I have the LX with 160 watt 4 speaker package and was wondering where I could find info on adding amps and/or subs to the original deck. I could not find any port information for the deck in the manual. I want to keep my original Honda deck because it looks so fitted and clean. (plus I just want to boost the audio a little; not blow the doors off)

 

The stock aidio leaves alot to be desired. It's OK for stock on a base type car as the Fit.

 

Thats why I want to just add a little kick to it. Mostly wondering if the deck has any capacity to be added to....

 

I will be doing the new Apline Double Den DVD,MP3, w/ Blue Tooth with Boston Pros and JL W6 Sub

 

How are you doing the Bluetooth?

 

I have just returned from my audio installer of choice and he had some interesting info for me.

1. I can use the stock system and add just about anything i wish (amps, subs, etc.)

2. The stock speakers have no tweeters and that makes them have pretty poor range. Replacing them is simple and can be fit within most budgets. (I figure I would get something good enough that they can take full advantage of any future amps I will add)

 

Does the US factory head unit actually have RCA outs or are a high level speaker wire to low level convertor needed or the high level inputs used on amps that support them? Straight RCAs are far better to handle more power and eliminate the introduction of system noise.

 

I am not sure as yet. My installer did not actually get under my dash yet so I am not sure about what exactly is available. I tried to look up info on the deck in my LX and only got the numbers. (watts etc.) I am going back today and I will let you know what I have. However I am in Canada so you never know what is going to be different from the US

 

It is coming standard with the radio in April. but wait until June and the upgraded version will show all caller info on the diplay screen. It is also all touch screen activated

 

How much is all of this going to cost?

 

I went to Hondas' service dept. to find out how to access the door speakers. Turns out that the speaker covers (grills) are part of the doors interior panelling and are not individually removeable. There is a single screw in the door handle and then push clips to remove the door interior. I am going to try it out this afternoon. Any suggestions?

 

Well it was interesting at first. Figured out that the panels come off easily enough if you start at the bottom. But first you have to take the screw out of the door handle and push in the clips under the door handle. Underneath are two more screws to remove. On the rear doors there is a plastic filler panel beside the window that pops off very easily. Once the pops are out disconnect the window switch (i have power windows) and feed the handle through its opening. lift the now completely free panel up and over the door lock. A word of warning! the interior of the door has a plastic liner that is stuck on with silicone that is very sticky!!! Do not smear it or get any on the panel!!!! It is terrible to remove!!!! The speaker itself is attached with a pressure clip at the top. Just push down on it with a screwdriver for the speaker to fall forward. the bottom has 2 little angled 'legs' that hold the bottom in and just come out when the speaker is at the right angle. The speakers have clip in connectors but the wires are accessible for any kind of connectin with some extra to play with.

 

how do I remove the stereo?? I wanna upgrade to Alpine..

 

I didn't want to change my deck due to it looking so nice and finished in the dash but I should think you would have to remove the custom panel that the stock stereo is built into. Then you'd have to source a replacement panel to fit a stock deck. I have no idea what that would cost but I should think that Honda would have such a part available.

 

As well as the double DIN facia you'll need replacement brackets unless fitting a double DIN head unit or you want your single DIN to sit in the middle of the double DIN opening. The facia was designed for the navigation system which isn't being offered in NA. The left hand drive panel won't fit the right hand drive car so the one out of Japan or the rest of Asia and UK won't be of any use to you.

Picture of brackets and double DIN facia


To take the head unit out you need to disconnect the 3 air control wires behind the passenger side of the dashboard which requires removing the glove box and lower panels to access. Remove the cover plate on the bottom of the air dials. 2 Honda security bolts. Then manuvour the unit out while it makes cracking sounds as the clips are really tight. Transfer the existing dial stickers to the new facia and the mechanisms behind. Change the brackets. Bolt in the aftermarket unit. Rewire the harness and reassemble the dash. You'll need an adapter for the antenna cable or else cut it and replace it with a normal connector.

Rewired loom and RCAs for aftermarket amps.


Will take a good couple of hours if your a professional installer with the right tools for the security bolts who does it all the time for a living otherwise considerably longer.

Example of an aftermarket deck fitted.


Wiring diagram.


Instructions for pulling factory unit out.

 

Reference pictures for speaker installation.

http://www.ausjazz.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=51

 

Another guide to head unit removal and installation.

http://www.ausjazz.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=249

 

Details about the Alpine Jazz/Fit demo car.

http://www.ausjazz.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=246

 

nice links. I was wondering what I should do to get real speakers to fit into the odd panel holes from the old speakers and the custom cut mdo would work perfectly....nice.

 

Wow great links and write-ups