Advice on replacing the OEM NAV in a 2008 GT500

Shaker1

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I have not been following the latest in head units and installation procedures for quite some time and am looking at installing a reasonably priced unit with Apple Carplay. I am looking at something like the Pioneer MVH-1400NEX or DMH-1500NEX or JVC KW-M750Bt.

Would anyone care to comment on what harness adapter, antenna adapter, trim bezel or other items I might need for a seamless install? Potential issues or alternative head units I should consider? Not needing DVD/CD capability or satellite radio.
 
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Shaker1

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I'm also interested in suggestions for backup cameras that work well with our cars.
 
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fullboogie

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I use Pioneers in all three of my vehicles. But you need to shoot from something much nicer than what you have listed. Plan on spending at least $500 to get a model with a high res display and all the latest features.
 

Shaker1

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I use Pioneers in all three of my vehicles. But you need to shoot from something much nicer than what you have listed. Plan on spending at least $500 to get a model with a high res display and all the latest features.


That's a pretty good thought. Thanks. I'll look at better units.
 

fullboogie

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Honestly, the best deals on Pioneer are on Amazon if you look for mid to high end units that are just a year or two old. Brand new, still have a warranty, etc.
 

Race Red Boss

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I have the Pioneer AVIC 5200NEX in mine and it looks great. Looks like it belongs. Was in the car when I bought it.
 

Shaker1

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I think I have arrived at the Pioneer DMH-C2550NEX as my choice, it has HD radio, no NAV or CD/DVD. Exactly what I was looking for and Crutchfield looks like the best source for unit, install kit and adapters. Thanks for everyone's input.

On a side note, does anyone know if there is a parking brake wire accessible at the factory radio harness or if it is simply easier to use a parking brake bypass device versus running that additional wire to the brake switch?
 
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fullboogie

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That's not how it works anymore. You can't just ground the parking brake wire, as all radios for the last several years require multiple ground cycles (e.g. ground, unground, ground). So the only way to bypass the parking brake requirement on any of these radios is to search for a bypass unit online, like this one for the AVH series:

EDIT - well, this idiot website won't let me post an Amazon link!

 

4rd Toys

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That's not how it works anymore. You can't just ground the parking brake wire, as all radios for the last several years require multiple ground cycles (e.g. ground, unground, ground). So the only way to bypass the parking brake requirement on any of these radios is to search for a bypass unit online, like this one for the AVH series:

EDIT - well, this idiot website won't let me post an Amazon link!


You're talking about something like this-

MicroBypass Micro Pulse Bypass fits All AVH PIONEER Parking Brake Video Override | eBay

Tried searching but this video popped up & the store was using the eBay one.

 

jbou91

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That's not how it works anymore. You can't just ground the parking brake wire, as all radios for the last several years require multiple ground cycles (e.g. ground, unground, ground). So the only way to bypass the parking brake requirement on any of these radios is to search for a bypass unit online, like this one for the AVH series:

EDIT - well, this idiot website won't let me post an Amazon link!


Yeah but its still pretty simple... All you need is a relay
 

fullboogie

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Yeah but its still pretty simple... All you need is a relay

As long as it's a multi shot relay - which I've not heard of - it'll work. It's not like years ago when you can use a standard Bosch relay. These head units now require multiple on/off cycles with a final grounding in order to work.
 

fullboogie

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You're talking about something like this-

MicroBypass Micro Pulse Bypass fits All AVH PIONEER Parking Brake Video Override | eBay

Tried searching but this video popped up & the store was using the eBay one.


Yes, something like that. But that one won't work on the one OP likes. He'll have to search for one specific to his model. And what's worse, the newest units don't even use grounding anymore. They use GPS, so if the car is moving then a lot of needed/wanted functions are disabled. Not aware of any hacks for that problem yet.
 

Shaker1

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Thanks guys, yeah I arrived at the proper bypass method after a bit more research. I messaged the Ebay seller of this device and they say this works on all NEX hed units: Pioneer DMH-1500nex Parking Brake Bypass for video and settings DMH-C5500NEX

I've also read that if installing a license plate style backup camera that it washes out at night due to the license plate light. The solution seems to be adding a relay that shuts off the license plate light when reverse lights are activated. Anyone use one of these cameras without a relay and experience problems?
 
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Shaker1

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License_plate_relay.jpg

Left reverse lamp is dark green/orange. Right reverse lamp is white/yellow. These wires would be found in the trunk behind the panel in the harness that leads to each tail light. Not certain of the license plate light (hot) wire color, but it should be easy to determine by following the wires.

I am also considering drilling the hole for the backup camera wiring through the license plate light housing (and sealing with clear silicone), rather than the bumper cover. Easier to replace the housing than fill a bumper hole, if originality is desired. This will be dependent on the size of the hole required, once I receive the camera.

 
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jbou91

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Thanks guys, yeah I arrived at the proper bypass method after a bit more research. I messaged the Ebay seller of this device and they say this works on all NEX hed units: Pioneer DMH-1500nex Parking Brake Bypass for video and settings DMH-C5500NEX

I've also read that if installing a license plate style backup camera that it washes out at night due to the license plate light. The solution seems to be adding a relay that shuts off the license plate light when reverse lights are activated. Anyone use one of these cameras without a relay and experience problems?

Universal LED Light Bar Fog Light Wiring Harness Kit 40A 12V Switch Relay Fuse 842961149288 | eBayUniversal LED Light Bar Fog Light Wiring Harness Kit 40A 12V Switch Relay Fuse 842961149288 | eBay

That's what I use and I can confirm it works...
 

Imatk

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The only thing I don't like about all of the newer radios is they're all touch screen. That's great for a phone but crappy for a car when you actually want to keep your eyes on the road.

I have a Pioneer Avic-D2 which was probably one of the last double-din radios that had BUTTONS.

I tried upgrading a few years ago and couldn't get past having to look at the damn thing every time I wanted to change a channel... so I went back to my D2
 

GodStang

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I am late to the party and while this is not on a GT500 it is on a 2010 Ford. I installed front and rear Echomaster Camera CAM-LP1-N. They have no LEDs and was first questioning that but so far they have been fantastic. As far as what is needed I always go to crutchfield write down the parts and buy elsewere. I got my complete system, cameras, idatalink, harnesses, mounting brackets new for less than Crutchfield wanted for JUST the headunit. I got it from Custom Sound and Tint and they were awesome.
 

Shaker1

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Thanks for the additional replies. Shopping around, the best price on the HU I could find (Ebay) was only $5 cheaper than Crutchfield. But the install accessories were deeply discounted if buying a HU from Crutchfield, so (along with Crutchfield's customer service and return policy) it worked out pretty good.

What I bought: DMH-C2550NEX, PAC C2R-FRD1, Boyo VTL17ir, Micro Bypass, plus antennae adapter and bezel kit.

The PAC C2R-FRD1 is an absolute necessity for CANBUS and makes install a breeze, including parking brake, illumination, reverse trigger, amp turn on and a couple features our cars do not have (pwr ant, SWC). No tapping wires in the car's harness. And since the camera's video cable has a power wire attached, it can be used to power the camera when in reverse or manually when desired from the head unit, via the +12v accessory lead at the Pioneer harness, without tapping into the backup lights. I haven't done the actual install yet, but it looks like the trickiest part will be running the camera cable to the rear. Hoping to go under the carpet from the console area along the driveshaft hump, then follow the tailight harness to the rear. The entire harness will be assembled on the bench with an insulated female/male butt connect at the cameras power wire (both ends) to make the whole assembly plug and play, for easy service and removal.

I've opted to install the camera without the plate bracket and offset to not interfere with the license plate light. We shall see how that goes. The Boyo comes with a lip mount bracket too and I expect some 3M exterior mounting tape will get the job done, so I don't have to drill the bumper, except the cable hole.

Here is a wiring document I created from the various install documents (no warranty implied, YMMV):
 

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850SNCobra

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Following this for sure, I'll be doing the same eventually. Are you planning to upgrade the stock speakers and amps too or just the head unit for now?
 

Shaker1

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Just the head unit for now, but you know how that goes! LOL

Crutchfield did provide some good documentation/pictures on speaker replacement.

Update/Edit: Almost done with the install, just a few minor details to button up things. Need to unplug the stack cover again to place a washer behind each top screw tab of the Metra mounting bracket/bezel. The top doesn't sit totally flush with the stack bezel, but a couple washers should solve that. Then I can finish tidying up everything.

Added bonus: this particular head unit is much lighter than the oem NAV (boat anchor) and plenty of room to stash the harness and interface unit. Weight reduction! Not sure what output wattage the oem unit was, but the 22 watts rms of this unit is a big improvement. Plus, the ability to fine tune all aspects of the sound, including subwoofer characteristics is huge! Really woke up the oem speakers.

Best way to run the backup camera cable is by pulling off the passenger side kick panel and scuff plate, removing the rear seat and slipping the cable up under the quarter panel trim and basically following the existing harness. Much easier than I expected. I drilled a 1/4" hole through the plastic license plate lens assembly, then fed the cable through the existing harness grommet with a tiny slit , which made a waterproof and seamless install of the camera. Works great during the day. Will see how it works at night when it stops raining here!

Makes the car feel like brand new!
 
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