Audio remote switch does not work properly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Acura MDX, 2008 Acura MDX, and 2007 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Check the connectors for poor connections or loose terminals.
Check the vehicle battery condition first.

Test the audio remote switch (see AUDIO REMOTE SWITCH TEST ).
Is the audio remote switch OK?

YES - Intermittent failure, the audio remote switch and audio unit are OK at this time.

NO - Go to step 2.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Turn on the audio unit and check the audio unit operation (volume up, volume down, CH (-), CH (+), MODE).
Is the audio unit operation OK?

YES - Operation is normal.

NO - Go to step 4.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Remove the audio unit (see AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
Disconnect the audio unit connector B (32P).
NOTE: Eject all the CDs before disconnecting the audio unit and CD changer to prevent damaging the CD player's load mechanism.

Reconnect the audio remote switch. While moving the steering wheel about 3/4 turn left and right, measure the resistance between the audio unit connector B (32P) No. 3 and No. 19 terminals as specified in the table.

Fig 1: Identifying Audio Unit Connector B (32P) Terminals

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

AUDIO REMOTE SWITCH TABLE

AUDIO REMOTE SWITCH CHART

Button held down	VOL DOWN	VOL UP	CH (-)	CH (+)	MODE	(NONE)
Resistance	about 100 Ω	about 357 Ω	about 775 Ω	about 1.7 kΩ	about 3.7 kΩ	about 10 kΩ

Is the resistance OK?

YES - Go to step 8.

NO - Repair open or high resistance in the circuit between the audio unit and the audio remote switch. If the wires are OK, replace the cable reel (see CABLE REEL REPLACEMENT ).

Check for continuity between body ground and the No. 3 and No. 19 terminals of audio unit connector B (32P) individually.

Fig 2: Identifying Continuity Between Body Ground And Audio Unit Connector B (32P) Terminals
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES - Repair the short to body ground in the circuit between the audio unit and the audio remote switch. If the wires are OK, replace the cable reel (see CABLE REEL REPLACEMENT ).

NO - Replace the audio unit (see AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).