Radio reception in 2005 Civics.

[TeeNB]

I just bought a 2005 Civic SE 2 days ago and had a couple questions? The radio works great, sound is really clear. But I just bought a FM transmitter for my Ipod and I'm getting a lot of static on pretty much every frequncy I turn it to, and I'm not really sure why since my older tercel had no problems with static. Also, this may be a stupid question but where is the antenna, or do newer generations have a built in one? One more question, I was reading the manual found out I never got the audio code, could I go to any Honda dealer and get it or should I go to the dealership where I bought it(I didn't buy the car at Honda)?

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[Awjvail]

The reception of your iPod FM transmitter is crappy because the antenna is built into the rear windshield. The only version of this generation of Civic that has an external antenna is the Hybrid... so you might be able to buy that part and use it in lieu of the built in one for a stronger signal.

Yes, the Honda dealership should be able to get the code. I think there is a thread on this forum somewhere that can help you retrieve it too.

[gearbox]

fm modulators were never that great to begin with. much worse than an actual radio station. why are you using that way to begin with? even with a factory deck, if it has a cd player and a cd changer port in the back (all civics with cd players 2000+ have changer ports), you can just get a conversion that goes from the cd changer plug in the back to the ipod, either directly or with a stereo mini jack. i just bought one for my alpine hu cause im tired of carrying around and fooling with so many cds. one end has ai-net plug for the deck, other end is just an earphone jack.

[TeeNB]

Something like this:
http://www.soundgate.com/upload//productimages/0902.jpg

I don't really know much about car audio, but I'm sure I can figure out how to get it into the back.
Maybe I should get the audio code before I mess around with the deck.

[Awjvail]

Originally Posted by gearbox

fm modulators were never that great to begin with. much worse than an actual radio station. why are you using that way to begin with? even with a factory deck, if it has a cd player and a cd changer port in the back (all civics with cd players 2000+ have changer ports), you can just get a conversion that goes from the cd changer plug in the back to the ipod, either directly or with a stereo mini jack. i just bought one for my alpine hu cause im tired of carrying around and fooling with so many cds. one end has ai-net plug for the deck, other end is just an earphone jack.

Where would I purchase one of those?

[gearbox]

this is more complicated and has rca outputs too. a bit pricey

http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-Spec-iPod-to...item439ac587f0

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-...fAudioQ5fVideo

also i checked your SE double din factory deck and it does have the cd changer plug in the back so you will be able to use a conversion kit. i wasnt able to find a cheaper cable that just has the round cd changer plug on one side and a mini headphone on the other side. to be honest im not sure exactly how these work or if the plug is the right size. the cable i got was much simpler for my alpine.

[TeeNB]

I think a deck with a USB port may be the way to go, so it charges and I can use it in the car at the same time.

[gearbox]

ya if youre not set on keeping the factory deck, there are so many nice double din units out there with touchscreen and all and alot of them have usb and easier ipod connections. youre kinda limited with factory parts.

[TeeNB]

Now I'm back to considering the keeping the stock deck for a while.lol

I've been reading on the iPod Interface Cables, and they all say "charges the Ipod and you control it from the deck". The problem is, I want to control my music from the Ipod and not the deck. I'll have to find out what kind of brand the stock deck 2005 SE civics is, before I buy a cable.

[gearbox]

i think its pioneer. but the cd changer port is a standard honda i think. you would have to take it out and look at what the free plug is. and there is usually no way to control the music from the deck if you use an aux cable like that. must be controled from the ipod or other music player. all that cable conversion does is pass the music from ipod to stock stereo and speakers. i think the only way to control an ipod from the deck is with an aftermarket deck like alpine and the available ainet-ipod interface. but thats because the deck was made to work with ipod to begin with.

[tbohar]

Originally Posted by TeeNB

Now I'm back to considering the keeping the stock deck for a while.lol

I've been reading on the iPod Interface Cables, and they all say "charges the Ipod and you control it from the deck". The problem is, I want to control my music from the Ipod and not the deck. I'll have to find out what kind of brand the stock deck 2005 SE civics is, before I buy a cable.

There are huge advantages with controlling your IPOD music from the deck. #1 of course is being safety. It's much safer to change the song by pushing a button on the deck than it is to pick up the ipod and search for the song. I know this from experience. Its even worse than talking on the cell phone. You can also keep the Ipod hidden from view in a safe spot in the car, and never have to move it unless you want to listen to it outside.

[gearbox]

very true, i was gonna hook up my mp3 player and leave it on the chair, but i know it will distract me so now im not so sure. the deck controls are much easier to see and use. so im prolly stick with the cds.

[vsTerminus]

The problem I've found with iPod-ready decks is that unless you have a touch-screen where you can scroll quickly, it can take a long time to get to the middle of your Artist list.

My iPod has ~11,000 songs (~600 artists) and so it takes a long time for me to scroll to the letter M, for example. The deck only scrolls so fast and it doesn't have an option to scroll through the alphabet before listing the bands starting with that letter.

So scrolling the iPod is faster, but it's nowhere near as safe as using your deck to do it. Plus you can stash the iPod in your glove box and forget about it. Looks more professional without the wires everywhere.

[tbohar]

Originally Posted by vsTerminus

The problem I've found with iPod-ready decks is that unless you have a touch-screen where you can scroll quickly, it can take a long time to get to the middle of your Artist list.

My iPod has ~11,000 songs (~600 artists) and so it takes a long time for me to scroll to the letter M, for example. The deck only scrolls so fast and it doesn't have an option to scroll through the alphabet before listing the bands starting with that letter.

So scrolling the iPod is faster, but it's nowhere near as safe as using your deck to do it. Plus you can stash the iPod in your glove box and forget about it. Looks more professional without the wires everywhere.

Very good point... I had a Clarion deck with the Ipod interface and not only would it take a long time to scroll from A-Z, it would also take a long time to respond to me pushing the button. Sometimes taking a full two seconds just to change 1 song. That was a few years ago though, and I've heard they improved that big time... But I haven't tried it on my Alpine yet.

[pjb3]

If you need the security code for the radio you can get it from Honda's website. You will need the serial number from the radio but the site tells you how to find it. They also ask for info to be sure you are the registered owner, if I remember correctly you have to give the phone number that was given when you registered your car with Honda. If you bought the car used and never updated the info with Honda there is a phone number on the web page you can call and register and get the security code at the same time. I just received a safety recall from Honda for the air bags in the 2001 Civic so it doesn't hurt to be sure Honda has you listed as the owner.