OEM Navigation

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Josuave

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Hey guys, just bought an '03 LS V6 Premium. I love it!
I really want to install the OEM Navigation though and haven't been able to find the complete 'kit' anywhere. There was an auction for just the unit on Ebay, but it didn't have the GPS antenna and all the extras that are needed and just as difficult to find. The Dealer said it's not possible to order the unit, and I can't find it anywhere online. Anybody have any suggestions?
Thanks! :feedback
 
Well second best option for ya is the eclipse double din navigation unit if you are wanting to keep a stock appearance navigational unit. But with a lot of extra goodies then the one that comes stock.. ie. DVD movies, Digital sound processor for theater concert hall live and stadium surround, 5 volt preouts if you want to hook up amp to stock speakers or add aftermarket components. 9 band EQ. Hook up playstation or xbox if your into console gaming.. lol..
 
Thanks guys!
That double din Eclipse unit is hella sweet! I've changed my whole direction now. Just maybe wait out a price drop.
I really only wanted the stock Navi so as to avoid being the desire of some young punk who wants to attempt breaking into my ride.
Thanks again gentlemen!
 
Josuave said:
Hey guys, just bought an '03 LS V6 Premium. I love it!
I really want to install the OEM Navigation though and haven't been able to find the complete 'kit' anywhere. There was an auction for just the unit on Ebay, but it didn't have the GPS antenna and all the extras that are needed and just as difficult to find. The Dealer said it's not possible to order the unit, and I can't find it anywhere online. Anybody have any suggestions?
Thanks! :feedback
Click to expand...

I have looked and researched this EXTENSIVELY for my wife's Aviator. A word to the wise...don't consider adding the OEM option. I know the wiring is different between the Aviator and the LS, but there are still enough similarities that make this a non-starter unless you absolutely have to have the factory unit. Here are some things to think about that I found out on the Aviator...

You will need a ton of parts. You are looking at a head unit, a dvd drive, a module, an antenna, and a rear view mirror just to start. Then you will need the factory wiring harness. Adding your own is not really an option. There are shielded wires, twisted pairs, etc. that need to be incorporated in the sysytem. I even asked Painless Wiring and Howell if they would be interested in building me one and they both turned me down. Next, you will need to rewire the factory stereo system. The speakers on my Aviator are powered differently with the Nav. One system powers them with the amp, the other doesn't and I can't remember now which is which. You will need to wire and install the NAV rear view mirror. It has a microphone that you need or the unit will throw a trouble code. And that is just what I can think of off the top of my head.

In my opinion, this is just not a viable swap. The unit shown here is very nice. Pioneer makes a fantastic couple of units (AVN1 ?) that everyone raves about. A dealer told me he could even install a unit that kept the function of the steering wheel controls. You could install the Pioneer yourself for under $2000 easy if you shop for it. The factory unit couldn't touch that. The wiring harnesses alone were hundreds of dollars.
 
I want to add one other comment.

I eat this kind of stuff up. I just LOVE doing this type of work...and if I say so myself, I'm VERY good at it. I am used to making my own wiring harnesses for these types of projects if you can find the proper connectors...and that is very difficult at times. That being said, the addition of a factory NAV unit increases the value and saleability of a vehicle a bunch. If I could find a wrecked vehicle in which I could pull EVERYTHING I needed, I would definitely do this job. Short of that, I wouldn't even think of attempting it due to the costs of having to buy what you need from Ford.
 
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