I drive a 2008 Escalade short box with every option they had that year. While the factory unit and options are nice, it lacked some features I wanted like a USB port and aux input that I didn't have to use in the rear of my center console. Recently, with the phenomenal programming assistance of fellow member Dsminva, I successfully upgraded my 2008 factory unit to a 2014 nav unit. Despite all the rumors 2008 Escalades could not be upgraded, it can be done with the right programming.
It's the exact clean, factory upgrade I was looking to complete.
This forum has been good to me so I thought I'd give back by doing my own write-up on how to install the nav unit and perform the USB upgrade. It's much easier than you might think. This can be done with any year factory nav unit, I just wanted the newest. As well, you'll see I upgraded two USB ports. You can do 1 or all of them, the main idea is to show you how it's done. You can also just update any port to be a clean looking USB port and not do the radio upgrade. It's all up to you.
Here are the added features of MY upgrade (older radio units may not have all these features):
- USB connection that displays music info on the nav screen and can be controlled from the screen or steering wheel. It also charges as you use it. I put this USB port in my center console.
- Second USB connection for charging only. This is a faster charge and it's always on, so you can charge while the vehicle is off. This is next to the cup holders.
- XM Traffic and Weather. You have to buy a new XM tuner if it's older than 2012 to get the full features. They can be found for less than $100 online. Added bonus is that multiple members have not had to activate the XM/Sat subscription, it automatically plays every station. Who knows how long it'll last though.
- Faster processing speed with newer units (2013/2014).
- Screen looks to be a higher resolution (not night and day but a subtle improvement).
- Back-up lines for reverse camera that turn when you turn.
- NOTE: The 2014 nav unit does NOT have tilt screen or a 6-disc changer. It is 1 disc. I didn't care much for either feature, so keep that in mind.
What you will need for this install (you can order according to what you desire, this is just how I did it):
- 2014 nav unit (or whatever you choose).
- New XM Tuner if you want to use XM/Sat traffic and weather (radio has to support it as well).
- 2 GM USB ports (receptacles) and 1 GM USB cover (retainer). USB receptacle part #20944422 and USB cover (retainer) part #20983937. I used the 1 USB cover (retainer) for the center console USB port. You CANNOT put a cover on the USB port next to the cup holders. It is a different style retainer (no cover) and will not fit one with a cover unless you plan on trimming and gluing plastic. I kept it as simple as possible. Anyway, they look like this:
![Technology Electronic device Auto part Wheel]()
![Electronics Technology Electronic device Cable Electronics accessory]()
- 2 USB 2.0 Male to Mini Male cords. NOT micro (the newest style) but the older mini style. GM only uses mini usb for both the back of the radio and the back of the USB ports. 1 cord should be 5 feet long and the other as short as you can find. Too long is not a big deal since you can store it underneath everything (just less hassle). Here are what the cords should look like:
![Cable Data transfer cable Electronic device Electronics accessory Technology]()
- 1 USB 2.0 Female to Mini Male adapter for the USB cord coming from the radio to the center console. Again, both the back of the nav unit and back of the usb port use a mini usb connection. You cannot buy a mini to mini usb cord so you have to get an adapter to make your USB 2.0 male to mini male cord connect properly. Here is what the adapter looks like:
![Cable Electronic device Electronics accessory Technology Data transfer cable]()
- Plastic trim removal set. You can get one at any auto store, harbor freight store, or online. Need them to safely remove your trim to get to the radio and center console wiring.
- 7mm socket for radio screws.
- Philips screwdriver for removal of center console lid and rear center console bezel.
- OPTIONAL: Cigarette lighter removal tool. The old receptacles are clipped in and require either two small flathead screwdrivers or a specialized tool to push two little tabs out and release the cigarette lighter portion from the retainer. You have to push the two tabs out from the inside of the port (little black tabs in the middle). The specialized tool makes it happen in seconds. You may have to fight it with two screwdrivers, but it can be done. Here's what the tool looks like:
![Auto part Tool]()
When it's all said and done the finished project will look like this:
![Vehicle Car Electronics Center console Luxury vehicle]()
![Vehicle Car Automotive exterior]()
![Technology Metal Electronic device Symbol Logo]()
![Fashion accessory Metal]()
The "how-to" will be in the next post.
It's the exact clean, factory upgrade I was looking to complete.
This forum has been good to me so I thought I'd give back by doing my own write-up on how to install the nav unit and perform the USB upgrade. It's much easier than you might think. This can be done with any year factory nav unit, I just wanted the newest. As well, you'll see I upgraded two USB ports. You can do 1 or all of them, the main idea is to show you how it's done. You can also just update any port to be a clean looking USB port and not do the radio upgrade. It's all up to you.
Here are the added features of MY upgrade (older radio units may not have all these features):
- USB connection that displays music info on the nav screen and can be controlled from the screen or steering wheel. It also charges as you use it. I put this USB port in my center console.
- Second USB connection for charging only. This is a faster charge and it's always on, so you can charge while the vehicle is off. This is next to the cup holders.
- XM Traffic and Weather. You have to buy a new XM tuner if it's older than 2012 to get the full features. They can be found for less than $100 online. Added bonus is that multiple members have not had to activate the XM/Sat subscription, it automatically plays every station. Who knows how long it'll last though.
- Faster processing speed with newer units (2013/2014).
- Screen looks to be a higher resolution (not night and day but a subtle improvement).
- Back-up lines for reverse camera that turn when you turn.
- NOTE: The 2014 nav unit does NOT have tilt screen or a 6-disc changer. It is 1 disc. I didn't care much for either feature, so keep that in mind.
What you will need for this install (you can order according to what you desire, this is just how I did it):
- 2014 nav unit (or whatever you choose).
- New XM Tuner if you want to use XM/Sat traffic and weather (radio has to support it as well).
- 2 GM USB ports (receptacles) and 1 GM USB cover (retainer). USB receptacle part #20944422 and USB cover (retainer) part #20983937. I used the 1 USB cover (retainer) for the center console USB port. You CANNOT put a cover on the USB port next to the cup holders. It is a different style retainer (no cover) and will not fit one with a cover unless you plan on trimming and gluing plastic. I kept it as simple as possible. Anyway, they look like this:
- 2 USB 2.0 Male to Mini Male cords. NOT micro (the newest style) but the older mini style. GM only uses mini usb for both the back of the radio and the back of the USB ports. 1 cord should be 5 feet long and the other as short as you can find. Too long is not a big deal since you can store it underneath everything (just less hassle). Here are what the cords should look like:
- 1 USB 2.0 Female to Mini Male adapter for the USB cord coming from the radio to the center console. Again, both the back of the nav unit and back of the usb port use a mini usb connection. You cannot buy a mini to mini usb cord so you have to get an adapter to make your USB 2.0 male to mini male cord connect properly. Here is what the adapter looks like:
- Plastic trim removal set. You can get one at any auto store, harbor freight store, or online. Need them to safely remove your trim to get to the radio and center console wiring.
- 7mm socket for radio screws.
- Philips screwdriver for removal of center console lid and rear center console bezel.
- OPTIONAL: Cigarette lighter removal tool. The old receptacles are clipped in and require either two small flathead screwdrivers or a specialized tool to push two little tabs out and release the cigarette lighter portion from the retainer. You have to push the two tabs out from the inside of the port (little black tabs in the middle). The specialized tool makes it happen in seconds. You may have to fight it with two screwdrivers, but it can be done. Here's what the tool looks like:
When it's all said and done the finished project will look like this:
The "how-to" will be in the next post.
. Here's the video:
