'08-'12 Armada/QX56 Watch DVD's on your Navigation Screen!

A forum for the Nissan Armada, Infiniti QX56, and beginning in 2014, the Infiniti QX80
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Timmbo
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Car: 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD & 2013 Nissan Maxima Sport Pkg
Location: Green Bay, WI

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AWESOME, good to hear! ENJOY!


marctronixx
Posts: 518
Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2011 2:07 pm

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All,

to those with the 2008+ armada and 2011-2012 qx,

there is a cat (tintmasters is his username) who can make these kits for you for 50-60 dollars (depending on if you get a lighted switch, etc) and that includes shipping. his kits are put together clean. i drilled a hole for the switch down by the OBD II port so its out of the way.

ive got a 2012 qx and i had his kit in my 08 armada. this one works just properly with no issues. he also adds some zip ties to keep the install clean.

I know this thread is pretty lengthy and it seems there is a schematic already posted based on the recent posts ive seen. ive not seen much talk about the 2011-2012 Qxs in the last couple pages so i thought to post this bit of info.

Image

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Timmbo
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Location: Green Bay, WI

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marctronixx wrote:All,

to those with the 2008+ armada and 2011-2012 qx,

there is a cat (tintmasters is his username) who can make these kits for you for 50-60 dollars (depending on if you get a lighted switch, etc) and that includes shipping. his kits are put together clean. i drilled a hole for the switch down by the OBD II port so its out of the way.

ive got a 2012 qx and i had his kit in my 08 armada. this one works just properly with no issues. he also adds some zip ties to keep the install clean.

I know this thread is pretty lengthy and it seems there is a schematic already posted based on the recent posts ive seen. ive not seen much talk about the 2011-2012 Qxs in the last couple pages so i thought to post this bit of info.

Image
I actually have that set-up from Shane as well. I originally had it on my '08 Armada, then I installed it on my 2010 Armada. It does work nice, but it is much cheaper to install a DPDT switch (under $10 total) and the DPDT swtich method works just as good and DOES NOT require the 12v power source. I used the DPDT switch method on my G37 and on a buddy's Murano as well. Both methods work well, but at this point I prefer the DPDT method. GREAT MOD THOUGH!!!!!!! :dblthumb:

marctronixx
Posts: 518
Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2011 2:07 pm

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yeah 12V is for the led in the switch so you dont need it. the switch in the kit is a DPDT...

of course the mod can be done for cheap. those who are not comfortable with fabricating these and/or dont have time to do so can benefit from shanes work. i wanted to post up it works just fine on the newer qx's since i have not seen any one mention it...

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Timmbo
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Actually, the 12v powers the relay, you don't necessarily have to use a switch that illuminates. Shane's kit uses a DPDT Relay triggered by a regular on/off switch. The other method uses a DPDT switch that requires no power.

skizza
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Nov 18, 2011 7:19 pm
Car: 2011 Nissan Armada SL

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I live in Orlando Florida and just recently leased the 2011 Armada SL with DVd, no navigation. I really want to activate the front display while the vehicle is in motion. i don't know anybody local who can help me.

For somebody who is not a mechanic, are either of these kits realistic for the average person to install? Or, would you highly recommend paying a mechanic/tech to do this install?

Secondly, which kit is easier to install..shane's kit or the cheaper option? I want to be able to keep the vehicle in normal condition down the road for when my lease it up. or at least be able to easily change it back to the normal setup if needed.

Thank you all for the help!

marctronixx
Posts: 518
Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2011 2:07 pm

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timmbo, you are obvioulsy more educated in this area than i so i concede with what you say. :)

skizza,

ive used shanes kit in my 2008 and now in a 2012 qx and they are great. he builds the kit (or you can build it yourself) and sends everything you need. you have to cut two wires which is no big deal.

you can absolutely do it yourself. i dont know about the other kit but i would imagine its just as simple.. they are both pretty much the same thing at the end of the day...

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Timmbo
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Location: Green Bay, WI

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Shane's kit does take a lot of the thinking out of the equation!

paulanda
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Dec 18, 2011 10:51 am
Car: 2011 Infiniti QX 56
2011 Mercedes GL550

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Hello, I am new to this site but I am interested in getting the bypass kit that you all have mentioned. I was also wondering if any of you know if there is a simular kit for a 2011 Mercedez GL550? I tried to send this in a private message to marctronixx, but wasn't able to due to my "new member" status. Thanks in advance for any help that you may provide.

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Timmbo
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Happy Holidays and welcome to the QX56 Forum!!!!

To be honest with you, it really is not a kit. It is basically a matter of finding the VSS wire and the Parking Brake wire and tapping into those to wires to install a DPDT switch. You would need to check out a service manual for the GL550 to find out where those are located.

paulanda
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Dec 18, 2011 10:51 am
Car: 2011 Infiniti QX 56
2011 Mercedes GL550

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I see, so the kit that marctronixx mentioned for $50-60 aren't something that I can buy from someone? I am not sure that this is something that I'll attempt to do myself, I'll probably take it in and have it done if I can. I would however attempt to do it if I were able to purchase a "kit" that had parts and instructions. In the post at the top of this page marctronixx mentioned that "tintmasters" sales a kit, unfortunately I am not savy enough with this site to figure out how to search for someone based on a username.
Thanks again for the help

marctronixx
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Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2011 2:07 pm

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@paul.

Shanes kit is excellent! i have bought two of his kits and they were quality work.

Tim is correct in that its not too difficult to fabricate this up. its just a couple of relays.. but if you are like me and dont have time to hunt for parts and the patience to build it, his kit is the way to go.

I dont know how this would work in a benz. You are better off posting on a Benz forum.

paulanda
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Dec 18, 2011 10:51 am
Car: 2011 Infiniti QX 56
2011 Mercedes GL550

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Great, thanks marctronixx. I have googled for tintmasters and I think that I have a good phone number for shane, I'm going to try to call him tomorrow.
Thanks again

Pumaro
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 3:28 pm
Car: 2013 Infinity QX 56 4x4
2012 Armada Platinum (Lakeshore Slate) sold
2007 335i (Monaco Blue)
Location: Little Rock, AR

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Which method is best for a 2012 Armada ?

marctronixx
Posts: 518
Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2011 2:07 pm

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depends.

if you are good with electronics and wiring up relays, etc, then go buy the parts at rat shack.

if you want to have a pre fab ready to install device, go with shanes method.. the method i use. i can attest to his build quality. i had his kit in my 2008 armada.. it was in there when i sold it a couple months ago. i now purchased another one of his kits in my 2012 qx...

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Timmbo
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Location: Green Bay, WI

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It is pretty simply to wire in the DPDT switch, it is also easy to wire in the relays from Shane, but you also need to tap into the 12v power for the relay method, and the relay method is more expensive. Both methods work equally as well, and both will work on the 2012 Armada!

Pumaro
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 3:28 pm
Car: 2013 Infinity QX 56 4x4
2012 Armada Platinum (Lakeshore Slate) sold
2007 335i (Monaco Blue)
Location: Little Rock, AR

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I think I will try the cheap method DPDT switch method. Do I have to worry about voiding a warranty doing this?

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Timmbo
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Well, if you did something wrong and it was clearly caused by your mistake, then that would void the warranty, otherwise no. I have had the vent fan motors replaced once, and now a second time because of the recall that was on them. Your 2012 should be good, recall was only on the 2010 and 2011's.

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XIS
Posts: 865
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Car: 08 EX35 RWD
17 QX30 Sport
Location: The Desert

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Timbo - Thank you!
I have an EX35 without nav and have searched quite a bit for this info (I couldn't find good info on the EX forum - or nothing this good at least!)

Thanks!

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Timmbo
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XIS wrote:Timbo - Thank you!
I have an EX35 without nav and have searched quite a bit for this info (I couldn't find good info on the EX forum - or nothing this good at least!)

Thanks!
NO PROBLEM!!! Happy to help out, ANYTIME!!! Please let me know if you have any questions on this modification! :bigthumb:

Brandon D
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2012 10:38 am
Car: 2011 Armada Platinum
2008 F350 6.4l 575hp
1965 Mustang Coupe 425hp

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Thanks to everyone for the posts and to Timmbo for all the info. I just sent an email to Shane and will be attempting this mod myself once he gets back to me and I receive the harness. Cheers

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Timmbo
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Hey Brandon, the relay pack from Shane is nice, but it is pretty darn easy doing this with a DPDT switch as well. That is the method I used on my wife's G37.

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!

2000ag
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 8:16 am

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I just tried this, and didn't have the same luck everyone else seems to have. I have an 09 without Nav. I am having trouble with the grounding. I cut both wires, and when I reconnect the ebrake wires, I get video, so I understand that there is no reason to ground the VSS. I am trying to ground to the cigarette lighter. I used a tap splice to connect it to the green wire coming off the cigarette lighter, but that didn't work.

Anyone have any suggestion on where to ground?

2000ag
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Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 8:16 am

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I finally got it. I just used a piece of speaker wire and grounded the ebrake to one of the screws that holds the video screen in. It works perfectly. Thanks to everyone on this thread.

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Timmbo
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Hmmm, interesting, I actually have mine tapped into the ground on the 12v source.

Helios
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2012 8:33 am
Car: Nissan Armada 2011

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Hi all. I am new to this forum, but it looks very helpful.
I have Armada 2011 without Navigation and no DVD. It is basically SV model with Driver's package, so it does include a backup camera and Bose audio system (Bose Audio without Navigation they call it).
As everyone else, I am trying to feed a video signal to my front lcd screen. Since I don't have DVD installed, my problem is a little different. I have external media player I am planning to use for the AV source. It has RGB out and regular analog video out. Going through AV diagnostics manual (Thanks Timmbo for providing a link) a developed 2 approaches to do this:

1. Interrupting video signal from camera and replacing it with external signal from Media player.
This would require for the AV Module to get Reverse Signal T105 (12v -on / 0v off) and some king of switch to go from camera video to external source. I figured if I supply 12 v to T105 and Video (+) to T65 and Video (-) to T64 this should probably work?

2.Going through Display Unit (Screen) connections I found Aux image input T15(Comp IN +) and Aux image ground T5 (Comp In -) and they activate when Aux mode is selected! This way I can sinc the sound as well through Aux audio input.

Will any of these work? will I get acceptable video quality?
Any input is welcome, I hope Timmbo is still there. :) thanks

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Timmbo
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I am here, sorry for the delay, and welcome to NICOclub! Glad to have you here in the Armada Forum. Honestly, this is over my head, did you look at the FSM?

Helios
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Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2012 8:33 am
Car: Nissan Armada 2011

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Timmbo wrote:I am here, sorry for the delay, and welcome to NICOclub! Glad to have you here in the Armada Forum. Honestly, this is over my head, did you look at the FSM?
Hi, Timmbo! Yes, I did - that's where all potential mods are coming from. Do you think the video quality of the display is good enough to attempt this?

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Timmbo
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I do think it would be a good quality signal.

mtcollins
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Joined: Sun May 06, 2012 6:43 pm
Car: 2008 Armada LE

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Timmbo or others - Does anyone know if Shane/Tintmasters is still making the mod available for sale? Thanks. MC


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