I just brought my '97 Civic HX home Sunday, three days ago.
Am now working through various issues, so far no show stoppers.

I have the remote door lock but it's not working. I put in a new battery and now the 'Panic Mode' works - horn goes off if I press the red panic button, pressing it again shuts horn off.

However door locks don't work. Owners manual says if you install an aftermarket stereo the remote lock won't work. Someone did install a no-name stereo.

What next? Is there a way to get it working without putting in a Honda stereo? If I DO get one (junkyard?) will it work right off, or do I need to program the system?

 

You need to have the stock 96-98 radio. It only needs to be powered up with the power locks plugged into it. You can get a harness from best buy, circuit city etc., that will allow you to keep the aftermarket stereo. Most guys hide the stock stereo behind the dash. You will have to program the remote, but thats no big deal. Check to make sure you have the power door lock module. Its located in the drivers door. I don't think Hx models came standard with power locks.

Does the passengers side lock when you lock the drivers side at the switch? If it does, the module is there.

 

Thanks - harness from Best Buy etc. sounds like a reasonable deal.
It does have the setup - the switch at drivers door works left and right locks. Drivers outside key hole also locks the passenger side door.

 

Should be good to go then if you pick up a stock radio. You can also get the radio harness from ebay. Search for " Harness" in ebay motors for a 96-00 civic. It will be less then 10 shipped to you.

 

OK - old stock Honda radio and a harness.

And will I have to program the remote?
What do I do for that?
I'm sure I'm nerdy enough for the job but where's the how-to?