DIY Adding USB Port For 2006+ Civic DX, LX, EX, SI

[mush360]

Honda Civic 2006-ONWARDS
DX, LX, EX, SI

This DIY, is semi-permanent: There is no cutting, trimming or modifications to your interior trim/panels. This installation can be reversed; however only one OEM Honda wired part is modified and is irreversible. Performing this installation is at your own risk. The author is not held liable for any damages made to you and/or the vehicle(s) and/or person(s).

This DIY uses information and OEM parts from a 2009 Honda Civic coupe, and is intended for 8th generation Civics without a USB port.

Required Parts List

Honda OEM parts list:


* optional, only if you have a 6ft USB cable
t optional equipment for Civic DX owners who don’t have an arm rest
Total Cost of OEM parts (including non-DX options): 101.09 USD

Non OEM parts list:


*optional, not covered in this DYI, but can be used as a supplement
Total Cost of aftermarket parts (excluding options): 103.90 USD
Total Cost of Build: 205.80 (excluding all other expenses such as shipping, duties and taxes)




XCARLINK



Features of the XCARLINK USB module:
• Compatible rear socket for an OEM stock radio is supplied
• Selects a song using your stock radio buttons
• Selects a folder using your stock radio buttons
• Displays song: position, track number and folder number
• No more CD’s in the car
• Keeps the OEM look after installation



FYI

In the aftermarket parts list, I’ve listed the optional modules for you to compare. However there are several draw backs of the XCAR Link USB module that you should be aware of: for one; the file structure must read as folder CD01, CD02, etc. only. Furthermore, the USB module does not display track details like song name and artist. The GROM USB module displays all track details; artist name; song name and album (according to their website). The Bluetooth hands free module by XCARLINK can be modified by having the mike placed on the small grill just below the Hazard button, and the call answer button on the steering wheel button cluster. The Bluetooth option MOD is not included in this DIY, but will be posted as a separate DIY.




Tooling & Supplies

Once you have acquired all the necessary parts for this build, you will require the following tools, equipment and supplies to complete this build:


*optional
t screw driver with a 15° bent tip substitute for the trim removal tool


*optional, but used in this DIY




BEFORE PROCEEDING

1. Park the car at a leveled part of your garage. Place the car into NEUTRAL, and lift the HAND-BRAKE completely.
   
2. Keep the radio code handy (found in the glove compartment of your car, or within the dealer sleeve and manual that came with your car)
   
3. Record all your presets.
   
4. Remove the black battery terminal from your car battery, wait three minutes before performing any work on the car.

Step 1 – Preparing your USB Wire Harness

Using the Diagonal Cutters cut the USB wire 1” (supplied with the XCAR Link USB module) from the male terminal. Perform the same procedure with the HONDA USB (39114-SVA-A01) on the male end.


Figure 1.1 USB color key

Strip 1 ½” of the wire sleeve using either your Wire stripper or the Diagonal Cutters on both the USB and the HONDA USB exposing all 8 wires (Be careful not to cut too deep into the sleeve).

Using the Wire Stripper, strip ½” of the RED, WHITE, GREEN and BLACK wires of the USB cable. Strip ½” of the HONDA USB cable: RED, PURPLE, BROWN and BLACK using the same Wire Stripper. Depending on the girth of the wire; use 20 AWG or 22 AWG to properly strip the wire. (Be careful not to sever the strands within the wires). Before connecting the wires, cut an appropriate amount of Heat Shrink Tub (x4) and partially re-sleeve the wire (Do not heat shrink the tube yet).

Using a set of pliers, connect the appropriate wires by twisting all terminal ends (Use the USB color key as a guide). Set the connected wires on the alligator clamps of your Helping Hands Magnifier. Apply a small amount of flux on the exposed wires with a small needle or a pin, heat the Solder Core and apply a small amount of solder to each of the 4 connected exposed wires. Completely cover the exposed wires using the already precut Heat Shrink and proceed to heat the tubes.

To check your work, use the Multi-meter by setting it to 20K OHM; connect the Red terminal end of your Multi-meter to one USB pin, and the Black terminal to the coinciding HONDA USB pin. The readout on the Multi-meter should read as ZERO for a proper connection. The default readout is 1 (as in no connection). Use the USB color key above to determine the appropriate connections. If there is no connection; try reseating your Multi-meter terminals deeper into the USB ports (they must touch the pins). Otherwise check your soldering or start over.

To complete this step wrap the strip wires with electrical tape and proceed to the next step.

*Optional – the OEM look

Use the Polyethylene (fire retardant) corrugated loom and proceed to cover the whole extent of the wire exposing 1” on both ends of the wire. Use electrical tape to cover both ends of the loom. Then proceed to wrap the loom with electrical tape from end to end leaving 1” spacing between each tape strand. Once done, it should appear like any other existing wire running in your car.






Step 2 – Preparing your USB Center Console Box

Take the CONSOLE BOX (PN# 83404-SNA-A21ZA) and proceed to assembly the USB CORD HOLDER ASSEMBLY (PN#39114-SVA-A01) to your USB cable USB CORD ASSEMBLY (A) (PN# 39117-SNA-A01) into the CONSOLE BOX.



Take the SOCKET ASSEMBLY (PN#39624-SZ3-L01) and connect the socket CAP ASSEMBLY (PN#39624-SZ3-L01) into the CONSOLE BOX.

Take the USB CORD CLIP (PN#39118-SNA-A01) and clip the part to the inner-side of the CONSOLE BOX.

Take the USB CONNECTOR HOLDER CLIP (PN#39115-TK6-003) and clip the part to the inside of the CONSOLE BOX. Plug the USB port into the clip to prevent it from moving and shifting in the final assembly process.



The complete assembly should appear as so:



Once you have completed this step you are ready to replace your old console with your new USB equipped CONSOLE BOX.




Step 3 –Center Console Removal Guide

FYI, if you doing this installation for a friend, clear out your shop table and prepare some shop blanks and towels for the interior trim and panels to sit on. Otherwise place the panels in a less travelled area of your garage where it won’t be scratched.

AUTOMATICS TRANSMISSION

Make sure that your car is in the NEUTRAL POSITION, and the HAND-BRAKE is completely pulled. There are 5 clips that surround the gear shift. Using your TRIM REMOVAL TOOL or your modified SLOTTED SCREW DRIVER; gently pull along the edges of the gear shift panel to remove all 5 clips.



Once you have loosened the gear shift panel, pull the panel assembly upwards and rearwards to free the panel. Set the panel on a shop blanket or table.



MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Lower the shift lever boot by removing the clips that attach the shift knob to the shift boot. Twist the shift knob and remove. Remove the surround trim around the shift boot by prying around the edges with your TRIM REMOVAL TOOL. Once you have removed the gear shift trim, free the shift boot by removing all four clips that surround the boot. Once you have removed the shift boot, free the gear shift panel by removing all 5 clips surrounding the panel. Place all parts on a shop blanket or a free table.

Ensuring that you have removed the black terminal cable from your battery, proceed to unplug the counsel sub-harness (that feeds the plug to your center console) located in the crevice of the gear shift. (ATTENTION! SRS cables and connectors are identified by yellow connectors, cables and looms. DO NOT disconnect or touch any of these connectors!).



Remove the 4 bolts and bracket (located in the gear shift crevice) using your 12” PHILIPS 6mm SCREWDRIVER. Tape the free parts to your new console box.



2 plastic push-pin locks located underneath of the driver and passenger side must be removed using your TRIM REMOVAL TOOL. Tape these parts to your console box for safe keeping.







Within the old console box, remove the mat located at the floor of the console. Using your 12” PHILIPS 6mm SCREWDRIVER remove the 2 bolts located on the floor of your old console box. Take the two bolts and mat (For DX owners without the arm rest, you may choose to discard the mat) and tape this to your new console box for safe keeping and later usage.

Lower both front seats position them completely rearward. Proceed to pull the whole center console assembly rearward (towards the back of the car) and upward. Once freed place the center console assembly on a long table.

For civic owners who have a socket (cigarette lighter) in the center console box, turn the console assembly upside down and unplug the three prong wire feeding the socket.




Step 4 – Replacing your Center Console Box

Once you have placed the center console assembly on a table, using your TRIM REMOVAL TOOL; gently remove the center console rear cover by unlatching the 5 clips. Place the rear cover on a clear part of the table.
For civic owners who have an arm rest, flip open the arm rest and remove the pin holding the arm rest with your TRIM REMOVAL TOOL. Pull the arm rest up and out and place this on the table.



Turn the whole center console assembly upside down and using your 4” PHILIPS screw driver begin to remove the 8 fasteners that hold the center console box and cup holder in place (6x screws are located underneath the center console and 2x screws are located in the back of the center console). Place these fasteners in a secure location like a small plastic container.



Free all parts of the center console by gently unlatching all the components holding each other together (ATTENTION: at this point of the process keep note how all the components latch and fit together). Once you have freed the old center console box, replace it with your newly USB equipped center console box!

Before proceeding to the next step, remove the old center console wire harness located underneath the console. Replace the old wire harness with the SUB-WIRE, CONSOLE (32104-SVA-A01). Proceed to plug the USB and SOCKET located underneath your new USB console box, and proceed to secure all clips of your wireharness to the under carriage of the center console. DO NOT assemble the center console back to the car yet.


















Step 5 –Dash Board Removal Guide

For some models, remove the black boot-cover located underneath the steering wheel by turning the latch clockwise.



There are 2 clips holding the boot-cover with the dash board. Free the part by gently pulling at the outer edges of the part and place it on your table.



Remove the coin pocket trim located underneath the steering wheel by gently pulling the outer edges of the part. There are 8 clips that hold this part to the dash board.









Once you have removed the coin pocket trim, half way between the steering wheel and the power mirror controls, 1 fastener holds the mid-dashboard trim to the frame. Using your 4” PHILIPS screw driver, remove the fastener and tape it to the coin pocket trim for safe keeping.

Gently pull the outer edges of the mid-dashboard panel freeing the part from the frame. There are 10 of clips that hold the part together.









DO NOT pull the part completely out as there are wires that feed the power window and dashboard controls on the panel.





Having a firm grip of the part (or have a friend help you with this) with one hand unplug the wire harness behind the panel. Pull the part up and outwards avoiding scratching the steering wheel. Once you have freed the part place it on a clear area of your table.



Just above the shift lever, using your TRIM REMOVAL TOOL unlatch the panel covering the lower panel of the radio.





Place a vanity MIRROR underneath the panel to view the 2 fasteners holding the radio to the dashboard frame.



Using your 8MM SOCKET, a ¼” DRIVE RATCHET DRIVE and a ¼” EXTENSION BAR, and with the aid of a mirror and FLASHLIGHT, unscrew the 2 fasteners (DO NOT use your 4” PHILIPS screw driver as these screws have been fastened by a torque wrench; improper removal will ruin the head of the screw. Tape the screws on the panel cover and place it on a clear part of your table.



You can now remove the radio panel by gently pulling at the outer edges of the radio.







DO NOT pull the radio out completely; wire harnesses are connected to the climate controls buttons, radio, passenger-airbag indicator, and the hazard button.



Using one hand to hold the Radio, with your free hand unlatch all 4 wire harnesses in the back of the Radio (TIP: feel for the tabs located above the connector and with your index finger push down on the tabs and pull gently at the stem of the wire out with your free fingers).




Step 6 – Installing the USB module

Place the Radio on a steady part of table. Take your TIE WRAPS and proceed to secure the module on the rear frame of the Radio.



Pull the tie wraps tight as to ensure that the module is secure and will not rattle when the car is moving.



Measure the USB module’s rear wire harness from the connector to the rear socket of the Radio and wrap any excess wire. Plug the USB module’s rear wire harness to the radio.



Take the USB wire harness you made in Step 1 and plug the USB end to the module. Reassemble the radio (be sure to plug all 4x wire harnesses) and take the remaining USB wire harness and relocate it behind the dashboard panel (provide enough slack for the harness to reach the shift lever).
Once you have done this, reverse the order of Step 4 and Step 5 to complete the assembly.

For Civic owners who have purchased the DX version, this is an opportunity to have a complete arm rest for the Center Console Box. Replace and install the following parts in Step 4 to have your OEM arm rest installed!



USB port in action:


You can select the folder and songs using your radio buttons


You can use a USB key, MP3 player, SSD drive or an SD reader to play music

If you have any question, comments, suggestions, concerns on this DIY or any of my other DIY or DIY in progress please feel free to drop me a line. If you have any problems performing this your self, feel free to ask. GOOD LUCK!

~mush360~

[crazyjim]

Soooo... I didn't read, and you might have already said, but what's the deal with the rubber gloves?

[dumplings]

Wow. Thanks a lot! Thanks for your PM's also. Great work!

[mush360]

Some customers don't want some guy's sweaty-butt-cheek-picking hands and DNA all over their car. Gloves are also mandatory in this shop. They also provide an awesome grip.

[walrusneck]

wow nice write up

[BigGeorge]

Very nice man. Thanks for the heads up on this.

[FlyingBrickyard]

Excellent DIY, thanks! But just a quick note about this:

The GROM USB module displays all track details; artist name; song name and album (according to their website).

Since this is pretty much a make or break feature for me, I went looking at the GROM site.

If you look at the installation manual they have linked there, it seems to suggest that the above is NOT the case.

It would appear that it will function in this respect just as the XCARLINK and even the old Honda ipod module do, with 7 virtual CDs supported, and no actual display of artist or title information.

Given that this is something that appears to be common to all "retrofit" solutions, including Honda's own ipod module, I suspect this is simply a limitation of the 06-08 head unit, and is not something that can be worked around.

It seems likely at this point that if we want full track/title/artist information to be displayed, the only option is to swap out to an 09+ head unit and install the rest of the OEM USB aux system.

But that note aside, this is an excellent DIY. Thanks for taking the time to put it together, especially with the convenient download.

[mush360]

Originally Posted by FlyingBrickyard

If you look at the installation manual they have linked there, it seems to suggest that the above is NOT the case.

"Text for single DIN radios."
GROM software update for HONDA/ACURA 03-09
GROM Audio sofware: OEM integration

"Display track # and track title where available"
GROM PDF user manual

I haven't received a response yet from the manufacturer to confirm this, but this is according to their website. As soon as I receive confirmation on the use of text for NAV and pre-2009 and post-2009 OEM radios I'll post it up here.

Originally Posted by FlyingBrickyard

Given that this is something that appears to be common to all "retrofit" solutions, including Honda's own ipod module, I suspect this is simply a limitation of the 06-08 head unit, and is not something that can be worked around..

Honda 2009 OEM USB modules are:

ADAPTER UNIT, USB PN#: 39113-TA0-901 $312.50 USD
ADAPTER ASSY., USB PN#: 39113-SNA-A01 $312.50 USD

Harness to head unit (embedded with the whole in-dash wire harness)??? Requires retro fitting? Maybe, but the harness to the USB OEM module does exist.

This DIY is intended for people who won't shell out 312.50 for the USB module alone. But for the same amount of money (and a few bills less) I could get the whole thing plus slik-screen usb matching stickers for the dash :P a second usb port http://www.frontx.com/for the peeps in the back for way under 300 bucks.

[exxdine]

he basically told us that he picks his ass before he works on cars.

[FlyingBrickyard]

Originally Posted by mush360

"Text for single DIN radios."
GROM software update for HONDA/ACURA 03-09
GROM Audio sofware: OEM integration

"Display track # and track title where available"
GROM PDF user manual

I haven't received a response yet from the manufacturer to confirm this, but this is according to their website. As soon as I receive confirmation on the use of text for NAV and pre-2009 and post-2009 OEM radios I'll post it up here.

Excellent. I hadn't seen that. Hopefully that's the case, because if it is, this will be perfect.

Honda 2009 OEM USB modules are:

ADAPTER UNIT, USB PN#: 39113-TA0-901 $312.50 USD
ADAPTER ASSY., USB PN#: 39113-SNA-A01 $312.50 USD

Harness to head unit (embedded with the whole in-dash wire harness)??? Requires retro fitting? Maybe, but the harness to the USB OEM module does exist.

Oh I know it does, I was speaking more about firmware support for text display via the "CD changer" hookup in the 06-08 OEM headunits. Based on the ability of all apparent solutions, including Honda's own Musiclink module, to only play from 7 virtual CD playlists and only then display "CD" # and track #, it seemed likely that the inability to display text info wasn't with the modules themselves, but with the way the OEM headunit handled such input. Which would mean that CD#, Track # with no text would be as good as it gets with any pre-09 headunit, no matter what module was hooked up to it.

If that's not the case with the revised GROM module, then the limitation probably isn't with the firmware of the headunit itself and all will be good. I very much hope that's the case.

This DIY is intended for people who won't shell out 312.50 for the USB module alone.

One of the reasons I'm trying to figure out where the text display limitation is, is because if it is with the pre-09 headunits, and not the USB modules themselves, it's likely that even the $300 genuine Honda USB module won't provide text display to an 06-08 radio. In which case those of us with 06-08 radios can either accept that limitation and save a bunch of money with a 3rd party USB module, or just give up on the idea entirely and 'live with' the standard Aux input.

But for the same amount of money (and a few bills less) I could get the whole thing plus slik-screen usb matching stickers for the dash :P a second usb port http://www.frontx.com/for the peeps in the back for way under 300 bucks.

Please don't misunderstand why I'm posting, I think it's one of the best DIYs I've seen anywhere and very much appreciate that you took the effort to create and share it.

I also very much appreciate the desire to save $300+ on the install.

My post was in no way intended as a criticism of your research, the work you did or the DIY you created.

But for me, personally, text display along with MP3 unit control via the radio/steering wheel is pretty critical. If I can't get text display, I'm not sure I'd go through with this just yet. I'm certainly not going to shell out an additional $300 for it either, so since it's basically an 'all or nothing' decision for me, I want to be absolutely certain it'll do everything I want it to do before I commit any time and resources to making it happen.

I do wish I'd had access to this DIY when I installed bluetooth in the car about 4 months back, it would have made figuring out the radio stack and installation a lot quicker and easier back then.

In any case, it's an excellent DIY and a very good looking and affordable solution. If the GROM module really can display text on a pre-09 OEM headunit, I daresay this will be a better solution than the 09+ OEM version.

[wtfluis]

how much did this DYI come out to ?

[wtfluis]

oh nvm
Total Cost of Build: 205.80 (excluding all other expenses such as shipping, duties and taxes)

does anyone have a link for the honda usb thing for 06 and ups ?

[Swank]

That's an outstanding DIY, great job! I just have some small questions:

1. I do not have a CD changer, so when I pull out my OEM head unit would there be an empty wiring housing to plug in the harness built here? In other words, I don't have to unplug anything and leave it hanging?

2. How do you select this device? My guess is it rotates through CD/CDC/AUX where CDC is the USB device.

3. The answer to the above question probably answers this, but does the option to play a single CD in the headunit still remain after this mod?

4. Is this powered USB port and can therefore be used to recharge an iPod or similar devices?

[mush360]

Originally Posted by wtfluis

oh nvm
Total Cost of Build: 205.80 (excluding all other expenses such as shipping, duties and taxes)

does anyone have a link for the honda usb thing for 06 and ups ?

Just to name a few...

http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/
USB or IPOD, Bluetooth

[url="Dension Gateway"]
USB, IPOD (text ready), Bluetooth audio and video connectivity

http://www.gromaudio.com/
USB connectivity, IPOD ready

http://diceelectronics.com/
IPOD (text ready)

Honda's OEM USB module: 312.00

Feel free to compare, but there's so much more USB modules out there.

[mush360]

Originally Posted by Swank

1. I do not have a CD changer, so when I pull out my OEM head unit would there be an empty wiring housing to plug in the harness built here? In other words, I don't have to unplug anything and leave it hanging?

Since you don't have a CD changer there are no wireharness that are left unconnected. But as a side note, for those who DO have a CD changer, Dension offers an accessory to also have your CD changer working with their USB/IPOD module.

Originally Posted by Swank

2. How do you select this device? My guess is it rotates through CD/CDC/AUX where CDC is the USB device.

You simply select the CD/AUX button.

Originally Posted by Swank

3. The answer to the above question probably answers this, but does the option to play a single CD in the headunit still remain after this mod?

You CD player still works. You simply select the CD/AUX button to switch between CD and USB.

Originally Posted by Swank

4. Is this powered USB port and can therefore be used to recharge an iPod or similar devices?

Depends on the module you get. But it has been reported within this forum that regular MP3 USB players, USB Keys and flash drives overheat when connected to an IPOD ready USB port (USB keys only require 5V's to power up while I could image IPOD's requires more). But check the links, shop and compare.

XCarLink
USB or IPOD, Bluetooth

Dension Gateway
USB, IPOD (text ready), Bluetooth audio and video connectivity

GROM Audio
USB connectivity, IPOD ready

Dice Electronics
IPOD (text ready)

[effNsi]

whoa good work

[bsbabcock]

Good stuff.. Yay!!!!! Finally some products coming out that don't require a silly $250 iPod.

Question.. Sound quality compared to CD?

Anyone compared loss-less tunes or good format to CD of same with a critical ear to see if it's reeeeally "cd quality" as claimed? The grom is 18bit, claiming "better than cd" quality.

??

[mush360]

Originally Posted by bsbabcock

Good stuff.. Yay!!!!! Finally some products coming out that don't require a silly $250 iPod.

Question.. Sound quality compared to CD?

Anyone compared loss-less tunes or good format to CD of same with a critical ear to see if it's reeeeally "cd quality" as claimed? The grom is 18bit, claiming "better than cd" quality.

??

USB vs. auxiliary input

“Technically, the USB systems will produce a better sound because there are fewer connections on the way to the speakers. Stereos with a USB connector let you plug in a USB key filled with MP3 files, and the stereo will use the key as an audio source, just like a CD. With an auxiliary input, you are playing the music on your MP3 player, then running its output into the stereo where it gets amplified again, as opposed to the single amplification step it goes through with the USB key.”

Source: wcunning, 10/11/06, CNET Link

Hope this answers your question.

~mush360~

[FlyingBrickyard]

I haven't received a response yet from the manufacturer to confirm this, but this is according to their website. As soon as I receive confirmation on the use of text for NAV and pre-2009 and post-2009 OEM radios I'll post it up here.

It's been almost 3 months, did they ever respond to that question?

I've been looking things over more lately, and I'm starting to feel a bit hopeful.

There definitely is a difference in the display abilities between the 06-08 and the 09 model non-navi head units though, based on what the owner's manuals for the cars say.

But the pre 09 HUs might still be functional enough for text display.

[kbye]

bump for an answer, anyone know for sure yet?