My Sat Nav disc reader in my Honda Accord Exec 2003 has gradually been getting worse, as the cold weather arrived it used to takes ages to read the disc and gradually took longer to fire up. This deteriorated even more to it finally reading the disc and having to replot the whole map. The disc reader has now finally packed up giving the message that it is unable to read the disc. Even tried a head cleaner to no avail. I am looking around for a replacement but does anyone know how you remove the old unit. I assume you start with the screw behind the ashtray. Beyond that I haven't a clue.

Alan, January 2008

Final Update

Received it back 16/1/08 after paying £160. It appears they replaced the lenses and a couple of other bits, 3 month warranty. Fitted it and it's working fine. Need to be in open space when you fire it up as it needs to set its GPS. You will lose all favourite places and home but no great problem with that.

Job done, Hope this helps anyone else with similar problem

Cheers

Alan, January 2008

Update - Good news - If your unit is an Alpine then Alpine, whose service centre is in Milton Keynes, will service it for £150 - 00. They state that the change in weather causes condensation within the unit which causes grime to build up on the lazer lens. both sides. A DVD lens cleaner may solve it (Didn't in my case) but then the cleaner will only clean one side of the lens.I have packed it off to them (£7.50 registered) and look forward to its return.

I was quoted £3200.00 by my Honda dealer!!

Alan, January 2008

Well I got it out as follows

1. Remove ash tray
2. There are 2 screws holding ashtray unit in, One in the centre and one to the right hand side. both posidrive and both at a 45 degree angle. Dont drop them into the housing, lots of wires in there.
3. Select 2nd or 4th gear (It gets lever out of the way)
4. Lift unit out, as you do it will also loosen the gear lever/heated seats plate. pull this back out of the way and disconnect the 2 wiring looms and light from the ash try casing.
There are release clips on the looms and turn and pull the bulb holder.
5. When removed, 2 more screws are exposed on the bottom left and right of the SatNav panel, unscrew these
6. The panel is now only retained by 2 hidden clips. By pulling the panel towards you and down slightly place a flat blade screwdriver gently in the vertical gaps created between the sides of the panel and outer trim and lever the panel, it will un clip.
7. The retaining bracket for the DVD reader is now exposed. 2 bolts in the top of the frame and 2 nuts below need to be removed.

Un clip all the connectors to the back of the unit and hey presto it's free!

Now all you've got to do is find a replacement unit!!!

Oh and another thing. when out the touch display screen does not function at all while the unit is disconnected.

I'll let you know how I get on finding a unit and if it resolves the problem.

Alan, January 2008

I have the same problem in my 04 Accord. I have searched for spares without success. Honda quoted £4200 yes...£4200 !!! to fix it!!!
If you have any luck let me know - I will do likewise. My e-mail address is nigel_pierlejewski@yahoo.co.uk

Nigel, January 2008