I never could justify the expense of the NAV option. I really don't travel that often. Now I've been offered a NAV out of an '06 CTS for about $600. It includes the dics and the GPS antenna. I would get that much out of the resale later.

So..how difficult is the install? What other features will this give me and will I lose any? I have the Bose system now w/multi disc CD player. Will I need to buy anything extra?

Bob

from what I understand you would need to buy a wiring harness from best buy or something plus get whatever wiring do-dads Ody put together for phase I and II of the install.

As I see it, features you would gain would be DVD entertainment for passengers or yourself (hopefully while sitting at a light or parked somewhere waiting for something/someone). Also, you dont really need to be traveling to use the nav part. If traffic is real bad it does a good job of finding alternate routes.

That is a real good deal, about half of what I got mine for. I say go for it! I haven't installed mine yet because I am waiting on the GPS antenna from GMPD. I wasn't going to do it myself, but I remember reading in another thread that it was fairly easy with the FAQ instructions so I think I am going to give it a try myself

from what I understand you would need to buy a wiring harness from best buy or something plus get whatever wiring do-dads Ody put together for phase I and II of the install.

As I see it, features you would gain would be DVD entertainment for passengers or yourself (hopefully while sitting at a light or parked somewhere waiting for something/someone). Also, you dont really need to be traveling to use the nav part. If traffic is real bad it does a good job of finding alternate routes.

That is a real good deal, about half of what I got mine for. I say go for it! I haven't installed mine yet because I am waiting on the GPS antenna from GMPD. I wasn't going to do it myself, but I remember reading in another thread that it was fairly easy with the FAQ instructions so I think I am going to give it a try myself

Glad to hear! Yes Reed's FAQ should be a big help with this. Anybody else here that has done it?:confused:

You gotta do it. I hardly ever travel but its so nice to have when you are in an unfamiliar area, or if there is traffic where you are going you just push a button to reroute you. Also imo it makes the inside of your car look 10x better. More of a classy thing I think. I like the way it handles the RDS messages alot better than the stock.

Ody sent me everything I needed wire wise, so im not sure whats needed if you where to buy it but i know the write up explains it all.

Installation for the most part was cake, when I removed the bottom bezel to get at the bottom screws I didnt put the screw driver in deep enough and I took the bezel out and not the entire unit which caused it to crack, I ordered another peice for a 100 bucks. I did the same thing on the cluster panel I tried going to easy and chipped it a little bit but its easily fixable. My best advice is stick the screwdriver in good and deep.

Anyway for 600, you gotta do it. Its such a nice feature to have.

You gotta do it. I hardly ever travel but its so nice to have when you are in an unfamiliar area, or if there is traffic where you are going you just push a button to reroute you. Also imo it makes the inside of your car look 10x better. More of a classy thing I think. I like the way it handles the RDS messages alot better than the stock.

Ody sent me everything I needed wire wise, so im not sure whats needed if you where to buy it but i know the write up explains it all.

Installation for the most part was cake, when I removed the bottom bezel to get at the bottom screws I didnt put the screw driver in deep enough and I took the bezel out and not the entire unit which caused it to crack, I ordered another peice for a 100 bucks. I did the same thing on the cluster panel I tried going to easy and chipped it a little bit but its easily fixable. My best advice is stick the screwdriver in good and deep.

Anyway for 600, you gotta do it. Its such a nice feature to have.

Thanks for the advise. I'll try to be careful. I understand you need a special wiring harness. Odysseus has made a few for other members. Once I have the NAV in my hands I'll contact Ody. Is it correct the NAV gives you audio instructions also?

If you have the bose amp I understand it does. I do not so mine doesnt. I havent hooked up the voice commands on mine yet either. Going to do that next month I think.

Robert, if you don't do it, I'll buy it... I'm callin DIBS now!

Robert, if you don't do it, I'll buy it... I'm callin DIBS now!

I've got my dibbs in! I just hope the deal goes thru.

So there are requirements for the audio commands? Like what?

Flip..you following this thread?

600 is an excellent deal. Even if you were to re sell it, it would pull in at least 1000 dollars.

600 is an excellent deal. Even if you were to re sell it, it would pull in at least 1000 dollars.

That was my thinking. It motivated me to want to install it.

I never could justify the expense of the NAV option. I really don't travel that often. Now I've been offered a NAV out of an '06 CTS for about $600. It includes the dics and the GPS antenna. I would get that much out of the resale later.

So..how difficult is the install? What other features will this give me and will I lose any? I have the Bose system now w/multi disc CD player. Will I need to buy anything extra?

Bob If i were u then I would buy it for 600 and sell it to me for 700 and everybody would be happy :highfive:

I have decided against the NAV route and will be installing a Carputer. However, i will be doing a different installation from what a few of the members here have done. I am going to build the unit as a removable piece and mount it under my seat. So that all i have to do is run the neccesary wiring under the carpet to the unit in the dash. Hopefully it works out how i want it to, i have a buddy that did the same thing except he didnt mount it in his dash, he simply had it on a stand. Same process though, except i am getting the dash fab'd to fit the 7" screen.

$600 is a smokin deal though, i hope it goes through for you!!
:thumbsup:

I have decided against the NAV route and will be installing a Carputer. However, i will be doing a different installation from what a few of the members here have done. I am going to build the unit as a removable piece and mount it under my seat. So that all i have to do is run the neccesary wiring under the carpet to the unit in the dash. Hopefully it works out how i want it to, i have a buddy that did the same thing except he didnt mount it in his dash, he simply had it on a stand. Same process though, except i am getting the dash fab'd to fit the 7" screen.

$600 is a smokin deal though, i hope it goes through for you!!
:thumbsup:

I really like mbai2 carputer installation. It very professional and looks like a factory option.

$1000 for a new Nav is a good deal. $600 is a steal! It was a very expensive option from the factory (~$2400 over the base radio, as I recall) Make sure you go to Reed's FAQ and look up disk compatibilities. Rumors are that in '06, there are different disks whether you have the NavTraffic option or not. Personally, I'd get a Zenrin 6.4 disk and try that first (or borrow a copy from a member to verify). It works in my '05 Nav perfectly. The GPS antenna is about $50 and a simple install under your center channel speaker opening.

Read the FAQ for the Phase 1 and 2 installs. Phase 1 only requires a VSS wire to be tapped into a wire behind the IP. For voice commands and audible directions, the Phase 2 harnessing is required (but not required for navigation to work). I found it annoying and turned it off, 5 minutes after I installed and tried it out. When you're ready, let me know. I'll send both the VSS (phase 1) and the phase 2 wiring. Other than getting some Nav C1 terminals from your dealer and crimping them on the Nav end of the harness, it's plug and play. Don't bother with the reverse VW harness for a single terminal. The Phase 1 wiring (from me) is a fresh new terminal with the proper wire already crimped.

Phase 1 takes about an hour or so. Phase 2 may take 2 or 3 hours, since you have to remove the trunk liner and rear seat to run the wires to the front of the car. While you're at it, install the radios and more XM kit and do both at once, if you haven't already!

Bob, for $600 it should be a no brainer because
1) it adds resale value
2) it looks better than the stock head unit
3) DVD audio quality trumps CD audio quality, especially if you are going to better speakers
4) how can you have one of the most modded cars in the forums and not have DVD nav?

The install is pretty easy because Ody's directions are really simple, except review the photos carefully in color before taking apart the steering column. Looking at them in black and white on a printed page is not as clear what you should remove. As for the wire, you can get the harness from Ody, buy the harness for the VW from somewhere, or make your own with some parts from Radio Shack which is what I ended up doing.

The biggest challenge I had was getting the wire from the GPS antenna mounted in the void where your center channel speaker resides, down to the head unit because the cable and antenna were used so they were already bent up a little so threading them was a hassle. It cost an additional 10 minutes and I scraped up my hands a bit on some of edges, but the install is really straight forward.

Think about how cool it will be to play the Imperial March as you roll around town with Vader on the screen.

$1000 for a new Nav is a good deal. $600 is a steal! It was a very expensive option from the factory (~$2400 over the base radio, as I recall) Make sure you go to Reed's FAQ and look up disk compatibilities. Rumors are that in '06, there are different disks whether you have the NavTraffic option or not. Personally, I'd get a Zenrin 6.4 disk and try that first (or borrow a copy from a member to verify). It works in my '05 Nav perfectly. The GPS antenna is about $50 and a simple install under your center channel speaker opening.

Read the FAQ for the Phase 1 and 2 installs. Phase 1 only requires a VSS wire to be tapped into a wire behind the IP. For voice commands and audible directions, the Phase 2 harnessing is required (but not required for navigation to work). I found it annoying and turned it off, 5 minutes after I installed and tried it out. When you're ready, let me know. I'll send both the VSS (phase 1) and the phase 2 wiring. Other than getting some Nav C1 terminals from your dealer and crimping them on the Nav end of the harness, it's plug and play. Don't bother with the reverse VW harness for a single terminal. The Phase 1 wiring (from me) is a fresh new terminal with the proper wire already crimped.

Phase 1 takes about an hour or so. Phase 2 may take 2 or 3 hours, since you have to remove the trunk liner and rear seat to run the wires to the front of the car. While you're at it, install the radios and more XM kit and do both at once, if you haven't already!

Damn it Ody, you're talking like the enginner that you are! I understood about half of what you said. Maybe after I read the FAQ it will make more sense. Will this add more yaw to my cornering?:D

Bob, for $600 it should be a no brainer because
1) it adds resale value
2) it looks better than the stock head unit
3) DVD audio quality trumps CD audio quality, especially if you are going to better speakers
4) how can you have one of the most modded cars in the forums and not have DVD nav?

The install is pretty easy because Ody's directions are really simple, except review the photos carefully in color before taking apart the steering column. Looking at them in black and white on a printed page is not as clear what you should remove. As for the wire, you can get the harness from Ody, buy the harness for the VW from somewhere, or make your own with some parts from Radio Shack which is what I ended up doing.

The biggest challenge I had was getting the wire from the GPS antenna mounted in the void where your center channel speaker resides, down to the head unit because the cable and antenna were used so they were already bent up a little so threading them was a hassle. It cost an additional 10 minutes and I scraped up my hands a bit on some of edges, but the install is really straight forward.

Think about how cool it will be to play the Imperial March as you roll around town with Vader on the screen.

So I can play my Star War movies on my NAV screen?:bouncy:

4) how can you have one of the most modded cars in the forums and not have DVD nav?

Exactly what I thought when I first read it. I always just assumed you had the NAV already.

Are these the two FAQ installs I need? Looks complicated:bonkers:

http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answers/navconvert/index.html

http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answers/navpart2/index.html

Are these the two FAQ installs I need? Looks complicated:bonkers:

http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answers/navconvert/index.html

http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answers/navpart2/index.html

You only need to do Phase 1 to have Navigation and the ability to play DVD's while driving. If you want voice commands, you have the option of phase 2, but as Ody said, it's got to be pretty annoying. I wouldn't want a voice cutting into my music, movie, or radio every time I needed to make a turn, especially driving around town because it would happen every ten seconds. I thought about getting a Bose amp to go the Phase 2 route until I thought about what I would really be gaining, and realized it would be wasteful. The nav can popup an extra window as you're approaching a turn and that's enough for me because it is eye catching and doesn't interrupt my entertainment.

Don't be intimidated, Phase 1 is pretty easy thanks to the way Ody laid it out.

Yes, you can watch movies while you drive, with this clever little hack http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answers/dvdmotion.html

Most of the time, I have a concert DVD in playing as I drive around. I only use the navigation when I am going somewhere unfamiliar which is pretty rare.

So I can play my Star War movies on my NAV screen?:bouncy:

Yes, the nav is a great toy! Sure it's functional, but it's really there for entertainment.

can you play a DVD and have the Nav working at the same time? I noticed it had a CD player, but didn't know if you could play DVD's in the bottom part too

No. Only the map disk is DVD. You have to pull the map disk out to watch a movie. The six disk changer is CD only.

I did it once to make sure it really works, but I'm not one to watch a movie in my car. My map disk stays in the drive permanently. Now if there was a way to hack install a Compact Flash card (as an IDE Slave) or laptop hard disk with the map data, internal to the nav, freeing up the DVD drive (as IDE Master) . . . that may be cool. An IDE CF converter card is only $20 and a 5GB CF card is under $100 at Geeks. 30Gb 2.5" drives are under $40. I don't know how the drive is wired internally, though (or if it's even IDE).

[quote=MikeB066]You only need to do Phase 1 to have Navigation and the ability to play DVD's while driving. If you want voice commands, you have the option of phase 2, but as Ody said, it's got to be pretty annoying. I wouldn't want a voice cutting into my music, movie, or radio every time I needed to make a turn, especially driving around town because it would happen every ten seconds. I thought about getting a Bose amp to go the Phase 2 route until I thought about what I would really be gaining, and realized it would be wasteful. The nav can popup an extra window as you're approaching a turn and that's enough for me because it is eye catching and doesn't interrupt my entertainment.

Don't be intimidated, Phase 1 is pretty easy thanks to the way Ody laid it out.quote (http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answers/dvdmotion.html quote)]

I thought the voice option would be neat but I can see where it could be a pain. I printed out a copy of the phase I install from the FAQ. (That's another good reason to send a few bucks to Reed to support the FAQ)

man ive been getting outbid on navi units for $1,350, and you have to come on here and rub it in that you can get one for $600....

that hurts man, it really hurts....


hahah
just kidding, I would say thats a steal and you shouldnt turn it down!
:thumbsup:

man ive been getting outbid on navi units for $1,350, and you have to come on here and rub it in that you can get one for $600....

that hurts man, it really hurts....


hahah
just kidding, I would say thats a steal and you shouldnt turn it down!
:thumbsup:

That's the deal but I don't have it my hands yet.

man ive been getting outbid on navi units for $1,350, and you have to come on here and rub it in that you can get one for $600....

that hurts man, it really hurts....


hahah
just kidding, I would say thats a steal and you shouldnt turn it down!
:thumbsup:

Did you try contacting the guy from the first auction that we got outbid on (he was selling 6 of them). He will do it outside of Ebay. I was a little sketched out at first but I have the unit and many other people have done the same thing. You might want to try to contact him and see if he has more...he would give it to you for less than $1350 I am sure

Yo boberto....sorry I havent been around, my satellite is f'ed up and Im getting cable modem installed on tuesday so I have limited access to this site :( But I would add the nav, its awesome!! You will love it, I added it its not that hard. Alot of people that have done the phase two have turned off the audible directions because the get tiresome after a while.. I didnt do it because my dad has a nav in his car and I hate the voice telling me every turn and AHHHHH its annoying....but you might like the option of being able to do both. Hmmmm what else......any more questions let me know I have internet access for a lil bit longer, or PM me, I get those and then you dont have to worry about me missing a thread.....be back soon all....really sux not being up to date on all the threads

Yo boberto....sorry I havent been around, my satellite is f'ed up and Im getting cable modem installed on tuesday so I have limited access to this site :( But I would add the nav, its awesome!! You will love it, I added it its not that hard. Alot of people that have done the phase two have turned off the audible directions because the get tiresome after a while.. I didnt do it because my dad has a nav in his car and I hate the voice telling me every turn and AHHHHH its annoying....but you might like the option of being able to do both. Hmmmm what else......any more questions let me know I have internet access for a lil bit longer, or PM me, I get those and then you dont have to worry about me missing a thread.....be back soon all....really sux not being up to date on all the threads

Ody has made some wiring harnesses for some members. What's that all about? Will I need it?:confused:

Ody is the man! It helps out a ton.

I think Flip is buying Internet service by the minutes and he's used most of his minutes.:)

Ody has made some wiring harnesses for some members. What's that all about? Will I need it?:confused:

You need to tap into the Vehicle Speed Sensor in the steering column and then run that wire into the open slot in the existing harness to pass the nav system speed data so it can update your position on the screen. Without it, you are dependent on the satellites and that can be bad if you lose track of a third sat.

Ody has premade wires with everything you need, or you can fabricate your own with a little time and solder. Getting one from Ody is easiest because it's plug and play. I was so eager to have my nav installed, I didn't want to wait on having one mailed so I made my own. Not a big deal, but why make things more complicated. You will need that tap into the VSS whether you make it yourself or get it from Ody, it's a must have.

Exactly what mikey said......You will need the adapter from Ody.....

Hi Bob...

I have the NAV in my CTS-V and was surprised to find out that it does not have the voice recognition commands. Someone posted a mod to use the CTS voice control in the V, put it seems pretty worthless. If your car is rev'ing high and making some noise the voice commands probably can't be understood by the car. At first I was a little pissed that the V didn't have the feature, but after having the car for a while now I can see that the voice commands are just a gimick. If I was you I would do the phase one install and not worry about the voice feature.

Whatever you choose, GOOD Luck!

Hi Bob...

I have the NAV in my CTS-V and was surprised to find out that it does not have the voice recognition commands. Someone posted a mod to use the CTS voice control in the V, put it seems pretty worthless. If your car is rev'ing high and making some noise the voice commands probably can't be understood by the car. At first I was a little pissed that the V didn't have the feature, but after having the car for a while now I can see that the voice commands are just a gimick. If I was you I would do the phase one install and not worry about the voice feature.

Whatever you choose, GOOD Luck!

CTSDreams,
Glad to see you came back to your roots to visit. If the NAV deal goes thru, I will do the phase 1 install as you suggest. Remember OldRoadDawg who like you left us and purchased a V? He's already trapped by V mods. Actually there are more mods available for the V.
Bob

Can't wait to get mine :)

CTSDreams,
Glad to see you came back to your roots to visit. If the NAV deal goes thru, I will do the phase 1 install as you suggest. Remember OldRoadDawg who like you left us and purchased a V? He's already trapped by V mods. Actually there are more mods available for the V.
Bob

Those V guys are just plain crazy!!! While there are more mods available for the V, they cost an arm and a leg. These guys are dumping 5-6K for superchargers and other mods and then wonder why the rear ends go out. So far I have invested $100 in a set of racing pedals. But I would like to change out the shift linkage for a better feeling one. That will be my first real mod to the V. After that I will have to just save up to get the next item. Until then I am just enjoying the ride.:)

$600 gets you close to a decent computer.
get a computer

$600 gets you close to a decent computer.
get a computer

but then you have to add the time/money to get the computer installed in your car

Hi guys..I'm new to writing in the forums..posted for the first time yesterday. I've had 2 CTS now..an 05 Blue Chip that Hurricane Wilma did a number on which I had only modded the CTS-V wire mesh grill and my new 06 3.6L CTS Redline.....I have read upon the NAV mod and was able to purchase an 06 Navi Unit with discs this morning...How can I get Ody's wiring harness mentioned above ? Please send me his contact information or ordering information ?

Guys I'm new to posting...started yesterday. I am modding a 06 CTS 3.6L with a Navi unit off of an 06 CTS...can anyone help me with ordering a wiring harness from Ody as is suggested above ? aswell can someone inform me where i can get the parts# for the wood grain on the 06 navi unit...my car has the factory woodgrain and i'd like to match it on the navi unit..otherwise i'll have to go with an aftermarket product like on my 05 CTS

Hi guys..I'm new to writing in the forums..posted for the first time yesterday. I've had 2 CTS now..an 05 Blue Chip that Hurricane Wilma did a number on which I had only modded the CTS-V wire mesh grill and my new 06 3.6L CTS Redline.....I have read upon the NAV mod and was able to purchase an 06 Navi Unit with discs this morning...How can I get Ody's wiring harness mentioned above ? Please send me his contact information or ordering information ?

You could become a supporting member(about $25) so you could PM Ody..or maybe he might see this post??

Im pretty sure he was only sending the harness to those that supported the site.....not to harass you for not being a member, but I think I remember readin that in one of his posts

Im pretty sure he was only sending the harness to those that supported the site.....not to harass you for not being a member, but I think I remember readin that in one of his posts

I think Ody said a donation as supporting member or a donation to Reed's FAQ

What's Reeds' FAQ ?

What's Reeds' FAQ ?

It's how to DIY section for mods and fixes. Reed does this on his own time and makes not a dime but the Website cost money to operate. Our donations support his expenses in gratitude for all of his efforts. I use it a lot! Here's the link.

http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/index.html

Robert is correct 100%!!! :highfive:

Both this site and Reeds' FAQ site are well worth our support!!! I have benefit from both on many ocassions now and have only been a member here for about 2 month!!! :thumbsup: I support both!!! :)

Robert,

Install is very easy. The instructions are clear and you should have no problems. All you need to do to get the unit working is to tap into one wire and solder it or crimp it to a new pin and insert it in the existing wire harness plug.

It's probably harder to decide which cd to play then to install the nav unit. If you are real edgy about it ask a Ham Radio operator or anyone who knows "a little bit" of technique to make an electric modification.

I am sure anyone here that knows anything would be happy to help! Just ask!

Good luck I know that you are capable enough to do the mod.