Aftermarket or Dealer Nav System?

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blancs3030
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Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2007 7:49 pm
Car: 2008 Altima Coupe 3.5L SE 6MT

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You have to buy the PAC-SWI, you can find it on ebay. Installation may seem a bit tricky when you open the box, but they have vehicle specific instructions on their website.

Well there is a small problem now, the background lights for my climate control and steering wheel controls will not come on, I thought it was because I hooked up the illum. wire wrong, but they will not come on with or without it connected, so now I'm thinking it is the pac-swi that is doing it. If so then I'll sacrifice I like my steering wheel controls.


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MadBlackCoupe
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MOST EXCELLENT!



I found it on ebay. If anybody else plans to do this -- it's the PAC SWI-PS model that is needed for the Z2.http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...idget

This device will all you to:Assign The Control Buttons To Any Of The Following 9 Specific Pioneer Functions: Vol. Up, Vol. Down, Mute, Track Up, Track Down, Source, Preset Up, Preset Down, and Band.

This is what I need.

Also found the PAC websitehttp://www.pac-audio.com/

Gotta have the steering wheel controls. I'd hate for the background lights not to work. Maybe I'll get the steering wheel control unit for 20 bucks and deal with it...hmmmm....hell naw!-

-Mad
blancs3030 wrote:You have to buy the PAC-SWI, you can find it on ebay. Installation may seem a bit tricky when you open the box, but they have vehicle specific instructions on their website.

Well there is a small problem now, the background lights for my climate control and steering wheel controls will not come on, I thought it was because I hooked up the illum. wire wrong, but they will not come on with or without it connected, so now I'm thinking it is the pac-swi that is doing it. If so then I'll sacrifice I like my steering wheel controls.

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blancs3030
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on another forum somebody said it could be a blown fuse, and i checked it out, but wasn't able to determine what it might go under in the fuse boxes.

generic808
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Yeah, it may just be a fuse. But, I would think all the dash lights wouldn't work, not just the climate and steering

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blancs3030
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Car: 2008 Altima Coupe 3.5L SE 6MT

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well i stayed up last night and looked at the wire diagram, the a/c lights, hazard, steering wheel, passenger side glove box and traction control lights, are all on the same diagram and they are all off. so after looking at that i think it is the llum. wire. there is a + and - llum. wire on the radio harness and i connected the + to the d3, but left the - unconnected, so now I'm trying to find what fuse they are connected to so i can check it, but i think if i connect the - to the radio ground they will come back on, but I'm not going to do anything yet without more research. i don't want anything else to happen.

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blancs3030
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PROBLEM SOLVED...... ......after a cop pulls me over on the interstate to tell me my rear running lights are not on. he let me off, just had to ride all the way back home with my hazards on.

The fuse in the engine bay labeled tail lights was blown, I took it out then disconnected the battery and took my radio out and pulled the d3 illumination wire off the car's and taped both ends up, put in a new fuse and reconnected the battery and turned it on and BAM it works! I can see all my illum. lights again, thank god for fuses, it could have been a lot worse.

Let this be a warning to everyone to not mess with crap you have no idea about and just read things off the internet.

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MadBlackCoupe
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Good stuff man. I'm glad you figured it out.

Today, I will have the following installed:

1. Steering wheel control2. Rear camear

Wish me luck. I'll keep you guys posted.

Mad

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MadBlackCoupe
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11-25-07 Update

I saw a post by Rob who asked that I give you guys an update.

Well, things are still not 100 completed, BUT, here is an update.

_X_ New Metra KitReplacing the one he cracked during the initial installation. The fit is not 100 % snug on the outer rim (I'd say 97%), but the installer says he can't push the deck back any more. It's not bad, but the trim around the Nav is a little loose to the touch. I have figured out a way to get rid of the slack.

_X_ The Rear Camera has been installed and is working properly. The camera comes on anytime the car is put in reverse. It's nice having an extra pair of eyes, especially with back vision somewhat restricted compared to sedans. There is also a view where you can see what's behind you while driving forward...very cool.

_X_ The BlueTooth has been installed and working. Phone works fine, although it does lose connect from time-to-time, as has been complained about as well by other forum members.

_X_ The iPod connection has been installed and is working properly. The installer was able to connect his iPod. I have not purchased one as of yet, but will soon.

_?_ XM NavTraffic. I'm not sure I have this or not. I should be seeing up-to-date traffic info on the Nav Maps, but this is not the case. I will call them to set it all setup. I hope dude ordered the right unit.

___ The Motion Bypass is not working. I have installed the latest files. I printed out the instructions from AVIC-411 and handed it to him. He says he has the wiring right, yet, the bypass is not working. It is me or him? I think him.

___ Steering wheel controls, via the PAC-SWI PS, was not able to be installed. The installer tried for 6-hours straight, but was unable to program the device. He will bring in a specialist and have him do it. I have ordered the clip-on steering wheel gizmo to use in the meantime.

___Scratch in Nav screen. I have mulled over this one for weeks, but, I have decided that I can not live with a scratch on the screen for any period of time, eventhough you can not see it, for the most part, when the Nav system is on, and it's on as soon as you turn on the car.

Because of so many extra devices and cables installed, I don't want to take out the Nav, install the old radio, send the Nav back, sick and wait until the unit comes back, then have the installer take out the old radio for the third time, and re-install the repaired Nav.

This may sound crazy, but what I plan to do is purchase another Nav, once the Z3 comes out--the price should go down some. I will then bring this to him, or another installer, and have him swap out the Navs. I will then send the scratched one to Pioneer and have them repair it. I will sell the repaired one once it comes back. The installer has agreed to resolve this issue as I would like, either get the 200 for repair of a minor scratch or have him order 200 worth of work or car stuff. In this case, I will send him a bill and ask for the money. It takes this guy too long to order parts. I don't want to trust it.

___ Scratch in the chrome (or chrome like) shift housing. I will take this to the dealer and have it replaced. I don't want to risk any further damage to my vehicle by having the installer try to replace the housing. My dealer said the housing would be 110 plus the cost of the install. I will bill the installer.

_X_ I scratced the bumper a couple weeks ago, while driving too close to the sidewalk on a parking lot. The installer buffed just about all the scratches out, which I was very happy to see. No charge.

THE FUTUREI'm looking for a new installer to finish the job (steering wheel controls, motion bypass, and better allignment of the Dash Kit).

Not until all of this is done will I address the scratches. No need replacing anything until all the installing is complete.

Well folks, I feel much better, but there is still a little ways to go.

Here are some flicks:

Nav Unit

The Rear Camera. I wanted the black one because I wanted it to be barely noticeable. I think it worked. I am loving it.

A look at the camera view in reverse.

Split Rear View while driving forward. Very nice. I use this alot.

The movie 300 DVD. Only works at stop signs or in park although you can hear the movie while in motion. I don't see myself using this feature alot. Not sure that I need it to work, although, the motion bypass will allow me to use all the functions that are blocked while the car is in motion, so, this it's much more than simply watching movies.

Urban station, The Rhyme, XM Sat Radio. I'm digging the Sat Radio, from the old school jams to the comedy station.

NOTE: You don't see the scratch in these pictures. It's not a major scratch, but it is so damn annoying.

___________PS: Rob, yes, I saw your installation guide. Very hot bro. I almost feel like I can open this bad boy up now and maybe I should.


Modified by MadBlackCoupe at 9:03 PM 11/25/2007

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blancs3030
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the PAC-SWI PS is not a difficult setup, if you have it wired right should take you 20 - 30 mins max, and that is the max and there is a website that shows you the step by step instructions for the bypass, i did it before i installed the system so i had room to clearly see the wires, but it shouldn't be that bad with it already installed since the wire harness can detach from your z3, I'm not sure about the z3 bypass, i think its different from the d3, but there have been other people on here and avic411.com that have done it, it's a great website for pioneer owners, they have a lot of custom backgrounds for it, i grabbed a nice nissan one from there. my metra kit pops out just slightly on the sides, i took it out and loosened the screws holding the d3 and pushed it back a bit and made sure the wires behind it were not in the way, helped alot, but after time it pops out a little again, not as bad as it was before though and the defrost buttons still get jammed, but if i push down on the kit at the bottom they will pop back up, its not a problem. on ebay they sell screen protectors for our units, i've been thinking about buying one, but since i installed my steering wheel controls i just listen to my ipod and control everything from the wheel and hardly ever touch the screen.

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rjdmmfl1
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MBC,man, well I'm glad to see that almost everything is installed now... I've come to one realization... your installer is a f***ing idiot! I did this install by myself, and I don't even do this stuff everyday. I actually come back to Baltimore from time to time, unfortunately, I won't be there anytime soon I don't think, but if i am, I'll finish the install for you free of charge! Heck, i would've done the entire install for your free of charge!!!

I installed my rear view camera, bluetooth, Nav system, XM/Nav traffic unit (GEX-P10XMT), and steering wheel control unit (PAC-SWIPS).

*STEERING WHEEL CONTROL* Here's the thing about the steering wheel control unit, it aint rocket science and that idiot of an instaler should know that! If you decide to attack this, shoot me an email and I'll give you my number and walk you through it myself. Your installer probably has either the wrong resistors connected, or has the right rsistors connected to the wrong wires on the harness. I had mistakenly attached the resistor to the wrong wire, and could not get it to work for the life of me...but once I found the riht one, it was smooth sailing!

*VIDEO BYPASS*This could be either you or him. You may have burned the file incorrectly, or you may not have updated the firmware completely, or the yellow/black wire may not have been removed and reinserted correctly. These are all the thing that would require troubleshooting, and I'm sure it's one of those three. Once again, if was there, I tackle it for you, but if you really want to do this, just hit me up, and I'll walk you through it. Also, I still have both Cd's I created (firmware update and ISO file replacement) as well as the step by step instructions for the Hack...since i went with the D3, I no longer need them. If you want them, I'll send them to you! Good luck with everything!

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rjdmmfl1
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Hey blancs3030, I conected the illumination wire on my D3 to the red/yellow wire on my harness, and it works perfectly! you probably notice that your system is hella bright at night, too bright for safety actually! With the illum wire attached, it dims very smoothly when the vehicle headlights are on and the maps are reversed with nightime views and stars in the sky...very nice... check out my Avic D3 writeup...I have the pics there of the install, I def think it's worth it! And its safer than your current setup!

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MadBlackCoupe
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Man, I def appreciate the offer. Hell, I would have probably flown you in at my expense if I knew that. I just want to move beyond this nonsense.

Naw, I would have paid you something bro.

Six hours and our boy couldn't figure it out.

I may have to take you up on that, but I'm not sure if the PAC wiring is still in the unit or in the hands of el installer supreme.

I have the correct firmdate, but I got it from Pioneer's site, not from Avic411. So, I did burn the ISO, but it was to DVD. Funny, it just upgraded to 2.13. When I did the CD download from Pioneer, it changed to 2.14. This was not the ISO though, just a folder full of files and a single file on the root. Anyway, I'll try the ISO to CD. I'm a computer guy, it shouldn't be this hard...lol.

The NavTraffic is working. I noticed some traffic updates today.

Little steps man...little steps.

Good lookn out man. I'll keep you posted.

MadBC
rjdmmfl1 wrote:MBC,man, well I'm glad to see that almost everything is installed now... I've come to one realization... your installer is a f***ing idiot! I did this install by myself, and I don't even do this stuff everyday. I actually come back to Baltimore from time to time, unfortunately, I won't be there anytime soon I don't think, but if i am, I'll finish the install for you free of charge! Heck, i would've done the entire install for your free of charge!!!

I installed my rear view camera, bluetooth, Nav system, XM/Nav traffic unit (GEX-P10XMT), and steering wheel control unit (PAC-SWIPS).

*STEERING WHEEL CONTROL* Here's the thing about the steering wheel control unit, it aint rocket science and that idiot of an instaler should know that! If you decide to attack this, shoot me an email and I'll give you my number and walk you through it myself. Your installer probably has either the wrong resistors connected, or has the right rsistors connected to the wrong wires on the harness. I had mistakenly attached the resistor to the wrong wire, and could not get it to work for the life of me...but once I found the riht one, it was smooth sailing!

*VIDEO BYPASS*This could be either you or him. You may have burned the file incorrectly, or you may not have updated the firmware completely, or the yellow/black wire may not have been removed and reinserted correctly. These are all the thing that would require troubleshooting, and I'm sure it's one of those three. Once again, if was there, I tackle it for you, but if you really want to do this, just hit me up, and I'll walk you through it. Also, I still have both Cd's I created (firmware update and ISO file replacement) as well as the step by step instructions for the Hack...since i went with the D3, I no longer need them. If you want them, I'll send them to you! Good luck with everything!

2008CodeRedCoupe
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its always hit or miss having aftermarket shops install aftermarket stuff. sometimes it will be a GREAT experience and sometimes it SUCKS!

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blancs3030
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rjdmmfl1, so you just connect the d3 illum. wire to the yellow and red wire and everythings works good for you? i wonder if it's the same though since mine was a non bose unit. glad to see there is a way to do it. after the last adventure with the illum. wire i said to heck with it. maybe it will be the same.

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rjdmmfl1
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Yes, but make sure you disconnect the negative battery terminal... when you don't do that, you run the risk of blowing a fuse when you splice the two... and yes I'm pretty sure yours should be the same, even without the bose unit...I guarantee you, when you blew that fuse, you probably accidentally hit one of the wires against some metal.

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LongBeachCoupe
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Hey man... dont pay to fix the screen... keep that thing in good shape... order one from amazon.. and do a swap and send it back to them... Ahem Ahem.. ive never done something like this before.. ahem ahem...

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MadBlackCoupe
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LOL!

Naw man, I couldn't do that. I believe **** like that come back to haunt you bro.

MBC
LongBeachCoupe wrote:Hey man... dont pay to fix the screen... keep that thing in good shape... order one from amazon.. and do a swap and send it back to them... Ahem Ahem.. ive never done something like this before.. ahem ahem...

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blancs3030
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I was thinking about installing a backup camera, but I was wondering if i would have to drill a hole for the wiring or if there was another way, but I guess if I wanted it to look clean I would drill if I had to.

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rjdmmfl1
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Yeah, I had to drill a hole to make it look perfect, there may be a way to get around it, but for my kit, there wan't one... however, my back up camera came with one of those rubbet stoppers to provide a water tight seal so that it looks very clean!

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blancs3030
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what kit did you buy? I want one like mad's, all one piece in the license plate holder, but in chrome.

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rjdmmfl1
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that's the exact same kit I bought... I'll take some pictures of it today to show it to you... but here's where I bought it from...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...81068

Night vision on this camera is amazing!!!!!

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MadBlackCoupe
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True, the night vision is hot. It almost seems like there's a light back there.

Mad
rjdmmfl1 wrote:that's the exact same kit I bought... I'll take some pictures of it today to show it to you... but here's where I bought it from...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...81068

Night vision on this camera is amazing!!!!!


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