If this were like the Kenwoods I used in my Honda Fit, then I would say you’re missing a wire. But the issue is, I don’t know if that’s how OEM radios work. I’m not sure if they use direct wires for each feature or some actual (complex) communication with the ECU.

I would suggest looking for the service manual to see if there’s any difference between the LX and EX in terms of wiring. Rear Brake Pad Replacement FYI

If there’s no difference in wiring you might have to replace the ECU.

 

thanks for the suggestion. unfortunately, I am doing this as a hobby which to me it means if it works with minor upgrades and or adjustments well. if not, I will sell the EX radio unit. As for aftermarket upgrade, this is a spare vehicle, hardly gets driven (6,000 miles in nearly 3 yrs) thus, I can't justify the expense and labor time to be invested in a major head unit upgrade.
I apologize if this response comes across as condescending. it ts not meant to be so.

 

Well, what you do is up to you.

I don't particularly care if someone decides something is a little bit more than they thought it was and then decided to not go through with it.

I do get disappointed(?)/annoyed(?) when people know full well what they claim they're going to do it, turn around and not do it and then make up BS excuses. Anyway... I'll stop there since you don't need to see me ranting and raving.

That said... I wonder it the radio swap issue is related to this:

I think I've read elsewhere that the HR-V head unit is serialized to the car so you can't trade out Honda head units. Perhaps someone else can chime in who actually knows.
...

 

the serialized unit may or may not be correct, as my user name implies, I am a retired land rover master tech and those vehicles include a data-bus connected to security and immobilizer thru the radio.
that makes it nearly imposible to upgrade on a whim because you immobilize the vehicle completely, the only way to upgrade is to order the unit you want at dealership. this unit is coded thru vin and now you have a land rover with an upgraded factory unit.
on those vehicles there are some radio decoders you could use if you want aftermarket, but you run the risk of bricking the car and eventually when bricked you end at dealer ship, whom will suggest you install factory radio because of reasons above.
this HR-V is due for service, I was planning on servicing at home mainly because of the virus pandemic. now I plan on bringing it to dealer and inquire about this upgrade issue at same time.
again, thanks for your assistance and apologies to have annoyed and or disappointed you. not done intentionally.

 

Search prior post over a year ago. I upgraded my 2018 LX to touch screen and it required additional wiring to get all the functioning. I probably wouldn't do it again if I knew ahead of time, but if you are a tech maybe you can tolerate the abuse.

 

DZF1, I did find your post but the video from the link is no longer there. I have been doing some research on all data and there are some changes with which I am not comfortable, one of them is switching CAN BUS channels. if not done right I may damage micu and or other modules.
I will review my all data diagrams and reconsider pros and cons.

 

Yes, I imagine if you short out or connect the leads incorrectly in the process some damage may result. It can be done though. I don't remember all the details now without digging back into it to refresh my memory, but there were various stages of connections that you could do for increasing functionality. The head unit I picked up has navigation (which now works) and I even fitted the XM module to be fully functional, as more extreme examples. One of the few things I didn't do, however, is add the side/rear vehicle detection mirror(s). I had to go to salvage yards and scavenge some wiring and connectors from EX-L vehicles to get the job completed, and I had to purchase a diode from an electronics supply house that had to be wired in behind the head unit. Big pain, but the unit is pretty neat in the end.