3rd Generation Honda CR-V (2007-2011) Aftermarket Stereo Install + Backup camera

[@michaelspollen6884]

Anyone who isn’t a professional installer and is contemplating replacing their CR-V head unit should watch this video. I just finished replacing the original head unit on a 2010 CR-V EX-L with a Boss BE7ACP purchased from Crutchfield. Though I’m very happy with the results, a couple things worth reinforcement: * Do not attempt this job if the outside air temperature is under 45°F. I found that the plastic retainers and their mountings to be brittle at those temperatures. If you can’t wait for summer and don’t have a heated garage, you can warm the car interior by blasting the heat for a hour or place a small space heater near the car interior area where you will be working. The couple of breaks I did experience (and I was being gentle) were repairable with epoxy but this was an unpleasant diversion. *For me, the best way to wire the rear camera (a license plate unit) was from the tailgate, through the rubber conduit to the cargo-area headliner, down past the left-rear lighting cluster (to make the back-up light connection, then forward behind the interior trim, along the driver-side door sills, then up the behind the hood-release trim. All of the trim needs to be removed (easy so long as it’s not brittle) except for the left cargo area wall, which just need to be popped-out a bit. You’ll need a wire to help fish the connection through. * The convenience light/sunroof control cluster on CR-Vs is the factory mounting area for a microphone. If your factory audio system didn’t have a microphone, don’t think that a Benevolent Microphone Fairy works on the Honda assembly line; you’ll need to install a microphone if your new head unit supports hands-free functionality and you want to use it. You will need to remove the cluster to fish the microphone wire through. It’s not hard but it’s easy to break it if you don’t remove all four bolts. Remove the trim from the driver-side front post and zip-tie the microphone lead to the existing wire harness. * Although I could have completed this job without it, I was glad to have the Crutchfield wiring harness. This was well-worth the money and saved me a lot of time. In fact, this would have been a hard job without Crutchfield’s installation kit recommendations. I will purchase another head unit for my 2002 Tacoma from Crutchfield based on my experience with them. Thank you for this video and Happy New Year to you all. PM me if you have any questions about this installation.

[@jonyrho]

Thanks for the positive words and some solid tips you've provided! Hope you enjoy the updated stereo set up!

[@williamdebragoldberg9005]

How did you get the vent cover off? That is what’s holding me up.

[@michaelspollen6884]

@@williamdebragoldberg9005 If by "vent cover" you mean the piece between the center vents and the windshield, that just pries up. Use a nylon dash tool if you can.

[@jofilmz693]

Hi i just installed the same one i have power to my sub but now im not getting any power from my door speakers

[@jonyrho]

I would confirm your wiring harness to make sure the connections are good. I'm guessing you have an amp powering your subwoofer and the speakers are powered via the headunit?

[@aperson1719]

I like the part where he came to my house and installed my radio for me...

[@ZILLA....]

Thanks, great refresher since the last time I installed a stereo was this same AX100 in my WRX (still running perfectly to this day). Just got a 2011 CRV LX and this will save me time looking for hidden bolts and clips! Props from another Canadian Engineer

[@jonyrho]

You're welcome! The AX100 is still going strong here as well!

[@billb8600]

Great video. Thanks. Two things I learned ( the hard way ). Make sure you connect the blue antenna adapter wire to whatever blue wire is coming off the radio. Also, those plastic trim removal tools are invaluable for getting that upper vent cover off.

[@jonyrho]

True! I used to have a set of plastic trim removal tools and it makes the job a lot easier!

[@TheJosesantiago123]

If you work on Japanese stuff you need to use (JIS) Japanese industrial standard tools especially the screws that are similar to Philips screws or there's a high chance you're going to strip them. Great video, thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@jonyrho]

That's actually news to me and something I'll have to look into! Thanks for the tip!

[@eluniversodelecuador]

Good video. I would place a trouble LED light inside the cabin since there is quite a bit of darkness during the demonstration. Other that that, great job! 👍

[@jonyrho]

Thanks! Yeah I realized while I was editing how dark the footage was. Tried to brighten it up as best as I could but I will keep a LED light handy next time. Appreciate the constructive feedback!

[@matmanscott]

Nice explaination and video. Very helpful!

[@jonyrho]

You're welcome!

[@bubblybouncer3268]

This is great as far as explaining goes, but I'd have liked to see you actually do the things you were describing. You explained and then cut camera during the actual demonstration parts. I'm a visual learner so watching you do it would have been more helpful... Still a good video though. Thanks!!

[@jonyrho]

I appreciate the feedback! In retrospect there's a lot of things I would have changed video wise but I guess we can always try to learn and improve for future things. Hope it helped you enough!

[@jaepark9853]

Awesome install! I’m just wondering what you followed to do the rear camera install? Is it easy to do and how long did it take?

[@jonyrho]

Thank you! Yeah sorry it wasn't super clear. Basically it was just 3 connections. One for the video feed into the head unit, ground and then power from a reverse source. It wasn't too bad to do and most of the time was spent routing the wiring in a clean way

[@jaepark9853]

@@jonyrho nice! thanks for the tip. Did you have to open the reverse light panel to connect ground and power? And also any hole drilling. Thanks in advance!

[@jonyrho]

@@jaepark9853 I didn't. There's a trigger wire on the drivers side of the driver footwell where the under dash fuse/relay box is. There's a brown wire that comes from there and down towards the door along the floor. It was kind of a pain to tap into but I thought it would be better than running a wire all the way to the reverse lights and then back. Hope that helps!

[@marlonc3516]

thank you! i'll try this out on my crv! Hows the radio? is it responsive like no lagging? and also do the buttons on the wheel work with the unit?

[@jonyrho]

I had it installed on a previous car and I really enjoyed it. It's pretty responsive overall. This CRV is a base model so no steering wheel controls

[@waynemenzie]

Thanks for the video. It’s very helpful. Where did you connect the power for the backup camera? Is that also connected to the reverse trigger wire?

[@jonyrho]

Glad you found it helpful! Sorry I'm having a hard time remembering but I believe there were 3 wires for the reverse camera. The trigger was the brown wire that's kind of a pain to get to but power was directly from the headunit. You have the ability to turn on the camera without the car being in reverse that way

[@lrlhalrl]

Great Job! I had a quick question the blue wire from the antenna adapter goes to what? Thanks

[@jonyrho]

Thanks! The blue wire goes to the antenna wire on the head unit harness

[@dannyjensen4954]

Thanks. Big help.

[@jonyrho]

You're welcome!

[@Lazar5578]

What about connecting to music like AUX or is there Bluetooth on the system? I might’ve missed it while watching

[@jonyrho]

This particular headunit doesn't have AUX so connection is via USB or Bluetooth. I didn't show that because it depends on what head unit you choose

[@gileadlane]

I have a 2007 Honda CRV that has a back up light and everything, how do I know if the CarPlay is built into the car?

[@jonyrho]

If you have an OEM head unit you definitely won't have apple car play. This is only for aftermarket options that have it and the newer models

[@illussioncm]

Brother very well done but next time please get a flashlight cos is too dark.

[@jonyrho]

Thanks man and it didn't feel dark at the time of filming so it wasn't until I was editting that I noticed the footage was dark. I tried my best to brighten it up during editting but I'll for sure use a light next time!

[@Tre4Townsend]

Great job!

[@jonyrho]

Thank you!

[@williamdebragoldberg9005]

If I forgot the mounting kit but I have everything else can it be done? I forgot to order it and I want to install it today.

[@jonyrho]

You will definitely want the mounting kit. I don't think you can even bolt the new stereo without it

[@lexwaldez]

awesome bideo

[@jonyrho]

Thank you!

[@JeezusSteezus]

So I'm currently trying to put together the same mounting kit you had in the video. The manual isn't doing it for me and I was wondering if there's a video you may know of that focuses on the kit?

[@jonyrho]

Unfortunately I'm not aware of one. The instructions may have changed as I didn't really capture anything of that part because it was relatively easy to follow

[@lalolalo1233]

Question, my existing radio has an anti-theft red light on the upper left side. If I replace it with a carplay headunit would it work?

[@jonyrho]

I believe it's just an indicator but system should still work

[@lalolalo1233]

@@jonyrho Good to know. Thanks for clarifying.

[@sowpur]

Which brown wire did you tap into for the rear view camera? Is it possible for you to post a picture or something to help us out?

[@jonyrho]

Unfortunately I don't have a great picture as it's very tight where the wire is. This is the description I used to find the correct wire: The under dash Fuse/Relay Box has the the MICU on the backside. You want the Brown wire from the MICU for the Reverse lights. It travels down toward the door and along the floor to the lights. If you get lucky the Nav units have also have a Brown wire at the radio maybe you might find it there or maybe not if a different harness is used. The Brown wire is on the UNDER-DASH FUSE/RELAY BOX CONNECTOR E (42Pin) and is pin #15.

[@michaelsue-ling4537]

How did you end up mounting the USB? I have the same project ahead (minus backup camera), but I’m not sure what flush mount usb extension works for this car.

[@jonyrho]

I actually just routed the USB into the upper glove box with the intention of keeping the phone hidden while driving. Might be rerouting it through where the cigarette lighter is though so I've been keeping the phone generally on top of the foldable center console

[@muskanshrestha1507]

Hi, Can you suggest which unit to install, Pinnacle, STC audio, Boison which cost 500$ with reverse camera, while Kenwood cost $800 with reverse camera. ?

[@jonyrho]

I'm not a stereo expert by any means but you have to consider what you want from a stereo and what car it's going to be going into. I'll tell you this Sony headunit, with the dash kit, wiring and backup camera was under 400 CAD. The price point will also change if you decide to have a professional install the items for you. I find a lot of people overbuy audio equipment when something a lot cheaper would have fit their needs.

[@jumper87]

Does the replacement plastic have a shelf for the phone? With the front usb I would want to put the phone somewhere accessible, I don’t really like the pocket on the passenger side.

[@jonyrho]

If you're using a single din style headunit, there will be a cubby similar to the factory single din headunit

[@CODxFUNxMAN]

We’re u able to get steering wheel volume and next song skip. Buttonsto work?

[@jonyrho]

Our car is a base model so it doesn't have steering wheel controls. I believe you could have to get an additional harness to have the controls work with an aftermarket head unit

[@sbrave]

What about the steering wheel controls for volume and different modes? Does your CRV not have that?

[@jonyrho]

LX model so no steering wheel controls

[@sbrave]

@@jonyrho Thx!

[@sajeedahmed555]

ALBERTA FOR THE WIN

[@sem9806]

Where did you get the wiring diagram of the car to splice the car wires to the radio wires. I’m having trouble finding it.

[@jonyrho]

Mine came with the headunit and the wiring harness adapter. Are you talking about splicing directly into the original car harness?

[@_packback]

hey man, absolutely love the video! currently using this video to install the same exact radio in my crv! question about the harnessing & wiring. did you connect every wire from the sony harness into the other harness? i’m not sure where to put the reverse-in wire (purple & white) from the sony harness into the other one. on the other harness, the pink, brown, black with white stripe, green with white strip, and orange with black stripe aren’t connected to anything. do i connect the purple with white from the sony harness to any of the ones to the other colors?

[@jonyrho]

Sorry I didn't clarify in the video but there were definitely a few wires that I didn't have to connect. There were a few colours that didn't match up that you will have to match via wiring diagrams. The reverse wire will only be used if you have a back up camera set up

[@NickMorales]

Is it possible to install an apple carplay enabled radio in this generation?

[@jonyrho]

Definitely because this headunit is Andriod Auto and Apple Carplay enabled

[@NickMorales]

How do I get audio to come through my aftermarket radio when replacing? I have factory Amps in my car.

[@jonyrho]

If you use an adapter harness for your aftermarket radio to connect to your car, it will have outputs for your speakers

[@Victor-rz9du]

I’m still not getting the reverse cam part, I know you mounted the camera and you mentioned the brown trigger wire in the drivers footwell, how did the wiring go again? Like once you mounted the camera did you have to run a wire for that to the front and what about to the lights for power as well?

[@jonyrho]

I'm trying to remember the install myself so I might not be 100% correct. You basically have four connections as part of the camera wiring: the video feed to your head unit, the power wire, ground. I believe I wired the power to a constant source so it can run independently. The brown wire is connected to the backup trigger on the headunit so when it senses the reverse lights are on the headunit will automatically switch. I hope that helps explain

[@Victor-rz9du]

@@jonyrho Ok I think I get it, is there a wire thats part of the backup cam kit that plugs into the head unit then splices into that brown wire? Also how did the drilling go when you mounted the cam, I’m looking to get a similar one so it looks oem not those ugly license plate ones

[@perryalexander1511]

There is two wires for the back up cam one is the reverse trigger wire which is connected to the brown wire near the fuse box but where can I connect the ground wire? Just to a bolt is good?

[@jonyrho]

Yeah I connected the ground to a chassis bolt

[@chevyboy2066]

What about the steering wheel controls? Need anything for that?

[@jonyrho]

Our CR-V is an LX so no steering wheel controls. I believe you would need an additional adapter for the steering wheel controls to work

[@perryalexander1511]

jonyrho Where can I connect the ground wire too

[@schwarzwald-Black-forest]

i have Honda crv 2.2i-ctdi 2007 with normal radio. i want to upgrade it with original Honda Navigation but both have different connector . how can i do it can you please guide me and give me some advice? will be very thankful.

[@jonyrho]

Without either converting your harness, there's no simple swap. I would recommend going to an aftermarket system with navigation instead of paying quite a lot of money for a navigation system that is over 10 years old

[@schwarzwald-Black-forest]

@@jonyrho thank you. I have also bought the wiring harness. Do you have any diagram or anything which i can use to change the entire harness my self? If any the please let me know.thanks again.i also have original Honda Tester to read or delete or for new coding.

[@jonyrho]

I don't have anything personally but you will need the wiring diagram for your car without NAV and then the wiring diagram for a NAV car and start matching up wires. Not sure if it will be that straight forward or if you want to modify the original harness as it really wouldn't be reversible

[@donovantom7865]

Hi. How did you remove the A pillar trim? I'm trying to install a dashcam in a 2010 CR-V and I'm having trouble getting it off. From instructions I've read, it says that I'm supposed to hit the trim around the spot where the airbag stamp is. I've tried hitting it with a rubber mallet and nothing is happening/moving/detaching. Thanks!

[@jonyrho]

I actually didn't remove it for that very purpose! All I did was peel back some of the weather stripping around the door frame and tucked the wires behind the trim

[@donovantom7865]

@@jonyrho Thanks for your quick reply! I thought about that, but I'm concerned with the wire being in front of the airbag if it ever deploys. I'm worried that the airbag might catch on the wire and then possibly rip the cable/dashcam off and into the passenger compartment. Maybe I'm just being overly paranoid...

[@jonyrho]

Honestly not a bad idea to be safe than sorry. I don't see it being too much of an issue. My dashcam is held on with 3m double sided tape so the cable would rip out of the dashcam long before the camera detaches from the windshield

[@williamdebragoldberg9005]

What aftermarket units will work? Is there a few I can chose from?

[@jonyrho]

Any single or double din style radio will be able to be installed! Tons of manufacturers, price points and features you can choose from

[@williamdebragoldberg9005]

Thank you! So according to your video will I need the mounting kit and harness? And if so which ones? I have a 2011 crv and I will be installing a double din that has a rear view camera.

[@jonyrho]

You should be able to use the same harness adapter, dash kit and antenna adapter as I did unless your car is equipped with factory satellite navigation. If who I believe the adapter harness you will need is different

[@williamdebragoldberg9005]

Gotcha! No mine came basic, it’s an LX. Okay I will look under the video for the ones you used. Thank you!

[@NightFlight1973]

How is your backup camera attached to the exterior body?

[@jonyrho]

It's held on via a threaded piece and a nut at the license plate area. Had to drill a hole to mount it

[@tyrredemption1239]

the screen on mine started flickering and whited out. no display now should i replace it?

[@jonyrho]

Get in touch with Sony if you're still in the warranty period!

[@jack604]

What about the factory sub, we're you able to connect that to the after market deck ? Thanks

[@jonyrho]

This particular car was an LX so it doesn't come with a factory sub so I didn't look into that

[@nemirgandhi]

Does the unit come with a USB connection? Because my car doesn't have one originally. and if it doesn't usually come with a usb connector then which one did you buy for your car?

[@jonyrho]

The USB connection came with the Sony head unit

[@nemirgandhi]

jonyrho thank you!! This helped me a lot! I plan to do this in my crv soon

[@Abcd124-g2v]

You can use the key to unlock the shifter

[@jonyrho]

Another method for sure although I think you wouldn't be able to remove the key or something like that.

[@Abcd124-g2v]

@@jonyrho you can remove it on that model... Just installed my unit today 👍👍

[@Abcd124-g2v]

@@jonyrho great video btw.. 👍👍

[@Danny-ip7bu]

Question what website did you buy the Sony head unit

[@jonyrho]

I bought it from a local car audio shop

[@infinity_ended]

May be I missed what is screen size I have crv 2008

[@jonyrho]

It's a standard double DIN size. I can't remember off the top of my head exactly what the screen size is

[@totoypogi4306]

my goodness why are you doing it in the darkness

[@jonyrho]

It wasn't as dark as it appears in video. My GoPro doesn't handle even slightly low light scenarios apparently

[@tommygun32917]

What wire is the antenna adapter wired to it looks like a pink wire

[@jonyrho]

It's been about a year since I installed this so I can't remember exactly. I basically just matched up the Sony harness wires with the wires from the adapter. Some of the wires will be different than what is shown because it depends on the manufacturer of the adapter and the headunit

[@tommygun32917]

@@jonyrho I see thank you for your reply 👍

[@KingCarl36]

Will this new stereo drain your battery ?

[@jonyrho]

It shouldn't as long as it's wired correctly

[@hectorvazquez1965]

Hey, I need someone to install my navigation system with rear camera, which I purchase for Christmas for my wife, u available?

[@jonyrho]

Unless you're local, you'll probably have to find someone else. You can definitely give it a shot too!

[@abdurawal]

Is there any links to buy these products, thanks

[@jonyrho]

I have each of the items used in the description. Didn't put links but I bought the stereo from a local stereo shop and the rest from Amazon

[@nofacekid7765]

What kit do you have on radio

[@jonyrho]

It's the one mentioned in the description. Just a cheap kit from Amazon

[@williamdebragoldberg9005]

I swear. I got the climate controls off and the top panel in the dash but I can’t get the vent cover off. Is there anyone in Eastern NC :-(

[@jonyrho]

The vent section on this car was extremely well held on. I would suggest that the inside of the car is warm so you don't end up needlessly breaking any clips

[@williamdebragoldberg9005]

So I will turn on my car and warm it up for about 10 mins or so then try again you think? I’m so I’m struggling. I can’t find anyone to do it because everyone is busy/

[@williamdebragoldberg9005]

@@jonyrho omg I’ve got to put the climate control back on to warm it up. Omg, I hate to give up but this is worrying me.

[@cleanearth6238]

I broke that one piece and I just use zip ties and I covered it with glue... It looks horrible 😒..

[@Arroyoruiz]

Dumb video does not show how to remove top air ducts. Just shows the before and after

[@jonyrho]

I explain how to remove it but I guess you didn't pay attention to that part...

[@mytyhwh]

This has to be one of the worst i have ever seen Wow I selected this to help with wiring and he skipped that whole part

[@jonyrho]

Sorry it's one of the worst you've seen. The wiring is different colours depending on your headunit manufacturer so I didn't include it. It's a matter of matching up colours or inputs from the manufacturer diagram

[@ibraheemalmajarish9697]

ممتاز احسنت

[@markwarner6631]

Too dark to see inside dash

[@jonyrho]

Sorry but this was filmed in our parkade at the time and lighting wasn't great

[@fabiandebasto9839]

Una porquería!!, poca información útil y muy oscuro el material de video!!.

[@manuelnolasco1363]

Talk too much

[@jonyrho]

Sorry you think that

[@merevidal6946]

Poor installation.He doesn’t even show how to remove the units

[@jonyrho]

Did you not even bother watching the video? I show how to remove the factory headunit

[@trevordoeseverything219]

How did you connect the wire from the HU to the Backup camera? Whets did you route through?

[@jonyrho]

I tied the trigger wire of the camera to the reverse light wire and power off the harness if I remember correctly. As for routing, I took off the plastics around the door sills and route it all the way to the back hatch where the camera was mounted. Hopefully that clarifies a bit!