Cadillac Owners Forum banner
  • BEWARE OF SCAMMERS. Anyone trying to get your money should be checked out BEFORE you send anything anywhere.

2007 Escalade radio replacement

17K views 52 replies 10 participants last post by  ChiefM  
#1 · (Edited)
My recently purchased 2007 Escalade lived in Japan for most of its life. It therefore has an aftermarket head unit in it that only displays in Japanese (even the physical buttons!). Sometimes it even talks to me in Japanese but of course I have no idea what it's saying.

This Escalade has the factory rear seat entertainment.

I want to replace the head unit with something I can actually use, but I want all the original functions to work. I therefore want steering wheel controls, backup camera, rear seat entertainment, plus anything else it used to do (except XM Radio - we don't get that in the UK). I also don't think all the speakers work with this current head unit - there's nothing from the center or subwoofer.

What would be the best option for this?
I have considered an OEM head unit, but I'd ideally like Bluetooth audio.

This kit looks perfect, but seems to have been discontinued:
Cadillac Escalade gets Restyled with an Alpine X008U

What other options are there in 2022?
 
#3 ·
Phoenix audio has the testa style unit.

This member bought one from linkswell and he seems to like it allot. If I was you I would go the route he did.

 
#4 ·
Thanks, I'd seen the Tesla-style but not the Linkswell. From what I've read so far, I really don't like the idea of the Tesla-style. I don't love the UI and it doesn't offer Android Auto. It also sounds like it doesn't support the rear screen either.

That Linkswell does look really good and support Android Auto, but I've seen no mention of the rear screens either, plus I don't think I want to spend that much on this project right now.

For now I think I will return it to stock, as I really like the factory interior look.
Can somebody advise me what would be involved to reprogram a used factory Supernav unit?
 
#5 · (Edited)
For the rear screens you will need the pac gmrvd which gives you rca inputs and outputs. This plugs into the connector that was previously going into your factory unit from the rear ceiling monitor. This allows you to connect it to a aftermarket radio. You will need this no matter what if you do a aftermarket radio. Just make sure you ground the single black cable to the body of the car. I am not a fan of the Tesla style but it’s your only choice. I read the member that was also against it but he is happy with the linkswell. I like the part about the wireless CarPlay. If you have a 2008 only there is no way to program the Supernav from the 2011-2014. You can order it and the seller usually programs it to your vin or unlocks it. The latest Nav disk you can get is v.2015. I have a 2008 so I ended up getting one from a 2009 which gave me xm navtraffic and ordered a 2010 transverse OnStar module which added Bluetooth phone & OnStar phone app.

If you want I have an extra new Nav disc v.2015 which was the latest. Also if you want to know the seller for the one I purchased let me know. He refurbishes them and changes the faceplate and screen new. You do need to have the u42 option enabled depending on how many rear ceiling screens you have though to output the dvd movies correctly. The 2011-2014 looses the 6 dvd/cd changer and it only comes with a single player..The 2010 only looses the tilt function. I recommend getting a 2008-2009. If you want to add Bluetooth audio let me know as well I can tell you the best one to get.

Image
 
#7 ·
Not difficult at all. The person I got mines from specializes in this. I think he charged me $600 mines and programmed it for my RSE with one screen. When he refurbishes them he replaces the screen, drives and faceplate. You can also order the PAC GM-RVD which will give you RCA in and outputs so you can hook up a 3.5 or video cable. You can also get the Nav-tv barracuda which allows your passenger to watch a dvd in drive and use all controls. The Bluetooth phone you can also get if you order a Onstar module that has it.
 
#12 ·
Thank you. I know somebody already mentioned something like that on another topic I started.
See post #2 here: 2007 Escalade - violent downshifts.

Is one of those options what you think I'll need? Could I go for the handheld unit, or do I need the laptop style to program?

Sorry for the very basic questions - this is my first GM vehicle and my first vehicle that's able to be programmed!
 
#13 ·
Thank you. I know somebody already mentioned something like that on another topic I started.
See post #2 here: 2007 Escalade - violent downshifts.

Is one of those options what you think I'll need? Could I go for the handheld unit, or do I need the laptop style to program?

Sorry for the very basic questions - this is my first GM vehicle and my first vehicle that's able to be programmed!
You can’t go to a regular store and buy one. You would have to order it. I would put a add on Craigslist offering to pay someone with a tech 2 to unlock your radio to your vehicle. You probably would have to spend close to $400 for a tech 2.
 
#14 ·
I lurked on eBay and purchased a 2013 OEM SD card Navi that was $4h to install after my OEM 09 DVD drive Navi died. Another member purchased the 09 unit to capture all the working parts which washed out the costs to have the new unit flashed and inspected by a pro.

The SD card version is fast enough where I still use the factory Navi. The truck also has the fully integrated $79 A2DP (music) BT module installed. If need be Google maps broadcasts directions wirelessly and simultaneously with the BT music playing.

Both early and late 07-14 Navi units are interchangeable. When servicing the 07 & 08 trucks a pre owned OnStar module from a 09-14 Escalade should be swap’d in to allow BT for cell phone capability. It adds full control via the steering wheel controls and voice control via Siri.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
#16 · (Edited)
I saw a post like that.

Was it this one where the tech II had to be told it was speaking to a 06 Monte Cristo?


Wow! There's a lot of profit to be made by adding a VIN into a pre-owned SuperNav from a 13 or 14 Escalade. $1.2K for what can be had for 3-$5H!! Infotainment.com really gouges. As a 2009 owner I'm glad to report against infortainment.com claim this mod works in only in 2010-2014 vehicles. I may have avoided the aforementioned 2008 non compatibility issue by installing a 2011 Preloved OnStar unit in our 09.

Image
Image
Image


As well as having all the features and control of the 2011+ features and controls for the later model OnStar cell phone control to download maps to the Navi or remote start. Unfortunately, OnStar is going to disconnect all this connectivity soon.

This is the proof in the pudding in our 09 ESV

Image





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
#17 ·
So I took a bit of a risk - I found a used 2007 Supernav for just over $100 on eBay, the catch being that it didn't state whether it worked or not.

It arrived today and cosmetically looks great. No wear at all on the buttons, just in need of a light clean.

I'll try to get it installed this week, then I've found somebody locally with a Tech2 who thinks they'll be able to program it for me. Wish me luck!
Image
 
#20 ·
Well, what should I have expected - it doesn't work!

It seems to power up (backlight comes on but no image displayed), navigation DVD starts spinning, screen tilt works, car beeps twice if I press and hold the power button) but it only last a few seconds then turns off again. It repeats this over and over.

Has anyone experienced this before? It seems so close to working!

Worst case, like mentioned above, I can use this to refurbish one that works but has cosmetic issues.
 
#21 ·
Well, what should I have expected - it doesn't work!

It seems to power up (backlight comes on but no image displayed), navigation DVD starts spinning, screen tilt works, car beeps twice if I press and hold the power button) but it only last a few seconds then turns off again. It repeats this over and over.

Has anyone experienced this before? It seems so close to working!

Worst case, like mentioned above, I can use this to refurbish one that works but has cosmetic issues.
Yes, The power supply in the radio is no good. It probably overheated or maybe the small fan stopped working and caused this to happen. The screen should say theftlock activated. You probably are going to have to use the parts to refurbish yours. It is not hard at all to do. It is similar to building a computer.
 
#28 · (Edited)
I've got another question. I've been watching the video below and noticed a plug that I don't remember connecting on mine. What is the plug that he grabs around the 3:40 mark, which plugs in next to the blue antenna connector? EDIT: I realized if I listen with the sound on, it explains exactly what it is - oops!

 
#33 ·
The next radio has arrived! It's costing me a small fortune getting these shipped from the US to the UK. Fingers crossed this one works - it's from J&J Auto Wrecking and there's a video of it working on YouTube.

It looks to be in similarly great condition to the last one - very little wear to the buttons and just some greasy marks to clean off.

If all is well, I just need to get it programmed.

Has anybody tried an AutoSync for programming a radio? There's mention of it on their website, but in the instruction manual it doesn't cover it. I emailed them last week for clarification before buying one but heard nothing back yet.
Image
 
#34 ·
PayPal had a return shipping guarantee on the PayPal site if that’s how you paid. The facia on that is a little tattered.

There is an international shipping company called IPS that’s relatively inexpensive if you need to return it or have issues. Please send me a message if that doesn’t work out and I’ll intervene and/or help with a return. If you need to purchasing a new unit without being gouged for post let me know.

I’d suggest purchasing a BT Dieselworks OBD programmer to allow swapping Navi units without the need to have them coded to your VIN by a specialist or Tech II. I just ordered one. It should be here any day.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro