The trailer harness and the VTM-4 fuse ???'s

[avenger]

Hello - I'm new here, so here's my story and a question. I've just bought a new (sort of) '07 RL. I say sort of because it was a re-po from a dealer (2 states away) and it only had 200 miles on it (the price was good ... $22,900 and it's in mint condition with a perfect CarFax report). By the time I bought it all the manuals, etc. were missing (with the exception of the starter booklet). I need to tow a trailer in a few days, so I've already purchased a hitch & OEM harness. Thru this site (BTW, thanks for this resource) I've found out that when installing the harness, a BIG warning is stated re: the no. 4 (20 amp) fuse which protects the VTM-4 circuit. REMOVE the Neg. batt. cable.

Well, among the missing paperwork is (you probably already guessed it) the radio code card. Of course the instant I remove the power I lose my audio. My nearest Honda dealer is over 50 miles away and right now I simply don't have the time to get there during his biz hours to go thru the code routine.

Now my question. Why can't I just remove that no. 4 VTM-4 fuse first, complete the install of the harness, then replace the fuse ? That way I won't lose my audio. Has anyone else tried this ?

Thx in advance for any advice ...

[Leo Farnsworth]

I just chose to ignore that step of the instructions. Did not disconnect the battery and all systems are FINE. The fuse did not blow and my VTM-4 works fine.

FWIW.

Congrats on the truck - a good dealer should be able to help you track down the radio code (I think they remove the radio, check it's serial # and verify your ownership - and remove a few dollars from your net worth).

[Andy-Montreal]

The reason for disconnecting the battery is due to possibly shorting out the VTM circuit with your screwdriver during step 13 and 14 of the installation instructions.

I used a nylon electronics screwdriver to release the bracket clip and stuck my hand underneath the dash opening to grab hold of the vehicle relay block and guide it out of the vehicle bracket.

Also, be very careful when installing the supplied relay into the relay block as there is live voltage running thru there and a misguided relay contact may cause a short as well.

In addition to the radio and NAV codes, having to wait the 10 odd minutes for the NAV to re-initialize is also tiresome.

[Lingered_I]

I installed without removing the fuse too, because that wasn't in the instructions at that time. No problems encountered although I think I would have removed it if instructed. I would think the dealer or Honda would be able to get the codes for you without a visit provided you can prove ownership.

[firefighter3666]

I disconnected the battery when I did my install, just to be sure. That said, I had my dash off over the weekend to tweak some audio work, and realized that the relay block that has to be released to add the last relay is clearly visible with the dash off. If you are nervous about blindly sticking a screwdriver in to relase the relay block, you might be able to pull the dash and have a better view of what you are doing.