BooBoo
New Member
I thought I would start a new thread regarding updating the ICE in specifically JDM cars. With more and more imports now being advertised I’m guessing many new owners like me would like to update the original JDM unit.
Forgive me if my terminology is incorrect as my auto audio knowledge is not great
My newly aquired car is a 2011 CW2 Type S and comes with a Japanese market ONLY head unit with SATNAV and reversing camera. The central head unit is similar to the UK premium type with the upper strip displaying aircon as well as time and audio option info. My system is not powered, and is not labelled 'Premium Sound System' that UK top spec cars come with, so the SATNAV HDD unit at the bottom is a single disc only and not a 6-disc changer. Mine came with an aftermarket ‘radar unit’ retro fitted and connected to the OBD port which also can display a comprehensive amount of engine management info. It is nicely fixed onto the top dash above the driver’s side vent.
I have had the speedo converted to MPH by the UK importer but average fuel economy on the main display still reads in KM/L. The actual radar only seems to warn of UK Pedestrian crossing lights, and I have selected both fuel economy and oil temp info on the radar screen display. The fuel economy figure given here is more accurate and matches the real-world figures that I am getting.
In the central cubby box, I have a power socket, a USB (comes with an adapter from the strange looking JDM socket) and female red, yellow, and white video and audio sockets. I don’t have an actual AUX socket, but an IPOD will connect via the USB adapter and will play through the system when the AUX option on the head unit is selected. A USB stick of music will play OK in the same way. Streaming music from my Android phone however DOES NOT play through this USB connection. No option for Audio is given on my phone. The SATNAV screen also plays DVDs via the single slot.
My vehicle came with the original JDM handbooks so with the aid of Google camera translate I have managed to successfully hook up my phone for BT handsfree. The original unit only picks up FM Radio 2 and a few AM stations.
So, what’s the car like? This is only my second Honda, my first being an early 90’s Aerodeck. TBH, I haven’t owned a front wheel drive car for over 10 years so that has taken a little getting used to. Other than that, and the old ICE tech I’m impressed. Mine is a 2011 K24 S Type factory original 5 speed auto with sport mode and paddle shift in Premium White Pearl (NH624P). Like all JDM vehicles the switchgear is on the opposite side so turning on the wipers every time you make a turn takes time to adjust to I am not sure if mine is typical, but it does not come with daytime running lights. It does however come with auto headlights but NOT wipers, adaptive cruise, an electric tailgate, and climate control. The seats are not heated and come in a mixture of black leather and Alcantara. I believe the S Type only differs externally with a slightly revised suspension (lowered slightly) front lower side spoilers and side skirts and 18x8J S Type alloys with 235x45x18 tyres. Another JDM oddity is the keyless ignition. If the key is on you all you need do is touch the driver’s door and it will open. To start the car, instead of a key slot there is a circular turn switch which is activated and can be turned if the key is in range. I'm unsure as whether the visible flashing ‘BRAKE’ warning illumination on the main dash is equipped accross the global range. It is activated if you get too near a car in front, presumably activated by the camera in the front grill that monitors the adaptive cruise. The front seat belts also pin you back if you get even closer which was pretty alarming the first time a numptie pulled out on me!
I wouldn’t class the car as fast; I would imagine the UK diesel turbo has more torque and is a little nippier, but it works for me. The auto box is smooth, and the paddles are great. It handles OK although you do feel its weight through tighter corners. It steers well and dead centre is nicely weighted although I suspect my JDM spec Yokohama’s could be significantly improved on. Where it does shine is on long trips, particularly ones involving long motorway/dual carriageway stints along with a combination of fast A roads. I have heard that some cars like to eat their inner rear tyres, and although I suspect that could be due to lowering issues, I will be taking it to my suspension guy soon to give it a once over.
So, back to the ICE. For the last three months, on the nav I’ve currently been hovering in the sea above mainland Japan, and from what I can surmise, probably to get me back on the road, or land, I am being constantly told off via short bursts of audio by a nice sounding Japanese lady! I can play my own tunes via an old IPOD classic and fortunately it did have a lot of my favourite tracks downloaded on, but it has not been updated since around 2015! The steering wheel controls do work as regards to controlling it. E.g., volume and track selection and I do have the option of just the one clear UK radio channel: Radio 2. This has all been very novel for a while, but it is now time to consider what options I have to update it. An another bugbear is that the clock is connected via the NAV unit. It cannot be adjusted so will only display the current time in Japan
I have spoken to numerous ICE installers who all state they have never upgraded a system in a Honda Accord Wagon let alone a JDM car and the ones I have visited have all said that it needs pulling out to investigate what is possible.
Doing my own research, the biggest issue with replacing the main unit with a double Din aftermarket unit concerns losing the aircon/blower/heating/time display that are currently shown on the central horizontal strip of my unit. To get around this I believe it is possible to purchase a Navigation Bypass harness. https://www.ebay.com/itm/325653284061 which essentially would send this info to the top screen which currently displays my NAV and reversing camera. What I am unsure of is: do I need to purchase a UK non-NAV top binnacle screen or will this cable work on my existing screen?
I do realise that any installer would have to remove the current system to see what can be done so with DIY being a distinct possibility, I need to first consider some options:
I know there are Chinese units out there which profess to replace the top unit with an all singing/dancing affair but from what I’ve heard and read I’m not sure spending £250 let alone £500 would be a wise idea.
Any help or ***istance would be appreciated.
Forgive me if my terminology is incorrect as my auto audio knowledge is not great
My newly aquired car is a 2011 CW2 Type S and comes with a Japanese market ONLY head unit with SATNAV and reversing camera. The central head unit is similar to the UK premium type with the upper strip displaying aircon as well as time and audio option info. My system is not powered, and is not labelled 'Premium Sound System' that UK top spec cars come with, so the SATNAV HDD unit at the bottom is a single disc only and not a 6-disc changer. Mine came with an aftermarket ‘radar unit’ retro fitted and connected to the OBD port which also can display a comprehensive amount of engine management info. It is nicely fixed onto the top dash above the driver’s side vent.
I have had the speedo converted to MPH by the UK importer but average fuel economy on the main display still reads in KM/L. The actual radar only seems to warn of UK Pedestrian crossing lights, and I have selected both fuel economy and oil temp info on the radar screen display. The fuel economy figure given here is more accurate and matches the real-world figures that I am getting.
In the central cubby box, I have a power socket, a USB (comes with an adapter from the strange looking JDM socket) and female red, yellow, and white video and audio sockets. I don’t have an actual AUX socket, but an IPOD will connect via the USB adapter and will play through the system when the AUX option on the head unit is selected. A USB stick of music will play OK in the same way. Streaming music from my Android phone however DOES NOT play through this USB connection. No option for Audio is given on my phone. The SATNAV screen also plays DVDs via the single slot.
My vehicle came with the original JDM handbooks so with the aid of Google camera translate I have managed to successfully hook up my phone for BT handsfree. The original unit only picks up FM Radio 2 and a few AM stations.
So, what’s the car like? This is only my second Honda, my first being an early 90’s Aerodeck. TBH, I haven’t owned a front wheel drive car for over 10 years so that has taken a little getting used to. Other than that, and the old ICE tech I’m impressed. Mine is a 2011 K24 S Type factory original 5 speed auto with sport mode and paddle shift in Premium White Pearl (NH624P). Like all JDM vehicles the switchgear is on the opposite side so turning on the wipers every time you make a turn takes time to adjust to
I am not sure if mine is typical, but it does not come with daytime running lights. It does however come with auto headlights but NOT wipers, adaptive cruise, an electric tailgate, and climate control. The seats are not heated and come in a mixture of black leather and Alcantara. I believe the S Type only differs externally with a slightly revised suspension (lowered slightly) front lower side spoilers and side skirts and 18x8J S Type alloys with 235x45x18 tyres. Another JDM oddity is the keyless ignition. If the key is on you all you need do is touch the driver’s door and it will open. To start the car, instead of a key slot there is a circular turn switch which is activated and can be turned if the key is in range. I'm unsure as whether the visible flashing ‘BRAKE’ warning illumination on the main dash is equipped accross the global range. It is activated if you get too near a car in front, presumably activated by the camera in the front grill that monitors the adaptive cruise. The front seat belts also pin you back if you get even closer which was pretty alarming the first time a numptie pulled out on me!I wouldn’t class the car as fast; I would imagine the UK diesel turbo has more torque and is a little nippier, but it works for me. The auto box is smooth, and the paddles are great. It handles OK although you do feel its weight through tighter corners. It steers well and dead centre is nicely weighted although I suspect my JDM spec Yokohama’s could be significantly improved on. Where it does shine is on long trips, particularly ones involving long motorway/dual carriageway stints along with a combination of fast A roads. I have heard that some cars like to eat their inner rear tyres, and although I suspect that could be due to lowering issues, I will be taking it to my suspension guy soon to give it a once over.
So, back to the ICE. For the last three months, on the nav I’ve currently been hovering in the sea above mainland Japan, and from what I can surmise, probably to get me back on the road, or land, I am being constantly told off via short bursts of audio by a nice sounding Japanese lady! I can play my own tunes via an old IPOD classic and fortunately it did have a lot of my favourite tracks downloaded on, but it has not been updated since around 2015! The steering wheel controls do work as regards to controlling it. E.g., volume and track selection and I do have the option of just the one clear UK radio channel: Radio 2. This has all been very novel for a while, but it is now time to consider what options I have to update it. An another bugbear is that the clock is connected via the NAV unit. It cannot be adjusted so will only display the current time in Japan
I have spoken to numerous ICE installers who all state they have never upgraded a system in a Honda Accord Wagon let alone a JDM car and the ones I have visited have all said that it needs pulling out to investigate what is possible.
Doing my own research, the biggest issue with replacing the main unit with a double Din aftermarket unit concerns losing the aircon/blower/heating/time display that are currently shown on the central horizontal strip of my unit. To get around this I believe it is possible to purchase a Navigation Bypass harness. https://www.ebay.com/itm/325653284061 which essentially would send this info to the top screen which currently displays my NAV and reversing camera. What I am unsure of is: do I need to purchase a UK non-NAV top binnacle screen or will this cable work on my existing screen?
I do realise that any installer would have to remove the current system to see what can be done so with DIY being a distinct possibility, I need to first consider some options:
- Can a used UK Premium system be transplanted or will the fact that that they are all powered make them incompatible?
- Do all UK Premium units have a lower 6-disc changer and have a separate NAV unit?
- If I go the aftermarket double Din option, in addition to sourcing the NAV bypass cable and getting a good facia/unit fit, will I need to source a UK top screen binnacle or will my existing screen work?
- My car doesn’t have an AUX socket so can you stream phone music through a UK car via the AUX socket?
- I'm sure to have forgotton something important and relevant so is there anything else I might be overlooking?
I know there are Chinese units out there which profess to replace the top unit with an all singing/dancing affair but from what I’ve heard and read I’m not sure spending £250 let alone £500 would be a wise idea.
Any help or ***istance would be appreciated.
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