(more) AVIC-D3 questions for Dr. Feelgood!!

[AltimaJoe]

Okay, after leaving my car overnight with the installers I finally got it back. First question is, they said that I don't need the Scosche factory interface. I've noticed that the stereo sounds really good with the D3 but that the little interface beep is annoyingly loud... almost piercing. What are the down sides to not using the factory interface?

Second, the dash kit you listed in your how-to was missing pieces on arrival, the trim pieces, so I have UGLY gaps around the climate controls and the stereo. The installer said to buy a Schosche dash kit and I wanted your opinion on that particular kit... they said it's not as "flimsy". Thoughts?

Third, the installer hooked up the stereo to play DVD's while I'm driving (behind the manager's back) but it still cuts off if I go over 10 mph. Do I have to get a software thingymajig from avic411.com to override that?

I probably have some other questions that I can't think of right now but thanks for helping me out and I'm sorry to bother you again!

[rjdmmfl1]

Okay, after leaving my car overnight with the installers I finally got it back. First question is, they said that I don't need the Scosche factory interface. I've noticed that the stereo sounds really good with the D3 but that the little interface beep is annoyingly loud... almost piercing. What are the down sides to not using the factory interface?

Second, the dash kit you listed in your how-to was missing pieces on arrival, the trim pieces, so I have UGLY gaps around the climate controls and the stereo. The installer said to buy a Schosche dash kit and I wanted your opinion on that particular kit... they said it's not as "flimsy". Thoughts?

Third, the installer hooked up the stereo to play DVD's while I'm driving (behind the manager's back) but it still cuts off if I go over 10 mph. Do I have to get a software thingymajig from avic411.com to override that?

I probably have some other questions that I can't think of right now but thanks for helping me out and I'm sorry to bother you again!

Its not a bother... I'll try to answer all of your questions..

OK, in regards to the scosche factory interface, I'm guessing you mean the sound level adjuster. Although it may bot be necessary, when I spoke with a few installers they ALL suggested that I install that just in case the volume coming out of the Avic was TOO loud when going to the built in amplifier that comes with the bose system. I can tweak the audio on my car and I love it. And for only 20 bucks, I still highly recommend it for anyone that has the premium package. If you don't have the premium package, then don't worry about it!

In regards to the dash kit, yeah, for some reason, when I ordered mine, it was missing one of the brackets also, I had to call them and they had to ship the requested pieces. Do that!

The scoshe kit, I believe, is only good for vehicles that don't have dual climate control (ie base models) This is so because I don't believe it has an interchangeable piece for the climate control area... again, call the individual you purchased the kit from and demand overnight shipping of the missing pieces.

In regards to watching dvds when the car is in motion, the installer did it WRONG! He probably just grounded the green parking brake wire. For the D3, you have to do TWO hacks to watch dvds while in motion. Check my install how to page again for details on this!

[AltimaJoe]

Thanks man, appreciate all the help! I've got the sound level adjuster, they just left it out when they did the install and said I don't need it. Like I said, the only problem I have with the volume is how loud the interface beeps are. Oh well, thanks again!

[rjdmmfl1]

Thanks man, appreciate all the help! I've got the sound level adjuster, they just left it out when they did the install and said I don't need it. Like I said, the only problem I have with the volume is how loud the interface beeps are. Oh well, thanks again!

The loud beeps are a part of the Avic unit. When in Navi mode, touch the right side of the screen, then touch the blue little speaker icon, you can decrease the sound of the beep or eliminate it altogether! There are other ways to get to that, but this is the easiest. I would HIGHLY recommend reading through the entire booklet that came with your Avic unit, it helped me out alot, and agave me a better understanding of all of the differences between this unit, and the previous units!

Did you check my install on the double hack for the navigation and video while driving?

Here's the link to the Avic411 site that shows you how to do this. Again, I'm pretty sure your installer DIDN't know to do this! Thank God you didn't have an AVic Z2... he really wouldn't have known what to do!

OK yeah, in regards to the schoche speaker level adjuster, when you turn your volume up on your Avic, does it get too loud too soon? LIke at 10 or 11 ? Do you have distortion at higher volumes? If so, that's why I suggested to use the SLC-4 from scosche. You can listen to louder volumes WITHOUT distortion! I hate it when installer cut corners trying to save time!

[rjdmmfl1]

here's what the kit looks like from metra. Which part don't you have?

[AltimaJoe]

The only parts that are missing are the trim piece for the unit itself and the trim piece for the climate controls. Also I have another question, the piece of plastic that pops out underneath the climate controls, how do I get that back in?? They left it off after the install. Looking back I should've just done the install myself.

Edit to add: It does get very loud at 10-ish but there is no distortion. Having the D3 in actually made the whole stereo sound better. With the stock unit it sounded like my back speakers were blown (buzzing/rattling) but after the install it sounds clear as a bell. I don't really understand that aspect of the whole thing because they didn't touch the speakers... maybe a loose wire on the factory unit?

[rjdmmfl1]

The only parts that are missing are the trim piece for the unit itself and the trim piece for the climate controls. Also I have another question, the piece of plastic that pops out underneath the climate controls, how do I get that back in?? They left it off after the install. Looking back I should've just done the install myself.

Edit to add: It does get very loud at 10-ish but there is no distortion. Having the D3 in actually made the whole stereo sound better. With the stock unit it sounded like my back speakers were blown (buzzing/rattling) but after the install it sounds clear as a bell. I don't really understand that aspect of the whole thing because they didn't touch the speakers... maybe a loose wire on the factory unit?

OK, here's the link to the hack, sorry about the first onehttp://www.avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4670

As far as it getting loud, what I meant was, when you turn the volume up to like 30, do you get distortion? You should have pretty clear volume all the way up to like 35. If you don't, and it distorts when at 35, then that's why you needed the speaker level adjuster.

in regards to the plastic piece, it just snaps back in place, straight parts towards you, curved part towards the back of the storage bos. It helps to slightly open the storage box first.

Oh yeah, and i agree, you should have done the install yourself...Did he install the PAC SWI PS, do you still have control of volume, track up/ down and source via your steering hweel?

[AltimaJoe]

Yeah, I've still got the steering wheel controls... it's not quite as intuitive as the stock stereo was, but it functions and that's more than I expected.

As far as the speaker level adjuster, I should just be able to pull the stereo and put it between the head unit and the speakers, right? Will I have to cut the wires to plug them in on the adjuster? For turning it up there's no way I'd be able to turn it up past 15 or so without hurting my ears, so I'm pretty sure it would distort pretty badly past 20 or so. Basically I haven't turned it up past 12 because it's extremely loud even at that "low" point.

The only reason I didn't do it myself was because the last few times I've done aftermarket stereo stuff I've blown fuses/alternators/other electronic stuff. Then again, I've always just "winged it" in the past and didn't have a great step-by-step guide like the one on the a/c front page.

[rjdmmfl1]

Yeah, I've still got the steering wheel controls... it's not quite as intuitive as the stock stereo was, but it functions and that's more than I expected.

yeah, you have to hold the button a fraction longer than with the stock, but hey, its better than not having them right?

As far as the speaker level adjuster, I should just be able to pull the stereo and put it between the head unit and the speakers, right? Will I have to cut the wires to plug them in on the adjuster? For turning it up there's no way I'd be able to turn it up past 15 or so without hurting my ears, so I'm pretty sure it would distort pretty badly past 20 or so. Basically I haven't turned it up past 12 because it's extremely loud even at that "low" point.

Exactly, that's exactly what I meant. That's what the speaker level adjuster would have prevented. This way, you actually get a nice range of low, medium low, medium, medium loud, loud.

As far as putting it in, da*n that, you already paid them, I would go back and tell them to put it in like you requested the first time, and explain why! But then again, they'd probably just jack things up and make it too low. In any case, read the instructions carefully on the SLC-4 unit before touching it. Very slight adjustments result in huge sound differences. Adjust it too much, and you could blow your speakers!

As far as the hack to watch dvds and fully operate the NAV, you need to look at the AVIC wiring harness. Remove the black/ yellow wire including the metal pin with a very small and fine flat head screwdriver. (like you would use to adjust eyeglasses) After you remove that wire with the pin, place it in the empty slot above the hole where you removed it from. Look at the diection on avic411 if you're confused... I'll send you an email with my phone number, give me a call if you get mixed up!

[AltimaJoe]

It's cool, the only thing I'm concerned about with the hack on avic411 is the grounding of the mute wire and the parking brake wire. I didn't see an answer on it but I have no idea how or where to ground the wires at...

Edit: Okay, it looks like the installer just didn't switch the "mute" wire. Once I do that I should be good to go on the bypass. I appreciate your help and I may be hitting you up for help on the speaker level adjuster. Thanks again for putting up with my noob questions!
Modified by AltimaJoe at 2:00 PM 1/17/2008

[rjdmmfl1]

It's cool, the only thing I'm concerned about with the hack on avic411 is the grounding of the mute wire and the parking brake wire. I didn't see an answer on it but I have no idea how or where to ground the wires at...

OK, so basically there's three wires that need to be grounded...

1. The green parking brake wire2. The black/yellow mute wire AFTER you remove it and replace it in the slot above where it was before3. The black ground wire on your AVIC unit!

As you can see, since your unit is working, the installer has already grounded the green and black wires somewhere. All you need to do is purchase the little blue splicer thingies (from kragen, auto zone, etc.) and splice the black/yellow wire to either the green parking wire or the black already grounded wire... (its just a chain of grounded wires.. that's exactly how my unit is setup)

[AltimaJoe]

Cool cool. I got your email, can't do much with it just now because I'm at work... are you busy this Saturday? I may need some help. I'll only call as a last resort. Well, a last resort before I fry something.

[rjdmmfl1]

Cool cool. I got your email, can't do much with it just now because I'm at work... are you busy this Saturday? I may need some help. I'll only call as a last resort. Well, a last resort before I fry something.

No prob, sure, give me a call this weekend if you get confused. Don';t forget to remove the black/yellow wire with the metal pin still attached and place it in the slot above it. !!! Good luck! If the Doc can do it, I'm sure you can too! lol

[AltimaJoe]

All right!! Thanks again for all your help. Hopefully everything goes good. I guess you'll know it hasn't if I call! lol

[mazda2005]

Rj do you thinnk with a little custom work you could get the factory center panel that comes standard on the coupe with navi would work with the pioneer avic-d3. what do you think

I appreciate.

[rjdmmfl1]

Rj do you thinnk with a little custom work you could get the factory center panel that comes standard on the coupe with navi would work with the pioneer avic-d3. what do you think

I appreciate.

yes, it could, but it wouldn't be a little fabrication, it would be a lot of fabrication. BUt if you've got the skills and you want to give it a try, I can send you the factory center bezel for Navi, and factory brackets... Total cost for me for all when I purchased it was 30 + shipping, but I'll send it to you for 25 w/ free shipping

[mazda2005]

Rj I odered the Avic-d3, at the end of the day it has the most bang for the buck options. I also found the center panel for the coupe navi stock for 20 bucks. Is the pioneer to big or too small for the opening?. maybe the installers can do something creative.

thanks for the info.

[rjdmmfl1]

Rj I odered the Avic-d3, at the end of the day it has the most bang for the buck options. I also found the center panel for the coupe navi stock for 20 bucks. Is the pioneer to big or too small for the opening?. maybe the installers can do something creative.

thanks for the info.

I agree about the bang for buck on the D3. The pioneer is TOO SMALL to fit the center bezel. If you are gonna try to use it, it will require significant fabrication. Also, you need the brackets for the factory nav system.... I had those also, I was willing to ship them all for 25 bucks even... good luck!

[AltimaJoe]

Hey man, quick question before I put in the speaker level adapter tomorrow... or two questions... one, without the unit there's a constant hiss, I'm assuming installing this will stop that? And two, what's the black wire that hangs out of the side for?

Oh, also, thougth I'd let you know... one of those splicer things was included with the stereo... it was in the plastic bag containing the D3 manual. It was an unexpected surprise when I opened the bag and that little piece fell out!

[MadBlackCoupe]

Doc Feelgood. You still coming to B-more this month?

Holla ata brother!

[email protected]

[rjdmmfl1]

Hey man, quick question before I put in the speaker level adapter tomorrow... or two questions... one, without the unit there's a constant hiss, I'm assuming installing this will stop that? And two, what's the black wire that hangs out of the side for?

Oh, also, thougth I'd let you know... one of those splicer things was included with the stereo... it was in the plastic bag containing the D3 manual. It was an unexpected surprise when I opened the bag and that little piece fell out!

1. The hiss, I believe, is due to the source volume being up so high. Yes, this should go away when you adjust the volume using the SLC-4.

2. Black wire, I don't recall off hand, what does the manual say?

[AltimaJoe]

Yeah, I was looking at the SLC-4 booklet, it's something to do with the "common ground" switch setting. I don't think it's of any use when the switch is in the "factory amp" setting.

[rjdmmfl1]

Yeah, I was looking at the SLC-4 booklet, it's something to do with the "common ground" switch setting. I don't think it's of any use when the switch is in the "factory amp" setting.

Exactly, that's why I didn't remember, I didn't have to use it. Yes, if you have the Bose system, then you have the factory amp, and don't need to use the black wire... how's the install going? Gimma a call if need be!

[AltimaJoe]

I haven't actually started yet... I gotta go cancel my wheel order. I'm gonna start as soon as I get back in an hour or so.

[mazda2005]

whats going on, i see barcket navigation left & right but do i need this part called bracket radio. enjoy the weekend!!

http://www.trademotion.com/par...gid=2

[rjdmmfl1]

whats going on, i see barcket navigation left & right but do i need this part called bracket radio. enjoy the weekend!!

http://www.trademotion.com/par...gid=2

On that screen, parts 12,13,and 14 are the brackets for the cd changer that you get when you have the navigation package. If you want the center bezel, and left and right navigation brackets, I can sell you those. I purchased them a while back and never used them. I'm about to put it all on ebay! Let me know if you want them and I can get them to you much faster than nissan can for less money!

[mazda2005]

I have the center panel, i am missing the left & right barckets for the navigation. I would def but those 2 off you. If you have paypal account i can send you the money quickly. Do i need anything else other than the center panel, and left right navigation bracket?

[mazda2005]

I have the center panel, i am missing the left & right barckets for the navigation. I would def buy those 2 off you. If you have paypal account i can send you the money quickly. Do i need anything else other than the center panel, and left right navigation bracket?

[rjdmmfl1]

I have the center panel, i am missing the left & right barckets for the navigation. I would def but those 2 off you. If you have paypal account i can send you the money quickly. Do i need anything else other than the center panel, and left right navigation bracket?

No, that's it! my paypal account is [email protected] just shoot me 10 bucks! That'll include shipping and the right and left brackets for the navigation system!Also, send me an email with your mailing address!

[animex]

What is that second remote you have strapped to the right side of your steering wheel for?