I recently installed Navtool 6.0 in my 2015 ZO6. The interface has grown in size compared to the original NavTool I bought back around 2017 or so. The new interface (6.0) supports wireless CarPlay (unlike the older interface I had) and iPhone screen mirroring when connected via usb. The connections/harnesses are completely different than the older version, I had to remove all the original wiring except for the aftermarket front camera wiring which did not require any alterations. I have the 7 speed manual and the front camera comes on automatically and shuts off at 10 mph. I can also manually turn on the front camera anytime I want to. One thing I did not care for was the fact that to view different screens in CarPlay mode, I had to press on the line of little dots at the bottom of each screen, swiping sideways did not advance the screens. I contacted navtool tech support to discuss this, and after they were sufficiently convinced that the car’s touch screen supported swiping, navtool provided an update that I was able to install via their online configurator using my laptop that then allowed touchscreen swiping to change between screens in CarPlay mode. This was a major improvement, but did add an annoying drawback in the form of a warning message across the bottom of the screen when the aftermarket front camera was displayed which did mostly obscure my view of the front splitter. I asked tech support if there was a way to remove it, they said there was not as the warning message was mandated by law. I suggested they consider writing an update that would permit the end user to reposition the message to a less intrusive location on the screen, such as by “dragging”. This would satisfy the (alleged) legal requirement to retain the warning message but permit the user to move it off the splitter. Their reply to this request/suggestion was not encouraging but maybe in the future, who knows. All in all, it’s a great system and is working without glitch. They even include a reset button on a separate wire that I placed in a conveniently accessible but discrete location in case it’s ever needed.

 

Thanks for the review of the Navtool product.

 

Great review! Encouraging, because I bought the Navtool 6 and getting ready install soon. How was the install? AI would appreciate nny tips you can pass along.

Thanks!

 

I found it to be a bit of a PITA to be honest, but definitely doable with the most basic of mechanical and wire pulling skills. Certainly not the quick few minute installation they tout on the instructional video. I spent about a weekend on and off, but was very particular with regard to neatly running the wiring out of sight. The footwell areas are tight and hard to work in, plan on a bit of contortion here and there. Getting to the radio control module wiring connectors in the passenger foot well is a bit of a hassle, and then it may take a little while to pass the wiring harness across from the passenger side to the drivers foot area. Getting to the wiring at the HMI module above the driver side kick panel is not too difficult, but again it’s tight and requires a little bit of contortion work to get everything. I spent a fair amount of time trying different locations for mounting the NavTool module, space behind the pedal assembly is limited, but I was able to tuck the module and all of the wiring connectors associated with the module behind the carpeting in the front of the driver side footwell with sufficient brake and clutch pedal clearance. I ran an HDMI cable from the NavTool module behind the carpeting along the driver side of the console, and connected this to an HDMI to USB digital AV adapter cable, which is also tucked behind the carpeting on the driver side of the console. I purchased a USB-C to USB-C Cable extender from a local car audio store, which gave me enough cable length to bring the USB cable extension into the center console (under the console armrest/lid) for plugging into the iPhone when wanting to do Iphone screen mirroring. For the aftermarket front view camera, I used the camera that was originally recommended in Elmer’s NavTool installation thread from several years back, and the wiring route similar to that which he recommended. Don’t forget to plug the NavTool module into a computer/laptop using the USB cable that they provide, for the purpose of programming your Navtool to your car’s specifications and what functions you plan on using, using NavTool online configurator. This only took a few minutes. Initially, I was having a bit of difficulty getting the configuration to work, but the online chat support function provided on the configurator website did connect me quickly to tech-support and they were able to explain what needed to be done so I did successfully program the module. To my amazement, everything works well. In the past, it was mentioned in other threads that sometimes it was necessary to power off the NavTool module, and then power it back on in order to restore function if a glitch occurred. I have not had this problem yet, but I did verify that the push button Reset switch that NavTool provides does allow NavTool to turn off and then come right back on without loss of programming. I would recommend getting familiar with all the wiring connections by laying everything out in a nice open area and understand where each wiring harness and connector is supposed to go before you start pulling wires and diving in. Plan on setting aside a little bit of time to go through this systematically and slowly and you’ll probably be able to do it faster than I did. Not sure how clear the above explanation is, but hopefully it will be somewhat helpful. Good luck, if you have questions I can try to answer as best I can.

 

Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to provide all of the above. Gives me a real good idea of what I am up against. I plan on doing this over two weekends and do a section at a time, also save my back a little. I already bought the camera and accessories that Elmer suggested, going to order the USB-C extender today. Thanks again and I’ll let you know how I make out.

 

You’re welcome, hope your install goes well and without glitches. Curious to see how it goes for you.