Disclaimer: Installing an aftermarket radio in your Acura MDX will result in the loss of the center dash speaker and the factory handsfree bluetooth functionality. The steering wheel controls that work with the aftermarket radio are volume up, volume down, next track, previous track and mode. The call buttons will not work with the aftermarket radio. Additional parts may be necessary to keep your factory steering wheel controls depending on the radio you are installing.
Notice: These DIY instructions are only meant for MDXs without navigation covering years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Replacing the radio in your Acura MDX requires you to connect 3 harnesses to your aftermarket radio harness. To complete the installation you must color match all the wires to your aftermarket radio harness. The MDX does not have an illumination trigger. This means you will not connect the orange or orange/white wire of your aftermarket radio harness to anything. You will have to manually dim the radio at night.
Here is a PDF Version
Gray 17 Pin Connector A
| PIN | COLOR | FUNCTION |
| A9 | Black | Ground |
| A14 | Red | Switched 12V+ |
| A17 | Yellow | Constant 12V+ |
Dark Gray 32 PIN Connector B
| PIN | COLOR | FUNCTION |
| B3 | Gray/Black | Steering Wheel Control Ground |
| B8 | Black (RCA) | FL- |
| B10 | Black (RCA) | FR- |
| B11 | Black (RCA) | RL- |
| B13 | Black (RCA) | RR- |
| B14 | Black (RCA) | Subwoofer – |
| B19 | Gray | Steering Wheel Control Output |
| B23 | Blue/White | Factory Amplifier Turn on Input 12V+ |
| B24 | White (RCA) | FL+ |
| B26 | Red (RCA) | FR+ |
| B27 | White (RCA) | RL+ |
| B29 | Red (RCA) | RR+ |
| B30 | White (RCA) | Subwoofer + |
Pioneer/Kenwood/Sony: Most Pioneer, Kenwood, and Sony radios only have one blue/white wire. This blue/white wire must be connected to the blue wires on the connectors provided in our wiring otherwise you will have no sound. If you are having trouble please call or text 877-542-2872.
Gray 2 Pin Connector C
| Pin | Color | Function |
| D2 | Black | Antenna Signal AM/FM |
| D3 | Blue | Antenna Power Input 12V+ |
Disclaimer: Installing an aftermarket radio in your Acura MDX will result in the loss of your factory rear entertainment, dvd player, factory hands free link and external cd changer. You will also lose the factory navigation audio prompts. Your navigation touchscreen will still work. The steering wheel controls that work with the aftermarket radio are volume up, volume down, next track, previous track and mode. The call buttons will not work with the aftermarket radio nor will the navigation prompt buttons on the steering wheel. Additional parts may be necessary to keep your factory steering wheel controls depending on the radio you are installing.
Notice: When replacing the radio in your Acura MDX if you have a 2001, 2002, 2003 or 2004 there is only one connector that will need to be wired to your aftermarket radio. If you have a 2005 or 2006 Acura MDX with navigation then 3 connectors must be wired. If your 2005 2006 Acura MDX doesn’t have navigation then you will only need two connectors. To complete the installation you must color match all the wires to your aftermarket radio harness.
Here is a pdf version
Blue 20 Pin for BOSE system Connector A (All Years)
| PIN | COLOR | FUNCTION |
| A1 | Yellow | Constant 12V+ |
| A3 | White (RCA) | FL+ RCA |
| A4 | Red (RCA) | FR+ RCA |
| A5 | White (RCA) | RL+ RCA |
| A6 | Red (RCA) | RR+ RCA |
| A8 | Gray | Steering Wheel Control Output (All Years) |
| A9 | Red | Switched 12V+ |
| A10 | Blue | Amplifier Turn On |
| A11 | Black | Ground |
| A12 | Orange | Illumination Output 12V+ |
| A13 | Black (RCA) | FL- RCA |
| A14 | Black (RCA) | FR+ RCA |
| A15 | Black (RCA) | RL+ RCA |
| A16 | Black (RCA) | RR+ RCA |
| A20 | Black | Steering Wheel Control Ground (05-06 Only) |
Pioneer/Kenwood/Sony: Most Pioneer, Kenwood, and Sony radios only have one blue/white wire. This blue/white wire must be connected to the blue wires on the connectors provided in our wiring otherwise you will have no sound. If you are having trouble please call or text 877-542-2872
Blue 20 Pin for NON-BOSE Connector A (All Years)
| PIN | COLOR | FUNCTION |
| A1 | Yellow | Constant 12V+ |
| A3 | White | FL+ |
| A4 | Grey | FR+ |
| A5 | Green | RL+ |
| A6 | Purple | RR+ |
| A8 | Gray | Steering Wheel Control Output (All Years) |
| A9 | Red | Switched 12V+ |
| A10 | Blue | Antenna Power |
| A11 | Black | Ground |
| A12 | Orange | Illumination Output 12V+ |
| A13 | White/Black | FL- |
| A14 | Gray/Black | FR- |
| A15 | Green/Black | RL- |
| A16 | Purple/Black | RR- |
| A20 | Black | Steering Wheel Control Ground (05-06 Only) |
White 14 Pin Connector B (05-06 Only)
| Pin | Color | Function |
| B9 | Blue Twisted | GA-NET+ Resistor Loop |
| B10 | Red Twisted | GA-NET+ Resistor Loop |
Gray 2 Pin Connector D (05-06 Only)
| Pin | Color | Function |
| D2 | Black | Antenna Signal AM/FM |
| D3 | Blue | Antenna Power Input 12V+ |
NOTICE: Please select your year and model for installation specific information and what factory features will continue working.
Radio Summary:
If you are looking for the best bang for buck deal the Alpine takes the crown. If you are okay not having a CD/DVD player this alpine radio is equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB Media Playback, Sirius XM Combability and four volt preamp outputs along with the option to add a backup camera or an aftermarket subwoofer. Installing this unit requires you to run a new microphone wire to the visor or other desired location. The USB port is on the back of the radio so you will need to run an extension or flush mount a USB adapter. Our plug and play kit removes the need for any wiring so all you have to do is plug everything in. Our radio kit also allows you keep your factory steering wheel controls, amplifier, speakers and factory navigation in most Acura’s.
Who should buy this radio:
If you are an intermediate or advanced aftermarket audio enthusiast then this is the radio for you. This radio has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth which are its main selling points. But beyond that it has all the audio options that you need to run any kind of aftermarket equipment. The high voltage RCA outputs provide a great foundation to run aftermarket amplifiers and build the audio system of your dreams. They also integrate perfectly with the factory audio system in your Acura to really bring your factory system to life. You can also easily add a backup camera and/or a front camera as this radio has two video inputs. The only downside to this radio is the parking bypass lockout so make sure to order a parking bypass with this radio.
Who should look for something else:
If you are looking for a simple radio with CarPlay or Android Auto then this radio isn’t for you. The Alpine operating system has its quirks and the audio options available can easily overwhelm a beginner. You want to either read the manual or have some experience with aftermarket head units before using this radio. Also if you are looking for GPS Guidance that doesn’t require a phone connection or for the ability to play CD/DVDS this is radio is not a good choice.
About the Alpine Brand:
Alpine has industry recognition due its superior engineering and quality assurance practices. When you choose Alpine you can have peace of mind that you made the right choice and your investment will be protected.
NOTICE: Please select your year and model for installation specific information and what factory features will continue working.
Radio Summary:
If you are looking to add Wireless Apple CarPlay or Wireless Android Auto to your Acura this pioneer radio is one of the best options available. The capacitive touchscreen on this radio is great for controlling your apps on the go. This radio is packed with features it has Bluetooth, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay, wired and wireless Android Auto, USB Media Playback, Sirius XM Combability, an AUX Input, and a dedicated video output. This radio also has the option to add a backup camera or an aftermarket subwoofer. Installing this unit requires you to run a new microphone wire and to run a USB extension to your desired location. Our plug and play kit removes the need for any wiring when installing this radio so all you have to do is plug everything in. Our radio kit also allows you keep your factory steering wheel controls, amplifier, speakers and factory navigation in most Acura’s.
Who should buy this radio:
If you want wireless Apple CarPlay or wireless Android Auto this radio is for you. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are great companions for long trips providing you with guided navigation from Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze. This radio is also great for someone who wants to enjoy Bluetooth audio and use a capacitive touchscreen to control their music. You can easily add a backup camera or aftermarket amplifier for subwoofers to this radio as well. This radio is easy to control it doesn’t have a ton of options to get confused with but it does have enough advanced audio options to achieve your desired result.
Who should look for something else:
If you are looking for built in GPS Guidance that doesn’t require a phone connection or for the ability to play CD/DVDS this is radio is not a good choice. This radio also isn’t recommended for those who want to run a complex aftermarket audio system. This radio works great with the factory audio system in the Acura TL, MDX and TSX but with aftermarket equipment this radio doesn’t have all the recommended settings or high enough RCA output voltage to properly run multiple amplifiers. Installing a subwoofer amplifier is no problem but if you are planning to run a two or three amplifier system then we recommend a higher tier pioneer radio with 4v Preamp outputs instead.
About the Pioneer Brand:
Pioneer is often referred to the gold standard when it comes to aftermarket head units. The pioneer audio quality and the intuitiveness of the operating system installed on the receivers makes them an easy recommendation for enthusiast and professionals looking for a new radio. Pioneer offers a one year warranty on head units so you can have peace of mind that your investment is protected.
NOTICE: Please select your year and model for installation specific information and what factory features will continue working.
Radio Summary:
If you are looking to add Bluetooth Audio Streaming, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to your Acura this pioneer radio is of the best options available. The capacitive touchscreen is great for controlling your apps on the go. This radio is packed with features it has Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB Media Playback, Sirius XM Combability, AUX Input, Dedicated Video Output and the option to add a backup camera or an aftermarket subwoofer. What this radio doesn’t have is a CD/DVD player or built in GPS. Installing this unit requires you to run a new microphone wire to the visor or other desired location. The USB port is on the back of the radio so you will need to run an extension or flush mount a USB adapter. Our plug and play kit removes the need for any wiring so all you have to do is plug everything in. Our radio kit also allows you keep your factory steering wheel controls, amplifier, speakers and factory navigation in most Acura’s.
Who should buy this radio:
If you are new to the aftermarket car audio world this radio is a great option to get you started. The Bluetooth features of this radio allow you to listen to your own music and make phone calls while on the road. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are great companions for long trips providing you with guided navigation from Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze. You can easily add a backup camera or aftermarket subwoofer to this radio as well. This radio is simple and easy to control it doesn’t have a ton of options for your to get confused with but it does have enough advanced audio options for you to achieve your desired result.
Who should look for something else:
If you are looking for built in GPS Guidance that doesn’t require a phone connection or for the ability to play CD/DVDS this is radio is not a good choice. This radio also isn’t recommended for those who want to run a complex aftermarket audio systems. This radio works great with the factory audio systems in the Acura TL, MDX and TSX but with aftermarket equipment this radio doesn’t have all the recommended settings or high enough RCA output voltage to properly run multiple amplifiers. Installing a subwoofer amplifier is no problem but if you are planning to run a two or three amplifier system then we recommend a higher tier pioneer radio with 4v Preamp outputs instead.
About the Pioneer Brand:
Pioneer is often referred to the gold standard when it comes to aftermarket head units. The pioneer audio quality and the intuitiveness the operating system installed on the receivers makes them an easy recommendation for enthusiast and professionals looking for a new radio. Pioneer offers a one year warranty on head units so you can have peace of mind that your investment is protected.
NOTICE: Please select your year and model for installation specific information and what factory features will continue working.
Radio Summary:
If you are looking to add Bluetooth Audio Streaming and phone mirroring to your Acura this pioneer radio is a great choice. This radio has Bluetooth, USB Media Playback, iPhone Media Playback, an AUX Input, Weblink Mirroring and the option to add a backup camera or an aftermarket subwoofer. What this radio doesn’t have is a CD/DVD player, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built in GPS, or Sirius XM capabilities. Installing this unit requires you to run a new microphone wire to the visor or other desired location. The USB port is on the face of the radio for easy access to plugging in your phone or USB drive. Our plug and play kit removes the need for any wiring so all you have to do is plug everything in. Our radio kit also allows you keep your factory steering wheel controls, amplifier, speakers and factory navigation in most Acura’s.
Who should buy this radio:
You should buy this radio if you looking for a new touchscreen head unit that can stream Bluetooth audio and play YouTube videos on the go. This pioneer head unit can play back YouTube videos via the weblink app on iPhone and Android phones when the parking break is engaged. Make sure to add a parking bypass to your order if you are planning on using this feature. This radio is very simple and easy to control so if you are new to the aftermarket audio scene this radio doesn’t have a ton of options for you to get confused with but it does have enough options to achieve the sound you want. This also has USB audio playback for iPhone so you can enjoy higher bit rate music through a physical connection.
Who should look for something else:
If you are looking for built in GPS Guidance, Sirius XM capabilities, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or a capacitive touchscreen this radio is not a good choice. This radio also isn’t recommended for those who want to run a complex aftermarket audio system. This radio works great with the factory audio system in the Acura TL, MDX and TSX but with aftermarket equipment this radio doesn’t have all the recommended settings or high enough RCA output voltage to properly run multiple amplifiers. Installing a subwoofer amplifier is no problem but if you are planning to run a two or three amplifier system then we recommend a higher tier pioneer radio instead.
About the Pioneer Brand:
Pioneer is often referred to the gold standard when it comes to aftermarket head units. The pioneer audio quality and the intuitiveness the operating system installed on the receivers makes them an easy recommendation for enthusiast and professionals looking for a new radio. Pioneer offers a one year warranty on head units so you can have peace of mind that your investment is protected.
NOTICE: Please select your year and model for installation specific information and what factory features will continue working.
Radio Summary:
If you are looking to add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to your Acura at an affordable price this BOSS Elite Apple CarPlay touchscreen double din radio is a great choice. It has Bluetooth, USB Media Playback, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the option to add a backup camera or an aftermarket amplifier for subwoofers. What this radio doesn’t have is built in GPS, or Sirius XM capabilities. Installing this unit requires you to run a new microphone wire to the visor or other desired location. Also the USB inputs are at the back of the radio so you must run the extensions to an accessible location or flush mount USB ports somewhere in your dash. Our plug and play kit removes the need for any wiring so all you have to do is plug everything in. Our radio kit also allows you keep your factory steering wheel controls, amplifier, speakers and factory navigation in most Acura’s.
Who should buy this radio:
This radio is meant for those who want Apple CarPlay or Android Auto but don’t want to break the bank on buying a radio with those features. This radio also great for someone who wants Bluetooth audio streaming/calling and the ability to add a backup camera. The touchscreen on this radio is responsive and has nice colors so using it to control CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth is easy. The tactile buttons also are a great benefit of this radio. Almost all new aftermarket radios are incorporating capacitive touch buttons so its nice to have buttons you can feel and press down. Lastly this radio has an SD card slot so you can access your entire media collection instantly just by adding your SD card.
Who should look for something else:
If you are looking for built in GPS Guidance, Sirius XM capabilities, or Phone Mirroring this radio is not a good choice. This radio also isn’t suggested for those who want to run an aftermarket audio system. This radio works great with the factory audio system in the Acura TL, MDX and TSX but with aftermarket equipment this radio doesn’t have all the recommended settings to run multiple amplifiers. Installing a subwoofer amplifier is no problem but if you are planning to run a two or three amplifier system then we recommend a Kenwood radio instead.
About the BOSS Brand:
While BOSS has been in business for over 30 years some worry about quality of there products and opt for choosing a better recognized brand. The BOSS Elite line of products has really taken charge in the last couple of years and offers a fantastic value to those looking for a great inexpensive radio. BOSS offers a three year warranty on the BOSS elite line of radios so you can have peace of mind that your investment will be protected.
If you are installing an aftermarket radio in your 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 or 2006 Acura MDX this combination of harnesses are all you will need. This harness combo allows you to retain your factory amplifier, subwoofer and navigation. Your steering wheel controls can also be retained with an additional part, the AXSWC. If your MDX has a BOSE system your radio will need to have 4 RCA ports on the back label FL, FR, RR, RL,SUB if your radio does not have these outputs you will need a line out converter. This combo will result in the loss of your factory rear rear entertainment, dvd player, cd changer, onstar and factory xm radio.
The 20 Pin Blue connector in this combo is used to provide:
– Power
– Ground
– Illumination
– Steering Wheel Control + Lead
– Primary Speakers (FL, FR, RR, RL)
-Amplifier Turn on
The 14 Pin White connector in this combo is used to:
– Retain Factory Navigation touch functions including buttons on 2005 2006 Models
The 2 Pin Grey connector in this combo is used to:
-Factory AM/FM Antenna on 2005 2006 Models
This is the dash kit that is used to upgrade your factory radio to an aftermarket radio
- Install dash kit for Double DIN/ISO Radios
- Compatible with 2001-2006 Acura MDX Vehicles with or with out navigation
- Painted black to match factory dash color
- High-grade ABS plastic construction
- Kit Includes:
- Radio Housing
- Radio Housing Brackets
If you are installing an aftermarket radio in your 2001 2002 2003 or 2004 Acura MDX this combination of harnesses are all you will need. This harness combo allows you to retain your factory amplifier, subwoofer and navigation. Your steering wheel controls can also be retained with an additional part, the AXSWC. If your MDX has a BOSE system your radio will need to have 4 RCA ports on the back label FL, FR, RR, RL,SUB if your radio does not have these outputs you will need a line out converter. This combo will result in the loss of your factory rear rear entertainment, dvd player, cd changer, onstar and factory xm radio.
The 20 Pin Blue connector in this combo is used to provide:
– Power
– Ground
– Illumination
– Steering Wheel Control + Lead
– Primary Speakers (FL, FR, RR, RL)
-Amplifier Turn on
If you are installing an aftermarket radio in your 2005 or 2006 Acura MDX this combination of harnesses are all you will need. This harness combo allows you to retain your factory amplifier, subwoofer and navigation. Your steering wheel controls can also be retained with an additional part, the AXSWC. If your MDX has a BOSE system your radio will need to have 4 RCA ports on the back label FL, FR, RR, RL,SUB if your radio does not have these outputs you will need a line out converter. This combo will result in the loss of your factory rear rear entertainment, dvd player, cd changer, onstar and factory xm radio.
The 20 Pin Blue connector in this combo is used to provide:
– Power
– Ground
– Illumination
– Steering Wheel Control + Lead
– Primary Speakers (FL, FR, RR, RL)
-Amplifier Turn on
The 14 Pin White connector in this combo is used to:
– Retain Factory Navigation touch functions including buttons
The 2 Pin Grey connector in this combo is used to:
-Factory AM/FM Antenna
If you are looking to replace the radio in your 2007 2008 2009 Acura MDX with navigation this wiring combo will help you replace the factory radio while bypassing the factory amplifier. When replacing the factory radio in your MDX with navigation with an aftermarket radio you will not be able to achieve full volume control. This is because the amplifier and factory radio utilize a proprietary CAN BUS communication system. That system is responsible for raising volume, fader controls and muting the amplifier. Due to the design of the system both the factory amplifier and factory radio must be replaced in order to install an aftermarket radio. This wiring combo will help you replace the factory radio and the factory amplifier.
This wiring combo provides you with the harnesses and wire to install the aftermarket radio and then connect it to your speakers bypassing your factory amplifier. This wiring harness combo is for an advanced DIY’r there are multiple wiring decisions that must be made. The MDX has a total of 10 speakers which include 1 center channel speaker (3.5″), two tweeters(.5″), 4 door woofers(6.5″), two satellite speakers (3.5″), and 1 subwoofer (8″). All the speakers except the subwoofer get the power to drive the speakers from the factory amplifier. The subwoofer has its own amplifier inside the enclosure.
If you try to wire all the speakers to your radio you will most likely short the built in amplifier in your radio. You need to decide either which speakers to replace or which speakers you will not hook up. You can also use an amplifier to retain all the speakers. We have a 6 channel amplifier you can use to do so. The most common way to hook up your speakers to your aftermarket radio is to hook up the front left, front right, rear left and rear right speakers. This will also keep your tweeters working as they are wired with your front speakers. Wiring the combo in this configuration will eliminate the center speaker and the satellite speakers they will no longer produce sound.
To keep your factory subwoofer working you will need to wiretap the amp turn on wire which is white on pin 23 of the connector with the thin wires going into your amplifier you will also need to hook up the subwoofer wires to one of your rear speakers to provide it signal. The way the factory subwoofer amplifier turns on in your Acura MDX is with a remote wire and DC offset. So you need to tap the white wire and send a speaker level signal to amplifier for it to turn on and produce sound.
Installing an aftermarket radio in your 2007 2008 2009 Acura MDX will result in the loss of the factory navigation system from being responsive. Your backup camera will still work and the map will show but you will not be able to control it. The installation can be simple if you plan to give up certain speakers. If you want to retain them all you will have to be creative with your wiring.
The factory tweeters in your Honda/Acura are clipped into place with three distinct clips. New tweeters don’t have these clips which makes installation hard. There is no way to mount the new tweeter to the existing tweeter housing without cutting or gluing. These tweeter cups hold an aftermarket tweeter and clip right into the factory housing to make installation simple and secure.
The cups can only hold a tweeter that is less than or equal to 1/2″. The JBL and Infinity tweeters fit perfectly but the PIONEER, Kicker, SKAR and many other tweeters are too big.
