[Other] Common ICE questions

[FWH]

Are the Honda upgrades like Bassworks any good?

Most people feel that they are not value for money.
speaker upgrade kit - sound quality ?
Bassworks Kit


Does the head unit play MP3 CDs?

Yes.

It also displays some id3 tag data.
On satnav cars this is displayed on the main satnav screen: Satnav demo - Civinfo Wiki
On other cars it is displayed on the aircon / radio display.

It also plays WMA files, but no other formats.

To make an MP3 or WMA disc, look here:
How to make an MP3 CD - Civinfo Wiki

The 6 disc changer only plays audio CDs, not mp3s.


Does the Civic has an AUX in, for connecting an mp3 player or similar?

No.

There is a Honda ipod adapter, which most people feel is expensive and limited in it´s functionality.
There are several aftermarket solutions:
Connecting an MP3 player - Civinfo Wiki

See also:
Various MP3/iPod/iPod Touch Input Solution Diagrams

They do not however show and id3 data on the in car screen.

You can of course also use an FM transmitter, although this does have limitations with regard to sound quality.
How To: install a radio transmitter for MP3 players


Can I upgrade the speakers?

Yes.

There are aftermarket products that most people feel are better and better value for money than the Honda upgrades.

Front doors: Mod - install Infinity front speakers - Civinfo Wiki

Rear of a 3 door: Rear Speakers - Replacement with Coaxials (3 Door)

You can also add some sound damping material:
How To Dramatically improve speaker sound quality for £40 (Dynamat)


Does the original head unit have line out connectors for connecting an amplifier?

No.

But, you can use a Line Out Converter (LOC) to convert speaker level signals to line level signals.

Or, use an amplifier that can directly take speaker level signals.


Can I add a subwoofer?

Related to the question of the amplifier above.
Yes you can, have a look here:
Subwoofers - Civinfo Wiki

There are several other examples of ICE installs in both Ipods, MP3 Players and ICE - Civinfo and How To - Civinfo.

For example:

How to install an entire ICE system

My sub/speaker install

My ICE (lot's of pics)

Fitting an Amplifier and speakers

[HOW TO] Install a subwoofer and amp



Can I change the head unit?

The original head unit is a central part of the car and needs to be retained. It is not a very easy job, but it has been done.

Changing the head unit - Civinfo Wiki



What type of head unit is in the Civic?

It is a Panasonic CQ-MH5571LC
What is the make/model of the EX hu

It has approx 12W RMS of power.
Power rating of Head Unit (satnav model)


On the satnav model, can I use the satnav and CD player at the same time?

Yes.

The satnav uses a seperate DVD player in the glovebox.


On the satnav model, can I use the DVD to play films on the screen?

No.

But, with some fairly extensive modifications, you can play films on the screen.
[How to] Connect Video Source to Navigation System


Further questions?

Before posting a new question, also have a look at Links to some guides

You can always check for the latest information in the Wiki: Main Page - Civinfo Wiki
or try a search: Civinfo - Search Forums

[Bog]

Good post FWH!

This should be a 'Sticky'

[illegalhunter]

Great post , & i didny no somebody had changed the rears.

[Munro]

Originally Posted by Bog

Good post FWH!

This should be a 'Sticky'

I agree, a great summary for those thinking about ICE upgrades.

One new diamond for me was finding a good / easy route for a power cable for a sub "i ran the power cable from the battery, there is a plate behind the glove box which is where the wirring loom would be if the car was left hand drive."