Navigation add-on
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Navigation add-on
I can't find the thread now but yesterday I read on this forum that the C-6 Navigation unit can be added to another C-6 very simply--just a "plug and play" basically. Has anyone done this and is it really that easy?
I'm looking for a used C-6 now and would like to have Navigation. Many cars I find don't have this option but if it really is a "plug and play" swap I won't worry about buying a car that has it factory installed.
I'm just learning about C-6's so there is a lot I don't know.
Tks,
Butch
I'm looking for a used C-6 now and would like to have Navigation. Many cars I find don't have this option but if it really is a "plug and play" swap I won't worry about buying a car that has it factory installed.
I'm just learning about C-6's so there is a lot I don't know.
Tks,
Butch
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 1,659
From: Las Vegas NV
Here's what I wrote in another thread:
---
You will need the following items in addition to the radio:
1) GPS antenna
2) Nav data DVD
3) Post-install trip to the GM Dealer to have him perform a "VIN Relearn" to match the used NAV radio that you are installing to your particular car. The newly-installed used radio will lock upon 1st startup in your car, and this procedure 'unlocks' it and 'marries' it to your new host vehicle.
Other than that, it should be a direct plug-and-play swap.
--
HOWEVER -- my response was to a guy that already had the BOSE and OnStar. If the car doesn't have OnStar, you will need to add the microphone too, but thats less of a big deal. The big thing is the BOSE... if the target car doesn't have that, its a lot of trouble trying to swap in the factory Nav.
---
You will need the following items in addition to the radio:
1) GPS antenna
2) Nav data DVD
3) Post-install trip to the GM Dealer to have him perform a "VIN Relearn" to match the used NAV radio that you are installing to your particular car. The newly-installed used radio will lock upon 1st startup in your car, and this procedure 'unlocks' it and 'marries' it to your new host vehicle.
Other than that, it should be a direct plug-and-play swap.
--
HOWEVER -- my response was to a guy that already had the BOSE and OnStar. If the car doesn't have OnStar, you will need to add the microphone too, but thats less of a big deal. The big thing is the BOSE... if the target car doesn't have that, its a lot of trouble trying to swap in the factory Nav.
Last edited by Kent1999; Dec 4, 2009 at 01:09 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
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From: Springfield MO
My C6Z has the factory NAV but I made a cup holder mount from a couple of spray can lids the hold my Garmin NAV. You can buy a new Garmin for less then what GM charges for their update CD...... $199.99, and the Garmin is much more user friendly. You might want to go to a dealer that has a new C6 in stock and ask them to show you how the NAV functions and then decide if it's worth the time and money to install in your future Vette.
Moderator
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From: DFW Area TX
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Nov 2009
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Thanks guys. I have a Garmin 255 or 265 now that is very user friendly. I just didn't want the wire trail in the cockpit but its something that will be used very seldom so maybe I'm worrying about something I don't really need.
Great info on the link to using the factory unit. It's not a Garmin for sure.
Butch
Great info on the link to using the factory unit. It's not a Garmin for sure.
Butch
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
Don't waste your time, as most salespeople will not be able to demonstrate 1/10 of the capabilities. Instead, read the sticky thread Using the C6 Navigation system - Parts 1 through 5 provided by talon90 (Paul).
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 39,134
Likes: 17,985
From: DFW Area TX
Maybe that was my point. It's so user un-friendly, the people(salesmen) who should be able to use it and use it as a sales tool, can't. Sorry, but I'm not going to print off five installments on how to use the thing when five pages explains everything on the use of a Garmin.
The factory Nav is actually a very capable unit and integrates with the HUD.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,503
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From: Oklahoma City OK
Thanks guys. I have a Garmin 255 or 265 now that is very user friendly. I just didn't want the wire trail in the cockpit but its something that will be used very seldom so maybe I'm worrying about something I don't really need.
Great info on the link to using the factory unit. It's not a Garmin for sure.
Butch
Great info on the link to using the factory unit. It's not a Garmin for sure.
Butch
instead I got a different vette with NAV installed.
be prepared for some issues, it doesn't play MP3's as good as the stock 6-disc radio and the nav is sub par compared to aftermarket units.
I say yes-its worth it. I am happy with what it is, and I don't have my Maggie Magellan up in the corner anymore.
BTW-Welcome to another OKIE. Check out the NCCO in the SW section
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Las Vegas NV
Just for my two cents worth -- I would argue that both of the above underlined points are not accurate in my opinion. Certainly my MP3 disks play as well as in the changer radio, and as an owner/user of BOTH two portable GARMIN units (for the 'other' car and rentals) and the factory C6 Nav -- I'll prefer the factory Nav every time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,503
Likes: 2
From: Oklahoma City OK
Just for my two cents worth -- I would argue that both of the above underlined points are not accurate in my opinion. Certainly my MP3 disks play as well as in the changer radio, and as an owner/user of BOTH two portable GARMIN units (for the 'other' car and rentals) and the factory C6 Nav -- I'll prefer the factory Nav every time.
if you can help that would be great.
all in all I am happy with the nav radio.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,040
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From: hardyston new jersey
St. Jude Donor '09-'25
My C6Z has the factory NAV but I made a cup holder mount from a couple of spray can lids the hold my Garmin NAV. You can buy a new Garmin for less then what GM charges for their update CD...... $199.99, and the Garmin is much more user friendly. You might want to go to a dealer that has a new C6 in stock and ask them to show you how the NAV functions and then decide if it's worth the time and money to install in your future Vette.
This is what it looks like.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 319
Likes: 5
From: Justin Texas
Thanks guys. I have a Garmin 255 or 265 now that is very user friendly. I just didn't want the wire trail in the cockpit but its something that will be used very seldom so maybe I'm worrying about something I don't really need.
Great info on the link to using the factory unit. It's not a Garmin for sure.
Butch
Great info on the link to using the factory unit. It's not a Garmin for sure.
Butch
But, an added surprise - to me - was how much I like the touch screen for the audio controls.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Miami Beach FL
Hey, I have in mine the Kenwood Excelon DNX8120 and it is perfect. The price on it is very similar to the GM one, but it's thousand times better. In most of the reviews and tests it came out as the best NAV on the market now. Also the sound is amazing and it has many cool features... I really recommend it! Also the size is good, you don't really need to do any adjustments...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,290
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From: Willow Springs IL
Definately! Pentavolvo actually installed a Pioneer F700 in my car and it is way nicer than a factory unit. It looks alot better than any portable unit that you stick in a cupholder too.
