AVIC-D3 Review!

[MikeBlueP5]

i know bestbuy.com sells an install kit for the d3. i dont know what all it consists of other than the trim ring, a cage and some other items. I think when i installed my pioneer unit i have now it wouldnt work with the bracket in the dash that holds the post so i cut it out. I may have to look into getting a cage that clips into the opening if i get one of these. ive been thinking seriously about it but i havent made up my mind 100% yet. If we get the tax rebate this year i might just have a reason to get one. best buy sells them for 899 here but i have found them considerably cheaper NEW on ebay not refurbs. just pick your seller wisely lol

 

[THE Phen]

You really don't need the cage that Best Buy sells. Plus you have to wait for them to order it. All you really need is the Metra kit.

 

[Rally Ninja]

Found a lead I think on finding the Reverse Gear Signal that the unit needs:
from www.the12volt.com

Reverse Light RED/YELLOW (+) 34pin LEFT OF PCM

 

[MikeBlueP5]

or you could just look for the sensor on the transmission and check the wires on it. shouldnt be too hard to find the sensor on there. Where can you get the metra kit? directly from them? thanks for keeping this thread alive it helps alot of us guys in the future.

 

[Rally Ninja]

you can find it at just about any decent stereo shop. If all else fails just check ebay. Its probably cheaper there anyways.

 

[vcinsanity1523]

you guys with this unit is the nav function very good or is it just ok as I am interested in purchasing a dual din nav unit either the avic d3, panasonic strada, or kenwood DNX7100

 

[JasonKilpa]

I get my D3 on Thursday and I can't wait. I also got the bluetooth and ipod connectors as well for it.

 

[THE Phen]

you guys with this unit is the nav function very good or is it just ok as I am interested in purchasing a dual din nav unit either the avic d3, panasonic strada, or kenwood DNX7100

I feel that the Nav is pretty good. My only complaint is the lack of street names spoken. It reads the state route numbers, but not street names. Other than that, it's worked rather well for me. Got me thru Pittsburgh pretty well, and that's a chore and a half.

 

[CHICO2003]

I've had this unit in my MSP since last April... overall, it's been a great addition. thing occasionally needs to be reset though. it's only happened a few times but when it does it's pretty annoying...

basically your map will go from whatever it is... to (in my case... because of where I live... the center of NY) Sometimes it'll fix itself... sometimes a reset is in order. After the reset you have to spend 5 min customizing everything again... oddly enough though, my sirius channel lineup still remains in tact. since I dont' listen to the radio that's not a big deal...

I've spoken with the tech dept about this problem and they admit it's a widespread issue that can't be fixed... just need to keep doing what I've been doing.

definitely a great device overall though... blows the competition out of the water

 

[THE Phen]

I think the Sirius channel lineup sticks with tuner, not the head unit. That's how my XM is because when I took it from my old Pioneer to the AVIC, they all appeared.

 

[JasonKilpa]

Got my D3 last night and I installed it. Was a breeze to install. If you can install a basic headunit you can install this one.

I also got the bluetooth adapter and the ipod connector. Both work really well.

The mod for the parking brake was a life saver and worked great. Thanks.

 

[THE Phen]

How is the bluetooth adapter? I haven't purchased it yet.

 

[JasonKilpa]

Its better than the headsets I've had. The install is easy. Just a power and a ground wire. Then a wire from the unit to the headunit. Run the microphone to either your visor or the steering column (I chose steering column) and thats it.

It has the ability to transfer your phone book to the headunit so you can direct dial from the headunit as well. I haven't figured it all out yet as there are a lot of functions with it.

Overall I'm very pleased.

 

[THE Phen]

Hmmm...I may just pick that up when tax return comes. Where did you locate the box?

 

[JasonKilpa]

I put the box in the glove compartment. It fits in there no problem with room for other things too.

 

[THE Phen]

Are you running any form of Satellite radio too? I'm trying to find good locations for all the boxes.

 

[JasonKilpa]

I am going to be very soon. I had Sirius with my previous setup but of course that tuner I can't use with this headunit (old unit was a Kenwood).

I am trying to decide if I want to go back to Sirius which I do like, or go to XM and get the NavTraffic feature as well. I will probably locate that box to the trunk behind my sub box. I guess it will depend on how big the satellite tuner is cause there is still room in the glovebox but not sure I want to overload it in there. Probably would be easier running to the trunk.

 

[CHICO2003]

just put it underneath the seat cushion in back.... nobody ever sits back there (for me) but even if they did, it would be safe... as long as they weren't a fat F'er.... and if they were, they'd have no business being in my car.

 

[JasonKilpa]

Here are pics from my install

 

[tunersteve]

Looks good, what dash kit is that? Care to put up a how-to for the Protege guys?