2003 Accord Radio and Electrical Problems
 

In August I purchased a 2003 LX for my daughter. We liked the car, it was clean, new tires and new battery. In September we noticed that when the car was stopped with the engine off the radio would turn itself on and off. If the car was shut down with the radio on, the radio would come on for about 10 to 15 seconds and then shut off. if the car was shut down with the radio off, only the face display would illuminate for 10 to 15 seconds and then shut off. this cycle will repeat itself every few minutes.

According to the previous owner the original radio broke in 2004, was replaced with a used radio and then in 2010 the used radio broke, the original radio was repaired and re-installed in the car.

We also find that from time to time when the driver's door is opened that the "lights on" or "key in ignition" chime will play even though the lights are not on and there is no key in the ignition.

Any ideas?

Mark

It sounds like you have two problems that may or may not be related.

The electronics in the radio just may need to be repaired or replaced.

The lights on chime is part of the multiplex control unit. You would have to check the inputs to figure out why it is not acting properly. I don't have a wiring diagram that would help. A Haynes manual may have this info.

The only way the two problems could be related is a ground problem. If there was a loose/dirty ground, then cleaning it and bolting it back down could solve your problem. Don't know where your grounds are located either.

The online manuals thread in the DIY section has a spooner link that will have an 04-08 acura tsx manual you can download. The TSX is similar to the accord and share some components. It may give you an idea of where the grounds are located.