If the radio unit has retained the clock and radio settings, it may be an internal issue with the HVAC/Radio unit or one of the electrical connectors in the back of the unit. IIRC, there are several electrical connectors in the back of the HVAC/radio unit that may be for different circuits for the unit. Electrical current is probably flowing through the unit; but, a bump/vibration/etc. may be causing part of the circuitry in the unit to not function (e.g., a break in the circuit) and when just the right bump/vibration/etc. jolts some component that part of the circuit is complete again and works.

The somewhat strange issue is the accessory power outlet going out at the same time and coming back at the same time, they should be on separate circuits.

I hear of HVAC/radio units being replaced all the time on your generation Accord. There were extended warranties and technical service bulletins regarding these units, so it wouldn't surprise me, that your problems is due to the unit.

 

This link has information related to Navigation and Non-Navigation units. Some of it does not pertain to your car. Within the link, is other links that also show a repair of one of the circuit boards.

honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2888142&highlight=radio

In the above link, there is some missing info. as I went back to edit and delete some info. once the OP downloaded it (I had instructed the OP in PM to download ASAP as I was deleting certain info. from that forum).

 

Redbull,

Thank you for the wealth of information. I'll read through as I have some more time and familiarize myself with those other issues. Are you suggesting a radio replacement, or replace a board?

Also, with it working now, and I'll be driving easy until another failure, how could I swap out parts and know that I fixed it?

I agree that the power outlets going out were throwing me off too. My gripe with American Honda is that they replaced the entire unit in 2005 and now they wont touch it (on their dime).

I suppose the only way to test is to pull the radio out and check with a volt meter upon failure.

 

I too am having this same issue on my 05 LX sedan. Both the front accessory plug and the power to the radio is dead. I purchased a new radio and it was working and all of a sudden it died. After checking the fuses I pulled the new radio and checked for power at the plug that goes into the radio. It has power at the battery connection that keeps the clock and memory retained but no power at the wire that comes on with the key turned on.

Does the front accessory plug normally have power all the time or just when the key is on....this is a new car to me so I'm unfamiliar with this feature.

 

Although you stated you checked the fuses, check/re-check fuse No. 5 (10A), No. 32 (7.5A) Fuse No. 9 (15A) in the interior fuse box.

The ignition switch has to be turn to Accessory (I) or ON (II) for the front accessory outlet to have power.

 

Thanks... Fuse 32 was out

 

Glad that it worked out, thanks for reporting back.

 

Greetings!
Here I am again, 2 years later and the problem continues... I had been able to tolerate it for much of past 2 years, but now that it is cold outside it happens almost every day, bump or no bump.

I notice the radio display blinks out and the anti-theft light immediately starts to blink. There must be a connection there and I wanted to know if someone knows which cables to check...

When I lose my radio and HVAC display, my buttons lights stay on, but I also lose my two charging ports on the console (by the shifter and inside). The fact that other part fail, I don't think it's my radio unit, but once I dissemble the plastics, i wouldn't know what to do with the cables... Any thoughts?

 

I've forgotten what year this is.

Sounds like you are missing the main power (sockets and that).

Remind us of the year and trim level....yes, too lazy to go back to the begining.....hint, that is one reason we ask members to put their car info in their signature line.

 

Sorry for the delay, I was traveling last week.


2003 Honda Accord EX V6 Coupe

The radio was replaced back in '05 under the dimming display issue, and I just replaced my O ring for my power steering fluid. The bad o ring was allowing air in and it was giving off a grinding sound when it was very cold out. At least I solved that cold issue! I seem to never have this issue during the warm months.

After more driving, I find myself trying to reproduce the issue, but its sporadic. I could roll over bumps and it will drop (and my security light immediately begins to flash, next to the radio). Or I can be on a smooth highway on cruise control (going 60) and all of a sudden it will drop without warning.

The radio and controls will not display and then the next AM when I turn the car on all systems are go and no trace of an issue.