FAQ
TL;DR: 99% of Civic UFO radio/display/lighter delays trace to a bad under‑dash Mitsuba relay; "I recommend replacing the relays in the first place." Swap the lower 5‑pin relay (or Bosch 0 332 201 107) to restore power. [Elektroda, dei, post #20084348]
Why it matters: For Honda Civic UFO (2006–2011) owners with delayed or dead radio/display/lighter, this gives the confirmed relay fix fast.
Quick Facts
- Location: two MITSUBA relays under the steering wheel corner; upper=A/C, lower=radio + cigarette lighter. [Elektroda, dei, post #20084348]
- OEM part: MITSUBA RC‑5102 12V 1T; direct swap restored instant power for owners. [Elektroda, mumu10, post #17223651]
- Substitute: BOSCH 0 332 201 107 (5‑pin) works; lasted about 2 years; ~PLN 12 new. [Elektroda, dei, post #20084348]
- Quick test: when the display is dead, measure 12V at the lighter; 0V points to the relay. [Elektroda, dei, post #20084348]
- Under‑bonnet check: Fuse 16 (7.5A) links radio, remote lock, and OBD socket. [Elektroda, halux100, post #21319232]
What’s causing my Civic UFO radio/display/lighter to power up late or not at all?
A failing under‑dash accessory relay is the usual cause. Two Mitsuba relays sit under the steering wheel; the lower feeds the radio and lighter. If the radio won’t start with the key or blanks after start, it’s 99% the relay. “Replace the relays in the first place.” Verify by checking voltage at the lighter when the display is off. [Elektroda, dei, post #20084348]
Where exactly is the relay located?
Open the driver’s door and pop off the side cover at the end of the dashboard. The relays sit immediately behind that cover, visible from the driver’s side. [Elektroda, noszczyk24, post #17220303]
How do I replace the radio power relay?
Do this:
- Remove the dashboard side cover by the driver’s door.
- Unscrew and drop the lower panel under the steering column.
- Pull the suspect relay straight out and swap in the replacement; test power.
You can replace one or all while you’re there. [Elektroda, Jacky1970, post #18652159]
Which relay part number should I buy?
Use MITSUBA RC‑5102 12V 1T. Owners report that replacing this relay immediately restored radio and socket power without further work. [Elektroda, mumu10, post #17223651]
Which relay controls the A/C vs. the radio and lighter?
Under the steering wheel: the upper Mitsuba relay runs the air conditioning. The lower Mitsuba relay feeds the radio and the cigarette lighter circuit. Replace the lower one for radio/lighter issues. [Elektroda, dei, post #20084348]
How can I confirm the relay is bad without pulling the radio?
When the radio display is off, measure the cigarette lighter socket. If you see 0V instead of 12V, the radio/lighter relay isn’t closing. That confirms a relay-side power problem. [Elektroda, dei, post #20084348]
My display shows garbled or incomplete characters. Is that still the relay?
No. That symptom points to the head unit. Owners fixed it by re‑soldering pins on the radio’s display controller. The relay fix targets no‑power or intermittent power, not corrupt characters. [Elektroda, dei, post #20084348]
I can’t pull the relays out—any tips?
Space is tight. Drop the lower panel for access, then use slim pliers or adjustable “frog” pliers to wiggle the relay free. The plastic plates around the block make finger access difficult. [Elektroda, Jacky1970, post #18652479]
Is Bosch 0 332 201 107 a good substitute? How long does it last?
Yes, it’s a compatible 5‑pin substitute. One owner reports it worked but failed after about 2 years. The low price (around PLN 12) makes it a practical stopgap if OEM isn’t available. [Elektroda, dei, post #20084348]
Can I use a used relay from a breaker yard?
Yes. An owner bought two used relays for PLN 10 and restored immediate start and display operation. Used parts can work, but longevity varies with age and condition. [Elektroda, Jacky1970, post #17807503]
My radio and the rear 12V trunk socket die together—is that a clue?
Yes. Owners observed the radio, front lighter, and rear 12V trunk socket lose power together. When the radio finally turns on, both sockets come back. That points to the shared power relay. [Elektroda, mumu10, post #17186478]
Which fuse under the hood can kill radio, remote lock, and OBD together?
Check under‑bonnet Fuse 16 (7.5A). It ties the radio circuit, remote central locking, and the diagnostic socket. Replace it if blown before chasing relays. [Elektroda, halux100, post #21319232]
I drive a right‑hand‑drive 2006 Civic. Where should I look for these relays?
They should be under the steering wheel corner, same as other 2006 Civic VIII models. Look behind the side cover and lower panel in that area. [Elektroda, dei, post #20084348]
Do I need to replace both relays or just the one for the radio?
Replace the lower relay to fix radio and cigarette lighter power. The upper relay only affects air conditioning operation. Swap the one tied to your symptoms. [Elektroda, dei, post #20084348]
