Pioneer Navigation System For '04

[dmcclure2]

I'm doing a self-install on a Pioneer AVIC N3 navigation unit into a 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT.

Everything has gone well except for two points:

1) The Sport Trac appears to have a mechanical linkage for the parking brake, with no apparent brake light switch. In fact, the fuse (#13) for such a switch is empty, and no wire leads to it. Is there a place I can easily tap into this line with the light green lead provided? And will the wire I am tapping be brown or white with light blue? Or, conversely, can I just tap into any always-on 12 v hot lead and spoof the system into thinking it is tapped in so the system works?

2) The line from the Engine Control Module to the speed detection circuit (connecting from fuse #58 in the control module under the hood against the back firewall) needs to be tapped into with the pink lead provided prior to the Vehicle Speed Sensor. Where is a convenient place to do this, and is it still the grey and black wire?

Any help would be appreciated.

Dave McClure

 

[blitzk]

I installed an AVIC-D2 into my 04 X a while back...

The parking brake line I tapped into another wire comming from the unit to trick it, I honestly can't remember which one.

I've never connected my speed sensor wire and just rely on GPS speed. It's been just fine and I haven't had any issues by not connecting it. It might be a tiny bit better with it connected, but if it's too much trouble don't worry about it.

I'm sure there is also a "GPS while driving mod" and I suggest doing it. Although I don't enter much info while driving, it's nice to be able to do it when needed.

Post some pics when done...

 

[dmcclure2]

More results

Yep, got things working for now. Your reference to a "mod" send me buzzing around the new, and here is what I came up with:

1) The green wire that is supposed to connect to the parking brake switch is nearly impossible to connect on the '04 because it sits behind the brake itself. Of course, you could just connect the green wire to any handy grounding point on the vehicle. This, however, would cause Pioneer's legal department have a stroke because you have now defeated the safety feature that keeps you from adjusting the navigation system without first coming to a complete stop and setting the parking brake.

2) The pink wire appears to do little that the GPS units itself can't manage, but I am unable to tell if it does more than report speed and motion to the navigation unit (like does it sense motion to keep you from playing a DVD? Dunno...). Anyway, you could connect it to the green and black lead coming off the 10-wire connector on the back of the instrument cluster...if you feel like disassembling the entire dash, carefully removing airbags, ripping out the center console, and...aw heck, too much trouble. If anyone knows of an easier place to tap into the speed sensor line, let me know.

3) It is very easy to play DVDs while moving on the AVIC N3 (note: this applies only to the Pioneer Avic N3!), but this would compromise your safety **and** void the warranty on your unit...or so they say. If you flip the main unit (hot the hidden unit) over and peel off the silver "Void" sticker, you will find a small black switch. Change the switch to the other side, and the DVD will play without you having to come to a complete stop. This, of course, would be very unsafe, and the nanny government that thinks you are responsible enough to interpret 40,000 pages of tax code doesn't think you can be trusted not to watch a movie while driving down the Interstate.

Dave

 

[mab668]

i put a d2 in my 04 the speed sensor wire is behind the radio for the factory speed sensative radio

 

[miked37945]

There's a wealth of information here: http://www.avic411.com/forum/