Non-HONDA Accessories Can Cause Problems (HSN 0802-09)

Publication date: 2002-08-01
Reference number: HSN 0802-09

NON-HONDA ACCESSORIES CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): HSN 0802-09, Date of Issue: August 2002

HONDA:	All models
CATEGORY:	Honda Service News
APPLIES TO:	All models

SERVICE INFORMATION

Most aftermarket parts aren't specifically designed for Honda vehicles. Using non-Honda accessories can cause a variety of vehicle problems. This handy chart shows you what kind of problems you can expect.

ACCESSORY PROBLEM INFORMATION

Product	Condition	Problem(s)
Alarm	Connecting the system to the ceiling light circuit to monitor the doors.	May overload the safety indicator and burn out its printed circuit board.
Alarm	Connecting the system to the starter cut relay circuit.	The transmission may "think" it's in two gears at the same time, causing A/T DTC P1705 (A/T gear position switch short to ground) to set.
CD Changer	The product uses non-standard wires and connectors.	May cause internal damage to the audio unit.
Cold or Fresh Air Intake System	The system doesn't separate water from air. Driving through deep, standing water can splash water into the engine.	Water in the engine (hydrolock) can bend the connecting rods. Bent rods eventually break and destroy the engine.
Leather Seat Covers	Installing the product in a vehicle with side airbags	May interfere with the occupant position detection system (OPDS) and cause SRS DTC 15-3 (faulty OPDS sensor) to set. Could affect proper deployment of side airbags.
Remote Starter System	Disabling the immobilizer system to install the system. (Some remote starter systems require this.)	Without an active immobilizer system, the vehicle is an easy target for theft. The transmission may "think" it's in two gears at the same time, causing A/T DTC P1705 (A/T gear position switch short to ground) to set.
Seat Heaters	Installing the product in a vehicle with side airbags.	May interfere with the occupant position detection system (OPDS) and cause SRS DTC 15-3 (faulty OPDS sensor) to set.
Starter Cut Device	The product doesn't have enough current capacity to power the starter, causing a drop in voltage.	A drop in voltage can cause the starter motor to grind or the parts of the starter system to fail prematurely The transmission may "think" it's in two gears at the same time, causing A/T DTC P1705 (A/T gear position switch short to ground) to set.
Sub-Woofers	Mounting the product on the floor of the trunk with sheet metal screws.	The screws can damage the onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) components, the fuel tank, and other important parts of the fuel system, causing DTC P1456 [EVAP control system leakage (fuel tank system)] to set.
Wheels	Wheel offset (distance from the face of the hub to the middle of the rim) is incorrect.	Puts extra stress on the wheel bearings, ball joints, control arms, and control arm bushings. Incorrect offset also exaggerates vibration problems and the vehicle's reaction to uneven roads. (See the article "What's Rough, Rutted Road Wander?" in the April '96 issue of ServiceNews.)
Wheels	Hole in the center of the wheel is larger than the hub flange.	Honda wheels are hub-centric. If the hole is too big, the lug nuts are the only thing centering the wheel on the hub. This can cause steering wheel oscillation even if the wheels and tires are correctly balanced.