Pioneer Avic-Z2

[BigDan727]

Will this Head Unit go in the same way as the d3 or is their something else i would have to get to make it work, My freind jsut got one put in his WRX and frankly it is amazing. If it will work ill be ordering mine 2morrow. Thanks for the input guys

[rjdmmfl1]

yeah it'll work, any deck that's double din will work... however, if you want the motion bypass for the Z2, you will need to hack the system.. there are threads at avic411.com that show you how to do this.

Without the hack, you can not watch movies while the vehicle is in motion, and you can not operate numerous functions on the nav system while the vehicle is in motion either.

If you want to retain steering wheel control of source, track up/down, and volume up/down, you will need the PAC-SWIPS kit... these go for about $50 on ebay!

Also, if you have the bose setup, you will need a volume level adjuster or your sound will be distorted.

Finally, in order to install it, you will need an aftermarket center console trim piece from either scosche or metra.

If you respond telling me what type of system you have (bose or non bose, automatic climate control or manual climate control, I'll give you links on everthing you need, and how to get it cheaper than whatever install place you're gonna go to will charge you!

[SHIFT_COUPE]

To sum it all up, Robert is pretty much the man for this kind of stuff

[BigDan727]

I have the bose system and i dont kno if i have automatic temp control or notI have the 3.5se w/ Premium Pkg. If you could give me those links thatwould be awesome Thanks a bunch man

[rjdmmfl1]

I have the bose system and i dont kno if i have automatic temp control or notI have the 3.5se w/ Premium Pkg. If you could give me those links thatwould be awesome Thanks a bunch man

Get the double din stereo kit, antenna adapter, and vehicle wiring harness from here... best prices around for all three

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ZWDVW

you can get the scosche slc-4 from herehttp://cgi.ebay.com/Scosche-SL...wItem

or you can get the FAI-3 from walmart for 17.77 plus tax, that's what I did!

get the PAC-SWI PS from herehttp://cgi.ebay.com/PAC-SWI-PS...wItem

make sure its the PAC SWI-PS, NOT the PAC SWI JACK... only the PS is compatible with pioneer aftermarket decks

If you want a backup camera, you can eiether go with the pioneer one (most people don't) or get one like this that integrate with your license plate holder...http://cgi.ebay.com/REAR-VIEW-...wItemthese have excellent night vision!

Where to Purchasehttp://cgi.ebay.com/PIONEER-AV...wItem

You can get your AVIC Z2 from wherever you choose... there are positives and negatives to ebay vs. a local dealer. Most folks like local dealers because you get the pioneer manufacturer's warranty on the product, and usually, if it does die on you, you can take it to your local shop, and they'll replace it immediately while they send yours back for service. Although you can get a square trade warranty on ebay for products purchased there, if your unit dies, you're screwed during the transit time of getting it repaired.

This especially comes in handy with the Avic Z2 which had eraly issues with the hard drive freezing up at extreme temperatures... which brings me to my last point...

Hacking your Avic Z2If you want to watch videos while driving and have full access to the Nav menu while driving, there are a number of things you need to do. 1st when you get your unit, you will need to bypass the video lockout. Unlike previous versions, pioneer has made the Avic Z1, and Z2 more difficult to do, so now there's multiple steps to hack it

1. remove the black yellow mute wire on the Avic Z2 harness (keep the metal connector pin intact), and place it in the slot directly above it as you see here http://www.avic411.com/forum/viewtopic. ... 70remember to ground the black/yellow wire when its in its new position. I just spliced mine to the ground wire.

2. Follow these instructions on how to update an ISO file in your system, if done correctly, this will not harm your systemhttp://www.avic411.com/forum/v...ypassfollow method 2 listed here.

3.next, if you purchase the Z2, you should go to the pioneer website and download this firmware update... this has fixed the earlier issues of hard drive freezing up on these units.

4. You will need to remove the dash to find the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) wire. Your Avic needs to connect to this in order to accurately calculate speed, location, etc using its built in 3D hybrid . I highly suggest doing this. I know I installed a D3, but if you follow my write up for the install, it will show you how to remove the dash for the vss wire, how to connect all of the components above, and how to find the vehicle reverse wire that you'll need to install the rear view camera.

AVIC D3 install how to guide w/ pictureshttp://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=294580

OK, now I know this sounds link a mouthful for you, but its really not all that daunting of a task. Now, if you've never done installs before, I would highly suggest just printing all of this out, and getting a professional to do this. For a highly trained individual, expect the entire process to take between 3 and 4 hours. Again, if you choose to hire an installer, they are probably gonna charge you about $300 - 400 dollars to install everything. OK, good luck with your project! Feel free to continuously ask questions, I'll try to help out wherever I can.. Also, if you do decide to take this on by yourself and you want me to walk you through the ENTIRE process on the phone, I'll do it, but that'll cost you a few dollars! Hey, my time is valuable, ya know!
Modified by rjdmmfl1 at 10:09 AM 12/10/2007

[johnny_d]

if you have the 3.5 w/ Premium Pkg then you should have the Dual Climate control. If you turn on the AC and see 2 temperatures then yea

[rjdmmfl1]

if you have the 3.5 w/ Premium Pkg then you should have the Dual Climate control. If you turn on the AC and see 2 temperatures then yea

Exactly... I was gonna reply to that and do the post last night, but I was a bit inebriated , and it would've all come out as rubbish... but yess, if you have the 3.5Se w/ prem. pack. , then you have the digital dual cliate control!

[MadBlackCoupe]

I love my Z2.

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.

I had a hell of a time with the installer. If you can do this yourself, you are a far better man than MBC.

Maybe you can learn from my experience:zer...age=1

[BigDan727]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the info, My Fathers best freind owns a Stereo shop so hes doin the install adn everything for free and i got the z2 for 1500$ brand new full warranty, i jsut ahve to get that other stuff to go along w/ it

[rjdmmfl1]

BIGDAN... I'll be in Baltimore sometime in January, at which point I will be finishing MADBC's install for him... he's gone through hell and I recommended an old auto shop of mine which screwed him, so I'll be finishing his install ... Get some quotes for install prices where you are in New York, if they sound outrageous (400 or so) and if you can wait a month or so, it may behoove you to drive down to Baltimore and let me do the install for you.. I'll only charge you like $150... but with that $150, you'll get someone that knows the inside of the A/C and A/S, and has done the install on an A/C before. Just ask Mad, that kind of reassurance that someone will not F*** up your ride practicing is priceless! I've installed a number of audio/video systems over the years! In any case, if you find a local spot that'll do it for cheaper, that's cool also!

[ChiLLaXtodaMaX]

what exactly is the volume level adjuster? I'm probably going to get a D3 soon...gotta start learning all these other parts I need.

I've got a 2.5S with Premium Package, so Bose is in there.

Thanks guys!

[SHIFT_2.5S]

MadBlack, that unit looks very nice.

[rjdmmfl1]

what exactly is the volume level adjuster? I'm probably going to get a D3 soon...gotta start learning all these other parts I need.

I've got a 2.5S with Premium Package, so Bose is in there.

Thanks guys!

Well, with the Bose system, you have an amplifier as well. That's part of the reason that your stereo system sounds better than the non Bose system. So iwhen you take your stock head unit out, and put in an aftermarket head unit, most of the good ones have an amplifier built into the stereo. Now if you go from one amp (internally) to another amp in the Bose system, then the volume may be very high, even when set to low levels like 1 and 2. So the volume level adjuster will dial down the output from the aftermarket stereo in order to better match the volume of the amplified system.

Here's the actual unit...



So during the install, you go ahead and hook things up, and when the stero is half out like this..



you can play with the settings and get the volume just right. Usually, you turn the volume on the aftermarket unit up 3/4 of maximum, and then, increase the volume level adjuster very slightly until its just below distorion levels. This way, it gives you a nice range of listening volumes!

[D-Roll]

I want one! LOL

[ChiLLaXtodaMaX]

Hey, thanks for that informative reply! That's one MORE item to add to the list of things needed. UGH!

[rjdmmfl1]

Hey, thanks for that informative reply! That's one MORE item to add to the list of things needed. UGH!

Hey, check out my avic D3 write up... its got everything you need to install the system, including step by step intstructions and pictures...http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=294580

[mazda2005]

RJ sorry to bother i was thinking about the pioneer d3, I wanted to know is it possible to use the stock bluetooth microphone and stock XM antenna in the altima coupe with this unit?

thanks

[rjdmmfl1]

unfortuantely, no, You'll lose that function. You can get a bluetooth adapter for the avic D3 also, but you will not be able to control the bluetooth from the steeringwheel anymore!

[mazda2005]

the steering wheel i dont mind but i have ti install another antenna on the car and mount another microphone as well?

thanks again for your help

[rjdmmfl1]

No no no, if you get the aftermarket bluetooth adapter from pioneer, you just have to mount the microphone... Usually right on your sunvisor. The adapter can be placed underneath your passenger seat, or underneath the console on the passenger side.

In regards to the GPS antenna, that can be mounted on the dashboard and it'll work perfectly!

[mazda2005]

last question and i will leave you alone

does XM work with the unit would the installer need anything special to get it to work. I have xm free for a couple of months

[rjdmmfl1]

Not a problem at all, I love Audio/video questions, I can do this all day..

In regards to XM, its your actual stock radio that has the XM reciever... if you get the Avic D3, you'll need the GEX-P10XMT unit also... this will allow you to recive XM radio and XM nav traffic... there's a code you can enter when activating your D3 unit that will give u free activation and three more months of free xm!

[mazda2005]

thanks for all your help again, i hate the fact i need the bt module and the xm module it just sounds like the car will be a mess of wires and modules

[edonissan13]

will this fit on a sedan??

[rjdmmfl1]

yes, absolutely... the center console for the coupe and sedan are the same

[edonissan13]

what do you recommend?i want one this is what i plan to doget one of these, doesnt matter the model of the pioneer stereo i want to get one at a good price,and get an extra tv for a play station

[rjdmmfl1]

what do you recommend?i want one this is what i plan to doget one of these, doesnt matter the model of the pioneer stereo i want to get one at a good price,and get an extra tv for a play station

Eduardo, I'm not sure what you mean by extra Tv for the playstation... you can hook the playstation up to the AVIC unit directly... please explain exactly what you want to do, and I'll try to help out as much as I can... since you're here in SOCAL, I'll do the install for you for much less than any ship would do... Or you can try it yourself using my how to guide!

[BigDan727]

Well i just ordered my avic z2 got it from cameraaddict for 1400shipped brand new w/ warranty. Now i jsut gotta get the rest of the stff for the install

[edonissan13]

Eduardo, I'm not sure what you mean by extra Tv for the playstation... you can hook the playstation up to the AVIC unit directly... please explain exactly what you want to do, and I'll try to help out as much as I can... since you're here in SOCAL, I'll do the install for you for much less than any ship would do... Or you can try it yourself using my how to guide!

Well i want to buy a unit like the one mention in the beggining of the topicThat would be great if you can do the install!!i want someting like this... the extra tv...

you get meh?

[blancs3030]

that car domain pic is amazing! were can i get that? edonissan13 your rims look great too.