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Just Bought a 2016 RDX Base AWD...affordable head unit upgrades?
Hi all- just bought a 2016 Base AWD, so there is no second screen on the center console, just a regular stereo with physical buttons (picture below for reference). Are there any affordable aftermarket head units out there that are screen-based (preferably Android)?
It also looks like a custom RDX panel needs to be purchased which has an opening for a screen (or buy a used one from a Tech Package RDX to have the opening)? And which wiring harness would be best?
Thanks and very excited to have this car/happy to join the community. I'm a car enthusiast and installed a nice custom Android-based head unit in my C5 Corvette Z06 which completely transformed the interior.
Last edited by ArmchairArchitect; 02-24-2021 at 08:41 AM.
Here's an article discussing the difficulty with installing a full aftermarket system. Read through this https://acurazine.com/how-tos/a/acur...-stereo-424162, it will give you an idea of what you can do. It looks like there is a possibility to use a Tech package system. Of course, you'll have to familiarize yourself with what you 'll need as far harness, wiring, etc.
It appears you not afraid to get behind the dashboard.
I have the same car and the same question, wonder if you had any success in upgrading the head unit?
I have not looked into it further after the initial disappointment of learning there were not viable options a couple years ago. But my plan now is to take a spare Android phone that looks like a "head unit" and place it in the area circled below. I have a basic swivel phone mount, 90 degree 3.5mm adapter and 90 degree USB-C adapter to keep everything pretty hidden behind the screen. It will always stay plugged into the USB port and in the 3.5mm AUX port.
Last edited by ArmchairArchitect; 06-09-2023 at 04:07 PM.
I have not looked into it further after the initial disappointment of learning there were not viable options a couple years ago. But my plan now is to take a spare Android phone that looks like a "head unit" and place it in the area circled below. I have a basic swivel phone mount, 90 degree 3.5mm adapter and 90 degree USB-C adapter to keep everything pretty hidden behind the screen. It will always stay plugged into the USB port and in the 3.5mm AUX port.
IMO that screen with the other trims is pretty outdated looking.
I put a phone mount here... seems to be a solid location. That tiny little screen behind my phone isn't doing much anyway, other than the backup camera which i can still see just fine.
I know this is old, but I've recently purchased a 2014 without navi. I've done a ton of research and combed through wiring diagrams. I've come to the conclusion that the easiest thing to do is completely bypass the factory system. Messing with a line output converter just didn't seem worth the effort to me, especially for the sake of audio quality. I ordered a stock radio off eBay, for cheap, and plan to custom fab a standard double din mount into it. An adapter harness for power and such can even be made from the old radio guts. From there, it's just a matter of running all new speaker wire. The hardest part will be making a custom mount look nice and factory.
I know this is old, but I've recently purchased a 2014 without navi. I've done a ton of research and combed through wiring diagrams. I've come to the conclusion that the easiest thing to do is completely bypass the factory system. Messing with a line output converter just didn't seem worth the effort to me, especially for the sake of audio quality. I ordered a stock radio off eBay, for cheap, and plan to custom fab a standard double din mount into it. An adapter harness for power and such can even be made from the old radio guts. From there, it's just a matter of running all new speaker wire. The hardest part will be making a custom mount look nice and factory.
I've come to the conclusion that it is possible to install an aftermarket headunit and integrate with the factory amp.
02-24-2021, 08:38 AM
Just Bought a 2016 RDX Base AWD...affordable head unit upgrades?
