I like many people have been screwed over by the Acura/Honda design of Dash lights on the center console. And like many others my warranty is now up which has screwed me over yet again. (Last time i buy a first run vehicle)

In any case i attempted to buy a 'face plate' that is the unit without the changer unit attached. (i can attach a pic of the diagram if you need a better clarificatino of this)

In any case, the faceplate didn't do anything to light up the buttons on the unit. So either the one i bought on ebay is also a faulty unit, or somehow power for those lights flow through the cd changer unit before it gets into the headunit.

This may be hard to explain so if someone wants some more clarification of what im getting to here feel free to IM Me: TSXyGQStarbai





According to the diagram, A9, is the 'lights on' switch. And A19 is the dimmer controller.

My question is, would it be possible to splice the wire going to the heated seats switch for example and splice it into these two inputs in order to get the dash lights lit up????

I guess what needs to be figured out is why the damn lights aren't lighting up in the first place? its GOT to be this connection, and if thats the case its a direct connection directly to the faceplate and not though the cd changer unit that attaches to the faceplate. Which then means that the faceplate i bought is probably bad too.

Ugh anyone got any technical exprience and can help me figure out a non $1300 solution??

 

I'm pretty sure the problem was with a voltage regulator inside the head unit. You're not going to be able to hack a connector to fix the problem.

 

change the radio in back of the face plate, that will restore the lights

 

yea thats also what costs $1300

theres gotta be a better way

 

class action lawsuit

 

If anyone can find the P/N and manufacturer of the regulator (or the manufacturer of the head unit, and the part number if available - usually a sticker on it)... then www.pacparts.com might have the replacement regulator that someone will need to try replacing into their broken HU.

I've bought a few replacement internals from www.pacparts.com in the past and everything has worked perfectly.

 

The actual CD Changer? or the Faceplate assembly?

 

Perhaps a head unit or faceplate from a junk yard.

 

Wow!! I never really looked into this, but the lights on my dash just went out on Monday. It's really annoying if not for the fact that I'm picking up my new RL tomorrow. Yes, I'm trading in my '04, but I still love the TSX.... I'll let the dealer know and let them deal with it.

 

how would i even go about looking for parts at a junk yard, i've never done it... any tips?

 

shit i wouldn't even tell them. the same dealership that probably wouldn't give a shit to help u fix it shouldn't get warned about it... drop the car off durring the day so they dont notice.

as ur driving off the lot flip them the bird for a 1300$$ repair they'll have to eat (assuming its not under warranty)

 

the faceplate has 'Stanley' writeen on it in several places but i dont think its the same as the unit itself.

 

What is ideal is the P/N of the faulty voltage regulator itself... then google the number and/or call PACPARTS.com and get them to send you one. If you're handy w/ a soldering iron, its worth a try.

 

i can use one lol
dunno about 'handy with it'

 

i have had this problem fixed under warranty. has there been problems with this recurring after they replace the unit, or does the new unit have the flaw fixed?

 

Try the yellow pages for local junk yards or you can search online. Some junk yards will ship.

Try this one:
http://www.junkyarddog.com/

 

I just requested a front bumper. I've noticed other Acura's have requests there.

 

I don't know if they use the same system, but www.car-part.com is awesome for finding parts anywhere in North America.

 

Yea, I'm looking for a SSM front bumper myself. I just submitted it. We'll see what we get.........

 

I just encountered the lights out problem at 72k miles. I was quoted $1600 by the dealer to replace the stereo/CD changer, but was offered and alternative. Apparently they can remove the stereo/CD changer and send it off to be repaired at a cost of $385.00 (with 2-3 week turnaroound). I am not sure if this was for removal/repair/re-installation or just for the repair. Although costly, it is much less than a replacement.