I would like to install a bluetooth car kit in my 2004 Honda Accord EX V6. Ideally I'd like one that can mute the radio and use the radio speakers. I know that Parrot, Motorola, Nokia and Sony/Ericsson all make such devices. However, I'm looking for recommendations on which device might work best in my Accord.

Any help anyone can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Rich

Rumor has it that it may be offered in the some of the '05's.

When BMW introduced Bluetooth in the 5 series, they also offered retro-kits for earlier models. Any possibility that Honda might do the same?

Rich

I have no idea. If they offer it before they do much in the way of body changes it's possible. Generally the big changes happen in 4 year stretches.

Maybe you can contact the various companies that offer it now & see if they can answer questions about the muting for you.

The Honda hands free cell phone kits mute & use the exsisting speakers, so I'd think when they add bluetooth it would too.

Who knows, you may end up doing what we did.....trading in a perfectly wonderful Accord on one with more bells & whistles! We traded in the '02 EXL V6, just to get the Nav!! I have no regrets, but now do think they should've had info on what they were planning on doing the next year. I would've waited. Of course, that's what they DON'T want!:)

All of the Bluetooth car kits I've looked offer muting. In fact, I purchased the Parrot CK3000 because it had all the features I wanted. My problem has been finding someone that understands the Accord audio system. I keep getting told by local installers that the radio does not support muting. Obviously not so, as I too have the navigation system and as you know the radio mutes when the nav system gives instructions. Not finding a knowledgable installer, I had to return the CK3000.

Again, I've been told by installers (who don't seem to want to help) that using the existing speakers with a Bluetooth kit in the Accord is not possible since the Accord audio system has an integrated amplifier without any options for additional inputs. I really have no way of learning if they're right or wrong.

In a nutshell, my problem is simply finding a person/installer that truly understands both the Accord audio system and one or more of the available Bluetooth car kits.

What's especially painful is knowing that the Acura TL has the same navigation system with Bluetooth! Both the Accord and the TL are made on the same line in Marysville, OH. I'd like to think (hope?) that the '05 Accords will have the same unit and will be able to be retro-fitted. Then I could get my local dealer to do the installation.

Thanks for your help,
Rich

I wonder if the Acura dealer could help you? :confused:

Maybe later, when others see this thread they'll offer more answers for you.

As I understand it, Honda no longer offers the hands-free kit for the Accord?

I'd like to get a kit that integrates with the Honda stereo system, that will work with my phone, an NEC-515. Any thoughts?

Originally posted by Wolffit
As I understand it, Honda no longer offers the hands-free kit for the Accord?

I'd like to get a kit that integrates with the Honda stereo system, that will work with my phone, an NEC-515. Any thoughts?

I am not aware of any Honda handsfree kit either wired or Bluetooth. It would be EXTREMELY nice if one is available.

If you want a wired handsfree kit, I was recently made aware of the products at http://cellport.com/ -- however, it does not look like they yet support any NEC phones. Once agin, the problem will be finding an installer that knows how to make it work with the Accord audio system.

Rich

Ok. Here are some helpful links for everyone. I want the same things you do and after extensive research on the web have found a few things. 1st it is true that Honda has discontinued their hands free kit for the Accords. Apparently they couldn't keep up with the cell phones coming out so decided to nix the kit all together. I did find an aftermarket kit that is identical to the Honda one. You will find the info on it at www.installer.com/speakeasy/
I do not have this product personaly but, like I said after looking at the install instructions for the Honda system and then this one, it is identical.
Also I have heard, as Princess points out, that Honda will have a Bluetooth kit available for their 05 models. I have not heard if they will be backward compatable. (I hope so).
Also check this link out http://www.acura.com/models/model_comfort_handsfree.asp?module=tl#
to see the Acura TL handsfree kit they offer. I am wondering since pretty much all Acura TL and Honda Accord parts are interchangable, if maybe we could use this in our later model Accords? If anyone knows, Please let us know. I believe this will be the same system offered in the 05 Accords.

Manzilla,

Thank you very much for your research. The SpeakEasy looks like a nice unit, but since I'm so committed to Bluetooth for so many other needs, I'd like to go the same way with with a car kit. Besides I've been accused of changing phones much too frequently and a Bluetooth device requires no change in the car.

I'd already located the link for the Acura TL HandsFreeLink™. Your question is exactly as mine: is a dealer installable option for the Acura HandsFreeLink™ available for our 2004 Accords?

Rich

I would think (and hope) that the Acura TL version would be the same as the Accords as long as they are offering it as a later upgrade option. It looks like the same set up on the steering wheel and navi. My only concern would be with the gauges. I wonder if you could also swap those with the TL?

I composed a 2-page letter explaining my need and my perceived options (including the Acura TL possibility) and FAXed it to Honda Customer yesterday. Last time I had such a need I got a very fast reply. I'll keep you updated.

Rich

That would be great to get an answer from them!

Honda Customer Care responded with a suggestion that I might want to ask again after September 15th.

I hope that means that a kit will be available for the 2004s after the 2005s are officially announced. :thmsup:

Rich

That would be sweet! Lets hope thats what they meant. Now if Sprint would just make a Bluetooth phone.

Has anyone heard anything new on this yet?

I have a call into Honda Customer Care--they asked me to call back after mid-September. As soon as I get any news, I'll post what I learn.

Originally posted by rabilancia
I have a call into Honda Customer Care--they asked me to call back after mid-September. As soon as I get any news, I'll post what I learn.

Still no news? I just got a bluetooth phone... :}

Still no news--looks like it's time to write another letter. :(

Just got the official word: nothing this year (2005 models), maybe next year. :(

I did get one suggestion: see if an Acura dealer would be willing to try something for me. :confused:

What's the idea?

Since the Accord & TL are made on the same assembly line in Marysville, OH, perhaps Acura dealers offer the bluetooth HFL as a dealer installed option. If so maybe it will also fit in an Accord with Navi.

That would be nice!!:)

I'm reviving this thread.... we have a new phone that supports bluetooth technology now. We already have a handsfree set up in the Pilot, but would like to go wireless.... has anyone found out about bluetooth & Hondas???

I've continued to try to find a solution but all I keep hitting are dead ends.

I did attend CES in Las Vegas ealier this month and saw a device from Kovol (the KV-188) that may suit my needs (since I can't get the official HFL in my Accord).
http://www.kovol.com/productphoto/188.gif
You can try to read more here (http://www.kovol.com/product/product188.asp).

From the literature I picked up:

Bluetooth Full Duplex Secure Digital Transmission
DSP Echo-canceling system
Noise cancelling internal microphone
Optional [but included] external microphone for optimum sound quality
Compact, light weight, no installation, plug-and-play convenience

As you can see this device (like others) is designed to fit in a power outlet. Unlike others, however, it comes with a separate (wired) microphone that can be placed high for better audio reception.

Unfortunately I can't find anyone in the US that yet carries it.

Found it online!

here (http://www.wholesalecentral.com/itcwireless/store.cfm)

It's only $39 but with a minimum order of $100.

Great for you!

We have the Motorola wireless headset HS810 - 98565H. Good for 30-35 feet.

Now we need to find a thing to make the Hondas wireless.....

It's all new to me..... I don't use a headset....I just don't chat much when driving. He does though & the one he has in the Pilot automatically turns down the speakers, uses the front door speaker for the phone & has a little mic on the dash. He does have to plug in the phone when he gets in, which is the step he's looking to avoid, I guess.

He'll figure something out....eventually.... of it's not TOO much I'll allow him to add it to the Accord.....if he finds one for it too!

I've been using a Jabra headset works fine except it needs to be recharged--hence the need for something like the Kovol.

I'm planning to get one and will report back.

motorola seems to have a bluetooth car kit in development.

http://www.motorola.com/automotive/solution_blnc.html

Most people I know are talking about the Parrot CK3000.

http://www.behandsfree.com/Search.aspx?Keyword=parrot&c1=googleadwords&source=accessory&kw=parrot

I really like the Parrot--so much so I purchased one. Unfortunately I could not find an installer in Colorado that could figure out how to get it working with the auto mute of the Honda Navigation system. I wound up returning it.

The Motorola line may be a better choice since Motorola has better distribution in the US.

I think maybe he'll have to begin his research on it next week. He's still fighting the cold he came back with from Disneyland & this weekend is car service time! I think his is due too..... & the kid's Ody needs attention, it has a rattle that's annoying them & a door leaking water inside. (That one's probably just clogged drain holes form the years of desert dust & now our rain)

Finally I have a solution--not perfect, but quite acceptable.

I purchased a Parrot DriveBlue "Plug 'n' Drive" for use with my Motorola Bluetooth-enabled v600 cell phone. I've been using it for a couple of days. As long as I use an external microphone (an old cell phone headset with the ear piece cut off) fastened to the dash just to the left of the "AM/FM" button, it more than satisfies my needs.
http://www.driveblue.com/images/preview/view_drive_11.jpg
You can read more about the DriveBlue here. (http://www.driveblue.com/(c0kavm55yhuht5boryaeqa55)/Default.aspx?root=driveblue)

I got mine on ebay. It was used and didn't include the normally included external microphone, hence the need for the fabrication. :D

Originally posted by rabilancia
I really like the Parrot--so much so I purchased one. Unfortunately I could not find an installer in Colorado that could figure out how to get it working with the auto mute of the Honda Navigation system. I wound up returning it.

The Motorola line may be a better choice since Motorola has better distribution in the US.

I have a regular motorola kit (hardwired w/cradle) that I had for my Motorola T720c in my Accord. I also had the OEM kit but I didn't like the way the OEM kit muted the navi directions so I uninstalled it.

I bought a V710 (Verizon new every two got me $100 credit with new 2 year contract) which has BT and now I'm looking for a BT kit for it.

However, since I have an antenna on the car, I might just end up getting the V710 hang up cup and replace the T720's. Plugging the cable works fine, even with voice dialing (the 710's voice dialing is schweeeeet, just like the TL.) With the antenna I get full bars everywhere I go, something I'll never get with a BT kit.

EXLNavi, you have the same phones we do! A problem we've run into with the V710 is that Verizon had Motorola remove a chip or two that we'd like to have. We contacted both companies & they basically said "tough noogies". This was to download pictures, etc..... What i'm saying is that I wouldn't be surprised if they also made it difficult in the bluetooth area!

Be sure to let us know if you find out anything!!

Hi princess! :waves:

Sorry I haven't been posting as much lately but I've had tons of homework. The path to becoming an EE is indeed a rocky one.

Well, for starters, be sure to check out HoFo (http://www.howardforums.com).

You can basically hack your phone to transfer stuff but you run the risk of ruining the phone and voiding the warranty. (That's why it's good to have insurance...). Verizon made sure they modified the phone's firmware so that all the bluetooth profiles except for handsfree earpieces (and Acura TL's :) ) and using the phone as a modem are disabled. To be quite honest, I'm really getting fed up of the nickel and diming, and I'm VERY tempted to return this phone within the next 12 days.

The good news is that this is all in software so that you can flash the phone to get rid of the crippling. Also, I have heard that unlocked v710's from Alltel don't have the BT restriction. I am yet to verify that.

Another alternative is to get a transflash card and use that to transfer. That one is more of a pain in the neck but it gets around having to pay 25 cents per picture.

There's currently a class action lawsuit because of the bluetooth crippling though. So who knows what may happen next, although I'm pessimistic that I'm only going to get a $2 coupon towards the purchase of my next Motorola phone from VZ...... (Class action lawsuits were invented only to make lawyers rich).

we ended up using the little memory disc for pictures.... after spending 30 bucks on a connector! It's kinda an ouchy subject! It's not as mcuh the funds as it was a nasty way to find out that they're trying to lock you into getting downloads via their "get it now" thing. It's more limited than we'd like. Being bale to download was one of the selling points, but it doesn't....except for the "get it now". Then we ran into the picture transfer thing.... so we've been reluctant to check the bluetooth..... may end up letting the phone go swimming....;) ;) Other than that type of stuff.... he really loves the phone! I didn't upgrade... I have the Tinkerbell cover for the T720 & I'm not ready to give it up. I don't care about pictures, etc. He's the tech-freak!

I'll pass on the info.... I know he was wanting to go "bluetooth", he got something to do with it when he bought the phone. He likes the Pilot's hands free, but would like to not need to plug in the phone. (He forgets sometimes & has to dig the phone out.) Turning down the stereo & Nav is a plus to him. We never added anything to mine....

I agree about the class action suit.... I'd expect that 2$ coupon to only be good towards a new phone of 500$ or more!!:rolleyes:

Just an update for princess and her hubby regarding the v710 phone.

I flashed mine with a hacked firmware and now I can transfer pics, mp3's, ringtones and wallpaper to and from the phone with either a cable or bluetooth.

It's still not fully open, but it's close enough.

Flashing is not for the faint of heart, since you can fry the phone if it gets interrupted or something else goes wrong. But I flashed mine and so far it works well.

instructions here:
http://irish.typepad.com/irisheyes/2004/12/motorola_v710_b.html

thanks for the link....

question, did you lose any thing you'd already put in your phone when you "flashed" it??

Originally posted by princess
thanks for the link....

question, did you lose any thing you'd already put in your phone when you "flashed" it??

Nope. Nothing was lost. All of my settings, phonebook, datebook, etc was still there, even the pictures I took.

Just to be on the safe side I made a backup. You can do that with the PST software. Also, be sure to re-activate using *228+SEND once you flash the phone.

Well it turns out I had to flash the phone back to its original s/w version.

The reason is that the hacked firmware screws up badly with the motorola bluetooth car kit (which is now installed in my Accord). Callers get all sorts of echos and noise which they don't get with the original software.

So until VZ releases good firmware enabling the file transfer (fat chance of that happening), or the hackers manage to fix the bugs, I'm stuck with my stock from the factory firmware. :(

I flashed mine and I can transfer files to the phone but it crashes when I try to transfer from the phone to the computer, other than that I have not noticed any problems. I did forget to reset my picture quality to high before taking the pictures of the Ridgeline, oops. I also like the outer screen better now, easier to read. I still hope Verizon will offer a fix.

My Motorola hands free earpiece works fine so I will leave it alone unless I develop a problem.

"prince"

Hehe did I hear ridgeline?

Anyway, I did have the crashing problem with superdave's firmware but I found that it went away. Weird.

Which version of Mobile Phone Tools are you using?

Nice to hear the bt earpiece works well. My problem must be a quirk with that particular kit. I'm thinking about selling it on ebay and getting one of the full install parrot kits with caller ID.

I think it's version 3.19 maybe I'll try it again some time

I'm using version 3.11h.

Also, I selected my phone as a V710m and not a V710. I recall I was having problems selecting it as a v710. Don't do the auto detect. Manually select the driver for your phone, and it should work.

Are you using a bluetooth USB adapter or something else?

I set it up as the V710m also, that was the only way I could get it to work at all.

It's Probably easer just to use the memory anyway. I just feel ripped off by Verizon

The version is 3.19e1

This week we bought another V710....this one's for me. He insisted that I get a new phone & wouldn't let me shop by cute faceplates! Imagine! Well, he REALLY likes his phone, so I'll be getting used to it too. He wants me to use his wirefree hands free thing to see if I like it before forking out that 80 bucks or so.

The screen is bigger, but the little tiny letters on the keys are hard for these old eyes to read. I'll learn to love it.... but I HAVE to find a "princess" faceplate!! I've been on ebay daily looking for one, if you see one for it, let me know!

I guess now when I see those interesting cars I can snap a picture! :D Well, I guess I'll need to pick up a card for storing too!

Another bump to this thread.

Do you think it is possible to use the switches from the TL for the steering wheel? Does anyone have a diagram? I am thinking of wiring this up for the Motorola kit.

I started this thread 3+ years ago and am pleased to report that I finally have Bluetooth HandsFree Link in my Accord.

How did I do it? I traded my 2004 EX V6 w/ Navi for a 2008 EX-L V6 w/ Navi a couple of weeks ago. What a great decision!

Thats a hell of a bluetooth car kit. I would have gotten an earpiece or something. lol

Any updates on parrot??
Any successful DIY installs?
I want to get one for xmas but might hold off if I can't install it

Any updates on parrot??
Any successful DIY installs?
I want to get one for xmas but might hold off if I can't install it

Check my sig... I have a parrot installed.

it works well, but there is alot of road noise associated w/ it on calls... still working on a fix. I have mine installed on the dash now, because in the texas heat the screen will wash out when it is attached to the windshield. the installation is simple, get the adapter kit that parrot makes, and it is a plug & play installation.

1. take apart the dash for MP3 player installation <- do search
2. install the Parrot adapter to the 14 or 20 pin harness (can not remember which one) attach the parrot harness to the back of the radio, and you are 50 % done.
3. route wires for the parrot head unit to your desired location
4. route the mic to your desired location
5. reattach all the miscellaneous car parts and you are done

do a search on the parrot 3200ls installation and you will find how I routed my mic. i routed it to the overhead console, thus my road noise problem... I am working on a noise reducer that i can put inline w/ the mic that will reduce the road noise... still a work in progress.

hope that this is helpful on if you want to attempt it. if you follow the honda instructions for removing the interior panels / trim pieces then this is a pretty easy install. the hard part is figuring out where you want everything.... it varies because of peoples tastes, etc. I located mine for easy reach from the drivers side (on dash) btwn gauge cluster and door. (i'm 6'2" so this is an easy reach for me) I'll post some pics when I get home...

sorry for the long post :)

I have one on my 2002 ODY and just installed one on my wifes 1999 accord. I plan on my daughters 2008 Civic next. Pretty clean install

I made sure to put my microphone up near the rearview mirror and away from the blowers and other electronic noise of the dash. Nobody has complained of noise.

The only difficult issue is finding a place to mount the display. The dash doesn't have to many free spots.

Rabilancia:

How do you like:

1- Your V6 EX-L Variable Cyclinder Management (VCM)? Any noise when it deactivates/ activates cyclinders?

2- Your new Navi? Is it 100% voice operated and you absolutely don't need to enter commands manually?

Thanks.