2008 - 2012 Honda Accord Android Stereo upgrade installation video with CarPlay

[@lydiaharris2945]

THANK YOU!! I was so nervous about installing because every video I’ve watched overcomplicated the process. This was so easy to follow.

[@iowabuckeye]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@asnwa2000]

I had the same unit in my Amazon cart. After watching your video. I cleared my cart and made the purchases (I added all your recommended accessories) using your links. You deserve some kudos and compensation for such a great video. Can’t wait to install in my 2012 Accord V6 Sedan. Gonna make my car awesome again!

[@iowabuckeye]

Well thank you very much! Good luck with your install. Both units I installed are still working just fine!!

[@mattdelise.33]

Great job buddy! I always watch a video before the project to find unexpected issues.... This was perfect. Easy to follow video without the unnecessary BS. Keep up the good work.

[@iowabuckeye]

Yea I try and stick to the point!!! Glad you found it helpful.

[@gsharpshooter80]

9:07 Question does that “aux breakout cable” make it so that you don’t need to use the aux adapter at 9:23? Can you confirm that? I ask because I’d really like to not drill holes into the arm rest compartment just to get the aux there and want to keep things as stock and clean as possible. Thanks!

[@iowabuckeye]

Yes. The sole purpose of the cable at 9:07 is to break out the AUX input to the factory stereo. I assume the folks that end up hooking the cable shown at the 9:23 did their install incorrectly. They probably didn't install the cable at 9:07, and then connected the RCA jacks on the 9:23 connector to the RCA outputs from the new stereo. So then that cable will feed back into the OEM stereo through the legacy AUX port. Make sense??? It was the same thing when I installed the 2nd unit in our 2012. No need for the 9:23 cable in it either.

[@gsharpshooter80]

@@iowabuckeye Awesome! Thanks so much for the response back as it really helps!

[@iowabuckeye]

Good luck if you proceed with getting one!

[@xaviersmith1980]

Hey I bought a similar unit, but I didn’t reinstall the legacy display at the lower part. Now none of the dashboard lights (AC and Radio) are working. Do you think it’s because I didn’t reconnect the legacy display?

[@iowabuckeye]

I don’t think that is your issue. Read some of the other comments. Others who have bought similar units have had the same lighting problem and found issues with their supplied wiring harness. Read those comments and it may help you.

[@justinbeaniam]

Looking to do this with my 2011 ex-l coupe. It has the built in amp and rear deck subwoofer. Does this retain the use of those? I'm happy with the sound quality and volume of the oem setup as well as the deck subwoofer but would like to update to something android capable. Edit: think I answered my own question, so basically this runs through the existing oem radio's aux input and you switch the car's radio to aux to use it. So all the existing factory amp and sub works like you're just using your original radio with an aux cable?

[@iowabuckeye]

Yes sir! You are correct.

[@gsharpshooter80]

Awesome tutorial, I’ve been wanting to do all this to my 09 Honda Accord during a weekend and might do it soon as I’m tired of looking at my phone while driving to switch tracks or run Navi

[@iowabuckeye]

Yea it is a nice upgrade! The kids love them.

[@Pokai-qy8gg]

Thank you for this video.. I got a unit its identical but on sale on Amazon with horrific instructions.. it is pretty straight forward for anyone out there.. just pain in the but to get to a few screws.. the lower screws for head unit I would recommend 8mm ratchet.. only thing is my left speakers either have no sound or little sound.. maybe it's a connection

[@iowabuckeye]

I would assume it is your connection, or first make sure the fader/balance controls are set correctly within the new head as they are separate from the OEM stereo controls.

[@Pokai-qy8gg]

@iowabuckeye it was the connection.. now it's perfect.. the odd time it won't work eventho Bluetooth is connected

[@abdvideos123]

This was the best video of this installation! Thanks for posting! Is there a video on the camera installation coming soon?

[@iowabuckeye]

Yes. I have already filmed the process I used to get the camera wire into the trunk. I just need to finish connecting the camera and splicing it into the reverse light wire. I also did test the camera before routing the video wire to the trunk and it worked perfectly. I hope to find the time to finish the install in the next few days.

[@iowabuckeye]

Finally found time to finish up the backup camera video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4a1aqdjYs9kg8U

[@MotoFelipe]

I bought this and have been working on it. The breakout cable they sent is just like yours, 20 pin on both ends (I stopped the video and counted), but our 2011 Honda has a 24 pin so I cannot get sound out of the thing unless I plug in the provided AUX cable into the AUX jack in the console compartment. Do you know if they might have a 24 pin breakout cable? I think I will contact them to see. If you know anymore that would help me I would appreciate it. Your videos are good and show things well/.

[@iowabuckeye]

So if I understand correctly your radio has a 24 pin connector instead of a 20, so the breakout cable won’t even plug in? Both our 2008 and 2012 were the same, so wonder what Honda did in 2011? Our 2008 just has an AUX input in the armrest, but our 2012 has both AUX and USB in the armrest. I would try contacting the seller, but they may not be aware of the issue.

[@MotoFelipe]

Thanks for getting back to me. I started looking in the service manual for the car and it appears the different hook ups are for different audio setups. Premium audio or not and 6 CD changer or 1. These have different connections. The one like yours is the premium audio with the 20 pin connector and has tapped into the AUX connections with the breakout cable. It needs to get the audio from the head unit to the cars speakers and so they use the AUX. Our car does not have the premium audio and those same AUX wires are on a 12 pin connector. The 24 pin is for something else. I could have spliced in the phono jacks into the wires on the 12 pin harness but instead drilled a half inch hole at bottom of center console and used the AUX cable provided running under gear shifter and up behind to head unit and all is well. Everything seems to work just fine thanks to your detail and good video. I would have had trouble without your help. Thanks.

[@iowabuckeye]

@@MotoFelipe Thank you for the follow-up. Now I'll be able to help others if they have the same issue. I'm glad you found my video helpful.

[@KhanhTran-il4jt]

Been seeing reviews on Amazon saying issues with sound quality and functionality. How is it doing for you a couple of months after installation (additions like usb ports and back up camera as well)?

[@iowabuckeye]

It’s been about 3 months now, and both units (in our 2008 and 2012) are still working just fine. This includes the backup camera. I believe most initial issues are installation related, such as connecting the wrong audio cable, poor connection for the backup camera wiring, etc. Aside from charging phones, we haven’t used the USB connectors since installing as we use Bluetooth/CarPlay. We have been happy with them.

[@KhanhTran-il4jt]

@ you’re the man! Thanks for the reply and information. I have everything in my cart ready to purchase. Great video too!

[@iowabuckeye]

Good luck if you proceed! Reach out again if you have questions with the install.

[@Jordan-f9i]

I don’t have the plug that plugs into the old display I need help

[@iowabuckeye]

Did you buy this exact unit? If so, just reach out to the seller and I am sure they will send you one if it was left out of the box.

[@Jordan-f9i]

@ I did I’ve been working on it for hours I’m just now putting everything back angrily

[@iowabuckeye]

Did you buy this exact unit or a similar unit from a different seller? The seller I linked in includes the cable for the old display.

[@rashadhepburn1418]

Hello , ive follow step by step still no sound from new unit/radio , ny suggestions?

[@iowabuckeye]

Are you getting sound from your OEM stereo while on FM? Is you OEM stereo set to 'AUX' when trying to use the new stereo? Make sure the volume control is 'up' on your new stereo. What main power cable did you use? The more complicated one or the basic one?

[@protokille9111]

Ordered a very similar unit and the aux breakout or cable at 15:29 will not fit into each other. Not sure what to do, might have to try buying exact unit in description? Hopefully it works.

[@iowabuckeye]

Not sure what to tell you with the one you have? I have installed 2 now (in our 2008 and 2012) and they are still working perfectly. Good luck!

[@mvhlsc7]

​@iowabuckeye Did the 2012 have a factory subwoofer? If so Did you have what you needed in this kit?

[@iowabuckeye]

To be honest, I am not sure if the 2012 has a factory sub or not? If you can tell me what to look for and where it is, I will let you know. I did just use the 'simple' main/power cable for the 2012 also.

[@mvhlsc7]

For me, it's shown in the audio level adjustments, bass, treble, sub. Thanks for your previousresponse@iowabuckeye

[@cyn3499]

im having the same issue did u figure it out

[@jacksonchanceward]

For some reason I’m still not getting any sound. I tried the two different harnesses they sent, (one being a more complex one with sub rca cables and things like that. I tried both and still no sound. Not even sound when I connect it to Bluetooth. Any suggestions?

[@iowabuckeye]

Did you re-enter the security code into the original car stereo? Is the volume turned up on the new unit too as it has a separate volume control? Are you at least getting sound through the original FM car receiver?

[@ViliusJ]

@@iowabuckeye I am not lol and I typed in the code

[@dm7561]

Im curious if this type of unit needs the original head unit to work fine. My wife's Accord has a short in the factory unit that makes the radio/speakers pop and go silent and stop working. Moat things online say to replace rhe head unit but im wondefing if i need a new unit that replaces the entire console unit in the middle of the console or if a unit like this will work and actually bypass the amp hardware in the factory headunit(where the short is presumably located.) Any insights would help

[@iowabuckeye]

I guess I can't say for sure as it would depend on just what is actually faulty in the original unit. Have you ever tired connecting your phone through a Bluetooth receiver to the aux port and streaming? If so and you still have the issue, then a unit such as this will not correct it as it just feeds into the original stereo's aux port. But if it does correct it, then I would proceed with an install (with FM antenna) versus buying a new 'factory' unit. This is the BT receiver we were using before doing the install. It worked just fine. amzn.to/4fet9B1

[@416stroker-TBSS]

Hey brother question so i installed the unit and one plug from the unit dont plug to nothing of mine which was the plug for the Aux cable so i just ran my Aux wire and connected to my original so i have sound and everything the only issue is that my rear camera not working i just wired it same way as you did

[@vertex4491]

Yeah I’m not getting any sound either so do I have to plug in a aux from my center console into the new radio? Or do I use that cable at 9:23

[@iowabuckeye]

Did you use the cable at 9:23? If so you do not need to use an aux cable from your center console.

[@rexmons6144]

Is there any way to upgrade to Android Auto/Apple Carplay and NOT keep the original Honda radio? It would be nice if it could completely replace the unit.

[@iowabuckeye]

Not sure. The center unit contains more than just the radio. It has the vents, environmental controls. etc. I don't think I have seen one for this generation Honda.

[@RobBark-t4v]

If you have Iphone, did you have any issues with the iPhone recognizing the usb cable? My daughter's phone will not recognize it but my android phone will.

[@iowabuckeye]

We have iPhones. We only used a cable the first time we connected my daughter’s phone and had no issues with using a cable. But since then, and with any other persons iPhone, we just connect through Z-link/bluetooth.

[@RobBark-t4v]

​@@iowabuckeye, thanks for the response. I'm not sure what is going on. I was able to connect to carplay wirelessly so hopefully it won't be a huge issue.

[@Miguel-gw2th]

Hello, do you also have static noise coming from the speakers when on aux and increase when the volume is increased, any idea how to fix or what the issue might be?

[@iowabuckeye]

I personally do not have any static, but have seem some other comments on similar units where this is an issue. On our 2008 Accord, even before I started the install, there would be a buzzing when the OEM stereo was put on AUX if we did not have a source connected to it. Which would go away when a source was connected. Did you install this unit or a similar one? Did you connect the AUX port from the OEM radio to the new head though a long AUX cable? Or with the breakout cable behind the OEM stereo? Also try turning your headlights lights off-and-on when you hear the static. As I have seen some other comments where it appears noise is coupling from the lights. If this seems to be the cause, maybe repositioning the wires could help.

[@Miguel-gw2th]

Yeah I have a similar unit and the static noise is there even when something is playing but static is only on aux on radio it’s fine I have an aux running from the new head unit to the aux port.

[@iowabuckeye]

Since you are plugged into the AUX port, maybe google ‘Aux cable ground loop isolator’. Apparently they help with static and buzzing noises. I have never used one, but have seen where others have had luck with them. They are pretty inexpensive so worth a shot. If you do try one, please respond back and let me know if it solves your issue.

[@radenblazed]

I have the Navi version and the wiring harness is different. The plug that connect to the old display only has two wires going to it

[@radenblazed]

It came with a seperate box labled "RZ-HD27" it looks like the RCA plug would go into it. But not shure if the plug goes into that or to the back of the new radio

[@iowabuckeye]

Not sure as that is not the version I purchased. Are the RCA cables labeled? There should be red/white outputs from the new radio that go into red/white inputs on the old radio (basically the AUX input to the OEM radio). These inputs were the red/white RCAs on the breakout harness on mine.

[@radenblazed]

@@iowabuckeye thanks. i managed to get it connected. everything appears to be working. still has some lose wire that im not sure what they do tho.

[@iowabuckeye]

@@radenblazed Awesome! yea, I had some 'extra' wires that also were not connected. Probably for features my car did not have.

[@prolow8000]

I’m currently looking for Apple car play for my car it’s a Acura tsx, which is the same as an accord would you know if it’ll work on it ?

[@iowabuckeye]

I’m not sure. Google some Acura CarPlay installs for your car’s year to see if it is the same. I’d assume it is probably close.

[@parkwalkproductions2012]

I’m confused about something & I can’t find an answer. Does this unit have an amplifier in it or does it just use the AUX input on the stereo & use the stock radio’s amplifier?

[@iowabuckeye]

The unit connects to the AUX input on the original stereo. It does this though a break-out cable connected behind the radio (and not the AUX port in the armrest). I hope that answers your question. Thx

[@parkwalkproductions2012]

@@iowabuckeye You totally answered my question. Thank you!

[@SteelGlobal]

Hey I’m having trouble with sound everything working great beside I can’t get no sound for the unit I can get sound from my original radio tho

[@iowabuckeye]

I assume you have your factory stereo on AUX? And what main cable/power connector did you use? If the ‘more complicated one’ then there is a chance you plugged into the incorrect red/white connectors.

[@MrAllmaniac]

@@iowabuckeye Turn volume up all the way on new unit. Factory Stereo on AUX as suggested and use factory volume knob. I had the same issue :)

[@randomhobby4310]

A quick question: are your instrument panel backlights working when the headlights are on? (Climate control and radio) The orange light and green light when climate control button are working but not backlighting of radio and climate control selectors. I can't seem to figure out why they aren't working after installing the same/similar android unit (8th gen accord). I changed the fuses for the interior lights in the passenger and under hood fuse boxes. But still no good.

[@iowabuckeye]

Yes - climate and radio lights are working fine. I assume yours were working before your install? Maybe the similar unit you bought has an incorrect wiring harness or just a single faulty wire? On our 2012 most of the climate control lights are not working, but that is before the install. I’m ordering new bulbs for it tomorrow and will address them when installing a unit in it. Planning a video of that fix also. Also with this head the climate control lights are not part of the new radio’s wiring at all (separate connectors - top 3 on back).

[@yarrbeefcake]

I have this exact same issue after installing this same unit. I swapped out breaker #6 in the passenger fuse box (7.5A) and as soon as I flipped my headlights back on it blew again. I emailed the "After sales email" address....will be interested in what they have to share.

[@iowabuckeye]

Please leave a comment with what you find out. Is it your 'radio lights' or 'climate control lights' that are not working/blowing the fuse? I assume radio lights as the climate lights are independent of the install.

[@yarrbeefcake]

It's both radio and climate control lights. Appears they're all on the same fuse. I'm guessing that the supplied wiring harness connected something that shouldn't be connected..... Everything else seems to work just fine though, so hopefully this is isolated just to the backlighting coming on when the headlights are turned on. I'll keep you posted on the outcome, thanks!

[@iowabuckeye]

Oh good point! You are probably correct in that even though the climate light control doesn't go through the new unit, it is probably on the same circuit/fuse as the radio lights. Yea, I'd also assume there is some sort of short in the harness you have. I started the install in our 2012 today and did determine I have faulty bulbs in the climate lights (swapped a few bulbs around to figure it out). I'll be calling our local Honda dealership tomorrow to see if they have some on hand or can order me what I need. I'll also post back when I get that install wrapped up and let you know if I have any other 'light' issues.

[@valleyhome4600]

My radio won't turn on. The display and touchscreen work but radio acts like it has no power

[@iowabuckeye]

Your original radio? Or the radio receiver in the new unit?

[@Only.exotik]

Whats the extension cord that connects to the old radio?

[@iowabuckeye]

Which cable are you asking about? I cover all the cables and their install in the video. Some cables are not needed. Describe the one you are asking about about maybe I can answer.

[@Only.exotik]

@ the purple cable in this video that connects the old control system that is moved to the bottom

[@iowabuckeye]

The other end of that one connects to the very top where the original screen was.

[@iowabuckeye]

@@Only.exotik I think I may see the confusion now. At the 11:48 mark of the video you will see me plugging in a 'brown' wire bundle into the control system that is getting moved to the bottom. But then at the 14:28 mark you will see that cable magically switched to 'purple'. What happened was I accidently pulled a wire out of the other end of the brown cable, so went to the box my 2nd unit came it and swapped cables so I could proceed with the install. In that box the cable was purple..... So same cable, just different color. Hopefully that answers your question.

[@carlitoneici4552]

What about the install kit? Did that come with the radio?

[@iowabuckeye]

Yes.

[@lboa1827]

Do the steering wheel controls still work after installing the new unit?

[@iowabuckeye]

Yes, they still work. They of course do not control the apps on the new head, but their original functions still work.

[@protokille9111]

After installing it my steering wheel lights and radio lights are not turning on. Does anybody know how to fix it? Thanks.

[@iowabuckeye]

Read some of the other comments as a few have had this issue and found a fix (problem with the wiring harness). Also - did you buy this exact unit or a similar one from a different seller? Thx

[@protokille9111]

@@iowabuckeyesimilar one from a different seller, most likely why I have issues and you didint.

[@chrisarts__]

how does the unit hold up now? i saw a few reviews about how it failed after a certain amount of time

[@iowabuckeye]

Still working fine. Been just over a month. I installed the 2nd unit unit our 2012 last week and it is working just fine also.

[@amoroso1978]

Great job. thank you, Mister.

[@iowabuckeye]

You are very welcome

[@CLautaimi]

Is it normal to wait for a day to activate on a Honda accord everything works its just that there's no sound coming out

[@iowabuckeye]

No - you should have sound as soon as you turn it on. Does your OEM FM radio still work? Do you have the OEM radio set to 'AUX'? Do you have the volume turned up on the android head itself (buttons on left side of new stereo)? If still no sound, you may have connected the red and white RCA jacks incorrectly.

[@CLautaimi]

@@iowabuckeye what if said code error e before the car play was install? Its a pemmium car play

[@iowabuckeye]

What is saying ‘code error’? The new head or the legacy OEM display? If it is the legacy display, you need to enter your car’s unique radio code.

[@CLautaimi]

When pressing the power button to turn on the radio it came up with code error e

[@iowabuckeye]

What radio is showing the error? New or old? Do you get sound from your OEM when on FM?

[@monst3rxven0m30]

question for my accord with nav i need the 4g version??

[@iowabuckeye]

4G not required or Navigation, you just need to ensure you order a model compatibly with factory navigation. I just added a link in the description to a 2G + 64G version with Nav. Looks like they have removed the 4G options currently.

[@monst3rxven0m30]

@@iowabuckeye thanks very much

[@MohammadSabboukh]

Thank you for the video. It helped me alot. But unfortunately after setting every thing up the back lights of the steering wheel and central console and radio did not work at night. And passenger side fuse 6 kept popping when i change it. I read a comment from someone on your video about connecting A13 to A12 wire but i searched alot and did not find that in the diagram of honda radio wiring. I don't have much expertise in car Electricity. But i found the solution to the problem. There is actually a faulty connection in the harness. They conncted A13 to A1 wires together and to the headunit. I tried to disconnect them. Connected A13 to A13 and A1 to A1 with the headunit to A1. Then i changed the fuse. It actualy worked. It seems like they use that same harnesses in different types of these after market headunits because it is a common problem

[@iowabuckeye]

I am glad you found the video helpful! Was the unit you purchased the exact one I have linked in the description? Or a similar unit from a different seller? Thx

[@MohammadSabboukh]

@iowabuckeye It is a very similar unit from a different seller. I bought from Aliexpress

[@mealsyt2]

I purchased the unit. Every time the unit boots up it presents an error message about "Have no media file!" and the bluetooth doesn't connect automatically. You have to go in your phone and select Car BT and then it will connect. I installed that small wifi/BT connector in the back. I'm going to return it and get another of the same model and hopefully it will work properly. Pain to reinstall it all though.

[@iowabuckeye]

You probably already tried this, but make sure the Bluetooth settings in both the head and your phone are set to connect automatically. Not sure on the 'no media file' error? It is almost like it thinks something is plugged into one of the USB ports.

[@hloc8589]

I need this. Thanks for sharing

[@iowabuckeye]

Any time!

[@elangokaliamoorthy3035]

What is the model and make of this audio device ?

[@iowabuckeye]

The link for the unit is in the video's description.

[@MrAllmaniac]

Thanks for the video ! Great help! I have a couple of questions: Do your steering wheel volume controls still work on the existing radio and also do you know anything about setting the canbus protocol. I don't have any protocol listed in mine. Thanks :)

[@iowabuckeye]

Yes, volume still works with the OEM stereo and also controls the volume of the android head. The head also has a separate volume, so just set that one to max then use the OEM volume control. The 'mode' button still works to switch between FM, AM, CD, Aux, etc. As for Canbus, I don't think our car has it. Not sure what its usefulness would be anyhow???

[@GAppliance]

Appreciate the video

[@iowabuckeye]

You are welcome! Hopefully it helps with your install.

[@smoideen]

Thank you for the video. Is it going to be same for 2007 Accord?

[@iowabuckeye]

This specific radio will not fit a 2007 (just 2008 - 2012). Install procedure will also differ for that model year.

[@wordtoyomorther2457]

So what’s the code for the radio

[@iowabuckeye]

If you are referring to the OEM factory radio code, they are unique for security purposes. I suggest looking in the owners manual to see if it has a card in there showing it. Or look for a 5 digit number someone may have written down inside the manual. There may even be a sticker inside your glove box showing the code. Else you can visit the Honda website or contact a Honda dealer with your VIN to get it. You will need it sooner or later when your battery needs replaced. For the Android head, the Bluetooth password is 0000. And to get into the head's factory setting the code is 8888,

[@MrAllmaniac]

@@iowabuckeyeOpen the glove box and look on outer left side :)

[@ViliusJ]

Everything works, but the audio

[@iowabuckeye]

Is the volume up on the new head? It has separate volume controls. Is your OEM stereo set to AUX? Did you use the ‘complicated’ or ‘simple’ power cable? If the ‘complicated’ one, you may have plugged into the incorrect red/white audio connector. Does your OEM FM audio still work?

[@ViliusJ]

@@iowabuckeye mine only came with the complicated harness and I have the aux wires piling in to the ins not the outs mine also had two for each but one male for white and res

[@iowabuckeye]

The new unit is the one 'outputting' the signal. So the breakout cable needs plugged into the 'outs' on new unit's wiring harness.

[@ViliusJ]

@ thank you it’s working ✊🏼

[@iowabuckeye]

Awesome! Glad I could help.

[@singerjohn34]

This radio won't work with Samsung phones. That sucks

[@iowabuckeye]

Correct - it states that within one of the bullets on the product page. I wonder what type of proprietary interface Samsung has that makes it incompatible???

[@singerjohn34]

@iowabuckeye don't know, but i need a samsung compatible one

[@416stroker-TBSS]

Hey brother question so i installed the unit and one plug from the unit dont plug to nothing of mine which was the plug for the Aux cable so i just ran my Aux wire and connected to my original so i have sound and everything the only issue is that my rear camera not working i just wired it same way as you did

[@iowabuckeye]

I assume you watched my second video for the rear camera install? If so, did you do the test at the car's battery like I suggested at the start of that video? If you did and things were working, then I assume one of your connections at the rear of the car is not making good contact. If you used the same type of crimp connectors I did at the rear, you may need to check them. When I did the install on our 2012 at first I did not get a signal when in reverse. I then went and squeezed the crimp connectors at the rear a bit harder and they made contact and it worked. The wires can also get sideways in the crimp connectors if not careful and not make contact at all. If you didn't do the test at the battery and are sure your rear connections are solid, you will need to pull the head out and check the front connections. The first time I did it I plugged the camera cable into the wrong video input (yellow) to the new radio..... Good luck. Let me know if you figure it out or have more questions.