Yes, you 'can' add Apple Carplay and Android Auto to your 2nd Gen RDX. You can also add cameras all around the car and (my fave) phone screen mirroring. All you need is a module from NavTool and a heap of patience. Oh, the patience isn't for the install, it's for NavTool tech support. Lets just say when it comes to answering questions the support staff (of one) is a great engineer.
I've posted a video of my installation that includes a few tips and a demo of the system. Links for parts and other info is in the description below the video:

Enjoy!

 

Finally, a youtube video with great background music!

 

Thanks, looks pretty sweet !
So what are the specific items you used here? I assume (other than the camera):

-NavTool NAVTOOL3.0-HDMI
-Screanbeam Mini 2


Are those the correct ones ?

 

Hi Slayer,

Everything I used is listed and linked in the comments below the YouTube video. I used the 'general' NavTool page for Gen2 RDX because there are several options but the specific one I used is https://www.navtool.com/acura-rdx-20...e-carplay.aspx .
Here's a copy/paste from the YouTube page but if you're going to do the project you should really read everything or you'll miss a couple of necessary tips.

NavTool Module For Gen2 RDX: https://www.navtool.com/acura-rdx-201... (Note: there are several, all with different capabilities)

A USB cable (with type A connector on one end, the other appropriate to your phone: https://amzn.to/2ZwA98p (for connecting your phone to the NavTool module for Android Auto or Apple Car Play and for programming the module)

Optional: ActionTec Screen Beam Mini: https://amzn.to/3kepyH1 (Plugs into the HDMI port of the NavTool module. It allows wireless screen mirroring from your Android phone. IOS devices need a special wired interface.)

Optional: A short extension HDMI cable: https://amzn.to/2ZwssiM (Goes between ActionTec Screen Beam and the NavTool module. It helps you pack parts more efficiently into the fairly small space available)

Optional: A Front Camera if you want that capability: https://amzn.to/2FcN7l1 (Makes parking perfect every time) Note: I've posted a separate video showing the front camera installation on the RDX here: . This video will be handy for anyone who 'only' wants a front facing camera.

 

Thanks for this great video.

I recently installed this module on my 2016 RDX. The video from NavTool is outdated and does not really fit the current installation. I figured all of it by myself.

Since support ir really slow, I mean reaaalllyy slow... got a couple question about your personal installation/use experience.

I have 2 issues at this time.

1. The audio controls on the wheel completely stopped working. (Not that much of a show stopper but still.

2. This one is a bigger one. So far, every time I start the car in the morning, the audio volume sets itslef to 0. Everytime I set the volume higher using the physical knob it reverts back electronically to 0. Every time I was able to make it to work after many restart of the vehicle in diverse states (phone plugged, unplugged, etc.). This morning was not able to make it work so I left for work without any audio, then after about 10min drive I saw audio movement in the lcd center display, displaying audio level adjustment, without any action of my part. I turned the volume up with th e knob and it kept my setting...

I will unplug/replug everything as soon as I have some time. But the nature of the 2nd problem and the fact that it eventually fix itself, make me think of an logic problem more than hardware..

Did you or anybody witness any of thos problems/behaviour?

 

Hi Martin,

Are you using the AUX channel for your audio? If not that might be your volume issue. I've found if I switch from AUX to Bluetooth while audio is playing (phone is connected to the car via Bluetooth) everything works fine but starting out in Bluetooth I get no audio. I'll have to try changing the volume and see if it reacts like yours is. About the loss of steering wheel controls I haven't experienced your exact problem. I can still control audio volume but the CH +- button doesn't function because we're using the AUX channel for audio. It's the head unit, not NavTool causing that problem. Changing over to Bluetooth for the audio brings the CH button back.

The major quirk I've found involves the NavTool Configurator. I have a front camera. I'd set up the Navtool box checking the appropriate item to include the aftermarket camera but then when it was installed in the car the camera wouldn't show up. I discovered the box forgets the camera if power is removed. My fix was to connect Configurator with the NavTool box installed in the car and set the camera. As long as the box isn't unplugged its all good. Curiously the box 'does' remember it's programmed for the RDX.

And about tech support it's the one thing about NavTool that virtually EVERYONE complains about. Good products, goofy (and often inaccurate) support. You'd think by now he'd have hired someone who'll read (and understand) user questions and respond appropriately. Obviously an instruction sheet would be preferable to badly outdated videos on YouTube.

Let me ask, does your NavTool box get really hot while in operation? I asked support about that and he said it's "supposed to get hot." That was it, no explanation.

Overall I'm happy with the way the NavTool box works and having a choice of Android Auto or screen mirroring in the car is a generational leap forward for the Gen2 RDX infotainment package.

Cheers!

 

Thanks for the quick reply!

Im using the AUX channel. Only using the Carplay function on the box.
The Bluetooth hint is very interesting, I will try and work on that.
The fact you still have functioning audion controls on the wheel steers me (see what I did there?) toward a bad connection somewhere. Thanks for that important debugging info too.
I dont know if the box becomes hot or not, it is out of reach once all is in place.
When I fix the audio problem I completely love the carplay, it is very responsive and works flawlesly even with the stock controls. It definitely upgrades the driving experience greatly from the outdated onboard nav/comm system. My only gripes with the car was the outdated navigation and phone connection tech.

Will problalby unplug/replug everything tomorrow.

Again, tx for the quick answer!

 

Any aftermarket installers that you could reccomend?

 

[QUOTE=DaBlues5;16699709]Any aftermarket installers that you could reccomend?[/QUOTE

Aftermarket installers are pretty localized unless you have a Best Buy nearby. Try Googling auto radio installers near me. First watch the video (link above). Installation is really simple.
]

 

I am about to jump on the Module for the 2014 Acura RDX. I only see mentions of Carplay on the Navtool website, is Android Auto implicitly included as well in the same module even though it's not listed or is there another Module that i will have to add to that ?

 

Slayer,
I'd suggest you contact NavTool directly to confirm but my unit supports Android Auto even though it isn't mentioned in the detail info.

 

Yeah i just had a quick chat with them, seems like Android Auto is already there with Carplay.

 

I just received the package, delivery was pretty fast to Canada. I did not install yet but looking at the wires i have a few questions:
-Do we have to install the mic (i.e. does it replace the cars mic or is it just optional)?
-2 of the plug-n-play harnesses have an orange wire going nowhere, where do we plug them?
-There is a bunch of wires that go nowhere in the main connector to the navtool module (e.g. 12V acc input, 12V reverse input, Ground, Can-H Radio side, etc.), i assume i only plug them if i add aftermarket cameras ?

Please let me know ! The provide video from navtool support is outdated and useless for the most part, the manuals i received for chinese modules in previous cars were more useful

 

1. You do 'not' have to use the microphone. Your phone's mic will still work fine if you're using Android Auto or Apple's CarPlay.

2. Yes, there are a 'lot' of connections you won't be using. I think the cable is probably generic and used for other devices. The only connections needed are those that replace the OEM harness. Aftermarket cameras will connect to the labeled RCA jacks but as I've mentioned so many times be careful. A year after I complained the NavTool unit stays on when a camera is connected (and the unit is properly programmed) the issue hasn't been resolved.

As you've noticed, NavTool doesn't offer any useful instructions and their videos don't include an RDX. Hopefully you've read the notes below my YouTube video detailing where the two black cables will be connected.

 

I am getting in the situation where the Navtool module doesn't light on when i turn on the car causing the radio knob to not operate anymore (i assume the navtool module gets between the knob and the radio). When i plug it to the computer for programming it turns on, no problem there.
I am just wondering at this point if power is getting to the module. I plugged all the harnesses (including the small black connectors) but i did not tap into the car's ground and 12V. From what i understand there is no more for tapping into the car's wire unlike the previous Navtool module, is it correct?
I also did not receive the digital cables in the package, probably because my RDX 2014 has only 1 screen?
Any advice will be welcome at this point (while waiting for Navtool's response...).

 

Update, i made it work by pluging in the 12V input Accessory and the ground from the harness. Now it works but i am facing a new issue, the display in the navtool menu in off by a few millimeters in the screen and i see 2 vertical lines that goes from right to left all the time, not major lines but still visible. Also when i switch to backup camera (OEM) from the android menu the distance lines now move from right to left as well. These lines and the problem with the backup camera do not happen when using the Acura Nav system.
Anyone experienced something similar ? Maybe there is another wire that needs to be rooted somewhere ?

 

Another update, i received a call from Navtool and apparently the faint white lines scrolling through the screen are part of how the module operates. Can anyone using the module confirm that they are there for them.
To show what line i am talking about here is the link for a video that i recorded with that problem:https://mega.nz/file/JwZniYpR#wd64m3...Xtcdm6JgrYO8SQ

Please let me know folks.

 

The video shows vertical black lines scrolling right to left across the screen. I'm not seeing white lines that you describe but can tell you my NavTool screen doesn't do that. Once in awhile I get about a 1/8" (3mm) black panel at the bottom of the screen with horizontal colored lines flashing through it. Even when that appears it vanishes pretty quickly.

 

Alright thanks for the answers, this confirms my suspicion that the guy is trying to get away with probably a faulty unit and saying that it is the way it should work.
It's probably going to be a PITA but i will start chasing them for a replacement or a refund.

 

Does anyone know if this will work on base models with only 1 screen and no navigation ? I have a base 17 rdx and bought the Grom vline but apparently since I don’t have the dual screens , they were not able to hook up the appropriate video cables. I’m wondering if the Navtool harness is different than the Grom.

 

any good location for vline, dont really want to put in glove cmpt. i had Bluetooth grom in my tsx and unit got stolen when i had a break-in.

 

What about adding Carplay to a 2012 Acura RDX AWD with the Technology and Navigation Packages?

 

It looks doable, checkout
https://www.navtool.com/acura.aspx

Be aware the support is notoriously unreliable.

 

Considering this for my 2013 Tech Package. Sorry if this seems obvious.. but does the phone need to be plugged in at all times for CarPlay/AA to work? If so, will this also charge my phone at the same time?

Secondly, you mentioned that you're using a wireless mirroring dongle that's optional.. is that more for just a convenience to mirror only for videos? Like.. CarPlay/AA will not work wireless?

 

I added Carplay to my wife's 2007 Acura RDX. Check it out here:

https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-rdx-...packa-1005371/

 

I’ve reviewed all the YouTube videos I can find and the one thing no one talks about is how to get the original infotainment section unplugged from the car.

i had the whole thing taken apart and couldn’t get my hands behind the screen to reach most of the plugs.

how are you able to do this?

 

I've been looking at this product since i bought my 2016 RDX in Jan of 2023. I just haven't been willing to spend $550 back then for all the stuff. But now I see that the price has dropped to $359 and they updated it to include wireless mirroring so I'm going to bight the bullet this summer and do this upgrade. I'm so tire of this cup holder phone holder setup I have to use google maps when I'm driving. When I have 2 screens!

 

Did you get this working? Looks like $359 is just a replacement screen, and the carplay unit is $599 ?

 

[QUOTE=Gadgetjq;16699719]Hi I know this is an older thread but I saw that you installed your own CarPlay by navtool in your RDX. I had mine (2018 RDX tech) installed by a stereo shop and it’s been fine since 2022 until my battery died in Nov. It was the original battery so I was not too upset. AAA installed a new battery for me but now I can’t access the menu, settings, phone, info etc the buttons on the dash surrounding the big enter button no longer work,except for the long press on the back button which is the doorway into CarPlay. There’s just this paragraph displayed unless I connect and activate CarPlay. I can’t change the settings on my screens or access door lock config or even Bluetooth to pair a new phone. No menu or settings are accessible when they previously were prior to the battery replacement. Any ideas on how to fix this? I’ve tried the simultaneous holding of menu settings and back as well as the power/vol button that online searches recommended. I made my own thread about this but I saw your thread here and figured I’d ask you.

 

I doubt the Navtool module has anything to do with this issue.
Try posting your problem in the RDX 2nd Gen Problems & Fixes section ( https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rdx-problems-fixes-409/ )
There might be some sort of hokey pokey press 3 buttons simultaneously while chanting "fix now, fix now" that will unscramble your issue.
Meanwhile, follow the instruction on your screen. Be sure your car is outdoors with as unobstructed a view as possible to get maximum satellite links. Once the GPS connects your problem might go away on its own.

 

Thanks for replying. I have tried what the paragraph suggests. Nothing happened. I believe the internal gps is no longer connected since the CarPlay was installed because I couldn’t use the Acura nav. after CarPlay install. The map wasn’t showing where I was if I tried. I’ll try to post it to problems and fixes. I did a thread post to this 2ndgen nav forum. One suggestion I saw was to fully disconnect the battery and then touch the terminal cables to each other for a minute or two and I’m not sure about what touching black and red to each other would do and idk if I want to try that. I tried a 3 button press and a long press on power/vol, neither worked. Thanks again.

 

Touching the cables together is an old school way to drain any capacitor charges from the car and completely reset the system. Whether it's really necessary for modern cars I don't know but it wouldn't hurt anything. Be sure to disconnect the negative post first then positive. You only have to touch them for a few seconds then reconnect (positive first).
Do you have the security code for your radio? My '17 requires one after a battery disconnect. You should have it with the car's paperwork or you can download it from Acura's website.

 

I disconnected the battery and reconnected but didn’t touch the cables together. I was afraid and wasn’t sure about any capacitor that the added Navtool or remote start might have. Someone on the subreddit r/Acura just told me they should be fine as long as I haven’t installed anything like a subwoofer with amplifier which I haven’t. I’ll try this tomorrow maybe since it’s dark out now. Old house and my RDX doesn’t fit in the garage. Another frustrating thing added to this issue and the terrible, grainy backup camera picture I get at night.

edit to add: I don’t have the radio code but the screen said to hold down the power button for the code to automatically populate and it did.

 

So I had also posted my screen issue on the subreddit r/Acura and Navtool replied. Basically they explained that the shop who installed my CarPlay module must have neglected to reconnect my gps antenna and that it was running on memory but once the battery died and was replaced the full power loss wiped out the memory. They say they believe all I have to do is have the gps antenna reconnected. So then I watched your install video on this thread. Is the gps antenna one of those many grey plugs that were pulled out of the back of the radio and then they are connected to the orange? Is it somewhere else? I’m seriously intimidated by the idea of doing this.

 

I took my car to a custom car stereo shop and they took a look. My GPS antenna was indeed disconnected. They plugged it back in and voíla everything is back up and running. Even the Acura navigation is working. Thanks to everyone for their help and suggestions. I’m even bringing my car back to them on Friday to have them upgrade my backup camera. It’s all happening!

 

So I spent the day at the custom shop for a new backup camera installation because my Acura camera is horrendous. I was there all day because they couldn’t integrate the new high quality camera with my CarPlay module which is by Navtool. I’d had it installed in 2022 but this stereo place is saying it’s much older than 2022 and they can’t get the camera to work with it and Navtool support did not come to the phone at all over 7 hours that I was there. I am actually going to upgrade my CarPlay with this shop to a wireless model (not a Navtool product) and get the new camera that they support and warranty for 3 years. It’s ridiculous that when I had CarPlay installed I thought I was getting a new unit but apparently the original shop gave me one they had laying around that was obsolete already. It’s obviously not within any warranty and I never even got paperwork with it anyway. I’m just going to bite the bullet and do this because my car only has 70k miles, is paid for, and in otherwise great shape. I looked at newer (CPO) cars and I just don’t see the need to spend that money when doing this will make my car equivalent.

 

Just finished my install. Thanks for your video. That helped tremendously. There was no slack on the factory wiring. I could barely pull it out enough to get my hand in to unplug the wires.

 

Few questions, what year is your car? How much did your original Navtool cost with install? Lastly how much did your current one cost and do you happen to know the name of it so that way I could see if my local car audio shop has one?

 

Dude congrats what year is your car and did you purchase the Navtool directly from their website? How much does it cost these days?

 

Mine is a 2016. Had it since it was new. My wife drove it the last 5 years...hard miles...as you can see. I installed an Aliexpress version of Navtool. Seems to work identical and install was the same. It was 338 shipped.