Compatible CD/MP3 Changer for '98 Civic Radio/Keyless?

If you'd like to email me directly, use the following
address:

funkychateau at yahoo dot com

I have a 1998 Honda Civic with this standard radio:

http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/funkychateau/vwp?.dir=/Yahoo!+Photo+Album&.dnm=98+Civic+Radio.jpg&.view=t

I wanted to upgrade to a unit with MP3 playback capability,
but learned today that the factory radio is part of the
keyless entry system. I believe that it is possible to
get a compatible CD changer, install it in the trunk,
and retain the factory radio system.

Has anyone done this with this particular radio, and can you
give me a list of units from which to pick?

best regards,

Martin

 

You could add one of these cables and then plug your portable MP3 (or
Cd) to you stereo:

http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.asp?product_ID=Hon-Aux

If you had the fancier stereo that has the CD already in if (from eBay),
you could still plug your portable MP3 into the 'cassette/CD changer'
plug on the back.

'Curly'

 

Thanks, but I'm looking for something better integrated, so I can
use the cd/tape controls on the stock radio to control the remote
changer. I'd heard that these are available, still looking for
someone who knows the particulars.

Martin

 

Go to http://www.pie.net. They sell adapters that will let your factory
head unit control a variety of different CD changers. This is not one of
the FM modulator + remote control deals, this adapter connects between
the CD changer socket on your factory stereo and an after market CD
changer. Look under "Protocol adapters".

Also check http://www.crutchfield.com, as they may have CD changers
compatible with your factory stereo.

 

I have been told by others who have done this install that they push
the factory radio back into the dash and remove just the speaker wires
from it. Then they connect the speaker wires to the new radio and it
works good. You never have to see the factory radio, and the keyless
entry still works.

Nate