NAVTOOL in 2G MDX (2011 MDX with Pictures)

30056 Views 78 Replies 24 Participants Last post by chdyhgsk, 19 h ago

tecknocrat

Discussion Starter · Sep 2, 2019 (Edited)

3

Sharing my Navtool installation experience like I did on Acurazine

So I ordered my Navtool last Saturday online, asked for coupon code and was provided a 10% discount. Received it on Friday. Started installation on Sunday

Programmed the unit, opened up the car panels, took out radio, connected all the harnesses and then I got stuck twice

First block - radio pin, as we need to remove and connect the power harness it prompts for a pin when you put the ignition on, should have kept it handy before disconnecting so please dont forget this step, luckily I remembered i have the full manual kit, ran back in and found the card with radio pin phew
Second block - The radio switches on but the big dial controller is not working, I cant go past the first warning screen where we need to select 'Ok'. Turns out the two loose wires of red & black cables on the two harnesses need to be connected. This is not mentioned in the YouTube Video and got to know over the customer support chat.

So before I start with pictures, some details which the installation video doesn't tell and how did I route my cables

As mentioned above red and black wires need to be connected for it to work.
I had bought an HDMI and USB extension cable which can be put in the auxiliary/cigarette lighter socket ( Amazon). I couldn't remove the center panel so routed it to the Glove Box and routed the USB cable back from center console bottom section(more on that below)
I bought Aux cable Amazon Canada) routed it through the bottom section of the radio unit, its a black trim piece which I didn't add back. The pictures should help explain, its kind of an eyesore to see that cable out there all the time but its an acceptable compromise at this time.
Microphone - I tried mounting it on top but the cable is too thin to stay under the trim, so put it above steering wheel to the left side, works perfectly. Google assistant works flawlessly and so does Siri.
Calling function is a bit weird, you need to use speaker phone for it to work with Android Auto, have not tried calling with CarPlay.
The USB cable charges the phone while its connected.

Willl Share the pics in next post, let me know if anyone has any questions

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tecknocrat

Discussion Starter · #2 · Sep 2, 2019

9

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Bamaguy

· #3 · Dec 2, 2019

What's the latest on your Navtool install? Pros and Cons? How is the definition on the screen? Can you still access all the other radio functions ok (such Sirius, etc.)? Did it have any impact on the steering wheel controls?

houg

· #4 · Dec 2, 2019

yea what he said ^^^ and can u still use the stock HFL ?

teknocrat

· #5 · Dec 3, 2019

Bamaguy said:
What's the latest on your Navtool install? Pros and Cons? How is the definition on the screen? Can you still access all the other radio functions ok (such Sirius, etc.)? Did it have any impact on the steering wheel controls?

Working great, Screen definition is good for AA and CarPlay, Video i have not played extensively but whatever little i saw was decent enough. All radio functions and steering functions work as before, no change. Only annoying part is that when you are in Navtool mode you cant browse your audio/maps etc menu unless you come out of the Navtool which is not as convenient as browsing built in functions.(you have to hold Cancel button for 2-3 seconds to get in or out of Navtool mode).

The best use is highway when you can use Google Maps/ Waze and listen to your favorite streaming service as it works all integrated.

houg said:
yea what he said ^^^ and can u still use the stock HFL ?

Yep, works as usual.

I must note that in AA/CP you can actually make phone calls much more easily by using your voice or eve other wise search is easier, the only challenge is that by default uses the phone with switch to BT and in 2G MDX if you make a call from your phone you need to go into the phone menu and then transfer the call to BT and to do so you have to come out of Navtool Menu which is very counter intuitive.

So if you didn't pay attention you will keep thinking that phone is not working over BT

Again not fault of Navtool its just how the 2G/2.5G system is.

Overall from value perspective I think ~ $300 is the sweet spot and they will probably sell much more, currently its priced only for enthusiasts.

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AcuraAddicted

· #6 · Dec 5, 2019

Ok, I got myself the Navtool 4.0 with Carplay.

I must say, I expected way more for $500. Even a $150 2din Chinese carplay unit that INCLUDES THE SCREEN had a manual included in the box.

Here: no manual. I spent 30 minutes with the support online trying to get any sort of a manual. All they did was share a 3.0 version installation PDF, which doesn't look anything like the unit I received: different connections, harnesses, etc. They also shared a weird PDF document which says: "Navigation brain location under PASSENGER SEAT in later models production navigation brain is found under DRIVERS SEAT, DO NOT CONNECT AT THE SCREEN" which is completely contrary to what they show in their video, where the unit is connected to the main stereo in the centre console.

They also say that the unit is completely plug and play with a difficulty of installation being 2/10, but now I find out I need to connect ground and accessory wires as well, WTF?

Overall pretty disappointed with the way the package is handled, specifically with the absense of the actual installation manual for the unit I received.

Overall I'm still not clear as to what connector goes where and whether I'm supposed to connect anything to the navigation unit under the driver seat or everything goes to the main stereo in the back. They have a video, but it doesn't show what and where they actually connect stuff. Obviously, I'll figure it out as I go, but I did expect much more clarify for five hundred freaking US dollars...

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tecknocrat

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 5, 2019

I referred to the video and was able to do the install, only place I got stuck was the final power wires.

AcuraAddicted

· #8 · Dec 5, 2019

tecknocrat said:
I referred to the video and was able to do the install, only place I got stuck was the final power wires.

So it's not connected to the navigation drive under the driver seat like they say in the manual they shared? Why would they mention it at all then? Ugh!

I'll give it a try next week, as my precious MDX is undergoing an extensive paint correction, polishing and C-QUARTZ sealing starting today afternoon. The birthday was mine in November, but the presents are all for the MDX, LOL.

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tecknocrat

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 5, 2019

AcuraAddicted said:
So it's not connected to the navigation drive under the driver seat like they say in the manual they shared? Why would they mention it at all then? Ugh!

I'll give it a try next week, as my precious MDX is undergoing an extensive paint correction, polishing and C-QUARTZ sealing starting today afternoon. The birthday was mine in November, but the presents are all for the MDX, LOL.

I didn't refer any manual(didn't even know there was one LoL) but yes no connection to HDD, all connections only to the back of the HU. Only additional connection was the microphone. Do you need link for the YouTube video that I followed?

AcuraAddicted

· #10 · Dec 5, 2019

tecknocrat said:
Do you need link for the YouTube video that I followed?

Thanks! I'll be shooting my own video with the actual installation, since Navtool couldn't handle doing it for their own product.

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Bamaguy

· #11 · Dec 5, 2019

Thanks for the update. Yes, please share the link for the YouTube video you followed. Also, did you install and/or replace any cameras? The stock back-up cam is pretty lame.

tecknocrat

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 6, 2019

AcuraAddicted said:
Thanks! I'll be shooting my own video with the actual installation, since Navtool couldn't handle doing it for their own product.

Great will look forward to it, though I found the video to be pretty good.

Bamaguy said:
Thanks for the update. Yes, please share the link for the YouTube video you followed. Also, did you install and/or replace any cameras? The stock back-up cam is pretty lame.

Please read the first post in this thread and then watch the video.

Bamaguy

· #13 · Dec 6, 2019

Thanks for linking the vid! I have a Samsung phone, do you know if everything in the video works the same for Android installs?

tecknocrat

Discussion Starter · #14 · Dec 6, 2019

Bamaguy said:
Thanks for linking the vid! I have a Samsung phone, do you know if everything in the video works the same for Android installs?

Yes. my primary phone is Android. I have tested it with my Pixel 2 XL(also used regularly with this setup) & Wife's S9. Also with my space iPhone 6S. So you are good.

AcuraAddicted

· #15 · Dec 8, 2019

I think I finally understand why the 2007-2009 and 2010-2013 Navtool installation is so different. I realized that the 2010+ models don't have the navigation DVD drive under the driver seat. So unlike for 2010+ models installation, the 2008 will be connecting harnesses to the navigation unit under the driver seat.

This is interesting. I'll try and put the Navtool unit in the centre console then to hide it.

Reactions: 2

teknocrat

· #16 · Dec 9, 2019

AcuraAddicted said:
I think I finally understand why the 2007-2009 and 2010-2013 Navtool installation is so different. I realized that the 2010+ models don't have the navigation DVD drive under the driver seat. So unlike for 2010+ models installation, the 2008 will be connecting harnesses to the navigation unit under the driver seat.

This is interesting. I'll try and put the Navtool unit in the centre console then to hide it.

Interesting, yes mine is just lying there behind the center console. I was planning to tape or strap it but the space is just right for Navtool with not enough room for it to move around so have just left it as is there.

Will wait for your video.

Storyteller

· #17 · Dec 11, 2019

Has anyone installed this on an 07-09? If so does it work with the factory controls/ dial to navigate like the 2010+.
last I checked they had a separate remote to control it. But now I’m hearing it works just like the 2010 in the videos they posted.
Just want to confirm before I purchase.

teknocrat

· #18 · Dec 12, 2019

Storyteller said:
Has anyone installed this on an 07-09? If so does it work with the factory controls/ dial to navigate like the 2010+.
last I checked they had a separate remote to control it. But now I’m hearing it works just like the 2010 in the videos they posted.
Just want to confirm before I purchase.

AcuraAddicted has a 2G MDX (2007-2009) and is in the process of installing Navtool, he will also be creating a video of the installation so watch out for that.

AcuraAddicted

· #19 · Dec 12, 2019

Storyteller said:
Has anyone installed this on an 07-09?

Not yet, I'm planning to do this on Saturday, but I'm also doing Oil, ATF (plus replacing the short cooling hose and clamps) and transfer case change and filming it, so it might take a good chunk of the day (time is usually trippled or quardrupled when filming). I'll make sure to answer your question if I do.

My understanding is that it should work with factory controls. If they don't, I'll be returning the unit, as it would be not worth the $500 bucks I paid.

Reactions: 1

teknocrat

· #20 · Dec 12, 2019

OK, I have add one point which is while obvious may not have come out clearly, when you are listening to Audio(Spotify, Apply music, Google play etc) using AA or CP, your steering controls(next track & previous track) will not work, you will have to use the big dial to control those. The reason for that is you get audio from Navtool in Aux mode in which steering controls for next and back don't work.

Again this is no different than if you had connected an audio source into Aux.

The Volume controls will work as expected.

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