For the longest time since I watched a YouTube vid of this Russian shop do a custom install in a CTS where they used the OEM screen and added a ton of functionally I really wanted that! However that didn't go anywhere.... Just before Christmas I was looking at either the Tesla screen or the Metra kit. However I was on the fence with these 2 options. I wasn't crazy about how the Metra looked in the car. The Tesla screen while it looked great and very updated had lots of issues. It really seemed to be hit and miss with it. I really wanted to upgrade the factory Nav, and I was getting really tired of the whole bluetooth audio through the Aux port. They just increased the fines for distracted driving in Ontario to obscene amounts and points to boot. I came across a vid from NavTool, it seemed too good to be true! Full CarPlay with HDMI mirroring, I watched the entire 55 min video. The really cool thing about this unit is that all the OEM stuff is still there. Ok I was sold.
IMG_1486 by Vette 71454, on Flickr
IMG_1487 by Vette 71454, on Flickr
IMG_1489 by Vette 71454, on Flickr
Below is the installation Vid from NavTool, it covers almost everything. The install is pretty straight forward, this will be one time you wish you had smaller hands. To get the factory head unit back into place with all the extra wiring was a PITA, if you can get your hands in there be prepared for lots of nicks and cuts. Everything back there is pretty sharp. I wound up using zip ties to hold the wiring up above the rear lip of the hole the HU goes into. Once you get it apart you will see what I am talking about.
I wasn't crazy about having the mic hanging off the visor, there is a small LED light in the centre of the over head console that is supposed to illuminate the shifter. Doesn't do squat, I removed it drilled out the back side just enough to fit the mic. You need to use the foam on the mic or you will get some weird noises when using it for calls. Route the wire across the headliner, down the A pillar across the front of the dash. There will be a small opening just beside the centre channel that you can fish the wire through to the HU. Your bluetooth will still work and you can use that if you want, however you need to go through the steering wheel voice button. Say hands free and then voice. If you want voice commands like "Hey Siri" you have to install the mic somewhere.
IMG_1498 by Vette 71454, on Flickr
IMG_1497 by Vette 71454, on Flickr
You must connect the yellow RCA on the main harness to the rear camera input on the Navtool unit. You won't be able to see the rear camera in the "interface mode" if you don't. However it doesn't switch to the camera automatically when in CarPlay and in reverse. It still does if you are not in the interface. This for me is just a minor annoyance and their support team is working on a fix. (Sorry don't have a pic of this)
If you get any flickering in the display when you have finished your install you need to cut the wire and isolate it in the picture below.
IMG_1478 by Vette 71454, on Flickr
The brain for the NavTool I located on the right side below the vent, see picture. Lots of space in there and secured it with some velcro. It makes it kinda easy to remove to change settings or updates.
IMG_8969 by Vette 71454, on Flickr
I used the following HDMI and USB plug and replaced the old Sig lighter adapter. This plugs into the NavTool and so far works great.
Edit this HDMI cable has Ethernet built in. Do not use. I am looking for an alternative.
IMG_1488 by Vette 71454, on Flickr
If you get stuck in this screen hold the top left corner until it exits.
IMG_8972 by Vette 71454, on Flickr
The interface doesn't turn off until the car goes to sleep, so if you turn off the car the screen will go down and it will stay on for about 15 seconds after you key off. If you exit the interface before you key off it shuts off normally.
I think thats pretty much it. Its great to have another option for our cars! Enjoy.
Edit
At the time of this post the kit was $549.00 USD - a 10% coupon code if you ask them, plus the cig adapter for $25.00
IMG_1486 by Vette 71454, on FlickrIMG_1487 by Vette 71454, on FlickrIMG_1489 by Vette 71454, on FlickrBelow is the installation Vid from NavTool, it covers almost everything. The install is pretty straight forward, this will be one time you wish you had smaller hands. To get the factory head unit back into place with all the extra wiring was a PITA, if you can get your hands in there be prepared for lots of nicks and cuts. Everything back there is pretty sharp. I wound up using zip ties to hold the wiring up above the rear lip of the hole the HU goes into. Once you get it apart you will see what I am talking about.
I wasn't crazy about having the mic hanging off the visor, there is a small LED light in the centre of the over head console that is supposed to illuminate the shifter. Doesn't do squat, I removed it drilled out the back side just enough to fit the mic. You need to use the foam on the mic or you will get some weird noises when using it for calls. Route the wire across the headliner, down the A pillar across the front of the dash. There will be a small opening just beside the centre channel that you can fish the wire through to the HU. Your bluetooth will still work and you can use that if you want, however you need to go through the steering wheel voice button. Say hands free and then voice. If you want voice commands like "Hey Siri" you have to install the mic somewhere.
IMG_1498 by Vette 71454, on FlickrIMG_1497 by Vette 71454, on FlickrYou must connect the yellow RCA on the main harness to the rear camera input on the Navtool unit. You won't be able to see the rear camera in the "interface mode" if you don't. However it doesn't switch to the camera automatically when in CarPlay and in reverse. It still does if you are not in the interface. This for me is just a minor annoyance and their support team is working on a fix. (Sorry don't have a pic of this)
If you get any flickering in the display when you have finished your install you need to cut the wire and isolate it in the picture below.
IMG_1478 by Vette 71454, on FlickrThe brain for the NavTool I located on the right side below the vent, see picture. Lots of space in there and secured it with some velcro. It makes it kinda easy to remove to change settings or updates.
IMG_8969 by Vette 71454, on FlickrI used the following HDMI and USB plug and replaced the old Sig lighter adapter. This plugs into the NavTool and so far works great.
Edit this HDMI cable has Ethernet built in. Do not use. I am looking for an alternative.
IMG_1488 by Vette 71454, on FlickrIf you get stuck in this screen hold the top left corner until it exits.
IMG_8972 by Vette 71454, on FlickrThe interface doesn't turn off until the car goes to sleep, so if you turn off the car the screen will go down and it will stay on for about 15 seconds after you key off. If you exit the interface before you key off it shuts off normally.
I think thats pretty much it. Its great to have another option for our cars! Enjoy.
Edit
At the time of this post the kit was $549.00 USD - a 10% coupon code if you ask them, plus the cig adapter for $25.00
