'Everyone Has a Startup Sound:' Woman Has a 'Hack' to Customize Your Honda. Here's Why It Went Viral
A Honda Civic owner’s adorable Hello Kitty startup video has introduced thousands of viewers to a customization feature that’s been hiding in plain sight for years.
TikTok user Kayla (@itzkaylaavo) posted a 25-second video showing a cute Hello Kitty animation on her Honda’s infotainment system. “Everyone has a startup sound but my car has a startup video,” reads the text overlay, while her caption enthusiastically declares, “We love Honda Hack lol.”
The video showcases what Honda enthusiasts have quietly known about for years: the ability to customize startup videos through the built-in Honda Hack system. Kayla’s Hello Kitty video plays seamlessly on her infotainment screen, personalizing the mundane act of starting her car.
The Honda Hack System Explained
The Honda Hack feature has been available on select Honda models since 2016, allowing owners to customize their infotainment experience beyond factory settings. As early as August 2019, users on the Civic X forum were sharing startup video files, with one member explaining: “Made some of my own startup trailers. Need to be MP4 files and should be no more than 10-15 seconds max. Save to USB stick and go into Startup menu and select the video file to preview or use.”
Kayla helpfully provided tutorial links in her comments, noting the feature supports various Honda models including “Civic 10th Gen - CR-V 5th Gen - Clarity - Accord 9th Gen (2016 Refresh and 2017 Hybrid) - Pilot 2016-2017 - Ridgeline 2016-2018.”
The process involves installing the Honda Hack software and then loading custom MP4 files via USB drive. A wealth of YouTube tutorials are available to guide owners through the same basic process, indicating the feature’s enduring popularity among Honda customization enthusiasts.
While the customization capability has delighted owners, security experts have raised concerns about the Honda Hack system’s vulnerabilities. In July 2022, Tom’s Guide warned of a security flaw that potentially allowed thieves to unlock and start vehicles through the system.
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A Honda spokesperson told the outlet, “We can confirm researcher claims that it is possible to employ sophisticated tools and technical know-how to mimic Remote Keyless commands and gain access to certain vehicles or ours."
"However, while it is technically possible, we want to reassure our customers that this particular kind of attack, which requires continuous close-proximity signal capture of multiple sequential RF transmissions, cannot be used to drive the vehicle away," the spokesperson added. "Furthermore, Honda regularly improves security features as new models are introduced that would thwart this and similar approaches.”
Mixed Reactions from the Community
The comments on Kayla’s video reveal both enthusiasm and skepticism about the startup video feature. User fc2.javi immediately requested a tutorial, while others questioned the practicality of the customization.
Several commenters worried about timing issues during emergencies. “Imagine having to rush to the hospital and you gotta wait for Hello Kitty to do her thing first,” wrote Gredin, while Octavius added, “I’m sorry but if I’m rushing to the hospital that’s the last thing I want to see.”
Others found humor in everyday situations. User G joked, “Imagine getting fired, broken up, and you in debt and you gotta see this before going back home,” while kohenhill6 quipped, “Hurry up grandma just had a heart attack we gotta get in the car!!!”
Some users appreciated the technical aspect, with head_honchcrow2 noting, “People have been doing this since the 00s,” and Ford sharing, “I’ve been using the Honda hack to watch movies from a flash drive while driving since 2017. Best $20 I ever spent.”
The Lag Factor
A common complaint among viewers concerned the video’s loading time. User 17 lexus nx 200t, commented about “the lag,” while jmezxx joked, “3 business days for this?”
Randy summed up a practical concern: “Sounds like it would get annoying after a week,” echoing sentiments from users who prioritize quick startup times over personalization.
However, user PrinceT300 offered a balanced perspective: “If my music ain’t on in 3 seconds I get mad so I’d lose it if my car did this, but it’s not my car,” acknowledging that customization preferences vary widely among drivers.
Beyond Honda: Industry Context
Kayla’s video also sparked discussions about similar features in other brands. User Scion observed, “Is it me or does the Honda chime sound like Toyota,” while SStar noted, “My Nissan been [showing] the Nissan logo on every screen with a lil video.”
User Donovan Little mentioned, “Chevrolet newer models have a thx themed startup on their infotainment systems,” indicating that factory startup customizations are becoming more common across manufacturers.
For Honda owners, Kayla’s success demonstrates that with the right tutorials and compatible hardware, personalizing the driving experience is more accessible than many might expect.
Motor1 reached out to Kayla via TikTok comment for additional information. This story will be updated if she responds.
