Factory Navigation: Any Alternatives in Sight?

[EarthAirWater]

I have done quite a bit of searching through past posts here, and it looks as though there is no good alternative to the factory nav system yet. As nav systems become increasingly integrated with mobile phones and Internet apps/music, these old systems seem less and less satisfying. Given that a 100 series could last decades into the future, being hamstrung with an archaic nav system is just not cool. The idea of paying $2-$5K to repair the system when it inevitably goes down is also just mind blowing.

Is there any alternative to the factory nav on the horizon, or is sticking with a '98-'02 model the only acceptable solution?

 

[yotasavg]

I think that later part is your answer, unfortunately. BUT, don't be too discouraged. I just saw a 2002 LX for sale a few hours from me without the factory Nav. So there are newer ones out there, you just have to find them. I'm not sure about '03+ though...

 

[BamaHeel]

I've never looked into it but I think there may be some possibility in looking at the GX 470 (for a wiring harness anyway) which is a lot easier to find in a non nav configuration and had the same transmission and engine as the 03+ 100's

 

[TXLX100]

I think that later part is your answer, unfortunately. BUT, don't be too discouraged. I just saw a 2002 LX for sale a few hours from me without the factory Nav. So there are newer ones out there, you just have to find them. I'm not sure about '03+ though...

Yep, NAV is the big turd in the dash. When it goes, you have to replace it. No upgrade. It will be interesting when these are vintage rigs and no parts available.

 

[mbusa1]

I have done quite a bit of searching through past posts here, and it looks as though there is no good alternative to the factory nav system yet. As nav systems become increasingly integrated with mobile phones and Internet apps/music, these old systems seem less and less satisfying. Given that a 100 series could last decades into the future, being hamstrung with an archaic nav system is just not cool. The idea of paying $2-$5K to repair the system when it inevitably goes down is also just mind blowing.

Is there any alternative to the factory nav on the horizon, or is sticking with a '98-'02 model the only acceptable solution?

I think that searching through parts of the Middle East or Asia might be a good option for parts. I know most models there came with the non-nav option. I am going to that region for an extended stay later in the year. I'll see what I can find.

 

[leucadiacruiser]

Just velcro your tablet to the screen

 

[Mixelplix]

Bear in mind I don't own a 100 yet, but I think the real issue is the integrated HVAC controls. From what I understand, if your nav unit goes in an 03+ you lose HVAC function, right?

When I get my hundred, I'm going to put some effort into reverse engineering how the HVAC system works exactly. If you made an effort to figure out exactly what happens in the nav unit with regard to the HVAC system you would be able to emulate it using a $35 Raspberry Pi, or similar. Once that process is complete, then you could go the car computer route and write an application for the HVAC system, and use off the shelf options for music and GPS (meaning XBMC for music, or an android tablet with an app written to control the HVAC).

I'm not saying that I'll be the one to pull it all off, but I suspect as the systems begin to fail (like someone said above, almost definitely before the truck wears out) technology will improve and someone will develop a way to hack the system.

 

[dasgeek]

A lot of people where discussing this in this thread. One mudder even started a project but it did not go anywhere. I am surprised that somebody with custom car audio/video expert could chime in. I have seen insane installs in vehicles from these custom shops. Other that getting the parts. I would think that mapping the wiring would be straight forword.

 

[jhanley]

A lot of people where discussing this in this thread. One mudder even started a project but it did not go anywhere. I am surprised that somebody with custom car audio/video expert could chime in. I have seen insane installs in vehicles from these custom shops. Other that getting the parts. I would think that mapping the wiring would be straight forword.

THIS^^^

I love my 04, but, the nav does bother me. Sourcing factory non-nav parts and plugging-in, seems straightforward.

What's the hang up?

 

[EarthAirWater]

THIS^^^

I love my 04, but, the nav does bother me. Sourcing factory non-nav parts and plugging-in, seems straightforward.

What's the hang up?

I agree, it seems as though someone would have figured out how to replace this long ago. Certainly it is possible, but there must be some bottleneck that no one has been able to figure out?

Thanks for the thread, BTW, I had not come across that one yet!

 

[re_guderian]

The failures are relatively rare. IIRC, there was someone out there that could do a repair job on the MFD for under a grand?

 

[Topmounter]

THIS^^^

I love my 04, but, the nav does bother me. Sourcing factory non-nav parts and plugging-in, seems straightforward.

What's the hang up?

I'm also curious what keeps someone from pulling the non-NAV parts out of a scrap yard and using them to replace the MFD NAV unit.

My '01 has the 3-dial climate controls and it is about as simple and functional as it gets.

 

[OregonLC]

I'm also curious what keeps someone from pulling the non-NAV parts out of a scrap yard and using them to replace the MFD NAV unit.

It's rare enough to find a 100 in a yard, let alone a non-nav unicorn. There's only a handful of non-nav 03+ 100s in the US to begin with.

 

[wesone]

I've been looking for a non-working navigation system from a 2004+ 100 series. If anyone has one I'd be a buyer! Specifically need the the silver plastic trim that surrounds the screen and buttons.

 

[dnp]

Subscribed

 

[jhanley]

I've been looking for a non-working navigation system from a 2004+ 100 series. If anyone has one I'd be a buyer! Specifically need the the silver plastic trim that surrounds the screen and buttons.

Why are looking for a non-working unit - R&D?

 

[wesone]

Why are looking for a non-working unit - R&D?

I have a working unit but the previous owner literally super glued an ir sensor to it. ruining the silver finish. im looking for a broken one for the plastic trim.

 

[EarthX]

Could this be as simple as swapping an entire non nav climate control unit like this one with our unit nav? Then doing what we want with the stereo?

 

[crimsonaudio]

I have a working unit but the previous owner literally super glued an ir sensor to it. ruining the silver finish. im looking for a broken one for the plastic trim.

Worst case scenario you could disassemble and paint the trim. Virtually no chance of matching the buttons, but a slightly contrasting color would work.

 

[TexasCrane]

Could this be as simple as swapping an entire non nav climate control unit like this one with our unit nav? Then doing what we want with the stereo?View attachment 1035139

I don't know of anybody trying it, but it seems to me like it could probably be made to work. Since 100's were being sold without the nav outside of the US, I suspect the underlying electronics/ECU for the climate control are the same.