[Juicebox]

If anyone needs the parts to complete this mod, let me know. I have everything needed, including the Pilot wire spool and a radio connector to pull an extra wire out of for pin 3. This mod does not work on 2005 EX radios. I found that out the hard way by being the first to try it (or at least the first to post about it). It's about $80 worth of parts, you can have the stuff for $40 though since it's just sitting in my basement gathering dust now. I'd like to have the controls, but the only option would be swapping my radio with one from an 03 or 04. I like my XM too much to do that. I also don't want an aftermarket head unit, so please don't suggest it.

The parts are sold.

 

[eleventhletter]

I'm really interested in doing this mod but have one question --

Does anyone know if this can be done on the LX?

 

[valkokir]

just run the simple test in the instructions to see if the radio has the functionality before you buy all the parts (run a wire from pin3 to ground to see if the volume turns down.) of course there is some danger in this, not knowing what that pin does on the LX stereo. You might short it out... not likely though. Worst case you might be able to pick up an ex stereo out of the trading section... of course that wouldn't have an external amp so that could be a problem too....

 

[eleventhletter]

I was thinking about changing out the stereo anyways - I just haven't decided - the next mods I want to do is to change out the stereo system and speakers and add an overhead dvd player.

With going to an aftermarket headunit will it work?

I haven't decided on what kind, still open to suggestions there.

 

[aesova]

Hello,

I am planning on tackling this project soon.

I have the buttons, the steering wheel bevels. I have ordered the radio connector.

Regarding the spool, either way, I am going to buy a spool, either the Element spool, or the Pilot spool. Either way, I want to do most of the work before I start taking my car apart. I need to be able to drive it.

Does anyone know definitively if the Pilot spool works? If it does, please let me know.

michaelb

 

[mveach]

I understand that the 06 Element has the controls in the wheel.

 

[BOXER]

I cheated a little. I got the Pioneer steering remote to go with my D1 head unit. Got it for 40 bucks.

 

[valkokir]

To the best of my knowledge the pilot spool does not work. DJ Clay had one and said it would not fit, I honestly don't remember how much different it was. I would just do it the way I wrote the insturctions. After 1 year mine is still going strong.

Only thing I will eventually go back and change is the way I altered the 5pin white plug with a dremel. I'll eventually go back and repair this and find a terminal that will fit. Some have gotten the terminals out of the radio connector to fit, although not a perfect match (the overall length is different) The 5pin connector is available from majestic honda, though it has no terminals in it (#7 at this link: http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com...gry1=Element&catcgry2=2004&catcgry3=5DR+EX+4WD&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=SRS+UNIT )

I feel like this is the only part I cobbled together in the project. I have had no issues with the computer motherboard connector coming off of the volume control switch

original instructions here:

http://www.msu.edu/~valkokir/element/forum.htm

 

[deckeda]

Figured I'd check in on this thread again, you know, once a year?

I still have yet to do it. Proly scared of the soldering and connector parts procurement.

Also, I got burned buying the steering wheel controls and trim pieces at slhonda (they didn't send the right color and then didn't fix it --- best to stick with Majestic).

Of course what I wonder now is, if some '06 Element parts could be used instead? I suppose we'll know more later.

 

[aesova]

That's good enough for me.

I've read your instructions over several times. I saw the website was an msu.edu address - I'm in East Lansing - and was hoping you were here, but it appears you are in Illinois now.

I think I'll waste 30 bucks and buy an '03 Element spool to pull apart, in case of problems. They are actually slightly less expensive than the Pilot spools. I tend to work on stuff slowly, as I don't have a lot of free time, and don't want to take apart my steering wheel until final assembly.

I plan on using the radio connector. I now have all the parts except a spool - with the different overall length, will I run into problems?

Thanks again, V, for your great writeup on this.

michaelb

To the best of my knowledge the pilot spool does not work. DJ Clay had one and said it would not fit, I honestly don't remember how much different it was. I would just do it the way I wrote the insturctions. After 1 year mine is still going strong.

Only thing I will eventually go back and change is the way I altered the 5pin white plug with a dremel. I'll eventually go back and repair this and find a terminal that will fit. Some have gotten the terminals out of the radio connector to fit, although not a perfect match (the overall length is different) The 5pin connector is available from majestic honda, though it has no terminals in it (#7 at this link: http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=Element&catcgry2=2004&catcgry3=5DR+EX+4WD&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=SRS+UNIT )

I feel like this is the only part I cobbled together in the project. I have had no issues with the computer motherboard connector coming off of the volume control switch

original instructions here:

http://www.msu.edu/~valkokir/element/forum.htm

 

[valkokir]

I saw the website was an msu.edu address - I'm in East Lansing - and was hoping you were here, but it appears you are in Illinois now.
I now have all the parts except a spool - with the different overall length, will I run into problems?

I'm not sure what you mean about the different overall length of the spool or am I misunderstanding? I did mention something in the instructions about the spool possibly changing in 04 because I couldn't figure out how people were popping them open on accident swapping out their steering wheel (they are pretty difficult to open up unless you are trying. Probably good that you are buying a spare spool. Be patient seperating the plastic clips that cover the solder pads as they are a bit fragile and hard to figure out how they come apart. Unfortunately with my camera being as bad as it is, that part didn't get documented.

Yeah I'm an MSU grad twice over. After 4-1/2 years of undergrad, and 1-1/2 years of grad school I had to find a job. Illinois is where I ended up for now. I'll be in EL in the next few weeks if you get totally stuck.

Kirk

 

[aesova]

Yeah, I am buying the spool so that if I screw it up, I still have one that works.

I don't expect too many problems, just making sure I have all my ducks in a row before I start. I am pretty good with electronics and such - I've worked on guitars/amps/stereos etc. for years, so it's probably not too difficult.

Regarding my vague "overall length" comment - I can see why I made no sense.

I was actually referencing your comment about the terminals:

Some have gotten the terminals out of the radio connector to fit, although not a perfect match (the overall length is different)

Does this prevent the radio connector method from working? Are they too long/short?

Anyway, thanks again.

michaelb

I'm not sure what you mean about the different overall length of the spool or am I misunderstanding? I did mention something in the instructions about the spool possibly changing in 04 because I couldn't figure out how people were popping them open on accident swapping out their steering wheel (they are pretty difficult to open up unless you are trying. Probably good that you are buying a spare spool. Be patient seperating the plastic clips that cover the solder pads as they are a bit fragile and hard to figure out how they come apart. Unfortunately with my camera being as bad as it is, that part didn't get documented.

Yeah I'm an MSU grad twice over. After 4-1/2 years of undergrad, and 1-1/2 years of grad school I had to find a job. Illinois is where I ended up for now. I'll be in EL in the next few weeks if you get totally stuck.

Kirk

 

[valkokir]

I can't remember if the terminals are too long or too short. I'm guessing too short, otherwise I would have just cut them down but who knows what I was thinking. I'm sure it can be done, it helps that the top of the connector can be removed, that should help you see what's going on in there easier. You can easily access this connector by just removing the top steering column cover if you want to check it out before you get too deep into it. the other wires in that connector are just for the cruise control so you could probably disconnect it to check it out.

 

[MTP]

you can use my thread as well.
Based off this original thread.

 

[Peregrine]

going back to the '05 problems...
since the 05 stereo units don't have the remote out connections, the only option is to change the 05 unit to 06 (in order to retain MP3 and XM availability).
Has anyone done that yet? Is there any incompatibility problems between stereo units of EX in 05 and 06 models?

 

[dwatzig]

I will be trying it soon (hopefully).

The radio is on the way, and I ordered the parts from Majestic today.

I'm checking the threads to find where to get the extra connectors for the pins and I should be good to go once everything gets here.

I'll post on the results.

 

[Peregrine]

I will be trying it soon (hopefully).

The radio is on the way, and I ordered the parts from Majestic today.

I'm checking the threads to find where to get the extra connectors for the pins and I should be good to go once everything gets here.

I'll post on the results.

yes, please.
how/where did you get the radio? ('06, right?)

 

[Patman]

Oh, now, this will be very interesting to follow!

 

[dwatzig]

Got the radio right here. I posted and RandyM had just gone aftermarket. It is an '06 as I didn't want to lose my XM.

I've got most of the parts - I just need to check for wiring to the spool. Then it will be showtime!

Since I've got to drive it, I can't have the steering wheel off and still get parts. (can't lean to steer in the E.)

 

[Skruffy]

Got the radio right here. I posted and RandyM had just gone aftermarket. It is an '06 as I didn't want to lose my XM.

I've got most of the parts - I just need to check for wiring to the spool. Then it will be showtime!

Since I've got to drive it, I can't have the steering wheel off and still get parts. (can't lean to steer in the E.)

Follow up? Did you get it working? I'd like to do this mod on my '05 too!