[Steve Pert]

On my four-week old 2001 EX I just noticed a small plug or cover of some type on the dashboard, just between the defrost vents and right up against the windshield glass. The plug is rectangular, about 1" by 1-1/2". Does anyone know what it is for?

I also noticed a small plug on the top of the steering wheel column, right in from of the dash gauges. I don't know what this is for either.

I haven't seen anything in the manual on these, but may not be looking in the right place.

Thanks for any info!

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2001 EX-NAVI, SS
1997 Accord EX-L, Forest Green
Previous Hondas:
1992 Accord EX, White
1982 Accord DX, Silver

 

[nyvram]

You will become intimately acquainted with the plug on the steering wheel column should your battery ever run down and you're parked in a garage or other place where you can't get to the battery with jumper cables.

You pop it off with a screwdrive then you can stick a key (if I'm not mistaken)to allow you to shift out of park into neutral so you can push your vehicle to a spot where you can get to the battery with jumper cables. Apparently Honda decided no one should need to shift into neutral without juice in the battery....

As for the other one; maybe its a cover to a temparature sensor or something?

 

[Kuruma Hayai]

Marvyn:
You're the man!

 

[groupset]

If I recall from reading the Helm manual, on Navi models the plug (or cover) in the center of the dash up next to the windshield houses the GPS antenna. I'm not sure if this exists on LX and non-Navi EX models.

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David
'01 GG EX-NAVI
Classic Soft Trim leather kit; Audiovox entertainment system; Gentex auto dimming compass/temp rear view mirror; Pioneer speakers front & rear; leather steering wheel wrap; splash guards; cargo tray; cargo liner; power door mods; Helm manual; Honda litter bag.

 

[darelldd]

It's all tied up: One point Marvyn, one point David.

Them's the answers that I'm aware of.


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-= Darell =-
2002 Ody EXL-Nav (TW) ordered
2001 Civic EX

 

[RWhittle]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Steve Pert:
On my four-week old 2001 EX I just noticed a small plug or cover of some type on the dashboard, just between the defrost vents and right up against the windshield glass. The plug is rectangular, about 1" by 1-1/2". Does anyone know what it is for?
</font>

Actually, if I recall correctly, that might be the "sunlight sensor" I read about in the '02 manual. I can't recall what its for, but it had something to do (I think) with the climate control system. Or maybe the lights...I don't remember. I just remember reading that and thinking, "Cool!"



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RW
'02 SS EX (Navi Wanted, but not Leather--looking into Aftermarket Navi)
- Cargo Tray & Cover
- Mud Flaps
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Lots of Scotch-Guard
'89 Red Mazda B2200
'86 Gray Acura Legend (Tranny going out--replacing with Ody!)
'84 Honda V500 Interceptor Motorcycle
Past 'Fav: '86 Honda Prelude Si (totalled by an idiot from behind)

 

[darelldd]

OK, flying somewhat blind here as usual, since I don't actually have a van yet (more on THAT problem in another thread). BUT, I dragged out the Helm manual again. If the dashboard deal is right smack in the middle of the dash/windshield, you're probably seeing the sunlight sensor. If there is an indent for the GPS antenna, it will be slightly off-center toward the driver, and maybe a bit back from the windshield.

------------------
-= Darell =-
2002 Ody EXL-Nav (TW) ordered
2001 Civic EX

 

[Rook]

RWittle is correct. It is a photocell or sunlight sensor for the climate control sytem.
If you run your AC in full auto mode, you'll probably notice that the blower speed will increase on it's own when you drive from a shady area to a sunny area and decrease when you drive back out of the sunlight.
The temperature sensor is on the knee bolster above the driver's right knee.

 

[groupset]

I bow to Rwhittle! It is indeed a sunlight sensor for the climate control system - reference P. 21-118 of the Helm manual. The GPS antenna is apparently somewhere below that sensor.