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How to: Install the Xcarlink in a 2008 Civic EX

212K views 277 replies 144 participants last post by  ChampagneSilver  
#1 ·
I did this this weekend so thought I would document what I did in case anyone else wants to have a go.
 

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#4 ·
Good one, I chose the Ikea slim hard plastic pallet knife from the cutlery drawer :D.

I fitted the Connects2 Ipod system in a similar fasion, but mounted the box in the recess under the radio cowling but in front of the gear lever, running the connector cable through to the cubby hole under the radio, still nice and easy to hide away, looks completly standard and you can drive it from the steering wheel.
 
#7 ·
Thanks for taking the time to create the detailed document and post it up Tony, its exactly what im looking for.

P.S. Does the USB version work with an iPod? just thinking of going for the USB version as it will add more re-sale value if its non ipod specific.

Cheers.
 
#9 ·
Great Detail you made it look easy bet its not!! looks like my Audio headunit Civic i-Vtec 1.8 I only want to put a iphone/ipod connector still trying to get one at a reasonable price thanks again for a great PDF.

Jacko
 
#12 ·
Just installed the xcarlink with ipod and Bluetooth this morning into my 2009 EX by following these instructions.
I found one of the hardest parts was removing the top panel. After that I couldn't figure out what bit of the audio system to pull forwards. In the end I gave up and tried to fit the Y cable onto the radio with the radio still in place. Looking at the Y cable connector I could tell what to press etc and it was just a case of lying upside down on the passenger seat to achieve it.
I would recommend trying this approach before you try to remove the top panel as you could avoid that hassle.
 
#16 ·
Used this guide today, was spot on. Only comment I can make for any Type R owners is that if you are going to change your gear gaitor, do it at the same thing as I found unclipping the gear gator from the locking nut an absolute pain today and also when I changed the gear gaitor last week!
 
#18 ·
Just wanted to say thanks for the excellent guide. I used it to install my xcarlink. I now I am probably a bit behind everyone else on here on technology in my Type S but since the days of a custom head unit etc.. I think this is the best mod I have ever been able to add to my standard fit honda stereo. As I just wanted this time to have a more factory look. If I had more money I would of probably gone down the root of changing the head unit etc.. but no need.:D

Also I just want to add that when I purchased my unit I had forgotten that a discount code could be used. So I left a customer note just saying that I was a member of Civinfo etc.. and they read the note and gave me a discount even before I had received it. So a really big thanks to Russel (@xcarlink) who also helped advise me before hand to makesure I was buying a unit that was compatible with my stereo. Now I think that is good service. So I would recommend them.

Also a big up to Civinfo.com as I have once again found that I could get a little discount by being a supporter of the site. Thanks Civinfo.com![smilie=ebil-thumbu:.
 
#21 ·
Thanks I dont have much confidence these days unfortunately and would hate to mess it up

I been looking at thsi device thats about to come out but its around ÂŁ180 still need fitting of course

Highway 300Di - In-Car Digital Radio and Audio Adapter with Full iPod/iPhone/iPad/USB Control.
Hi Shrek101, If you don't mind my opinion I think it looks pretty good and I think you would be fine fitting something like that. Just one thing I just hope it is a lot better quality than the 1st model. I don't want to put you off but I had the origanal DAB model and just as it got near end of warranty it went wrong and guess what pure could not care less. I must say the model you are interested in does look a much better build quality. I guess it's like everything everyone has different experiences. If you do get it let us know how well it go's hope you have success. :D
 
#22 ·
I'm unsure how the aux in loom in this setup works; whether it effectively gives an extra aux option or it simply switches between USB and sat nav.

could someone confirm whether you can play music from USB whilst using Sat Nav, as with radio and CD?

Quince
 
#23 ·
I'm unsure how the aux in loom in this setup works; whether it effectively gives an extra aux option or it simply switches between USB and Sat Nav. could someone confirm whether you can play music from USB whilst using Sat Nav, as with radio and CD? Quince
All of these after-market Aux-In products simply emulate a a CD changer, and you plug them into the back of the HU (with or without the Honda 'Y-cable') where the CD changer would be connected ...

The Aux-In therefore doesn't conflict with the Sat Nav (or anything else) - Radio, CD, USB - your choice ! ...

I have a Dension 300, which I can recommend, as it has a 3-way input - USB \ 'iThing' (Pod or Pad or Phone) \ 3.5mm Phono ...
 
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#26 ·
I have ordered a Pure Highway 300Difrom Halfords free fitting until 24/12. I got 10% off discount code found on hotukdeals total price ÂŁ161.99

review here Pure Highway 300Di announced, we go hands-on - Pocket-lint


Total discounts on products: -ÂŁ18.00 Subtotal: ÂŁ161.99 Delivery: ÂŁ0.00 Total: ÂŁ161.99
Hi Shrek101, hope you enjoy your Pure Highway 300Di, let us know what the quality is like you look like you have made a great saving. Interesting review by the look of it they have made some good improvements may well consider it myself in the future if I finally do want to go the DAB route!
:cool:
 
#27 ·
My order has been shipped today so when it comes I sort it out for a day and time for fitting at my local Halfords might be after holidays though. What swinged it for me as it can play usb and dab. I got a pure dab radio for house and sound is excellent. There more great channels on dab than FM at least in my area we have very little choice
 
#29 · (Edited)
It comes with some cables but I am not sure if its right one, the guy at Halfords had a look in a book and said I need this but he seems not 100% sure as he said its first time he has seen one. I wont get it fitted until new year

I dont have Connects2, Xcarlink, Dension. Thats why i got this wanted dab and usb

so what adaptor do I need assuming it doesn't have it? I dont know what Honda HU is I am new to Honda
 
#30 ·
Big thanks for the How-To.
I got one as a Christmas present from my folks.
I rang a local car audio installer who wanted ÂŁ70 + VAT to do the job, reckoning that it would take upwards of 2 hours for a professional!

It took me just over an hour and 15 minutes! I had a bit of a problem in routing the cable, as the previous owner had a Parrot hands-free kit installed, and the control box is cable-tied in to where I wantede to route the cable for the Xcarlink!

For anyone who is daunted by the task of installing it yourself, follow the instructions at the top of the thread, and take your time! It is quite simple really. The most difficult parts were; removing the panel on the top of the dashboard (the clips holding it in place are very strong!); getting the radio unit back into the dash (you have to get the angle right, and give it a good shove once the clips are lined up) and having to work solely in the car as it was chucking it down with rain!! :)
 
#32 ·
I am seriously thinking of getting one but not confident doing it myself

I have heard there is some slight noise on low volume do you get that?

Will it play high bitrate mp3 or other formats?

I got a nice small profile HP usb pen drive 16GB just for stereos had it in my last car its only got around 8mm sticking out once its in the slot
 
#34 ·
Thanks for the offer mns I appreciate the advice you gave.

I did go to a installer around 6 weeks ago, showed him the pdf document for fitting he said it might take 2 hours at a rate of ÂŁ30 an hour.

I miss my tunes on my usb stick, I hate using cd's haven't used them in donkeys years

I dont have a ipod but OH does, but would prefer usb, I hope it will read 8GB stick the sd slot suppose to take above 4gb limit not sure on usb
 
#36 ·
Hope you got that discount code working, if you have emailed them they should hopefully sort it out for you as soon as possible as they were really helpful with me when I purchased my Xcarlink.
You will be pleased to know that I have run my 8GB Cruzer on the unit my 256GB USB Hard drive with 2 partitions and it works a dream. As long as you put the folders in the root directory Example CD01, CD02 (upto CD06 depending on what Honda Stereo you have installed or if you ave the Navigation unit etc..) and don't use really long music file names it will read and play the files and you can save 99 files per folder. I also still had other folders on the Hard drive videos and some software but it just ignores them files. It's great well I am very happy with mine. Another thing I have found useful as well is if you have some great mix cd's you can mp3 the mix cd as one file so you could have mix1.mp3, mix2.mp3 up to 99 just as long as the mp3's are not to big because you do need to remember that it has to read the files before it starts to check all is correct. Few! I think I have put everyone to sleep:):cool:.
 
#37 ·
Thanks Pete for your advice. Yes Halfords to there credit as good at refunds. I dont make a habit of taking stuff back but I didnt want to spoil the look of wires I have enough spaghetti at home on tv/audio set up :D

I will order one in new year once code is working, looking forward to playing my DM tracks :)

I really loved have dab in my area FM gives little choice, dabs great for choice. The kit looked great its just a shame we stuck with a stereo that is hard to replace.

Hope everyone has a happy new year