So my nav system is going haywire. Freezing up after a few minutes and losing all controls. Is there a DIY on how to remove the drive unit from the trunk ? And what is the procedure to have it send to Alpine to get it fixed ? I have read conflicting info on the cost of the fix from 169 to around 400-500$. Whats the latest news on this, if anyone knows ? thanks guys.

 

It's not difficult to remove. You have to remove the right and left trunk panels and bottom tray to get access to the top trunk liner (which needs to be removed). They are held by clips. To remove the unit, you just need to remove the bracket screws and unplug the harness plugs in the rear. In the service manual, look up interior trim removal and it should be there.


As for sending it to Alpine, I don't think it's $160 anymore. I think it went up. My friend tried to send his unit back to Alpine to fix, but it was more expensive than he thought so he opted to buy used. You can find one used for $240-$350.


Also, make sure it's your unit too before you jump the gun.

 

I think the Alpine refurb is like $360 now.

+1 on buying used. Anything 2005-2008 will work, but later years have updated firmware I believe.

 

Whats so particular about this unit that I cannot take it to the local electronics repair shop ? I have found a few used 05-08 units on ebay between 350 n 400 but the exchange rate is hurting with the CAD's depreciation lately. For the same price, isn't it better to have it refurbed by Alpine if all the drives are destined to brake at some point ? How about the 09+ units, are they compatible with our cars ?

 

the motherboards fail.

if you could google the part # on the board itself, I bet you could find a replacement board on the cheap.

or take it to a repair shop to have them solder whatever is broken

 

The wiring harness changed for 2009+. One is 20 pins the other is 32 pins. I forget which is which.

 

I just sent my unit to Alpine, pretty simple but it was $358. They have all the instructions listed on their site Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. option 3 is what you most likely will be using.

 

I'll take it to the repair shop first, see if they can do anything. Even if he fuks it up, I'll have to fork out the same amount for a used one. If I'm not mistaken, the drive it made by Matsushita Electronics, I'll see if the mother board is to be found somewhere on the netz.

 

Let us know what you find out, Im curious and Im sure others are too. Thanks

 

I thought the board was outsourced from matsushita cuz I had seen that inscription somewhere in RL electronics but it appears its all build in home by Alpine. I'll update if I find anything.

 

PCB for alpine single CD Navigation drive for Honda Acura BMW car radio

I have found this board, it says Honda/acura but they give no details or specific model.

 

Looks promising, might be time for an intl call