AVIC-F90BT Install (DUW)

[illwood]

This past Friday (8/8/08), my Pioneer AVIC-F90BT from John's Stereo showed up. Saturday I had a few hours to get the install started (solder the harness and take out the factory head unit). Then Sunday, I took the dash apart and finished up the install. Here are the pics.

The dash apart:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/illwood/marauder/AVIC_Install/Stereo-01.jpg

Driver's view of the open dash:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/illwood/marauder/AVIC_Install/Stereo-02.jpg

Dash bezel and AVIC on couch:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/illwood/marauder/AVIC_Install/Stereo-03.jpg

AVIC being fit up:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/illwood/marauder/AVIC_Install/Stereo-04.jpg
I used a different method than Rich (Magindat). I cut the plastic tabs on the top and bottom only, then I used the side supports from the Scosche kit (you have to remove the vents). They have u-channels that fit into the side tabs pretty snug. It makes for a much more difficult install for the bezel with the wires, but I prefer the solid fit.

Vents snapped on:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/illwood/marauder/AVIC_Install/Stereo-05.jpg

Other view:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/illwood/marauder/AVIC_Install/Stereo-06.jpg

AVIC Installed:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/illwood/marauder/AVIC_Install/Stereo-07.jpg

The splash screen I made up:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/illwood/marauder/AVIC_Install/Stereo-08.jpg
This splash screen is way more clear in person. Taking the photo at night and having the flash from the camera drowned it out a bit.

AVIC home screen:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/illwood/marauder/AVIC_Install/Stereo-09.jpg

Was curious and took out the illumination bulb for the headlights. Yikes!
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/illwood/marauder/AVIC_Install/Bulb.jpg

The install wasn't easy, but I didn't have any major hitches. If anyone is interested in one of these stereos, contact John. He'll put together everything you need (head unit, harness, install kit, and remote box for keeping the steering wheel controls).

If anyone likes my splash screen, I would be willing to provide it (or do some custom ones).

[MeadeRaudeR]

So did you put in new speakers as well? Let us know how it sounds, looks awesome!

[illwood]

So did you put in new speakers as well? Let us know how it sounds, looks awesome!

I haven't upgraded the speakers yet. I'm going to wait and save up a bit of money before diving in again. My plan is to run a 4-channel amp for some component speakers and a single channel amp for the sub.

Even with stock speakers and using the amp in the headunit it sounds better than stock.

[ctrlraven]

Nice job on the install.

[MM_BKK]

I love that splash screen!

[TAKEDOWN]

Now that's nice! How did you do that splash screen thingy?

[Makadamian]

I dont see any pre-outs on the back where are they?

[illwood]

Now that's nice! How did you do that splash screen thingy?

I used a free photo program (GIMP (http://www.gimp.org/)) and took the jpg of the avatar from the forum doubled the size, put it on an 800x480 image. Then I added the "MARAUDER" with the font on "bold" and "italics".

Everything was on a white background and was too bright, so I put a layer of black over the whole image and adjusted the transparency.


I dont see any pre-outs on the back where are they?
The preamp outs, AV1-in, and backup camera-in, are all located on a plug-in harness. Right now, mine are below the HVAC controls.

[Pops]

Very nice! Thanks for the write up.

[magindat]

I started with the tab cutting before the scoche kit was available. Your install method is spot on and may be easier for many!!!

Very nice.

[Pops]

I started with the tab cutting before the scoche kit was available. Your install method is spot on and may be easier for many!!!

Very nice.

Rich this is a good way with the Scoche kit and works nice.

[2,4shofast]

Very clean install...I have never liked the texture of the Scoche kits however, you would think they would offer a smooth face plate as well...

Good work tho

[illwood]

Very clean install...I have never liked the texture of the Scoche kits however, you would think they would offer a smooth face plate as well...

Good work tho

Well, if I decide that I need to have it better match the dashboard, I could just un-snap that trim piece, sand and paint it, then put it back on. That front trim piece is not structural.

John & Rich - I'm glad you liked my install.

[CRUZTAKER]

Bear with me here...as I have never had the dash apart, and up until most recently, never thought of replacing my head unit...

Is it required to remove all of those dash parts to install this unit?
Or did you do it for convienence?

I will be doing an AVIC install myself this fall.

[illwood]

Bear with me here...as I have never had the dash apart, and up until most recently, never thought of replacing my head unit...

Is it required to remove all of those dash parts to install this unit?
Or did you do it for convienence?

I will be doing an AVIC install myself this fall.

Well, this is the first time I've had my dash apart as well. I don't think it is *required*, however, I think it is the best way to do it. You can cut all 4 tabs off, but then the AVIC will only be held in by friction. If you take it apart as I have, there are mounting plates and screws that will hold it in.

If you're still not sure, you should see if Rich or John have a preference.

[HiHo]

Looks great!! I finally got mine installed today... Fought with the wire bundle for awhile, finally got everything arranged right without additional cutting of the enclosure. The bypass (available on AVIC411.com) works like a champ also. I've got a 16GB SD card full of MP3's that works well. Not sure about the IPod because mine is not supported. Bluetooth is not right. Likely my phone. I have a Chocolate. May not be supported, but I haven't found documentation of that yet.
One thing I have observed is that
1. Bootup is rather slow. Hopefully they will fix this with further updates. I would be particularly annoyed if I had gotten the backup camera.
2. touchscreen and steering wheel controls are spotty... sometimes a press (or multiple presses) won't elicit a response.

Display looks great... except for that gnarly scratch I put in the screen. Live and learn.

[illwood]

For anyone that is interested, here is that wallpaper that I made for the splash screen.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/illwood/marauder/AVIC_Install/merc.jpg

At first, I thought that it might have been too simple, but seeing on the unit it seems just right.

[Vortech347]

Is it a GPS unit too? Can you utilize the factory wheel controls?

[magindat]

Yes on both


Is it a GPS unit too? Can you utilize the factory wheel controls?

[DOOM]

Papa john is da man :up: . I wont buy from ANYONE else!

[LVMarauder]

But how did you get that Marauder emblem and Image onto the F Unit? Can a AVIC D3 Be modded the same way. Inquiring minds....

[magindat]

Bear with me here...as I have never had the dash apart, and up until most recently, never thought of replacing my head unit...

Is it required to remove all of those dash parts to install this unit?
Or did you do it for convienence?

I will be doing an AVIC install myself this fall.


Look here, bud:
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=33975

[illwood]

But how did you get that Marauder emblem and Image onto the F Unit? Can a AVIC D3 Be modded the same way. Inquiring minds....

On the AVIC F series, there is a menu option to change the splash screen from several presets as well as the ability to load a user image from the SD card or a USB memory stick. I'm not sure the D3 has that ability. I should be in the manual if it is possible.

[Pops]

Someone on this site was able to change it. Look for threads from XTCBOT if I remember right. This is for the D3.

[Pops]

The Avic F90BT is back in stock. The first order sold out in a couple of days. Thanks guys!

[magindat]

On the AVIC F series, there is a menu option to change the splash screen from several presets as well as the ability to load a user image from the SD card or a USB memory stick. I'm not sure the D3 has that ability. I should be in the manual if it is possible.

on D3 you have to get it off a cd, I think.

[Pops]

I think your right Rich. There is a thread about it. If I was only good with the search Button! I tkink my spelling may not be to good!

[empeguser]

on D3 you have to get it off a cd, I think.

Hi all, nice install! and yes you can change the background on the d3http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m217/empeguser/DSCN0589.jpg

the instructions are on page 66 in the manual, I have been using the above picture since I installed the d3. I did have to resize it to 500x240 to make it show full screen. I installed mine in a similar way as I did not cut the left and right tabs only the top and bottom, I made the trim ring with textured plastic and a scroll saw. The only thing I had to cut in the dash itself was the small piece of plastic in the left rear that sticks up to make room for the rca's.

[GetMeMyStogie]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but these Pioneer/Premier AVIC units do not appear to have a tilt face.
How's the view when the sun is glaring?

[Pops]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but these Pioneer/Premier AVIC units do not appear to have a tilt face.
How's the view when the sun is glaring?

They have a good display and can be used in most light conditions. What do youother guys that have them think? Send John nero a PM and ask him.

John

[illwood]

I don't have any problem with sun glare. I think that big overhang that our dash has helps a lot. I have only noticed the screen being washed out once or twice when the sun has been rising or setting behind me at the perfect angle to hit the display. I don't think that tilting would help that much.

[burt ragio]

John - Is the Avic F-90BT GPS any faster than a Magellan roadmate 700 ? I like all the fetures it offers. The only other thing would be nice to have in the Avic is a radar jammer . This Avic would realy clean up my dash.

[Pops]

John - Is the Avic F-90BT GPS any faster than a Magellan roadmate 700 ? I like all the fetures it offers. The only other thing would be nice to have in the Avic is a radar jammer . This Avic would realy clean up my dash.

I do not have the answer on the speed! They do look good installed.

[Rocknthehawk]

Question, does this have the speed wire for the GPS? I know the lower f series does...and if so, where did you tap in to for it? We're planning an instal for SD453453's this weekend.

Thanks

[sd8683]

Question, does this have the speed wire for the GPS? I know the lower f series does...and if so, where did you tap in to for it? We're planning an instal for SD453453's this weekend.

Thanks
SD453453's
HAHA... Who the hell is that! Lol

[Pops]

Question, does this have the speed wire for the GPS? I know the lower f series does...and if so, where did you tap in to for it? We're planning an instal for SD453453's this weekend.

Thanks

The speed wire is in the radio wiring harness. Pink wire if I remember right.

[illwood]

The speed wire is in the radio wiring harness. Pink wire if I remember right.
Affirmative on the pink wire (from the Pioneer at least).

For the car signal wire, the speed sensor is labeled on the harness adapter from Mr. Kuhn.

[Rocknthehawk]

Thanks, I forgot it was called the "vss" wire...a quick search here linked me to a thread from toomanyfords that confirmed it's in the harness....pin 14 i think, i can't remember off the top of my head.

[Pops]

Bump to the top!!!!!!!!!!