Man, it really feels like the LX is the step child in the Mobile Electronics section. I'm really needing some advice.

I want to buy a new stereo for my Element, I want a Sirius capable unit. I would also like to have access to AUX jack, to plug in my Rio Karma MP3 player. Does anyone have experience in upgrading their LX stereo?

Thanks,

Hank :?

I've upgraded mine to a JVC AM/FM/CD/VCD/DVD/MP3 player...since the LX lacks the factory amp, wiring is easy since you don't need to bypass it. If you want to run tweeters in the A-pillars, you'll need to run wires since there is no harness there from the factory. As for an aux lead, just run one from the HU to a convenient location somewhere in the dash.

Sorry to be thick about it...so, you have access to auxilary input...?

Love yer avatar :lol:

The aux input on my JVC would actually be the changer port...JVC (and PIE) make an adapter to use the changer port as a line in...I haven't installed it yet since I do not own an Ipod or anything like that...but I may just do it anyway since I may get Sirius this Summer.


Thanks, that avatar took a good bit of searching to find...

almost any aftermarket head unit you purchase these days comes XM or Sirius ready and has an available AUX jack in the back of the unit(so you would run a line from the back of the unit uner your dash and out to the frot of the dash) or an AUX in the front face plate of the unit (I believe Aiwa and Sony makes cd playes with fron AUX ports). Personally I wouls stick with Alpine and Pioneer cd players because from my friends buying them over the past they seem to have no problems. Good luck!

The experience of DX owners might also help. They started with nothing but the basic wiring (4 speaker lines, power and antenna). So you have the added step of removing the stock head unit. Depending on how the LX unit mounts, you might not even need to use the generic Honda mounting box.

paulj

PaulJ...

Thanks for the advice...I am very open to advice from all Element owners...I'd also like to hear how they enjoy their Element. I've had mine for two days and I love it. Fits nicely in my garage, but there is SO MUCH ROOM in the thing.

Again...thanks!

Hank

ElementXofXMusic...

Appreciate your help!

Thanks, Hank

If you can find a totalled EX like a friend of mine at a junkyard just got the aux jack and power jack from there, run your wires and wallah.....sounds easy doesn't it.

Depending on how the LX unit mounts, you might not even need to use the generic Honda mounting box.

The LX radio is single DIN with a pocket underneath...I just removed the original and installed the JVC into the original brackets with the original screws.
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1557&stc=1

Does the LX unit have an AUX input on the back? It looks like the DX unit has such a capability, since there are instructions for attaching a mp3 player or cassette player below the HU, and connecting them in back.

There may be a thread about running an AUX line to the LX head unit.

That doesn't address the Sirius issue.

paulj

I was actually going to study and post the pinouts on the LX stereo...but I got bored with it and chucked it in the trash...but there is a connector on the back of it though.:roll:

I just bought a 2005 element, and needless to say I love it! I have the AM/FM, single CD unit though, and heard that on some models an input for an IPOD or related device is available, can you get this added aftermarket?and how does the connection work; IPODS have specific connectors (Ipod and USB) how does this work?

How many speakers does the 2005 LX radio come with?
According to automobiles.honda.com, it is 4. But, my friend has a 2003 DX with 6, so I'm a bit confused. His DX has one in each side door, and two tweeters near the front windshield. He bought it used, and it came with a Pioneer headunit, so perhaps someone modded the speaker setup??
So, normally the DX/LX does not have the tweeters by the windshield??
Can these two tweeters be easily installed in an LX??

Thanks....

Bianco...the LX has 4...one in each side door. There ARE little round things that appear to be speakers on each side of the windshield, but sound doesn't come from them. Perhaps they are there, in case you wish to add them later. If you find out what they are on the LX, I'd be interested to know. I ended up going with the a JVC head unit with external auxilary input, works well for my needs.

Hank

I just bought a 2005 element, and needless to say I love it! I have the AM/FM, single CD unit though, and heard that on some models an input for an IPOD or related device is available, can you get this added aftermarket?and how does the connection work; IPODS have specific connectors (Ipod and USB) how does this work?

Added to the OEM stereo, not sure. It is possible, it seems, but I don't believe anyone on here has tried that modification to an OEM Single-Din Headunit... Do they even have an AUX source option (like, does it go AM to FM to CD to AUX when you cycle through)? If not, I would say this mod could not be done with one.

If you can get it modified, the way you hook up your Ipod to the stereo is simply with a headphone jack (male plug to male plug). Plug one end to the headphone jack on your Ipod and one to the Headphone jack in your "E". If this is your ultimate goal, you would be better off just buying a cheap AIWA headunit (they have AUX headphone inputs directly on the front of the headunit) or a headunit with an AUX available in the back. Either way, it can be done and its going to cost a little extra money.

But the IPod connection is very very simple and requires no special Ipod connectors. Everything can be bought at Radio Shack or Best Buy.

What did you find out about your LX stock wiring? Is it the same as the EX - I've come across and EX system that I'd like to put in, but I don't know if the wiring is there. I know most say to go to aftermarket - but this was free, so i'll give it a shot first.

I've upgraded mine to a JVC AM/FM/CD/VCD/DVD/MP3 player...since the LX lacks the factory amp, wiring is easy since you don't need to bypass it. If you want to run tweeters in the A-pillars, you'll need to run wires since there is no harness there from the factory. As for an aux lead, just run one from the HU to a convenient location somewhere in the dash.

hey Genom! Feel like giving me some pointers on replacing my LX stock radio with a JVC head unit? I'm not too electrically-inclined. Got time to do a step-by-step? Thanks! ap

IRollSquare, my name is Gregg. Maybe I can get the square rolling for you. James put in a JVC video head piece in the post you quoted. Is that what you'd be installing? Or are you getting a more normal CD player? Can you give me the model number? Are you going to be hooking up an mp3 player?

Here are the easiest step by step intructions for installing your deck. If you don't have experience, you may want to follow these.

1) Buy a case of good beer.
2) Go over to a buddy's house who installs car stereos.
3) Have him hook up your deck. Look over his shoulder and ask questions.
4) Leave him whatever beer is left over.

:D

Let me know what you'll be installing.

IRollSquare, my name is Gregg. Maybe I can get the square rolling for you. James put in a JVC video head piece in the post you quoted. Is that what you'd be installing? Or are you getting a more normal CD player? Can you give me the model number? Are you going to be hooking up an mp3 player?

Here are the easiest step by step intructions for installing your deck. If you don't have experience, you may want to follow these.

1) Buy a case of good beer.
2) Go over to a buddy's house who installs car stereos.
3) Have him hook up your deck. Look over his shoulder and ask questions.
4) Leave him whatever beer is left over.

:D

Let me know what you'll be installing.

Gregg,

I decided to go with a Pioneer DEH-P4800MP from Crutchfield. It comes with a Honda wiring harness, bracket, and antennae adaptor. It seems like it should be a pretty straight forward install. Any advice on the install? (other than get someone else to install it. 'Fraid I don't hang with any installers.).

Andrew