Acura ILX Premium Audio Screen Upgrade Guide (2013–2015)
The 2013–2015 Acura ILX Premium Audio package comes equipped with a single upper display screen and an upgraded 7-speaker sound system driven by a dedicated factory external amplifier. While this trim offers superior audio output over the Base model, replacing the factory head unit requires specific wiring harness logic to properly trigger the OEM amplifier, drive the rear subwoofer, and eliminate background alternator noise.
Factory 2013–2015 Acura ILX Premium Audio Dashboard Layout
Form Factor Fitment: 9.7" Vertical Screen
For the 2013–2015 Premium Audio trim, the 9.7-inch Tesla-Style Vertical Touchscreen is the engineered direct fitment. It replaces both the central radio button panel and upper screen housing with a seamlessly integrated high-definition display.
Roadnavier 9.7" Vertical Screen Installed in Acura ILX Dashboard
Hardware Fitment Warning: The 12.3-inch floating widescreen display is physically incompatible with Premium Audio models. The 12.3-inch floating bracket relies strictly on the deeper upper dash housing geometry and sub-frame mounting clearance exclusive to the factory ELS DVD Navigation dashboard. Premium Audio models lack this physical mounting support.
Engineering & Wiring Requirements for Premium Audio
Integrating an aftermarket Android head unit into the 7-speaker Premium Audio architecture involves two critical engineering points:
1. Remote Amp Trigger Activation (AMP-CTRL)
The factory external amplifier requires an active 12V ignition trigger wire (AMP-CTRL) from the custom T-harness. Without this signal, the external amplifier will not turn on, resulting in zero audio output from speakers.
2. Low-Level Differential Pre-Amp Output
Sending high-level amplified signals into the OEM Acura amplifier causes distortion, static hiss, and pop noises. Roadnavier kits utilize low-level RCA pre-outs matched to the factory amplifier's input sensitivity to deliver clean sound and retain full 7-channel speaker separation.
Roadnavier Plug & Play Guarantee: Our Premium Audio harness comes pre-pinned with low-level differential signal outputs and a matched CANbus decoder, ensuring complete 100% plug-and-play installation without cutting OEM harness wiring.
What You Gain After Upgrading
Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
Instant Bluetooth/Wi-Fi handshake for Google Maps, Waze, and Spotify as soon as you turn the key.
Integrated Touch Climate Controls
Displays dual-zone HVAC status and temperature settings right on the bottom section of the IPS screen.
Built-in 32-Band DSP Software
Precision equalizer tuning and independent rear subwoofer crossover control to optimize factory speakers.
Upgrade Your Premium Audio Acura ILX
Select the 2013–2015 Premium Audio harness configuration at checkout for zero-cut installation.
Explore 9.7" Screen OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Will my factory rear subwoofer continue to play?
Yes. The factory external amplifier receives low-level signal inputs from our harness and continues to power all 7 speaker outputs, including the rear deck subwoofer.
How do I prevent background alternator noise or speaker hiss?
Hissing occurs when high-level speaker outputs are connected to an amplified system. Using Roadnavier's dedicated pre-amp RCA harness ensures signal level matching to completely prevent ground loop noise.
Will steering wheel volume and track switches still work?
Yes. The included protocol CANbus decoder maps OEM steering wheel button commands directly to the Android OS for seamless playback control.