3rd Gen Avic D3 Install Help

[kars85]

Does anyone know if a thread was ever around that had an Avic D3 install on a 2002-2005 Explorer?

I'm looking at this maybe for the end of summer, but definitely want some knowledge of it's application in my truck...

Thanks fellas...

 

[kelly2]

like if it's possible without modding? yes
other than that, what ya asking

 

[kars85]

i was looking at crutchfield and their sale for $799, and realized they include an install kit for you. duh.

unfortunately the sale ends soon, so unless another one comes up again i probably will postpone the purchase indefinitely

 

[kelly2]

best buy currently has the d3 for $699. follow link below. it says $999, on sale (see price in cart). so you have to add it to your cart then you will see the $699 price

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8242458&type=product&id=1169512508513

 

[pipsthedog]

Does anyone know if a thread was ever around that had an Avic D3 install on a 2002-2005 Explorer?

I'm looking at this maybe for the end of summer, but definitely want some knowledge of it's application in my truck...

Thanks fellas...

Check out www.avic411.com for all your D3 questions.

 

[miked37945]

Did the install myself. Took a whole day but was interesting.

 

[kars85]

please explain!

 

[kelly2]

like if it's possible without modding? yes
other than that, what ya asking

again

 

[kars85]

again

i'm just interested to see how, if no modding is required, it takes a whole day to remove a bezel, barrel connect some wires, then put the bezel back on.

 

[kelly2]

i'm just interested to see how, if no modding is required, it takes a whole day to remove a bezel, barrel connect some wires, then put the bezel back on.

no modding. VSS isn't required just recommended. only need reverse if you install a back up camera. very easy to do. just like doing any other deck if doing the brake bypass (i suggest doing it purely for the ability to change nav route while driving) other than putting on the GPS antenna. install time can vary by person, i can do the d3 in a 3rd gen explorer in less than an hour but have been installing for over a decade.

 

[BWilliams]

no modding. VSS isn't required just recommended. very easy to do. just like doing any other deck if doing the brake bypass (i suggest doing it purely for the ability to change nav route while driving) other than putting on the GPS antenna.

I assume that the Z2 is the same way, considering it's practically the same unit?

Also, isn't there already a VSS wire behind the dash, that the stock headunit uses for speed-compensated volume?

 

[kelly2]

z2 is basically the same. brake bypass is a bit different but the install is the same. most of the explorers will have a vss at the radio. should be gray/black (only one) if my memory serves correctly

 

[miked37945]

please explain!

A whole day means a whole work day. I removed all the top trim and ran the gps antenna to the back, ran the reverse wire, hooked up the bluetooth unit in the center console and soldered all the connections. Most important . . . I wasn't in a rush to be able to say I did it quicker and I took time to eat and talk to friends who came to "supervise." I haven't installed a system with this many connections in over 10 years!

Check this for reverse and VSS;
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1933077&postcount=1

 

[szandor]

A whole day means a whole work day. I removed all the top trim and ran the gps antenna to the back, ran the reverse wire, hooked up the bluetooth unit in the center console and soldered all the connections. Most important . . . I wasn't in a rush to be able to say I did it quicker and I took time to eat and talk to friends who came to "supervise." I haven't installed a system with this many connections in over 10 years!

Check this for reverse and VSS;
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1933077&postcount=1

your unit looks awesome. good job. this is the same system i was looking at when i was at best buy. i found a new one locally for $550 and think i'll pick it up and find someone to install it. i've never installed audio equipment so i'm not going to take on the task myself. just out of curiosity, if using an ipod cable, do you have any suggestions on the best place to run the cable to? i'd like to run it to the glove box but i'm not sure of the space limitations or accessibility options. also, i have a 2005 explorer xlt and i'm assuming the avic-d3 fits 2002-2005 and i'll just need the adt-va133 installation kit? btw, saw the other pics. nice vehicle. looks just like mine right down to the paint job.

 

[miked37945]

Thanks. $599 is a good price, especially if it comes with the bluetooth unit and ipod cable. I'm satisfied with it so far, it works well and sounds excellent with the factory speakers. My ipod sits in the glove box. I ran the cable right next to that bright orange antenna cable and over to the glove box. I really like the bluetooth unit and ipod connections, they work very well with my blackberry and ipod.

 

[szandor]

Thanks. $599 is a good price, especially if it comes with the bluetooth unit and ipod cable. I'm satisfied with it so far, it works well and sounds excellent with the factory speakers. My ipod sits in the glove box. I ran the cable right next to that bright orange antenna cable and over to the glove box. I really like the bluetooth unit and ipod connections, they work very well with my blackberry and ipod.

perfect. thanks for the info.

 

[miked37945]

You're welcome. I found this spot in the center console to be perfect for the bluetooth.

 

[szandor]

thanks for the pics. it appears my co-worker who does this kind of thing will be installing it for me eventually so this helps looking at a similar vehicle. other than getting the bypass, vss, etc information to him, will i need to get a specific wiring harness or install kit for this project? just want to make sure i have all the cables, kits, etc before things get taken apart and we realize we need to buy something or another.

 

[miked37945]

You'll definitely need a wiring harness and an install kit with brackets, trim plate and rear support. Other than that, common tools.

Most Important, check out your co-workers previous installs before you let him/her loose on your system. some people "think" they know what they are doing but shortcut a lot. Make sure he/she uses proper connectors or knows how to solder. Most of all, make sure they can read, or I should say comprehend what they read. I sound very critical about this because I'm very picky about anybody who works on my vehicle, especially the electrical system. I had a friend who let one of his classmates save him a few dollars on his stereo install and when it shorted over bumps a few months later, I took it apart to find 20 gauge speaker wire used for electrical connections and taped with cheap electrical tape that slides off when warm.

An ounce of prevention . . . . Good Luck!

 

[BWilliams]

Miked37945: did you solder the harness for the AVIC right into your stock wiring, or did you use an adapter harness? I ask because your other thread shows the location of the VSS wire behind the dash, but I'd assume that a Crutchfield harness would take care of that. Thanks.