See this link for pictures and descriptions. The service manual and electrical troubleshoot manual is very handy for this project. The hardest part is the connection to the ECU/PGM, the HFL navi button wire and the backup sensing wire.

http://www.pbase.com/trashkk/inbox&page=1

 

Nice job. But didn't that end up costing more than just getting Navi in the first place?

 

Actually, I got all the parts for less than $1500. I know it's a time consuming issue, but at the time I bought my TL, there's no navi one available and I can't wait. hhehhehe. Now, it's all good.

 

This is the TL navi, right? Is this also hooked up to wheel speed and turn in case you loose that sattelites?

 

does all the voice commands work? i climate control and radio commands? also did you change out the upper dash display where the time is displayed. it's dfferent between the nav and non-navi models. very nice job btw, but i think for price/effort it's cheaper to just get the navi from the factory.

 

fuckin a man, that's bitchin!

 

Yes, it's connected to the ECU/PGM. Not that complicated if you have the electrical troubleshoot manual.

 

Yes, everything is the same as the navi equipped TL. I understand the factory one is a lot easier to just take it and go. I have no choice but only a bunch of non navi equipped TLs on the lot to choose and I can't wait to get the TL. I got my TL during July, 04.

 

props to you. i bet you're an EE major or something of the sort.

 

Indeed! Nice Work!

 

hi good job~!!!! that must be one of the biggest regret that i have ever had with this car. no navi, there was actuallly no navi available in atl and a two month wait back in 2003. can you tell me where i can buy all the parts for 1500. i want to put all the parts into my car and convert it into a navi.... ive been dying to find out how we can install this navi!!!!

 

convert my n/navi to a w/navi please~!!!! im dying to do it~!!!!

 

I hate to burst your bubble but for about the same cost, you could have had a really pimped out system like mine hehhe

click my signature below.

 

There is no need for such comments. He did something that everyone thought was not worth the work. True your system is great, but his want for the OEM Navi and the ability to change it out is equally as admirable.

Congrats Trashcan on the work, your time I'm sure was worth more than $500, but monetarily this project cost you around $1500. Slightly cheaper than getting it from the factory. Good job!

 

What about the heater/ac display?

 

That's the HVAC display which I swapped. It's just a simple swap but need to rewire the wires becuase the old clock is only 6 pin connectors and has no connection to the LCD display. The new HVAC display has 10 pin connectors which is wired directly to the LCD display and to the Navi DVD rom unit.

 

That is an incredible job -- i'm speechless. I'd ask if you could write-up a DIY, but 1) that would be asking WAAAY too much, and 2) not many people will be able to do this on their own ... you're a master technician, my friend, props to you!

 

Thx, I ain't an EE, I hold a MIS degree and I do electronics as a hobby.

 

When I have time, I could write up a DIY with some pictures and drawings inside pictures for the whole process. I already put the parts back together, it will only be instructions no how to take it apart and making wire harness. It's not an easy job. It took me like 4 half days to finished this project.

 

Thx for the comments. I will list all the parts needed with part #s later on when I have time.

 

You did an incredible job too. Looks clean. But I like something that will look OEM

 

I am "mechanically gifted" but I think I would feel more comfortable buying it with navi(I understand gotta get it now condition). Or I would call you

 

Great Work!

I'm in the market for a new car, and I'm highly considering the TL. However, I am uncertain about the NAVI options, because I' m not sure I would use it enough to justify the $2k. But from reading a few posts, some have regretted not making the purchase.

But now that we know its possible to convert to OEM NAVI, that lifts some burden off my decision and hopefully others. I installed a carpc in my last car (03 Infiniti QX4), so hopefully I'm upto the challenge.

Trashcan, I look forward to your writeup. The steps, parts list, amount of time, and all would help out alot. I can't wait to see it!

Thanks
-TJ

 

YES if you can do a write up that would be GREAT!

Also where did you get all the parts?

 

hmm i saw this on ebay..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=38653
currently $102

 

ok.. that link doesnt work.. anyways its currently $102 for the complete navigation system..

 

Dude shut up , has my name written all over it

And I knew it could be done!

 

That is my spare backup unit. It's in mint condition. The only difference is the Navi ROM unit. The one on Ebay is the TSX Navi rom, but will work with the TL. I initially bought the TSX navi rom because I can't get a TL navi rom cheap. I was able to find the TL navi rom later on.

 

I will do a write up after I got my taxes done. I think your project ofr the QX4 is more complicated than mine. Sorry to hear the bad news and glad that you are ok. The TL navi is not that complicated as most of ppl thought of. Almost all of the wires were seperate from others (I would say it's just like pulling a whole bunch of wires from the back of your trunk to the front).
The only few wires that you have to connect to the car's "computer"--ECU/PGM is the speed sensor wire, FCAN-L (fast controller area network-low), FCAN-H (hight) and the backup wire. Speed sensor wire,FCAN-L,FCAN-H is at the ECU/PGM. Backup wire is located near the fuse box.

 

Great one.


How voice command works? Do you have the button on the steering wheel or somewhere?

 

You have to replace your HFL button on the steering wheel to the navi HFL button. (you can see it in my pic) It's a 4 button one instead of 2 buttons. You will also have to remove the air bag (Do not unplug the air bag wire, you can hold it and unscrew the HFL button) and remove the steering colum's cover (it's plastic and the clips are easy to break, but the new replacement cover is cheap. I didn't replace mine because after I put it back, I hardly noticed the gap there. After you put the new navi HFL button in place, locate the connector that the top of the steering colum and insert an extra pin to the connector to connect the remote voice control wire to the Navi unit in the back trunk. You will understand more when I write up the instructions with pictures.

 

Thanks you for sharing these details to everyone here. Very much appreciated.

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112900

 

Yeah, where did you get the parts? Junk yard? how much?

 

YO!!!! YOU THE MAN......... NICE . I KNEW IT COULD BE DONE >>>> QUESTION >>>> I do not want navi, but want the screen for a DVD source .. several screens will fit nicely (thought about moving down exsisting display lose spare compartments like another guy did) , but do think I could wire the HVAC / RADIO to DISPLAY on normal TFT screen ??

 

TrashCan,

Hats off to you man. I have been struggling with this for 6 months. You have done it. Please, I beg you, do as detailed a write up as you can. You have done something that everybody said was impossible. Just search all the threads....

thanx

 

Nice job and hats off to you dude!!!

Everyone said this cannot be done but you have proved it can!!! I wish someone here where I live can convert mine to navi?

 

you think that's bad, i bought mine in 11/03 had to wait picked it up for christmas on 12/24/03 and the 6 months later. the 6 speed with navi. how do you think i feel. the dealer even told me the dash is different and i can't convert it. i've heard of someone else doing it but i though he was full of shit after the dealer told me. sure it's a lot of time and trouble, but it can't be more trouble than taking a loss on the car since they are still so new and then having to buy another.

 

trashcan,

do you have an estimated time for your directions or could another interested patry message me when it's available. i'm not on here everyday. i definetly don't want to miss this!
tx

 

truly impressed.

i just got done installing a carPC a few weeks ago and can honestly appreciate this effort. I just wish i had time to make a site for my project...

congrats!