The radio display on your 2004 Honda Accord suddenly went dim or dark? This is a common issue, and this guide will walk you through the likely cause and the steps to fix it, referencing Honda Technical Service Bulletin 04-027.
Common Cause of a Dim or Dark 04 Honda Accord Radio
According to Honda, the most probable cause of a dim or completely dark radio display on a 2004 Honda Accord is a faulty audio unit. This means the internal components of the radio itself are malfunctioning, leading to the display issue. While there could be other potential culprits like wiring problems or fuse issues, a faulty audio unit is the most common reason.
Replacing the 04 Honda Accord Radio Unit
The solution to a faulty audio unit is replacement. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the replacement process, based on Honda’s recommended procedure:
Obtaining a Replacement Unit
*Consult Honda service bulletin 06-001, “Audio, Navigation, and RES Unit In-Warranty Exchange, and Audio and DVD Player Out-of-Warranty Repair,” for detailed instructions on obtaining a remanufactured audio unit.* This bulletin outlines the process for both in-warranty and out-of-warranty replacements.
Preparing for Replacement
Before removing the old unit:
- Record Radio Presets: If your display is still partially visible, write down your saved radio station presets. This will save you time after installing the new unit.
Removing the Old Unit
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Access the Audio-HVAC Display Module: Refer to page 22-371 of the 2003-06 Honda Accord service manual for detailed removal instructions. You can also search Honda’s online resources using the keywords “DIS MOD” to find the “Audio-HVAC Display Module Removal/Installation” guide.
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Remove the Faulty Audio Unit: Once the display module is accessible, remove the faulty audio unit. Refer to page 22-372 of the 2003-06 Honda Accord service manual, or search Honda’s online resources using “DIS PAN” to find the “Audio-HVAC Display Panel Removal/Installation” guide.
Installing the New Unit
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Transfer Brackets and Covers: Transfer the left and right brackets from the old unit to the new remanufactured unit. If the new unit came with a shipping cover and screws, transfer those to the old unit for return.
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Install the Remanufactured Unit: Carefully install the new audio unit into the audio-HVAC display module.
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Reinstall the Display Module: Reinstall the entire display module back into the dashboard.
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Enter Anti-theft Code and Presets: Enter the anti-theft code that comes with the new audio unit. This is crucial to prevent theft and enable functionality. Then, enter your saved radio presets.
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Verify Functionality: Test all the functions of the new audio unit and the HVAC controls to ensure they are working correctly.
Final Steps
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Update Anti-theft Information: Replace the sticker on the anti-theft radio identification card with the new sticker provided with the replacement unit. Apply the other sticker to the vehicle history file copy of the repair order.
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Update Serial Number Sticker: Remove any old serial number stickers from the glove box or center console and apply the new serial number sticker provided with the replacement unit to the side of the glove box.
*Return the faulty audio unit according to the instructions in service bulletin 06-001.* This ensures proper disposal and may be required for warranty claims.
This process should resolve the dim or dark radio display issue on your 2004 Honda Accord. If you encounter any difficulties, consult a qualified Honda technician for assistance.
