Please pass this around as much as possible. Thanks to everyone who posted their stories of this problem here and on other boards, now I'd like to share my story. First of all, don't go wasting $300+ so quickly. I have an 03 EX and had this problem occur about a month ago. I searched the boards and found the TSB. After reading how other people called Honda Cust Service and were able to get new radios installed even out of warranty, I gave it a shot. I called HCS and told them about my problem and how I found the TSB and how I wanted to have the audio unit repalced for free. They gave me a claim number and said I would be contacted within a few days. Someone did call in a few days and they said I needed to have a dealer diagnose the problem, then they would let me know what they were going to do. I brought the car in to my dealer and told them I have this problem with the audio/hvac display and I called HCS and they said to bring it in for a diagnosis. I thought someone could look at it real quick and I'd be on my way. Well, an hour later they hand me my keys and the security code for the new radio! They had one in stock and they went ahead and replaced it. I asked if they wanted my claim number with HCS, they said "sure, if you have it."
Bottom line, don't despair, call HCS first and make them aware of your case. Honda is obviously aware that this is a major problem affecting a lot of vehicles. How many dealers stock a replacement audio unit?
I'll post this as a new thread as well. GOOD LUCK!
