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A new stereo for a 2015 Honda Fit

Crutchfield hands-on vehicle research in action

Alex with her 2015 Honda Fit

A DIY installation that helped everybody

Alex, one of Crutchfield's web designers, told us about her displeasure with the factory audio system in her 2015 Honda Fit. After a little research, we determined this could make an interesting DIY installation project. We could help Alex upgrade her sound system, and she could help us by letting us research a couple things about her Fit.

Shortcomings of the factory stereo

More than anything else, Alex disliked the volume controls on the factory Honda radio. It had a touchscreen slider that didn't respond well to her touch. Since she was getting a new radio, she knew she wanted it to have a big volume knob that she could grab without searching for it. Alex also wanted to upgrade the overall sound in her system. It was a little thin and uninspiring, which was hardly up to her standards as a musician.

Retaining factory inputs and cameras

Alex wanted to retain as many of the factory convenience features as possible, including the Honda's steering wheel audio controls, USB input, and the side- and rear-view cameras that display on the radio.

When we took a look at the information we had on the 2015 Honda Fit, we noticed we do offer a basic wiring adapter for radio installation. But if we used this adapter, Alex would lose all the factory features she wanted to keep.

We dug into some similar Honda models from the same year, like the Civic. We discovered that the wiring was similar in the two cars, and for the Civic, we offered an interface from Axxess that looked like it would work in the Fit. With the aid of our Tech Support group, we helped Alex test this interface in her Honda Fit.

Clarion VX405 DVD receiver

A new stereo to suit her needs

Since she stated her requirements quite clearly, it didn't take us long to identify a radio that worked for Alex. The Clarion VX405 DVD receiver included the touchscreen for controlling her music and calls, while also offering a display for the video feeds from the vehicle's cameras. There were HDMI and USB inputs on the back of the radio for a clean look in the dash. And yes, it had a big ol' volume knob to seal the deal.

And it's worth noting that, while the Clarion VX405 is no longer available, you can check out our full listing of current DVD receivers.

Alex uses Bojo panel tools to release the panels around the radio, so she can unbolt it from the dash.

Alex uses Bojo panel tools to release the trim panel around the radio, so she can unbolt it from the dash.

Alex removes the factory radio

Another tricky part to this installation was the fact we hadn't yet created a set of MasterSheet™ instructions for Alex's Honda. Luckily, our Vehicle Research Team had already researched the Fit, so our Tech Support crew had info they could share with Alex, just as they would with any of our customers.

We let Alex know that she had to remove a few layers of panels and three screws to get the factory radio out from its perch in the dash. Once she had these details, she attacked it like a pro. The radio was out in a matter of minutes.

Alex uses Posi-Product connectors to connect the radio's wiring to the Axxess interface.

Alex uses Posi-Product connectors to connect the radio's wiring to the Axxess interface.

Wiring the new Clarion stereo

When first looking at the Axxess HDCC-02 wiring harness, Alex seemed a bit daunted by the huge mass of wires. And this was compounded by the wiring for the Axxess ASWC-1 steering wheel interface, which let her keep her steering wheel controls.

However, both of these harnesses work together to simplify the wiring side of the installation. So, Alex received a couple of helpful tips from our Techies, and she patiently matched the colors of the wiring harness to those of the Clarion. She used Posi-Product connectors for secure connections.

Alex connects the wiring harness plugs

Alex connects the wiring harness to the Honda's factory plugs.

Mounting and testing the new stereo

Metra's installation kit for the Honda really makes the new stereo look like it belongs in the Fit's unique dash. It even included two slots for the hazard light switch and airbag indicator, which detached from the factory radio. Alex assembled the kit and attached it to the Clarion radio. After plugging in all of the harness connectors, she mounted the entire assembly loosely in the Honda's dash.

Alex secures the dash kit's brackets to the chassis of the Clarion receiver.

Alex secures the dash kit's brackets to the chassis of the Clarion receiver.

After a quick test and a little tweaking, Alex and one of our Tech Supervisors, Joel, dove into some deeper testing of the new Axxess harness. Alex retained the steering wheel controls she wanted, and the factory backup camera video feed displayed on the Clarion screen when she was in reverse, just as it should. Mission complete!

Joel and Alex wire up the new radio.

Joel assists Alex with wiring the Clarion to the factory Honda wiring.

New speakers for better sound

To complete her new system, Alex installed Sound Ordnance speakers to replace her stock speakers. They helped provide better clarity and definition that the original system wasn't delivering. She chose a set of Sound Ordnance P-67CB components up front, and matched them with a set of Sound Ordnance P-67B full-range coaxial speakers for the rear doors.

Upon first hearing the system, Alex lit up.

"It was a huge improvement right away. I knew I wasn't getting everything I could out of my music. I can really feel my music now, and I love having a volume knob I can use to crank it up quickly."

Before and after of Alex's Honda Fit

The Honda's factory radio is shown on the left, while the right image shows the Clarion neatly secured into the Metra dash kit.

Crutchfield is here to help

When you purchase from Crutchfield, you get lifetime tech support for the products you buy. This includes any help we can offer, such as the data we collected on Alex's Honda, even though we hadn't yet created the MasterSheet instructions for the Fit. You can call, email, or chat with us about any questions you may have when considering a new system.

Alex with the new Clarion VX405 receiver installed

Please share your thoughts below.

  • Commenter image

    Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield

    Posted on 11/27/2017

    Bruce, this harness allows you to retain use of the factory cameras, LaneWatch included. Apologies to all for the delay. If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to call at the number above. An Advisor will be glad to help!

  • Bruce S. from Spokane

    Posted on 11/24/2017

    Has there been anyone that can confirm or deny that the side camera still works. Also any recommendations on a great HU ??

  • Justin from Snohomish

    Posted on 9/18/2017

    How did you managet to keep the Lane watch camera system still functioning if at all?

  • Ronnie Greher from Liverpool

    Posted on 8/6/2017

    Still waiting to hear if Lane Watch was retained. If so, I'm ready to upgrade my radio, including an XM module.

  • Yao from Fresno

    Posted on 2/20/2017

    Jake, please let us know. I to would love to upgrade my HU if I can retain all of the features.

  • Jake

    Posted on 2/14/2017

    Jason - I spoke to someone at Crutchfield and I believe it will be retained. Going to buy it now and report my results back here.

  • Jason

    Posted on 1/3/2017

    The article does not state whether the side camera Lane-watch system was retained. That information is important to all of us with EX/EX-L trims that don't want to run a LOC behind the OEM head unit. What was the result?

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