doesn't look ( or act) messed up !

That's an option (going with a used OEM unit), quite a few pop up every so often in the classifieds... Wafulz is selling his 2012 Navi HU (I think).

If I wasn't so busy, I'd say bring it by my place, I got all the tools, and space we'd need... but this weekend I'm working, and next is reserved for finishing up my JDM mods.
I've replaced HU's in the past (way past), but those were the hack type (splicing wires, trying to figure out what's what)... with the Crutchfield adapters/harnesses, it should be quite simple. It'll come in handy whenever I replace my HU.

Very kind - it isn't a rush in any case
I am going to see what crutchfields has (they work with some installers in the area) and check out the classifieds as you suggest. If that doesn't work, then maybe I will pm you and we could work out something! People are awfully nice on this forum :)

it's really not hard at all. The wire harness from the new stereo matches the colors on the adapter harness - if you know someone that's good with electronics, you can get them to solder and heat shrink the connections, or you can simply splice and use electrical tape for the connections. it's just screws to remove and pop out the necessary panels.

If you have a car buddy nearby that has some experience, it will definitely help. Crutchfield instructions include photos and every single step you need to do to get the stereo in. If I still lived in Queens (Flushing, yo!) I'd definitely be down to help.

Do your research, and if you need any help let me know.