First the intermittent wiper mod, now this. You guys are killing my wallet!

 

another mod i always wanted to do and now it
looks like it's very possible.
LOL
now we have to get pins for this
here i go again calling junk yards

 

Exactly what I want to do as well. It seems like it really wouldn't be too difficult, Honda steering wheels practically seem like Lego's and with the wiring end not difficult (you have to buy an adapter to connect to an after market HU anyway) I think this would work quite well. Not the cheapest part though...

What bewilders me is why people are working so hard to add the controls to the stock unit Steering wheel controls won't help with the bad sound quality and awful file navigation For the same price as a multi CD player and USB adapter you could get a real HU with a decent DSP and quality D/A converters, and a multi-line display.

Anyway, for me getting the steering wheel button harness would be a double win because I have a Base model and plan on adding cruise in the near future (the Rostra kit should be out soon). Adapting the OEM buttons to the Rostra interface will probably take some work, but considering Rostra provides schematics for their controls I believe it could be done with some soldering and resistors. The complicated part is the ON/OFF button which I believe is a latch type on the OEM controls and a pulse type on the Rostra's. I could map the OEM Cancel button to it instead (Rostra doesn't use Cancel as far as I can tell), but it would be nice to have that button to use for something else...

 

"What bewilders me is why people are working so hard to add the controls to the stock unit Steering wheel controls won't help with the bad sound quality and awful file navigation For the same price as a multi CD player and USB adapter you could get a real HU with a decent DSP and quality D/A converters, and a multi-line display."

And then get my windows and dash busted and have no stereo and a claim on my insurance. Thieves have little reason to steal a base, stock radio.

 

No argument there, but thats what removable faceplates are for, although there are frustratingly few double-din HU's with removable faceplates . With function over form taken into consideration, though, a single-din unit would probably be a better idea. And with the steering wheel controls, the tiny awkward buttons on those units wouldn't be a problem, and you get a free pocket!

 

A Few things of note:
I'm not sure how the base stereo is but the fit's isn't bad at all. The audio quality of the sport is actually pretty good although it does lack a little bit of low end (easily fixable). The mids and highs aren't bad at all. It's not my Clarion/Infinity 10 speaker setup from my integra but it's also nto my Altima 3.5SE's stereo too. $24K for the altima and that thing SUCKED something fierce.

With most Aftermarket Head units you also aren't going to get a steering wheel remote so if you add one of those, you are still out of luck. Also, unless you can find a Silver double-din unit, it'll stick out like a sore thumb in the dash. it's not like the square DIN/double-DIN style openings that used to be regularly used on every car stereo in the past. (all of my previous hondas had a single din factory stereo with a pocket...)

The Display on the fit does lack a little bit but at least it is fairly easy to use. it's got the iPod style that most people are used to and with an 8GB flash drive, I can easily navigate to the album I want. It does take some file management up front though first.

~SB

 

The base stereo is the same as the sport stereo, except the sport has tweeters that the base model doesn't have. The base however, does have the openings and the grills for the tweeters so they should be relatively easy to add.

So anyways, you say the lacking of the low end is easily fixable. Would you care to point us to a good thread (maybe in Fit ICE) that tells us how? and/or start one?

Thanks.

 

Besides the 'theft' reason given.. I'd also have to say: safety and convenience while driving.

 

I have to move the seat all the way back so that my legs don't bunch up by the wheel, but that means I really have to reach to get to the controls. I'm all for making stereo controls on the non-navi models!

 

Actually the stock stereo sucks in all aspects except for the abilities to play music and connect to an iPod.

iPod Integration for your car and More by Pac-Audio - Connecting you to the future for units that allow you to use stock steering wheel controls with aftermarket stereos

For instance, with a SWI-PS you tap two wires, connect it to power and ground, program the unit, and plug it into any headunit that has a wired remote control input.

 

Infinity Basslink, SAS Bazooka amplified bass tube, custom amp/sub combo with line level inputs, etc... Get power and tap into your current speaker wires and you can add a relatively inexpensive and Smaller sub (size-Wise)

Try sitting in a brand new Altima or any nissan that doesn't have a Bose system. you will LOVE the Fit's Audio system. They neither tap into an iPod, nor play MP3, let alone any quality music. They aren't even really suitable for AM talk radio... With the Fit, Music is at least Music and the fact that it has features that are actually usable for many of us (such as MP3, USB Flash drive/iPod input, RDS/CD Text etc...) is kind of nice in a $15.5K car.

i'm not in any way shape or form saying that the Fit has a World Class stereo that comes close to the much overpriced sound of Bose or anywhere near the Acura ELS or Mark Levinson audio systems. But for clarity and sound quality, it's actually not that bad. As a reference Point, I'm familiar with higher end audio as i've built a "few" custom systems in my time. The Last being my integra with a Clarion DXZ835mp, 4 (6" component), and 2 10" Subs off of an Infinity Kappa Amp. It wasn't a competition system but it was definitly better than most high end audio systems out there for much less money. And I had a steering wheel remote.

The PAC SWI is great if you have an aftermarket stereo that supports it and have Factory Steering wheel controls... The Fit Sport has neither so the SWI would be useless in the FIT. (save for NAVI models but why would you buy a NAVI and replace the NAVI?...) Also, many lower end aftermarket head units don't support a plug-in SWI (and the Universal SWI has nasty lag due to the fact that is is an IR emitter) it's also an additional $70 on top of the price of an Aftermarket head unit and only supports the basic steering wheel functions and not bluetooth/voice command that many new headunits have.

~SB

 

Ok I'll give you that the Fit has a better stereo than other crappy OEM stereos.

And the Fit sport doesn't come with steering wheel controls, but there are some threads floating around exploring the idea of buying the controls from Honda and installing them. One guy was successful and it seems pretty simple. It's only 2 wires you need to add, and the steering wheel cable reel already has the pins for them.

 

Isn't this that thread? or I saw another in ICE that had the instructions but no photos... maybe that was it. In a system like the Fit's, I think there is great value in adding the capability of Steering wheel controls unlike my Altima where it really wasn't worth it. they should have put money into the stereo before adding stereo control from the Steering wheel. it's like having a remote controlled Yugo... what's the point.

~SB

 

lol yeah, i forget what thread I'm in sometimes... I need to unsubscribe from a few

 

LOL... Same issue here. I still hang around the Altima Forum b/c I met some good guys/gals there but it uses the same forum software so I forget sometimes which tab I'm on...

~SB

 

No argument, the Fit's is pretty decent for an OEM stereo, but thats like saying a hexagon makes a better wheel than a square... And most of my issues with the system involve the high and middle range. With treble set to anything but 0 (which has a very flat sound) voices sibilate like crazy, and when you listen closely you realize how little detail and resolution there is. I suspect the sound-to-noise ratio is poor, although thankfully it doesn't hiss; it may mute the amp when there's no sound. Either that or the sound modeling is just plain bad.

And of course it's not going to look quite like the stock system, its going to stand out. However, I guarantee absolutely noone will ever be impressed buy the looks or sound of the stock system (including the nav model).

If you want OEM quality then get an Alpine HU, who manufacture the OEM unit. The OEM unit is comparable to Alpine's low-end models, which run ~$150 .

After looking at part prices I for one now think the theft prevention argument is bogus. Bernardiparts lists the OEM HU as ~$425 and the dash panel ~$370. So if someone DOES break into your car and jack the OEM HU and bust up the dash, you're out ~$800, compared to the ~$200 for a comparable aftermarket OEM unit. And don't think smart thieves, which can find a buyer for anything, don't know the value of your boring looking HU. To them it looks like three time as many pesos from a Juarez or Tijuana mechanic as similar after market HUs. The only effective preventative measures are taking the faceplate with you, and having a quality alarm with at least a glass break sensor. Honda does not have any answers to these problems, but why would they? They're a car company, not audio or security.

And I would think the safety and convenience of having bluetooth and a friggin' pause button (for example) would beat the "safety and convenience" of the OEM HU.

The only reason I can see for keeping the OEM unit is if you only use the radio (aftermarket won't really be any better) and indifference. If you're reading this thread, you're obviously not indifferent .

 

Actually i'd say it's closer to an octagon... It's quite decent sound that comes out as it produces a full range quite well. (barring the low end). You may want to have your head unit checked if you have problem with the sibilance as vocal quality on my head unit is quite accurate. There's no over enunciation or hanging SS's.
Bad Math. If a $200 head unit gets ripped off, you are out $200 for the Aftermarket head unit + another $200 for the replacement one or $400. If the stock stereo gets ripped off, you are out the $200 to replace it with an aftermarket HU or $250 to get it replaced though insurance. Your insurance won't usually cover aftermarket components unless you claim them in your coverage. Also, Stock components aren't anywhere near as high value for thieves as an afermarket system and one that stands out will be a target.


Smart thieves do know the value... they look on ebay to see that they really don't hold value that well compared to a navi system. It is a decision they have to make... undesirable factory head unit which won't be easy as an afermarket setup to turn around... or jail... Smart thieves also know about the Radio codes and if they can't find the code, they can't easily resell it. Uncool prejudiced statement
True on the alarm... but then again, the OEM head unit has little value to thieves... some could sell it off because they can sell anything but most wouldn't really have much of an outlet to sell, plus it is so big it's difficult not to be seen carrying around. Aftermarket fits under a jacket... oem... not so much. Replacement faceplates are also easily obtainable online as well.
I've had a cell phone for 11+ years and bluetooth would be really nice but you aren't going to find anything decent for the above suggested $200 with bluetooth. Yeah there's stuff out there but not decent...
And a pause button? I've had aftermarket stereos since the Sanyo Cassette player I put in my dad's '81 VW Rabbit Diesel Pickup back in the late 80's and I don't think I've ever used a pause button.

And again... with the above, there are no steering wheel controls.
...And it is been disproven that a hands-free kit is safer than holding a cell phone - your brain is still in the same mode. For me it would be more convenient to have bluetooth so I don't have to take my phone out (I have this at home with my Uniden home phone w/bluetooth. This theory that bluetooth is the end-all/be-all for safety is ignorant.

~SB

 

maybe not an end all solution but at least with bluetooth you have both hands free for steering

and it's hard to check your left blind spot when you're leaning on your hand/cell phone... I see it nearly every day

 

I'm pretty picky about audio quality. My old receiver was over $400 and did nothing special, no USB or bluetooth, just MP3 CDs so I guess I'm kinda spolied. There's obviously no comparison. Honestly the Fit has the best OEM system I've heard, but most aftermarket systems, even cheaper ones, sound better than it. I'm really looking forward to getting good receiver in my Fit because I can tell the acoustics in the Fit are much better than my old POS (the stereo was literally more valuable than the car)

And I don't But I have to believe that something so expensive maintains a large part of its value in the black market. Especially with the popularity of Hondas and what I believe will be the incredible popularity of the GE over the next few years. That will drive the black market value for our unique parts higher.
However, if you ever want to trade your Fit in, you're really gonna want that stock stereo, as aftermarket stereos are worth much less at trade in. Which also creates demand, which creates some black market value. And your insurance rates will go up with a claim...

I really doubt the radio codes are effective... I don't know the methods, but its probably easy to bypass. I'm sure Honda built a dealer backdoor in of some kind.

Prejudiced? How so? Its no secret that Juarez and Tijuana are hubs of this specific type of crime. Both cities, as well as most other border cities, have very cheap auto repair centers (who I'm sure know how to bypass radio codes ) Do you think they order all their parts from Honda?! I just mention these two cities as I'm a border resident and am familiar with this region, obviously stolen car stereos can go anywhere. Its not a statement against the people. Their residents and law enforcement have much more severe types of crime to worry over... like the killing machines constantly being smuggled in from the US.

Yes, the bigger units are definitely harder to steal. But the OEM head unit is no bigger than a double-din unit. Probably the most secure receiver would be a double-din with a removable faceplate. Which, as I mentioned earlier, are unfortunately rare

Yes, but on an expensive enough unit, it can be prohibitively expensive. The cheapest I could find a replacement faceplate for my model is $120 (color screen). That plus a two day wait is a much bigger deterrent than a free radio code

No argument on any of the bluetooth stuff, hands free is only theoretically safer than yacking on a cell. However, if you do want it on the OEM HU, its gonna cost over $325, which is totally ridiculous For that money you could get a much better after market setup with far better sound quality,file navigation, display, and bluetooth. None of my car's stereos have had pause, and I always wish they did. I switch modes when I need to pause the music, but thats just not the same.

Playing devils advocate, though, I really like how well the lighting on the OEM receiver integrates with the car's dash dimmer. Not having to deal with two separate lights on the dash is very convenient. I also love the vehicle speed volume control, another feature I've not seen on any aftermarket HU's. If I ever build my dream carputer, I'm gonna work really hard to add these capabilities.

Does anyone know if the steering wheel buttons could be made to dim with the rest of the car?

And all this talk about bluetooth is making me consider trying to add the navi's voice control buttons for bluetooth control. I think this would require a differently shaped front garnish piece. I guess that would be the next stage of this project...

 

Well, technically you want a shock sensor. Once the glass is broken, your radio is already gone in a few seconds. A glass brake sensor will do nothing to prevent that.

Anyways, think about your typical radio thief. They are looking for something flashy. They need to be able to sell it quick. The only person who wants an OEM Honda Fit Radio is someone who is trying to keep the stock look and something happened to their radio.

I'll tell ya, if my (OEM Stock) radio breaks or is stolen (unlikely) and I can't fix it, and someone tells me it will cost me $400 or more to fix or replace, I'm definitely going with a $200 aftermarket unit, but not before! Until then, I'm sticking with OEM.

Maybe and only maybe someone who steals the entire car and takes it to a chop shop is going to be aware of and interested in the Honda parts pricing, but the typical smash and grab guy is NOT interested in or educated in such things. The typical smash and grab guy wants to either 1) grab a radio and install it in his (or a friends) vehicle; 2) grab a radio and sell it on the street for a quick buck; or 3) grab a radio and sell it to a fence, pawn shop, etc. for a quick buck. Note: he's probably also grabbing everything else he can to sell quickly.

Thieves and criminals typically DON'T think too strategically. Sure, maybe your more advanced cat burglar does, but not your on-the-street criminal. They will easily pass up and destroy the salvage value of antique metal architectural elements in order to take them to a scrap yard for the commodity prices to pay for whatever it is they need money for.

Even home burglars will easily pass up quality items for typical flashy and easy to sell commodity items, sometimes picking up costume jewelry and missing quality vintage pieces.

I don't need to remove the OEM HU in order to install a bluetooth device in my car.

I also don't have a cellphone and don't have the need for bluetooth.

I started this thread, I'm not indifferent, and I'm not planning on changing from OEM.