In some cases, if you do it yourself, you’ll need to pay someone to do it for you later.
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This is a warning from a Honda engineer via his TikTok account about a hack that some people are using to circumvent charging to get wireless CarPlay and AndroidAuto features. states.
Creator de4th_by_salad (@de4th_by_salad) posted the PSA on Monday. As of this writing, it has received over 25,200 views. In it, he tells viewers that while they may think the internet has given them a workaround that they can save to a flash drive and install themselves, it won’t work the way they imagined. .
“Some of you seem to think that if you find a file online and save it to a flash drive, you can upgrade for free,” he points out. “This is a PSA to everyone, because if you do that, you’re going to break your radio.”
He shows a car with a radio hidden by an ominous message that says, “Please insert a USB drive containing a valid software license file and press the OK button.”
Then explain, “The only way you can get past this screen is if you have license file information on that thumb drive.” It’s available from Honda, but he claims it costs $115 and you have to take it to a Honda dealer, where they’ll charge you an hour of labor time for a technician to do the magic. There is.
“As I said, this message will be deleted because otherwise the radio will not work. You won’t be able to get past the screen at all. It’s okay to disconnect the battery. Even if you try to connect the scan tool. No problem, you won’t be able to get past the screen until you enter this license file information. So I just want to save you some headaches.”
He also points out that third-party wireless devices are also an option.
@de4th_by_salad #carplay #androidauto #accord #wireless #honda #mechanicsoftiktok #diy #dealership ♬ Offbeat Suspense Indie Comedy (1115050) – Kenji Ueda
When did this start?
Honda issued a news release on January 30, 2024 touting this innovation.
“Honda is offering an exciting new dealer-installed feature upgrade that enables wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ functionality on approximately 631,000 Accord models from 2018 to 2022 model years.” is stated in the release. “This new initiative is part of the company’s broader sustainability efforts to maximize the lifetime value of Honda vehicles in the market by offering upgrades and new digital services.”
Honda touted this as part of its long-term sustainability plan. “This quick software update allows customers to take advantage of the hardware already installed in their Honda vehicles and enjoy seamless connectivity through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,” said American Honda Motor Company. said Jay Joseph, Vice President of Sustainability & Business Development at . , in release. “Enhancing the ownership experience and market value of Honda vehicles already in use is a key strategy in pursuing our goal of zero environmental impact by 2050.”
The release states that this upgrade can be installed by an authorized Honda dealer via the Honda DreamShop for an MSRP of $112 plus dealer labor.
What do people think?
Commenters weighed in on the tech’s advice, which for at least one person seemed too expensive.
“Is the $115 license and 1 hour of shop labor because you don’t need to connect your phone?” one person opined. “Just connect.”
Another said: “We already pay a lot of money for our cars. Wireless Android Auto and CarPlay should be offered from the start.”
Someone else reported being arrested by Panasonic, which manufactures Honda radio units. “The same thing happened when we first unzipped the file. After 45 minutes on the phone with a tech and a call back from Panasonic, they realized what we had done.”
Another advised, “Remove that radio and install an aftermarket unit.”
But another person warned: “It’s fun until you can’t reset the maintenance, lights and tire pressure lights.” Or change either the door lock settings or driver assist settings. Aftermarket radios are a big no-no. ”
The Daily Dot reached out to the creator via direct message on TikTok and Honda via email.
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