Non Nav to OEM Navigation swap feasible?

A

AeroBFA

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So I'm thinking of doing a winter project here for my '04 and looking for some concrete answers to this. I searched as much as I could in IS and the.org and general census is a "quick no", but not much more details why its not possible. I basically would like to update from the non navigation to OEM navigation using full OEM components. I know I can get an aftermarket unit like most others have, but I don't want to relocate the orange screen. Part of the reason why I really want to upgrade is to also get the radio and HVAC controls to be OEM too. Basically, I am willing to pay for this upgrade and realize this is quite a project to undertake. I would try to get whatever I can find on eBay and purchase some of it through infinitipartsusa.com so I can keep the costs down. I already purchased the dvd controller/player on eBay for a cheap price. Before I spend more money and invest more time into this, is it even possible to this swap? Just by getting the other components, new dash panel, wirings, color screen, antennas, etc., I think its possible. But maybe I'm missing something here where non nav equipped just cannot be wired for the swap? Am I wasting my time and money? Any input is appreciated, thanks!
 
It's a very exhaustive process from what I can gather that will necessitate a wiring harness swap (for use of all contols, however that is what I have gathered). Really not worth the hassle if that is the case. The general concesus is that either buy with OEM navi or go aftermarket.

Quite honestly the OEM navi isn't all that great considering how well the newer handheld systems work. Coupled with the fact that NavTeq saids they are ending update support on the older DVD based Infinitis, it's a lose lose situation. Kind of assinine to end the updates as I would purchase a new version if a 12/13 update is made available.
 
No, not the replies I want to see, lol. Actually, let me also clarify this too. I don't want to try to update to the '06+ center console. That's more intensive and I willing to pass on that. I am keeping it the 03-05 console and controls. Honestly the thing is, I don't even care about the actual navigation part as much as I do the other aspects of this upgrade. The nav is a great bonus, but I also want the radio and hvac controls in color too. Call me crazy, but its something I'm willing to spend the time and resources on to accomplish to get rid of the orange screen. I'm trying to keep the interior OEM as possible without having too many extras as well. I'm sure someone down the road wants to do the same, so I'm hoping this thread can be a good starting point. So I'm wondering is it technically not possible to do the swap or is it possible with a lot of research and tweaking? I'm assuming its just a lot of component and wiring harness swaps. Thanks again!


jayrandall said:
Get a new Garmin and stick it your window. Looks and works better.
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Has anyone ever been able to swap out OEM screens like AeroBFA mentioned?

I too just want to have a color screen instead of the amber one with full functionality for A/V and HVAC controls...
 
Wayy late, but trying to see if you ever got this done? just a curiosity if it was even possible.. you figure the harnesses should be there just so they didnt have to run different harnesses to the tech fx's and just plug n play.
 
I owned my FX since 08 and I used the oem navi TWICE, when I left my phone home. It's a pain in a butt to navigate with that joystick (touch screen is a lot better). Yes it's nice to have it (especially birds eye view) but for the cost/ hassle I'd mod something else
 
mbarb15 said:
Wayy late, but trying to see if you ever got this done? just a curiosity if it was even possible.. you figure the harnesses should be there just so they didnt have to run different harnesses to the tech fx's and just plug n play.
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No, I started but never got it done. It's definitely possible, but very involved and expensive. I just bought the dvd unit and started a list of parts. I think they did have different harnesses and I was going to have them made. It wasn't as plug n play easy as you would think. But it doesn't really matter now as I traded my old one in for a '07 with tech.

sir21 said:
I owned my FX since 08 and I used the oem navi TWICE, when I left my phone home. It's a pain in a butt to navigate with that joystick (touch screen is a lot better). Yes it's nice to have it (especially birds eye view) but for the cost/ hassle I'd mod something else
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Honestly, I don't care that much about the actual navigation either, I will rarely use it. At the time, I wanted it mainly for the color lcd screen and the other menus.
 
Buying a tech FX is easier than the swap... =)

Time for you (Andrew) to buy PIE/Nav-TV for that color screen.
 
Chedman13 said:
Buying a tech FX is easier than the swap... =)
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:.rofl: That's $30K mods. Definitely a good buy on the 45 though.

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AeroBFA said:
Oh yeah, I was looking at it last night actually. I think it was like $300+ :eek.:
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Why you need a TV mod? No kids and hardly any passenger.:tongue (2):
 
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the only "practical" way to do this is with a donor vehicle. you need several parts besides the head unit, screen and nav unit, and you also need either complete harnesses or at least all the cut pigtails and then have to wire up the rest of the harness fabrication yourself. not practical or cost effective really unless you have access to a complete donor vehicle, especially since after the whole swap is done the end result is still an antiquated non touch medocre system at best., I'd say rather just install an android tablet for a fraction of the $$ and far superior end result
 
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tchuck said:
You don't have a smart phone?
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yea i have an iphone 4s but something about having it at plain view rather than looking down or pulling up my phone just feels better/safer, plus its a bigger screen.. and like aero said it is nicer to have the color screen and menus





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turbocad6 said:
the only "practical" way to do this is with a donor vehicle. you need several parts besides the head unit, screen and nav unit, and you also need either complete harnesses or at least all the cut pigtails and then have to wire up the rest of the harness fabrication yourself. not practical or cost effective really unless you have access to a complete donor vehicle, especially since after the whole swap is done the end result is still an antiquated non touch medocre system at best., I'd say rather just install an android tablet for a fraction of the $$ and far superior end result
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not everyone is a fully talented electrician/craftsman like you lol, just trying to see if there was an "easy" way :smug:
 
:tongue (2): my point is it would actually be easier and more doable by a novice than this retrofit would be, and if you were paying someone else to do it either way, then it would still be cheaper easier and better end result as far as function gained vs effort put into it....

of course for the best factory fit and finish and apearance the factory head unit will most likely be more perfect in that regard so I can see the appeal, just can't justify it in most cases...
 
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