borbox

I am about to pull the trigger on a 17 MDX and was bummed when I learned that Android Auto is not available until 2018 models. Does anyone here know if it is possible to swap the main head unit from a 2017 with a new one from a 2018?

p07r0457

AFAIK, no one has tried it. It would be quite expensive to buy the 2018 parts, at this time.

If Android Auto or Apple CarPlay are important to you, I'd suggest just buying a 2018 MDX.

17X

If you already have a 2017, it will be absolutely stupid to trade it for a 2018 just to get Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Basically you will lose 10-20K to get Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Your recommendation is not very good not mentioned very stupid.

@borbox if you really want to do it and have the money and time to spare, it's definitely possible as at least physically both 2017 Head Unit and 2018 Head unit with DIsplay units are same. you should be able to swap them. My only worries would be to check for any new components in the head unit of 2018 which talks to the car which is not available in 2017, but I doubt it.
Also aftermarket carplay and android auto solution would also be an option, Navtool and Naviks are coming up with carplay and android auto solutions of course they are not perfect yet. Navtools carplay comes with an ugly rotary knob and Naviks does not yet makes one for Acura. This solution would be the cheapest considering 2018 swap would be 6-7K and I am sure Acura will not sell it (Not Sure but positive). You will need to find a donor car from a junkyard.
There is a better solution in my opinion. Use Navtool or Naviks mirroring solutions to mirror your phone onto the head unit. MIrroring phone screen solution is better than carplay I think.

p07r0457

You suck at reading. OP hasn't purchased yet.

There are differences. It is unlikely to be plug-n-play.

Or, since the OP hasn't purchased a MDX yet.... Forget these hacks that don't work as well or look as good as a factory-equipped vehicle, and just BUY THE 2018 MODEL.

borbox

The navtool option seems a lot more reasonable than a head unit swap I will look into that thanks!

17X

Well sorry about that...Picture of penguin is rather deceiving.

Navtool and Naviks units can you hidden. You don't even know its there.

p07r0457

Except you do, since neither system ties into the factory physical controls -- so you have an aftermarket d-pad/joystick you have to stick somewhere. There is also the issue of different screen resolution.

If you already have a 2014-2017, then, of course, the Navtool and Naviks present a better "value" proposition than trading in the vehicle. However, if you haven't purchased a MDX, yet, (such as OP) then it makes more sense to hold out for a 2018, as the factory solution is better.

17X

I was not talking about Navtools and Naviks Carplay or Android auto solution. I was just talking about MIrroring solution. I have already mentioned in my previous reply that they have a ugly knob (Joystick) with their Carplay solutions.

p07r0457

Mirroring is useless, imo. My wife had a 2015 Honda CR-V that allowed mirroring and the novelty wore off after the first 15 minutes. The benefit to AA/CP is the car-optimized UI and the ability to interact with the apps. Beside the fact that OP didn't ask about mirroring.

bmoua15

Keep in mind Android auto and Apple Car Play has their faults, my current Android Auto doesn't recognize my phone after the new 8.0 update on my LG G6. Pull the trigger for the MDX OP, if you can find a Hybrid model pick it up haha

philharmonic

Any volunteering to fork out ~ $600 for the OEM CarPlay / AA unit?

Acura Part No.: 32115-TYR-A00 Sub-Wire (Carplay/Android Auto)
Acura Part No.: 39095-TYR-A01 Carplay & Android Auto Unit
Acura Part No.: 39096-TYR-A00 Bracket (Carplay/Android Auto)

It looks like it connects via a wiring harness to existing head unit. Though the head units in 2018+ use different software than 2017-, so I dunno. Could work, but probably won't. Maybe someone with a service express sub can look up the specifics?

vuwildcat07

My dad asked a dealer the same thing when dealers were having a hard time getting a 2018 Sport Hybrid but had 2017s to sell. They told him it was not possible.

p07r0457

I've been told the screen is different 2017 vs 2018, so you'd likely need to replace that, as well. Who knows how much else...

philharmonic

like2ace

Unless Apple introduces Google Maps (not the crap map apple has) as its default navigation. Which is unlikely to happen.
We got the 2017 and went through the same thinking last year when the 2018 was announced.

p07r0457

Actually, with iOS 12, expected to drop in September, Apple has enabled third party navigation apps for CarPlay. So Google Maps and Waze could be used, if you choose.

like2ace

neoshi

There is an additional AA/CP CPU unit that must be added, along with replacing the controller unit under the bottom screen as it has a new SMARTPHONE button on the far right side. Another harness as well, along with the different upper screen as previously mentioned.

like2ace

Thanks neoshi. The question now is if a 2018 (with Carplay) to 2017 HU swap even possible if cost was no object. If cost is a concern, how much total are we looking at, if its doable from a new 2018 OEM HU or from a crashed 2018 HU salvage??

Has anyone with a 2017 (and before) MDX tried it? Any expert A/V guys care to comment?

Why does Acura make it so hard to upgrade?? I found a Ford HU update procedure (via USB) online. Even my previous 2013 BMW had programmable things you could turn on.

TacoBello

Honestly, it should be. We can't guarantee it though, without seeing the actual units themselves.

In my experience, the plug in points on various electronics in any car don't generally change from year to year. Not unless a big MMC occurred, but even then, I know in my car (2006 TL w/ Nav) can be upgraded to the 07-08 Nav drive by just plug and play. The 07-08 Drive had additional functions that I can't use, though, as my car isn't wired for some of those features (like traffic updates, I believe). Keep in mind though, that I can't necessarily use all the functions of the new drive, as my dash has slightly different button configurations... for example, I'm unable to change the mid level frequencies on the stereo, but can change the highs and lows without issue. It's not a perfect upgrade in my scenario.. but, otherwise I'm stuck with using the 06 nav drive which they stopped making map updates for in 2014.

What I'd suggest doing- it still won't be cheap, but it will be significantly cheaper than buying brand new OEM- wait for a 2018 to end up at an auto wrecker, and then buy the parts at a much lower price. You might even be able to start finding stuff on Ebay already. In addition, I would contact some of these sellers to see if they can send you photos of the back side of the stereo unit, to see what the plug ins look like. I'd then compare it to yours, either by removing it or by finding other photos to see if they match up. There's no guarantee this will forsure give you the success you need, but, it would already be a good indication of what to expect.

NeoGeoH

In reply to TacoBello the 18's have a "smartphone" while the 17's do not. I wonder if that would negate the upgrade as the button configuration is different. I would guess not if the SmartPhone button is part of the unit and not a button connected to it by a harness, but something to keep in mind. For some reason I am very interested in this, even though I have an 18 and will not be needing it. Thankfully.

p07r0457

The jog wheel assembly would need to be replaced to gain that button.

hrpuffnstuff12

Posted the same in the TLX forum because this also came up there:
Retrofitting is possible but there are multiple components that would be required and it would not be cheap to do:

1 - Replacement Navi - The new navi's (while same shape and size) have different hardware allowing CP/AA
2 - Replacement upper display - New system uses a different upper display resolution (required for CP/AA)
3 - Replacement jog knob - Not 100% necessary as old jog will work, but buttons are mapped differently. You can still launch smartphone by pressing the Audio key.
4 - New Tuner - Tuner is changed from 18M. the 17M Tuner will not allow XM access. Again not necessary for CP/AA
5 - New CP/AA box - There is a specific box that handles the heavy lifting of the CP/AA that goes between the Navi unit and USB (there are new specific harnesses for this as well) (PN-39095-TZ3-*****)
6 - New TCU (AA won't work without it)
7 - New Dash harness (with new connectors) [could potentially splice your way to this]

Everything else should be carryover outside of that, but with all of that alone, its likely to be upwards of 5-6k, Additionally depending on the trim of the Head unit you get, some sensors won't work, and the camera may not as well.

I'd suggest start checking the junkyards and rip out the whole center stack when they go on sale....

like2ace

Exactly what we needed to know !! What parts would you not need for MDX's without Nav.? Assuming item #1.
Not too hot on XM, so I am seeing only item # 2, 4 to 7 as the absolute must. Now what's a good site/part numbers for getting these?

hrpuffnstuff12

You'd actually need the Non-Navi Radio instead for MDX Without Navi. Slightly cheaper than the Navi (8-900 vs 1.5k). So still pretty much everything.
Some of the PNs I know off the top of my head:
1 - Replacement Audio unit (39540-TZ5-BXXX (Will vary depending on trim)
2 - Replacement upper display - New system uses a different upper display resolution (required for CP/AA) (39810-TZ5-XXX)
3 - Replacement jog knob - Not 100% necessary as old jog will work, but buttons are mapped differently. You can still launch smartphone by pressing the Audio key.
4 - New Tuner - Tuner is changed from 18M. the 17M Tuner will not allow XM access. Again not necessary for CP/AA (39800-TRX-AXXX (Vaires by trim)
5 - New CP/AA box - There is a specific box that handles the heavy lifting of the CP/AA that goes between the Navi unit and USB (there are new specific harnesses for this as well) (PN-39095-TZ5-A010)
6 - New TCU (AA won't work without it) (unsure)
7 - New Dash harness (with new connectors) [could potentially splice your way to this] (Completely unsure)

neoshi

Hmm is the TCU the transmission control unit ... or something else?

xtcdanno

if someone would be able to provide the full electrical schematics i could take a look, and i suspect it will shed some light(my last project was fun figured out how to install AA into a 2009 tsx with full control and mic took a couple of weeks ) but i would venture to guess that the module that needs to be used is likely providing power from the deck to the unit and replacing the usb port from what i seen in the diagram but either way can't find the schematics for the 14-18 mdx to verify that .
and i'm pretty sure this may be an over exhaustive list as what i have seen from other models. Honda doesn't make excessive changes as it makes it too difficult to install the easier they do things the more they make. either way after pricing out all the parts needed its cheaper to simply get the module from navtool
https://www.navtool.com/acura-mdx-20...e-carplay.aspx

jdpdata

You guys do know that GROM VLine2 exists right? Why bother with swapping head-units and all the complexity of it. GROM has already figure it out for you. I'm about to pull trigger for my RLX, just waiting for their Black Friday sale. If it works good, which I know it will because I had GROM on my Lexus GS. I will get it for our MDX too.

https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/al...n-upgrade.html

EmuMessenger

Acura needs to do better here. I'm pretty sure Porsche announced backwards compatibility for CarPlay in cars ~2006 and newer.

A friend got a dealer installed CarPlay upgrade in his 2014 Mazda 3.

Come on Acura! I'd like it in my 2017 MDX Advance.

EmuMessenger

Did you get this unit? It's my understanding, it doesn't integrate with the OEM mic. I got a similar unit for my 2016 BMW M4 from Bimmertech and it worked with the OEM mic and I drive interface.

jdpdata

I installed GROM VL2 for my RLX, which has identical infotainment as MDX. GROM does include their own 3rd party mic to work with Android Auto/CarPlay. I guess they couldn't figure out how to use OEM mic.
I had VL2 installed in my previous car, 2015 Lexus GS 350, which does use OEM mic. In that car, I had lots of issues giving voice commands. Seems like the OEM mic couldn't pick up my voice very well. I much prefer the 3rd party mic, it works 100%. No need to scream commands anymore Very easy to run the mic up thru side A pillar and headliner.

EmuMessenger

Thanks for the response. If I wanted to pass on the mic, would I still be able to used the OEM mic via Bluetooth while using CarPlay? Also, am I reading their site correctly that V2 supports wireless CarPlay?

Thanks again.

jdpdata

I don't use Carplay, but I don't think voice commands will work if you don't install the included mic. Why don't you want to install the mic?

datechboss101

Treat this as if its an aftermarket HU. No aftermarket mic means no working voice commands. AFAIK, if it claims it supports wireless Carplay, then it should. I personally don't invest any of my money into Apple phones, so I cannot tell.

jdpdata

And yes Grom support Wireless Carplay. Wireless Android Auto is also coming soon.

EmuMessenger

Thank you. Was trying to avoid additional wires and going away from the OEM look.

Thank you all for your feedback on this one.

rlx015

Given that all phones are now large enough, get a good phone holder, and be on lookout to swap cars in 3-4 years...
Not worth it, especially if someone God forbid rear ends you, happens to be total loss, you can never recover that 5-6k cost you invested in all... Alone parts are expensive, but there is labor as well ...

Another point is: how often will you need cp/aa to be used IN THE CAR ... If you spend lot of time on the road I can see the need, but if traveling nationally coverage for data is not perfect so yeah your cp/aa may not work always...

Nothing wrong w manuf navigation unit - my 06 RL w 2011 dvd navi disc works just fine and I have never gotten lost after 150k miles of using and driving it across many states

jdpdata

GROM VL2 costs only $600 (or less of you have coupon codes like I did). For me, GROM offers better integration (steering wheel, dash knob controls and voice input) than mounting a phone on dash. I don't like anything stuck to my dash, it looks too messy with charging cable hanging everywhere - drives my OCD crazy. I much prefer Android Auto to OEM infotainment. Voice commands is very useful with AA/CarPlay. The OEM infotainment is worthless to me. You can't do anything while driving and the menus are illogical. Takes way too long to input address into OEM infotainment and maps are usually so very outdated. With AA I can simply say "Navigate to [DESTINATION]"... and then boom it just works or use any of the multitude of voice commands to play music and do other useful functions hands-free. If you sell the car, you can remove GROM very easily to resell. But at only $600, it's not worth it to me to yank it out once it is installed. When travelling in remote parts of the country without data, you can pre-download offline maps or play offline music. If you have iPhone, GROM offers wireless CarPlay, don't have to plug-in any wires. I'm waiting for GROM to release update for wireless Android Auto. My phone will stay in my pocket and taken out only when needed to charge.