SD 455

My factory radio is gone, previous owner installed an aftermarket (that sucks).
Dome light and keyless are inop of course. I'm an old fart and want
my keyless and dome light to work again as intended/ designed.
I have the key fob, and it lights up when I press the buttons.
The power locks work as they should otherwise, when activated
by the door switches. If i went to a dealer, would they be able to tell
what radio was in the car originally and what information would they need
if this is possible?
Leaving a pic of the keyless fob. 96 ex civic. thanks in advance..jim

Former User

Check whether the old stock radio is hidden behind the replacement. If not, scout junkyards for stock 96-98 Civic LX or EX radios.

SD 455

Is there only 1 type of stock radio for ex/lx? Will the dealer need a vin from the car the radio came out of in order to determine the wake up code? Or is that not relevent in this case?

Former User

Why would you choose to buy an overpriced stock radio from the dealer? Scout junk yards.

The 96-98 Civic radio has the keyless function if it has the slot for connector B (keyless/security system) at the rear of the radio.

Connector A


Connector B

SD 455

I was not sure which radio to look for in the yard, and that info you provided
is very useful. (I thought I'd have to check with dealer first)So now that I know what to look for, is there any reprogramming needs to be done to wake up
the radio and keyless to work?

Former User

Also check eBay.

SD 455

Thank you sir. I'm on it...

SD 455

I was able to get a radio from a 97 civic at the yard. It had the remote
CD changer option, but the hook ups on the back of the unit matched the
plugs in my car. No need to have a wake up code for the radio, as it was
plug and play. I did however learn that in order to program the keyless transmitter,it was necessary to hold the "valet" button down for the entire
process, and the unit will exit the programming process on its own.
So anyone doing this, hold the valet down the WHOLE time, and don't let up
till you see a display on the radio face. I overthunk the process and it took
a few tries...Bottom line, I now have radio AND keyless remote feature,
and a working dome light. Total cost was $12.00, (1.00 cover to get in).
A special thanks to RonJ...I know this stuff is an afterthought to you sir. Wish I'd had this kind of information when I was still in the field. I am a happy boy.
This place is awesome, keep it comin

Former User

Schister66

for our resident Civic expert. Keep up the good work buddy

Former User

Thanks comrade!