??? The hvac controls are under the radio, then The remote storage box and under the dash a storage spot above the shifter. Are you referring tothat area? May need to pop the glove box out to get to it.

I want to get a single din unit, so I can get a storage pocket under hte radio.

 

Radio/ Dash panel ( storage )

Thanks Cobb,
I was asking about the storage pocket. This panel/section is a seperate plastic part, and is removable for alternate panal installation(s). The panel houses the 12 volt power supply plug ( former cigeratte lighter type plug) and diagrams for upgraded radio/audio installs show that panel removed and replaced with a flat panel containing the power socket and a USB socket. Diagrams show this panel it held in by 6 "clips".

I want to remove the panel, without damaging it so that I can install a 2-way radio and remove the radio and replace the panel, if I ever sell the car.

Thank you Mr. Cobb,

- Martin

 

The panel houses the 12 volt power supply plug ( former cigeratte lighter type plug) and diagrams for upgraded radio/audio installs show that panel removed and replaced with a flat panel containing the power socket and a USB socket. Diagrams show this panel it held in by 6 "clips".

The service manual says to use a trim tool to pry the panel forward and then release the 6 clips. There are 2 each of 3 different kinds of clips. I'm going to be tapping into the power off mine and I'm thinking a thin puddy-knife would work. Anything with a smaller width would damage the plastic.

 

Thanks JimJohn. Yes, Honda mechanic inferred that the panel has to be pried out. I have a "tucking" tool . . . I was hopeful that there might be a safer way. Honda mechanic said he uses "rubber padding" behind and in front of the tool. I'm sure this method will work but, again, I was hopeful that there was a more "eficient" way to remove the panel.

Also, be mindful about "tapping" into the powerat the rear of that panel. Wiring issues have voided warrantees and/or insurance policy indemnifications in past cases. I have some experience in that area.

If you do "tap" the power at that plug/connector, buy the HONDA OEM connector and photo the final wiring and secured placement, prior to re-installing the panel or placing another or alternate panel over the wiring. I'm over cautious, but "an inch of prevention.....".

 

If you do "tap" the power at that plug/connector, buy the HONDA OEM connector and photo the final wiring and secured placement, prior to re-installing the panel or placing another or alternate panel over the wiring. I'm over cautious, but "an inch of prevention.....".

Yeah, I've got a small list of connectors going already I've been "into" electronics for most of my life. Tubes and solid state You can't be over cautious, doesn't exist. Nothing makes me cringe more than to see someone using one of those side-crimp things. I'm just looking for a clean tap for a .25a fused LED light strip over the driver's and passenger's foot wells. I'm debating between just a plain switch, switch with dimmer or light activated.

Hopefully we'll get a few more warm days to get some things done. I'm just laying out the game-plan right now. Keep us posted on how it goes.

 

Success !

Success ! The tucking tool works okay, but I feared that the edges of the panel would bend or fold, beyond repair, as I was prying the panel out. What I didn't know was that the "clips" are more flexible than I would have expected. The trick, I suggest, is to pry or pull the upper edge or top of the panel, away from the dash 1st, so that the pins or posts, that enter the holes behind, need to be cleared by about 3/8ths of an inch, so that they'll clear the dash before braking off or bending. Then the panel can be pried all the way out. I'll reserve another comment for when the radio is installed.

 

Congradulations, and thanks for the ideas. I just settled on wiring to a fused lighter plug untill I can get the time to do a final install. I added strips under the rear edge of the front seats to light the rear foot area in addition to the front foot wells. Very nice and less than $75

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