Retrofit RDX 2020 infotainment control unit
#41
#43
Or wait until the 25 MDX touchscreen comes out and swap that instead, as that software would support the 360 cam.
#44
Intermediate
Thread Starter
The rear view camera does not go to infotainment control unit; it connects to the display directly. I looked at both connections and both has 6 pins. It could work, but without the wiring diagram for TLX , I can not confirm.
#46
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Hi
here are some pictures and video to see the final result. Sorry I posted the first one from another account.
https://youtu.be/uPMvONKLvgs?si
=6uNC4oOo4szu2nUY
here are some pictures and video to see the final result. Sorry I posted the first one from another account.
https://youtu.be/uPMvONKLvgs?si
=6uNC4oOo4szu2nUY
Last edited by bebo; 02-15-2024 at 05:05 PM.
#47
Car Audio LVDS GVIF Video Data Cable Wire Line for Toyota, Honda, Acura, Lexus LVDS GVIF Interface Installation Video Cable
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOdmGAE
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOdmGAE
#48
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Awesome work! Quick question: I ordered all of the parts, and the LVDS cable has the two-pin connector on one end and a different connector on the other end. Did you have to swap the other end to also have the two-pin connector? Is that why a separate two-pin connector was included in your parts list? Thanks, I'm excited to get this completed this weekend!
#49
Ah, I see it now! One ridge is in a different location on the two housings. Thanks for the quick response!
#50
#51
Intermediate
Thread Starter
care to avoid breaking any tabs.
For no.5 and 7 just left it up a little bit to make it easy for you to remove the ac control.
#52
Here are some pictures of what you have to remove. The control unit is hold in place with 3 screws: 2 screws at the top, and u can access them if u remove the ac dash control. The lower screw is easy to access once you remove the cover for the control unit. Check the pictures and be carefull and do it with extra care to avoid breaking any tabs.
For no.5 and 7 just left it up a little bit to make it easy for you to remove the ac control.
For no.5 and 7 just left it up a little bit to make it easy for you to remove the ac control.
#53
Instructor
@bebo You have me dreaming of doing this upgrade in my 2021 TLX. Driving my mom's 2023 RDX makes me so jealous of how much more responsive and stable the infotainment is, not to mention wireless CarPlay. I doubt the 2024 TLX system would be able to retrofit given that it's a different screen and a new instrument cluster. I wonder if the 2022+ RDX system can retrofit with the 2021 TLX...
#54
So I just pulled the trigger on the unit--- what are your thoughts? Think it will work OK for me? I have a 2019 RDX Tech FWD. I couldn't find specific part numbers anywhere for what I would need, so just kind of going off what others have discussed here. Also ordered all of the parts that @bebo mentioned-- thank you for doing all the hard work of figuring this out!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/355483018799
https://www.ebay.com/itm/355483018799
#57
Did anyone else have trouble ordering parts from aliexpress? I just had a shipping courier called piggyship claim that I signed for 4 items from 3 different venders even though I didnt receive a thing. This really sucks because I bought a new unit but can't seem to get the cables and connectors. Does anyone know of a US supplier?
#58
Did anyone else have trouble ordering parts from aliexpress? I just had a shipping courier called piggyship claim that I signed for 4 items from 3 different venders even though I didnt receive a thing. This really sucks because I bought a new unit but can't seem to get the cables and connectors. Does anyone know of a US supplier?
I ended receiving my parts from ali express. Does anyone have any tips or links on how to de pin and crimp the LVDS video connectors?
#60
So I ended up using a dremel with a cutting wheel to cut the plastic part of the connector off. I was very careful about not damaging the metal terminal Once I got the blue plastic part off. I just inserted the metal terminal piece into the new grey plastic connector. I also used the two little black plastic pieces from the new grey connector. I hope that helps. I still haven't installed my new unit. It turns out that I order two males connectors for the 24 and 20 pin connectors. So im waiting on the female ends to get here. I'll be sure to update once I get everything done.
The following users liked this post:
skddoc (06-12-2024)
#61
Hey Bebo, I ordered the control unit and parts from Ali Express. What about the wiring? I saw that you ordered something from eBay for $50. Also, were you able to get the OTA updates working?
#62
Hey Goverstreet,
QQs
I am going to take a video of this for our community with pics for those wanting to know how it is done.
QQs
- I just got my connectors in and wondered what those two black plastic pieces do?
- Do you have any pics of how you installed them?
- Did you get your parts for the harness in? Did you use the existing harness or buy wiring and make a connecting harness?
I am going to take a video of this for our community with pics for those wanting to know how it is done.
#63
Retrofitting a RDX 2023 Infotainment Center to a 2020 RDX
Hey Guys,
I have ordered all of my gear to make the conversion. Thanks to Bebo for the courage to go for it.
I got a 2023 Infotainment Center for a little over 200 dollars. You just have to make an offer instead of buying it right away.
Thanks to Bebo and Goverstreet for the information to get us going this far!! If you have any updates or tips we would all appreciate it! I will post soon... I am planning on doing this over the 4th of July holiday. Fingers crossed!
Any idea of where to get the wiring and how to de-pin and such would be a great help!
I have ordered all of my gear to make the conversion. Thanks to Bebo for the courage to go for it.
I got a 2023 Infotainment Center for a little over 200 dollars. You just have to make an offer instead of buying it right away.
- All the parts that Bebo called out are correct and fit the new unit.
- You will have to have wiring to make an adaptor cable between the 24-pin and the 20-pin. (I am still working on this) May order a harness or something else.
- The LDVS cable came in and it looks like the plug for the new deck is more square and the other end had a newer rectangular plug. (this is the end that will have to be replaced with the ordered parts.)- Any info on how to release? Goverstreet just cut it off. so that works too! lol
- I called the Honda hotline to get my radio code- 1-800-382-2238, just give them your serial code for the new unit and they will give you the code and add it to your file.
Thanks to Bebo and Goverstreet for the information to get us going this far!! If you have any updates or tips we would all appreciate it! I will post soon... I am planning on doing this over the 4th of July holiday. Fingers crossed!
Any idea of where to get the wiring and how to de-pin and such would be a great help!
#64
Hey Guys,
I have ordered all of my gear to make the conversion. Thanks to Bebo for the courage to go for it.
I got a 2023 Infotainment Center for a little over 200 dollars. You just have to make an offer instead of buying it right away.
Thanks to Bebo and Goverstreet for the information to get us going this far!! If you have any updates or tips we would all appreciate it! I will post soon... I am planning on doing this over the 4th of July holiday. Fingers crossed!
Any idea of where to get the wiring and how to de-pin and such would be a great help!
I have ordered all of my gear to make the conversion. Thanks to Bebo for the courage to go for it.
I got a 2023 Infotainment Center for a little over 200 dollars. You just have to make an offer instead of buying it right away.
- All the parts that Bebo called out are correct and fit the new unit.
- You will have to have wiring to make an adaptor cable between the 24-pin and the 20-pin. (I am still working on this) May order a harness or something else.
- The LDVS cable came in and it looks like the plug for the new deck is more square and the other end had a newer rectangular plug. (this is the end that will have to be replaced with the ordered parts.)- Any info on how to release? Goverstreet just cut it off. so that works too! lol
- I called the Honda hotline to get my radio code- 1-800-382-2238, just give them your serial code for the new unit and they will give you the code and add it to your file.
Thanks to Bebo and Goverstreet for the information to get us going this far!! If you have any updates or tips we would all appreciate it! I will post soon... I am planning on doing this over the 4th of July holiday. Fingers crossed!
Any idea of where to get the wiring and how to de-pin and such would be a great help!
Remove black pins
Easier to cut off the sides to slide off the plug cap. The other way was too risky to damage the cable end.
It only slides on one way. It locks when in place. Then add the two black pins that come with it to loack.
That’s one cable down!
#65
I've read this entire post and I'm ready to try it out. I ordered the parts from AliExpress and I've been looking at used infotainment units. I just spoke to my local Acura dealer and they told me that the part numbers are NOT interchangeable. You must match the trim level. Can anyone confirm this??? Here are the part numbers I got from the dealer:
- SH-AWD: 39540-TJB-AF1
- Tech: 39540-TJB-AG1
- A-Spec: 39540-TJB-AH1
- Advance: 39540-TJB-AJ1
- A-Spec Advance: 39540-TJB-AK1
#66
Mike, that makes sense. It was mentioned above as they were going through the part numbers for the trim.
- Mine is the Tech SH-AWD and I got the Unit with Part number- 39540-TGB-AG14-M1.
- Mustachio mentions the different versions above in his post.
- My concern is with having a Tech and SH-AWD I was not sure what to go with... I chose the Tech and so we shall see.
- Mustachio mentions the different versions above in his post.
- When ordering online
- https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ssn...m3561.l161211- This guy was fast and accepted an offer of $225 shipped to me. It has a manufacturing date of 2/23. But, like I said, not sure if it will work since I have both a Tech and AWD.
- I used the wiring diagram that Bebo had above took the parts to a local audio video place and had them make connectors for me.
- $90 - My tech said the wiring diagram is correct but the picture of the connector is turned wrong.
- I am going to take on the project next week and mine is a 2020 as well so I will post by the weekend the results.
- Make sure to call Honda to get your radio code when you purchase the infotainment.
- I am also wiring up an Idlestopper while I have the dash open .
#67
Where is the infotainment control unit physically located? Is it easy to replace it either with same version or retrofit a newer version? My 2019 RDX A-SPEC is having the infotainment screen flickering issue intermittently even after dealer completed the FAKRA recall service, the issue is very intermittent that happens randomly, I brought the car in like 5 times but dealer were never able to reproduce the issue. It happened again a couple of days ago and I was close to the dealer, I drove it to them right away, they looked at it and told me the control unit is bad and quoted me $1888.xx parts + $400 labor to fix it and Acura will not cover it since the car is already out of warranty. I didn't have them fixed the car since the issue happens far and between, came home did some searches and found this thread. The control unit p/n dealer gave me is 39540-TJB-A14 which I found some used one on ebay for $200. I think if issue gets worse to a point that I need to take care of it, I might just retrofit a new version like you guys talking about here. I couldn't find any picture or video showing the actual removal and installation of the unit, most discussions are about making the adapter/cable.
#68
You should call Acura client relations, and ask them to goodwill cover the unit/repair. There is documented evidence (service records even though not duplicable) of the issue occuring before the warranty ran out, so it is not a post warranty problem.
#69
Thank you for your suggestion, @mvl I did talk to the dealer about the possibility of goodwill coverage from Acura, they check my repair history and unfortunately my factory warranty already expired when the first time I brought my RDX in for this issue, the dealer told me this Acura extended warranty on the infotainment only covers replacing the FAKRA, if the control unit turns bad then Acura won’t cover the repair or replacement, which could be true or total BS. I think I will take your advice and call Acura, have nothing to lose.
#70
I called Acura client relations to check if they would cover my repair under goodwill, they asked me to provide all the diagnosis history (from dealer) related to this issue, they will review and let me know. I plan to submit the paperworks and see what happens.
Regarding my original question about where is the control unit located, I don’t know how I missed post #51 from @bebo that shows how to get to the unit. Thanks for all the information!
Regarding my original question about where is the control unit located, I don’t know how I missed post #51 from @bebo that shows how to get to the unit. Thanks for all the information!
#71
Just an update. I ended up getting everything installed. Initially I have issues with my screen flickering. Then I found out that was due to having my LVDS cable folded and zip tied. Once cut the zip tie, unfolded the cable and straightened it a little. Most of the flickering was alleviated. So I ordered what seemed like a better quality cable to replace this one. I also ordered a new connector (smaller square one) to replace the factor LVDS’s connector and utilize that.
Once I get some time. Im going to try both solutions and go with which ever one performs best.
Other than that I’ve had one other major issue. I keep getting a crackling, popping and static noise in my speakers that I didn't have before. It started a few weeks after doing the upgrade. Im not sure if it’s due to wires I used to make the retrofit harness. So im ordering new parts to make a new harness utilizing thicker 18 gauge wires. I originally used 22 gauge wires.
If anyone has any input or experience with this issue (the cracking, popping and static) PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
Thanks!
Once I get some time. Im going to try both solutions and go with which ever one performs best.
Other than that I’ve had one other major issue. I keep getting a crackling, popping and static noise in my speakers that I didn't have before. It started a few weeks after doing the upgrade. Im not sure if it’s due to wires I used to make the retrofit harness. So im ordering new parts to make a new harness utilizing thicker 18 gauge wires. I originally used 22 gauge wires.
If anyone has any input or experience with this issue (the cracking, popping and static) PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
Thanks!
#72
Check the TSB section of this forum. There is a crack/pop tsb that has to do with bad or crimped Acura cables. You can open the TSB and see if any parts you used were imapcted. One part of the tsb is to ensure you do not bend one of the wires too tightly.
#73
#74
Crackling Audio for RDX
Thanks for the update!
I have screen flickering too and figured it was the cheap cable. I thought it wouldn’t be too hard to just use the factory cable by cutting the infotainment end and replacing it with the new plug.
Have you thought of that?
What cable did you order?
Also here is the crackling video from the Acura service tech. The speaker cable connections are bad and they have a warranty by the dealer to repair. It’s take a bit if work but the video also has t the part numbers to order and do it yourself.
Thanks for sharing about the screen flickering as that confirmed my issue.
https://youtu.be/t2qAGPXOAqM?si=qG2UyTqM790TfrZ7
I have screen flickering too and figured it was the cheap cable. I thought it wouldn’t be too hard to just use the factory cable by cutting the infotainment end and replacing it with the new plug.
Have you thought of that?
What cable did you order?
Also here is the crackling video from the Acura service tech. The speaker cable connections are bad and they have a warranty by the dealer to repair. It’s take a bit if work but the video also has t the part numbers to order and do it yourself.
Thanks for sharing about the screen flickering as that confirmed my issue.
https://youtu.be/t2qAGPXOAqM?si=qG2UyTqM790TfrZ7
#75
Photos of install
Guys also be aware that the infotainment control unit is not only year-specific but also it is model spec specific. Mine was a 2020 RDX SH-AWD watch package. So I was fortunate as the parts called for AWD or Tech and I chose the Tech infotainment. I also called Acura and got the security code to unlock it. Initially, the steering wheel controls all took a few minutes to line up by going through the diagnostics tool then everything has been working fine except for the screen fli keeping from a cheap VDMS cable.
#76
Thanks for the update!
I have screen flickering too and figured it was the cheap cable. I thought it wouldn’t be too hard to just use the factory cable by cutting the infotainment end and replacing it with the new plug.
Have you thought of that?
What cable did you order?
Also here is the crackling video from the Acura service tech. The speaker cable connections are bad and they have a warranty by the dealer to repair. It’s take a bit if work but the video also has t the part numbers to order and do it yourself.
Thanks for sharing about the screen flickering as that confirmed my issue.
https://youtu.be/t2qAGPXOAqM?si=qG2UyTqM790TfrZ7
I have screen flickering too and figured it was the cheap cable. I thought it wouldn’t be too hard to just use the factory cable by cutting the infotainment end and replacing it with the new plug.
Have you thought of that?
What cable did you order?
Also here is the crackling video from the Acura service tech. The speaker cable connections are bad and they have a warranty by the dealer to repair. It’s take a bit if work but the video also has t the part numbers to order and do it yourself.
Thanks for sharing about the screen flickering as that confirmed my issue.
https://youtu.be/t2qAGPXOAqM?si=qG2UyTqM790TfrZ7
Yeah, cutting the factory cable is what I might end up doing. Which is why I ordered the extra connector.
Here’s what I ordered.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/165665062141
and
https://www.ebay.com/itm/335321139427?var=544669312691
And btw, great pictures!
#77
LVDS Cable Question
I got all my parts, made all my cables, disassembled the dash, removed the old infotainment unit, installed the new infotainment unit, and now I'm stuck trying to reattach the LVDS cable. My new LVDS cable looks just like the picture by @skddoc and mine is shown below. It has a square blue end and a rectangular gray end, both of which are male. The blue end plugs into the new infotainment unit fine, but I don't know what to do with the other end. In order to plug it into the existing cable it should be female, right? Either that or I need to find the other end of the old LVDS cable, unplug it, and plug in the gray end of my new cable, but I don't know where the other end terminates. Can someone help set me straight? Thanks!
#78
I figured out the LVDS cable. In hindsight, it makes perfect sense... The gray end of the new LVDS cable is snaked up to the display. Once I removed the front-middle speaker cover, I could see the other end of the old LVDS cable. I unplugged that and plugged in the new cable. Viola!
Unfortunately, the infotainment unit does not boot. Or at least I don't see it booting, or hear it booting.
Any tips on how to diagnose that? I'm calling it a night and will pick this up tomorrow...
Unfortunately, the infotainment unit does not boot. Or at least I don't see it booting, or hear it booting.
Any tips on how to diagnose that? I'm calling it a night and will pick this up tomorrow...
#79
It turns out I had a blown fuse. It blew again when I connected the new 20-to-24 pin wiring harness. So, I disconnected the harness and hooked it up to my Ohm meter. It turns out that inside one of the ends, the power and ground wires are touching. They must have pushed through the internal plastic, probably because I used a bit too much solder. Either that or my wire is a bit too fat. What gauge wire are people using?
I will order new harnesses and try to build it again, this time more gently and with less solder. Either that or bring it to a local shop, like @skddoc
I've seen a few comments about screen flickering due to poor quality LVDS cables. Any suggestions on a good one from AliExpress, Ebay, or Amazon? I wonder if a junkyard would let me pull one from an RDX.
I will order new harnesses and try to build it again, this time more gently and with less solder. Either that or bring it to a local shop, like @skddoc
I've seen a few comments about screen flickering due to poor quality LVDS cables. Any suggestions on a good one from AliExpress, Ebay, or Amazon? I wonder if a junkyard would let me pull one from an RDX.
#80
Hey Chief, sorry for all of the trouble you are having. The shop was the best alternative for the sodering and pin installation for me. On the LDVS cable, I would just cut off the original grey connector cap at the infotainment end and refit with the blue cap. The cable has to be run perfectly with no bends to keep it from flickering and the factory cable obviously works the best and is routed the best way.