mtaalib3

I've decided to go a different route. I decided to do what a couple of other members did and take apart the headunit. I removed the main circuit board and I'm in the process of installing 3 Alpine aftermarket units (Alpine IVA-D901, DVA-5210, and DHA-S690). My factory navigation still works. I put the circuit board in a freezer bag and cut a hole for the connectors. The bag is to prevent any shorts circuits by coming in contact with any metal surfaces. I have taken pics and will post them if anyone else is interested in going the same route as me. I also want to mention that for now I am using 4 old school Precision Power .2 series amps (A1200.2, two A404.2, and A600.2) to power aftermarket speakers and two 12inch subs. Now I can put the $430 that I saved into other mods. I will install a navi unit that allows me to put pics up on the factory screen but have to wait for it to come in the mail. Oh and thanks to VVTiBob for such excellent instructions on how to remove the headunit in the first place. Thats all for now. Good luck with your install.

harleydjce

Has anyone upgraded a 2006+ model? I'm looking to upgrade mine but want to retail the factory Bluetooth, Nav and full steering controls.

Rollaboy

iTrader: (1)

Very nice write-up Bob. Nice with details and everything.

i was also thinking about doing this. But is it possible to have pioneer navi show on the top screen and normal audio control on the main pioneer screen? i have seen your pictures in this thread were both main screen and top screen shows the navi and also of course only the main screen showing navi. But what about the other way around? I like to have the navi on the top screen like original. But looks stupid with both screens showing navi.

Or like harleydjce says, is it possible to upgrade the pre 2006 model to the newer 200+ navigation? And how does it look?

The old pre 2006 navi looks really pixelated and old.

Matthias

I did the install of the Pioneer with the Beatsonic, everything works well and fits well, thanks to all the help here.
But now I would like to be able to control the Antenna so it not always is extended. Can I just put in a small toggle switch in the blue wire? Strange how things become a bother although in the beginning they were not

baboya96

Is there any other option i can do without beatsonic? i'm not looking to retain my navi function. Just want to install a double-din player that will interface with the existing amp in the car.

OrlandoTee

Hi All,

Great information. being a single woman, I use this site to help me stay informed when I need repairs to my Sc430 and avoid being taken advantage of. My radio stop working and I read this post on the upgrade with the Beat-Sonic unit. Purchase the Beat-Sonic unit, Pioneer AVH-P4400BH headunit & Kenwood CM301 back-up camera and took it all to a local audio shop.

They spent 30 minutes attempting to tell me the items I purchased were junk and I should return them all and use their equipment which would not utilize any of my factory equipment or allow for the steering wheel control but procude much better sound. Also I should not be so concern with keeping the factory look to the vehicle.

So I went to another shop and had my items installed providing a copy of the instruction found in this post.

Thanks again all, loving my new upgraded system and factory navigation.

Harold57

You are one smart and wise woman OrlandoTee. It looks like they did a good job on it. How do you like it so far?

Welcome to the forum.

VVTiBob

This is exactly why I wrote the PDF on this upgrade and install ... I am pleased you were able to use it to your advantage and not swayed by the attitude or should I say arrogance of the people at first car audio shop. Guess they really don't understand the meaning of customer service.

garybc230

Looks very good Orlando Tee, could you provide us with a couple of pictures of your backup camera install, I'm thinking of doing the same and would like to see how it was mounted. Happy Holidays and welcome to the forum.

OrlandoTee

I attached a few photos of the backup camera. My camera has an adjustable view so the view button is located under the ignition switch some what hidden. Camera model Kenwood CMOS-310 with camera image located on the bottom screen. Asked about switching the image to the top screen but required more modifications which at this point I do not feel I need.

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

^sent OrlandoTee a msg hopefully I can use the same shop for this. Its about time for the update. Ill be doing this and probably headers as well as fenders with vents this year to go with the WALD. I was also considering a roof spoiler. I think I am most excited about the audio, I disconnected my rear antenna so I will be shaving that off when I go to get the fenders done.

Idaho430

Looks like Pioneer has upgraded the AVH-P4400BH unit referred to by the OP. Here is the new unit:



Anyone see any reason why it would install any differently? Any pros/cons to using this newer unit? The P4400BH is still available thru some dealers as NOS.

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

has anyone else in Florida done this? I havent heard back from Orlando.

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

I found out where OrlandoTee got the install done so ill be going to the same place (thanks!). I plan on buying this unit AVH-X8500BHS as well as the nav module for the unit. I like it because it has DVD, NAV, and APP Radio. Plus its compatible with Android and Iphone. Do you think ill face any issues with fitment on this unit? I know these are bigger than the 4XXX units so some of you suggested taking a dremel to some of the brackets.

Question is should I leave NAV Tool installed for the back up camera or should I hook it up to the new unit? I will be connecting the Sub in the back (aftermarket not the OEM Sub) directly to the head unit versus the hilow connector its currently connected to.

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

Also are only certain models giving the option to use both screens? for instance new nav up top and a dvd on the bottom or my ipod/pandora or something? I feel like ive seen that somewhere.