NAVTOOL in 2G MDX (2011 MDX with Pictures)

30044 Views 78 Replies 24 Participants Last post by chdyhgsk, 14 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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41 - 60 of 79 Posts

teknocrat

· #41 · Jan 12, 2021

What does you box say? Mine says Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Screen mirroring is different, thats via HDMI and also only on supported devices, Pixel and few other android devices dont support screen mirroring. However all android devices will work with AA over the USB interface.

nats007

· #42 · Jan 15, 2021

teknocrat said:
What does you box say? Mine says Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Screen mirroring is different, thats via HDMI and also only on supported devices, Pixel and few other android devices dont support screen mirroring. However all android devices will work with AA over the USB interface.

I only purchased the HDMI mirroring option. I have since contacted NAVTOOL and sent the unit back to add AA. Hoping to have it back and installed in a week or two.

duromega

· #43 · Apr 23, 2021

4

Hello all MDXers!

I have read this entire thread back and forward, thank you OP for sharing your experience, this helped me with my NAVTOOL install on my MDX

So, no lie it took me about 20 mins to have it all installed and running, of course before buying the unit and proceeding with the install I’ve watch that youtube video maybe like 327 times, also this thread contributed to this, I have to say the only thing they do not mention and I have no idea why is to connect 12V Accessory cables here is a picture,

very easy to ID because there the only red/black cables from the harness connectors.

So far I been using NAVTOOL since Feb 2021 Everything works flawless, if you switch on your iPhone audio output to the cars Bluetooth you will be able to skip/previous track from the steering wheel controls.

here a few pics, any questions feel free to PM

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Reactions: 4

teknocrat

· #44 · May 3, 2021

I am glad this thread came handy, If you notice I had same issue, there is not mention of connecting the power cables LoL.

Another benefit(in addition to controlling audio with steering on BT) with iPhone I found was that you could make and receive whatsapp calls which I didnt see happening with my previous Android phone.

Btw nice Ambient lighting, can you share details?

duromega

· #45 · May 3, 2021

teknocrat said:
Btw nice Ambient lighting, can you share details?

Thank you sir, the ambient lighting is a project in process I will share details, most likely will do a thread once I am done, they are very easy to install if you plug them thru the cigarette lighter, but I will install them to turn on with the other lights at dusk.

teknocrat

· #46 · May 3, 2021

duromega said:
Thank you sir, the ambient lighting is a project in process I will share details, most likely will do a thread once I am done, they are very easy to install if you plug them thru the cigarette lighter, but I will install them to turn on with the other lights at dusk.

Will be waiting for the thread

duromega

· #47 · May 27, 2021

teknocrat said:
Will be waiting for the thread

Check your inbox

Reactions: 1

JohnERico

· #48 · Jan 2, 2022

tecknocrat said:
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

I just purchased and installed the Navtool version 6.0; It has wireless Apple CarPlay. ditto above that you connect the read and black wires from the “power” harness to the “main interface” harness to get power to the unit. The sound is through RCA (red & white) plugs to the AUX port in the center console. I was able to take the sides off the center console and route the RCA cable (not supplied by NAVTOOL) to a small hole in the console box. Mine has a small clip that holds the factory USB dongle; I removed the clip and enlarged the hole slightly to push the RCA plug through. The unit works very well and is much better playing Apple Music than through the factory BT or with the USB. Only slight negative is that the volume is much lower than the factory radio. I have the volume around “20” to be comparable to maybe 10 or 12 of the factory radio volume. Still, the User interface of Apple CarPlay is worth that small sacrifice in my book.

Reactions: 1

AcuraPrime

· #49 · Feb 12, 2022

duromega said:
Hello all MDXers!

I have read this entire thread back and forward, thank you OP for sharing your experience, this helped me with my NAVTOOL install on my MDX

So, no lie it took me about 20 mins to have it all installed and running, of course before buying the unit and proceeding with the install I’ve watch that youtube video maybe like 327 times, also this thread contributed to this, I have to say the only thing they do not mention and I have no idea why is to connect 12V Accessory cables here is a picture,

very easy to ID because there the only red/black cables from the harness connectors.

So far I been using NAVTOOL since Feb 2021 Everything works flawless, if you switch on your iPhone audio output to the cars Bluetooth you will be able to skip/previous track from the steering wheel controls.

here a few pics, any questions feel free to PM

I can definitely use some assistance. I just took the leap for navtool.

PRL898

· #50 · Mar 18, 2022 (Edited)

I really want to add Apple Car Play to my 2013 MDX (with navigation). Curious to hear the long term reviews from the early adopters. It seems like NAVTOOL is the only game in town for our cars? However, when I went to my local car audio shop, the owner told me to avoid NAVTOOL as he has never had good luck with them. That seems to go counter to what other here have experienced. Anyone using the Naviks unit?

So all NAVTOOL users, still happy? Would you install it again today? Thanks!

teknocrat

· #51 · Mar 18, 2022

PRL898 said:
I really want to add Apple Car Play to my 2013 MDX (with navigation). Curious to hear the long term reviews from the early adopters. It seems like NAVTOOL is the only game in town for our cars? However, when I went to my local car audio shop, the owner told me to avoid NAVTOOL as he has never had good luck with them. That seems to go counter to what other here have experienced. Anyone using the Naviks unit?

So all NAVTOOL users, still happy? Would you install it again today? Thanks!

Yep still going strong, as for installing it again, it really depends on how long you plan to keep the MDX and also how frequently you plan to use carplay/android auto as its not a cheap option. Also the novelty wears off after sometime, so while I still use it, its not as often as it was when I had just installed it. You also may want to install it so that you can play a video on the screen while parked.

I do have a problem where the audio is not working but I believe that's because of the audio cable becoming loose which I only blame myself as I think I didn't tape the cables together so probably one of the potholes did that. So you may want to tape the audio/aux cables if you install it.

PRL898

· #52 · Mar 18, 2022

Thanks. I plan to keep the MDX for at least another 10 years, so having Carplay on it would really enhance the driving experience, I think. If not, just to get Waze on the big screen. Thanks!

teknocrat

· #53 · Mar 18, 2022

Yep Waze is all I use it for as well LOL

adumesny1

· #54 · May 10, 2022

1) having waze/Gmap on the big screen would be the killer app for me.
2) Since my HFL has been dead for years (after draining many batteries, then unplugged) how is the making/receiving phone calls as well (07 MDX Ent/Tech) with rev5 version ? sounds like you have to accept calls with the dial and use android voice commands to dial - does it mean you need to be on AUX audio for the unit to respond to any commands ? what if you are using FM instead of streaming. a $30 BT device can do that though.
3) music BT streaming might be nice (my kids use) though a $20 device will do that very nicely using AUX (vs $200 BT45 thought XM connector)

so is it all about #1 then ?

Reactions: 1

AcuraPrime

· #55 · 12 mo ago

Finally got mine installed after months of trying to figure things out. Definitely happy with the decision.

Reactions: 1

Unretired

· #56 · 12 mo ago

New to the forum but I figured I'd throw my 2 cents out there on install.
I bought the NavTool 5.0 with wired Carplay since I don't mind the wire for power anyway and it was on clearance sale since wireless 6.0 is now out.
2007 Acura MDX with Tech and Entertainment - so under driver's seat.

Overall fairly easy, but not much guidance from Navtool.
MOSTLY plug and play but there are 3 splices needed and another 5 wires you don't use and 4 RCA plugs you don't use unless adding cameras.
Splices are:
Red Wire to Accessory Power
Black Wire to Ground
Orange Wire to Reverse Input (you don't "need" this but it allows your reverse camera to override and display)

I used the 8 pin plug on back of Nav unit - lower left plug when viewed from backseat for splicing.
Pin 2 - Purple wire is Accessory
Pin 4 - Black wire is Ground (or you could just ground to metal)
Pin 5 - Brown wire is Reverse

Not much room to work so I used T-taps... make sure you have 18-22 gauge taps or it won't work.
I couldn't find them anywhere so just went with Amazon (Advance/AutoZone/O'Reillys only had 14-16 gauge around me)

Everything working great so far... I strangely even think the reverse camera now looks better (it was mostly useless before).
Interface is a little clunky since it isn't a touchscreen and you use the NavDial for everything but it's functional.
Boot up is a little slow and remember to start with regular Nav Screen first (click okay and get to your map) or it will time out and blank the screen after 30 seconds or so.
That really threw me for a bit... can't jump straight to Carplay.

Hopefully wire diagram is attached:

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Unretired

· #57 · 12 mo ago

And make sure you have your Navigation Code handy - you will likely need to enter that after unplugging various wiring harnesses.
If you've lost yours (like I did), you can get the code from the Acura website with your VIN and Nav (or radio) serial number - Acura Radio / Navigation Code Retrieval and Reset Instructions
I had to unhook everything, get back to stock and then get Nav Serial from the headunit - directions can be found with Google.
Think it was pressing Menu-Map-Cancel all at the same time for 3-5 seconds.
Could of used radio serial also, but I could not figure that one out... got to diagnostics, but never found serial and i didn't want to pull the radio.

alainpp

· #58 · 10 mo ago

Unretired said:
New to the forum but I figured I'd throw my 2 cents out there on install.
I bought the NavTool 5.0 with wired Carplay since I don't mind the wire for power anyway and it was on clearance sale since wireless 6.0 is now out.
2007 Acura MDX with Tech and Entertainment - so under driver's seat.

Overall fairly easy, but not much guidance from Navtool.
MOSTLY plug and play but there are 3 splices needed and another 5 wires you don't use and 4 RCA plugs you don't use unless adding cameras.
Splices are:
Red Wire to Accessory Power
Black Wire to Ground
Orange Wire to Reverse Input (you don't "need" this but it allows your reverse camera to override and display)

I used the 8 pin plug on back of Nav unit - lower left plug when viewed from backseat for splicing.
Pin 2 - Purple wire is Accessory
Pin 4 - Black wire is Ground (or you could just ground to metal)
Pin 5 - Brown wire is Reverse

Not much room to work so I used T-taps... make sure you have 18-22 gauge taps or it won't work.
I couldn't find them anywhere so just went with Amazon (Advance/AutoZone/O'Reillys only had 14-16 gauge around me)

Everything working great so far... I strangely even think the reverse camera now looks better (it was mostly useless before).
Interface is a little clunky since it isn't a touchscreen and you use the NavDial for everything but it's functional.
Boot up is a little slow and remember to start with regular Nav Screen first (click okay and get to your map) or it will time out and blank the screen after 30 seconds or so.
That really threw me for a bit... can't jump straight to Carplay.

Hopefully wire diagram is attached:

Hi Unretired,

I have the same setup with my 08 MDX but I was not able to connect/use my factory backup camera. Were you able to do it, if so how?

If I'm already inside carplay and I go into reverse, it will stay in carplay. I would like to see my backup camera without manually exiting carplay.

Thanks,

Unretired

· #59 · 10 mo ago

alainpp said:
Hi Unretired,

I have the same setup with my 08 MDX but I was not able to connect/use my factory backup camera. Were you able to do it, if so how?

If I'm already inside carplay and I go into reverse, it will stay in carplay. I would like to see my backup camera without manually exiting carplay.

Thanks,

Orange NavTool Wire spliced to Pin 5 Brown Wire on the nav unit under the seat.
Mine automatically switches to reverse and then goes right back to CarPlay when I shift to drive.
If yours isn't working I'd check the splice and the ground.
Otherwise?

alainpp

· #60 · 10 mo ago

Unretired said:
Orange NavTool Wire spliced to Pin 5 Brown Wire on the nav unit under the seat.
Mine automatically switches to reverse and then goes right back to CarPlay when I shift to drive.
If yours isn't working I'd check the splice and the ground.
Otherwise?

I never connected the orange wire. I contacted navtool about it and they said it cannot be done with my car, so I left it alone.

I will try your method. I really appreciate the response.

41 - 60 of 79 Posts