Hello Everyone!
I just purchased a beautiful 2003 TL with a junk stereo. I have found a remanufactured 2003 Bose 6 CD changer/tape deck that is supposed to fit. I have the security code, etc., but I have no instructions on how to install it, especially if they messed up the stuff to make the junker fit. Anyone have directions or suggestions!? Please help!! I'm a girl trying to make this work and trying to regain use of the controls on my steering wheel. Thanks for any help!!!

 

You need to look at the back connections and see if they are still left intact (stock connectors). Take pictures and some of us can help you.

 

Lol dont panic.... if they didnt cut your harness you're good to go. But you will have to take some of the dash apart to get you're crap unit out. Also you may run into other problems if whoever had it before you hacked up the harness to bypass the bose EQ or the sub amp. Does your sub work with the current Stereo?

And now let me introduce you to your new best friend...

THE SEARCH BUTTON

But back to your problem.

Icelink Install

This will give you a nice tutorial on what you need to take apart to get to the head unit. If the previous owner wasnt cheap then you'll have an adapter plugged into your harness and then spliced into the stereo. If he cheaped out and cut your harness connector off you'll need to go the dealer or a junkyard. The steering wheel controls should work right away after you put the new one in.

Heres a diagram of the back of the head unit. You only need to plug in two of the 3 connectors if you dont have nav.

Welcome to the forum!

 

That Icelink Install link was extremely helpful when I swapped my HU with a 6 disc version. It's a PDF file that you download. Print it out so you can have it handy while you're working on your car. Hopefully your car's stereo harness wasn't cut when they installed the stereo.

 

i have an extra stock sub and if the head unit doesnt work i have one i will sell to you.

 

Hi Guys!
Thanks for all of your help. I'll be working on the unit this weekend (hopefully). Seanranger3--thanks for the offer on the sub and head unit--I'll keep that in mind should I need it!!

Gfaze, the tutorial is terrific. I don't have a nav system but figure much is alike.

Also, any "need to knows" on pulling the dash? My old 1992 Vigor had a bolt behind a plate that you would never even dream would have a big part in pulling out the dash. Hopefully, this one won't be as tricky. And, let's hope the harness is intact!

Thanks again! I'll let you know how it goes. Other than this, the car is gorgeous!! I'm weaning myself from my 1989 Legend Coupe that is also still beautiful (and runs great). I LOVE my Acuras!

 

You dont need to take out the dash, just some of the panels by the floor well and some of your console.

 

Hey! I got the old clunker out. The harness was not cut (hallelujah!). All installed well and works EXCEPT the CD player. Since I bought this used from someone else, there is no user manual. The CD player goes through all the noises as if rotating through the six discs, but it won't open and accept CDs. Anyone have any suggestions or anyone have a user manual?

Thanks again!!

 

BTW--that tutorial was worth its weight in gold!!!

 

Another question--the clock light is out--can't seem to find a bulb---all the other things light up (dials, temp/ac)--do you have to replace the whole enchilada? Any advice appreciated!

 

It might be dirty so try putting a cleaning disc in there.

 

Stupid Q, did you press the LOAD button? It should pop right open. Sometimes they fuck up a little when they havent gotten power for a while, I once drove around with mine jammed for like a week after my power got disconnect while it was changing a cd. Also your cd player manual is in the car manual itself, and if you dont have that you can get from the Acura ownerlink site.

 

Yep, I've pressed the Load button---that was a no brainer--so, no, it wasn't a stupid question despite what you might think. Still Nada. Don't have an owner's manual to the car either, but hoping to snag a cd of it off ebay when the seller gets back from vacation.

I'd put a cleaning disk in, but it won't take the CD--the door stays shut and it flashes ERR 1, and flips back to the radio. A definite pain. I ripped the back off and all looks good, but still nothing. Ah well, will keep working on the poor sucker.

 

Theres a link in my last post about where to get the manual fooorrr freeeeeee!

I had the exact problem ERR1 and it wouldnt take any CDs started working on its own after a week. My theory is that the stereo lost track of where the CD changer mechanism was and it fucked up the process. Sorry to hear

Anyway i'd wait before I sent it back to the seller, if you could, but let him know ur having problems with it.

 

Thanks for the quicklink--this is awesome!!! Still working on the stupid thing, hope it magically starts working cuz the innards seem to all be in order--can't figure out what's hanging it all up.

Thanks again for all ur help!

 

Well, I think the CD unit is a dud. We got the unit to load the discs, but now it won't play....will keep trying. TG for satelite radio...

 

Post pics of your TL! Might see ya driving down the road sometime

Any mods coming or just keeping it clean and stock?

 

She's a nighthawk black beauty with tan interior. So far, I think I'll keep her stock, but I am planning to add a spoiler next. Maybe in the future some new rims, but for now she'll just be an old original (running out of cash). Just love her---only 21K original miles---but as much as I do, I'm finding it hard to part with my '89 Legend coupe--she's a beauty too.

I'm no longer in Seattle--moved to GA for a job opportunity. I do miss the city and the mariners though!

Haven't figured out where to add pictures--

 

I have a nighthawk black with the graphite interior, but am in Kitsap County.

While you are missing the Mariners, we're missing the sun. I went to opening day, got snowed on, frozen and a cold, all for $60ish.

It is 43 degrees at 6pm on 9 Apr. We've had maybe 10 days this year where it reached 50.

Miner

 

Haha, I'm down here in south King County... gotta love the weather where it rains and it's too warm for snow, but too cold to go outside.

I just did some work on my 2003 TLS, so hopefully I can post some pics soon. Although I'm struggling to get a set of decent rims since the ones I bought just a bit earlier on here from a well-known member had a crack in a rim and tires bulged... undisclosed to me, and I payed hard earned/saved money.

Now I'm hoping for some sort of compensation or refund, and he's hesitant on it all.

Sucks.

-Chris

 

Well, while you guys are freezing your tails off, it's 6pm and 76 degrees. Looking at 87 degrees for Friday. Don't mind the warmth but detest the humidity.

Sorry to hear about your rims--samd kind of story with my stereo--the CD doesn't work still.

Hey, anyone had any tranny probs? I've heard that that has been a big problem for many '02 and '03 models. When I checked on the acura site and put in my vin#, it indicated that my car had been in for the recall fix. Since, the car only has 21K miles, just want to be prepared.

 

What part of GA? Near Atlanta? Welcome to HUMIDITY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD! Getting used to the pollen yet? If not, brace yourself - we're just getting started.

If the humidity bothers you now - wait till July / August when you can see the h2o in the AIR.

Welcome to the forum!

 

Thanks for the welcome! Actually, I'm down near Valdosta. Been here 3 years--the gnats, fire ants, and the pollen were just a few of the surprises--Yech!! Then of course the humidity is a drag--nothing like needing another shower about 3 minutes after you've dried off from one...not that you ever really dry off... Sometimes I think the gray skies and 40 degree temps would be a relief...

How do you post a picture on this site?

 

Click on post reply, then the little icon that looks like a picture.[IMG]c:\MVC-003F.JPG[/IMG] . Lets see if it works

 

Didn't work. The posting rules at the bottom left say i may not post post attachments. Perhaps that is the problem.

40 and gray is a relief after 90 days of hot, but after 150 plus days of 40 and gray, it has gotten old.

Miner

 

The recall fix is another issue entirely seperate from the main problem with the transmissions in the cars. Call Acura corp. and register the car under your name. You can give them the VIN and they can tell you what has been done to the car and if your car is covered under the extended trans. warranty. (7yrs, 9 mo. or 109K miles) There is a cutoff point in the VINs for the 03s when they supposedly fixed the problem. Total Ask them if the trans. has ever been replaced and if there are any recalls that haven't been taken care of.

 

Go to a local acura dealer and ask for the backlight clock bulb. it should run between 2 and 8 bucks. once u have it you'll have to pop off the dash panel. just take a flathead and pop it out. theres a thread with pics on how to replace the bulb in "problems and fixes" i believe. but once u get ur dash off, disconnect all the wires and flip over ur dash. theres a small white box with a smaller black box above it. the circular thing in the center of the box is the old light bulb. just pull it out, screw in ur new one and put it all back together.

 

Gfaze and DaveS221 ~ Thanks for the tips on the recall and the clock bulb~ I truly appreciate everyone's input!!!