Nav Hack .. Anyone Done It Yet?

[ScoresMan]

Has anyone done the nav/dvd hack? There are two hacks (1) allows you to program the nav system while driving and (2) allows you to watch DVD movies without engaging the parking brake.

A dear friend of mine followed (and verified) the directions listed on this site for the hack and here is what happened:

The DVD player mod works perfectly and can be disabled at the push of a button.

The Nav mod doesn't work. Regardless of how either of the two switches are set, the car thinks its not moving. The driver can program anything at speed, but the Nav screen will not move.

Both of the wires that were cut were the correct ones. Each one is run to a seperate ground. Has anyone had success with both mods and/or does anyone have any feedback about my friend's problem?

Thanks!



ScoresMan

[dfw_danny]

Has anyone done the nav/dvd hack? There are two hacks (1) allows you to program the nav system while driving and (2) allows you to watch DVD movies without engaging the parking brake.

A dear friend of mine followed (and verified) the directions listed on this site for the hack and here is what happened:

The DVD player mod works perfectly and can be disabled at the push of a button.

The Nav mod doesn't work. Regardless of how either of the two switches are set, the car thinks its not moving. The driver can program anything at speed, but the Nav screen will not move.

Both of the wires that were cut were the correct ones. Each one is run to a seperate ground. Has anyone had success with both mods and/or does anyone have any feedback about my friend's problem?

Thanks!



ScoresMan

When you turn off the speed sensor the nav unit thinks you aren't moving and the screen will stay static. Once you turn the speed sensor back on it will reset your location. Tou can't have it both ways.

[ChimChim1]

Can you ask your friend to post pics or give specifics on the wire for the DVD play back?

[Q2M_from_LS430]

Has anyone done the nav/dvd hack? There are two hacks (1) allows you to program the nav system while driving and (2) allows you to watch DVD movies without engaging the parking brake.

A dear friend of mine followed (and verified) the directions listed on this site for the hack and here is what happened:

The DVD player mod works perfectly and can be disabled at the push of a button.

The Nav mod doesn't work. Regardless of how either of the two switches are set, the car thinks its not moving. The driver can program anything at speed, but the Nav screen will not move.

Both of the wires that were cut were the correct ones. Each one is run to a separate ground. Has anyone had success with both mods and/or does anyone have any feedback about my friend's problem?

Thanks!



ScoresMan

The switch for the DVD hack was done correctly, but the switch for the GPS hack should not be connecting the wire to ground.

Instead the wire that was cut for that GPS hack (the motion sensor wire) should have its two cut ends each connected to a different side of the switch. ie. when the switch is toggled to one position, the wire path should be following the same route it always did. When the switch is in the other position it's simply disconnects that wire. (Of course, additional wire can be inserted between each cut end and the switch terminal )

Pete

[Q2M_from_LS430]

One more note. I know that what I'm saying above differs from Danny's earlier advice. I felt very strongly that his approach was wrong when he wrote it, and you've just confirmed it. (I believe there was probably a miscommunication between Danny and his service tech.)

You'll never get the Nav to work right if you never switch the motion sensor back in. Just connecting that pin lead to ground (as you've done) will not restore the motion sensor connection.

If you don't know which of those wires is the motion sensor that can be figured out as well.

[ScoresMan]

One more note. I know that what I'm saying above differs from Danny's earlier advice. I felt very strongly that his approach was wrong when he wrote it, and you've just confirmed it. (I believe there was probably a miscommunication between Danny and his service tech.)

You'll never get the Nav to work right if you never switch the motion sensor back in. Just connecting that pin lead to ground (as you've done) will not restore the motion sensor connection.

If you don't know which of those wires is the motion sensor that can be figured out as well.

Thanks Q you are the man! Your instructions above were what was missing from the original ones posted earlier. My dear friend's nav and DVD hacks now work perfectly.

[Q2M_from_LS430]

Thanks Q you are the man! Your instructions above were what was missing from the original ones posted earlier. My dear friend's NAV and DVD hacks now work perfectly.

Hey, great to hear he's got it working. He's probably the first on this forum.

For the benefit of the rest of us, can you tell us, using Danny's wire description, which one of the wires was the motion sensor?

Pete

[ChimChim1]

Yes, please tell us or better yet post a pic of the correct wire.

[340HP]

I need to know this too.

[CODYTM45]

I need to know this too.

Me three, I'm not taking that dash apart again till I'm sure of the connector and the right wires to cut. I want to do this but its pretty tight back there.

[arrow053]

Where did he put the switch, any pictures?

[EdH1]

I just finished the wiring on this - I'll post some pics later, but figured I'd share this in case anyone else has some free time to tinker over the weekend.

DISCLAIMER: This is for information purposes only, and should never be done on a street vehicle. I am not responsible for any damage. Use at your own risk!

Using the plug diagram from dfw_infiniti's post, the pink wire at pin 64 is the park brake. The green wire to it's very left (looking from top) is pin 66 which is the Nav signal.

The diagram is a view looking into the end of the wire harness plug - with the 'push to release' tab facing up - if that helps.

The pink brake wire going into the nav unit needs to be grounded on the to make this work, the green Nav wire only needs to have the path broken so the nav unit does not detect a signal. I did NOT try grounding the Nav wire, and would not reccomend it, since it works fine just by breaking the signal.

As others have said, this keeps the Map from displaying current location.

I am off to the Rat shack to find a switch - I extended the wires into my center console area, and hope to find a nice switch I can mount there to make it all work.

I'll post pics and more info later.

Hope this helps.

-Ed

[Q2M_from_LS430]

EdH1 wrote:

I just finished the wiring on this - I'll post some pics later, but figured I'd share this in case anyone else has some free time to tinker over the weekend.
...
Using the plug diagram from dfw_infiniti's post, the pink wire at pin 64 is the park brake. The green wire to it's very left (looking from top) is pin 66 which is the Nav signal.

The diagram is a view looking into the end of the wire harness plug - with the 'push to release' tab facing up - if that helps.

Thanks very much for the update. That's exactly what everyone's been waiting for. Of course the pics will be very valuable as well.

Pete

[EdH1]

Ok, here are the pics I promised. Geez - <2 weeks with the M45, and I've manage to (probably) void the warranty :-)

I also created a quick diagram in MS Paint that shows how the DPDT switch gets wired up. Forgive the artwork and image edits - not a graphics guy.


With this setup you can toggle between DVD playing or standard, default mode. GPS updates on the Nav screen will only operate in standard mode. It appears that in DVD mode, you also have full Nav system options available - I did not see anything greyed out while driving.

Hope this helps.

-Ed

DISCLAIMER: This is for information purposes only, and should never be done on a street vehicle. I am not responsible for any damage. Use at your own risk!

[CODYTM45]

Thanks so much for this information. It is exactly what I have been waiting for to complete the work on my vehicle.

[EdH1]

PS - I've got a few more 'hacks' I'd like to work on - does anyone know where I can get a M45 service manual? The folks at nissan-techinfo.com told me it would be at least June before they had it available.

Thanks,
-Ed

[Q2M_from_LS430]

EdH1

Now that you've got it all working, I'd like to hear how you're enjoying the full NAV freedom.

Pete

[fifty_rocks]

Nice job, and great post and pictures and diagram!!

Do you make housecalls?

[EdH1]

EdH1

Now that you've got it all working, I'd like to hear how you're enjoying the full NAV freedom.

Pete

Pete - I won't really know until my next road trip, but I did make a quick StarBux run and everything worked great. Now to just get a switch that replaces that ugly thing from radio shack!

Although I don't plan to watch DVDs going down the road, it will be nice to be able to load DVDs, set the audio to DTS or 5.1, and play them (for audio). I have a ton of concert DVDs, and last time I was on a road trip I had to pull over to set them up each time - most would not auto-play.

[M35x_Parvenu]

I agree with fifty_rocks, EdH1 you could teach the chinese, japanese, and koreans a thing or two about writing clear and detailed service manuals.

[My45]

Ed - this is awesome. Thanks for taking the time to create these very clear pictures and diagrams. It is a huge help, and I was planning on doing both of these hacks. It is nice that it is really just 1 switch for both.

Now can you figure out how to turn on the backup camera while driving?

[EdH1]

Now can you figure out how to turn on the backup camera while driving?

Yes - if someone tells me where to get the service manual.

[My45]

When I go in and do the hack you just posted, I'll play around with a multimeter on various wires on the harness to see if one is triggered by the car being in reverse. That one should be the trigger for the backup camera. I'm assuming it is done through one of these connectors just like the brake and motion trigger.

[EdH1]

When I go in and do the hack you just posted, I'll play around with a multimeter on various wires on the harness to see if one is triggered by the car being in reverse. That one should be the trigger for the backup camera. I'm assuming it is done through one of these connectors just like the brake and motion trigger.

I'm sure it is - in fact once you pull back the wire covers, you'll see some grey wires in a sub-bundle - my guess is thase are the video signal and reverse switch. I just didn't have time to mess with it today.

I do know one other way to get the camera on while driving - it's a bit painful, but I'll post it in another thread. Reverse Cam thread

[Q2M_from_LS430]

Yes - if someone tells me where to get the service manual.

If you can get it anywhere, you can get it online. You can get a one day subscription for $20. You can download and save the PDF files on your hard disk by opening them in the browser first and then using the adobe save command. (The disk button)

The place for online service manuals is here.

There are just two problems (one's harder than the other)

1) You can't tell if the new M service manuals are available online until AFTER you pay your one day subscription fee.

2) (easier) The PDF files link to one another in an almost transparent way. However when you do a save you're only saving the currently open file. So you need to be careful that you're saving every PDF file that you may need.

The other hack many people want is one which does away with the NAV nag screen at startup. I suspect there's a software way of doing that which may be in the service manual. (I might spend some time searching for it when I actually have an M)

If you decide to go for it, lease let us know what you discover.

Good Luck Pete

[EdH1]

If you can get it anywhere, you can get it online. You can get a one day subscription for $20. You can download and save the PDF files on your hard disk by opening them in the browser first and then using the adobe save command. (The disk button)

The place for online service manuals is here.

There are just two problems (one's harder than the other)

1) You can't tell if the new M service manuals are available online until AFTER you pay your one day subscription fee.

2) (easier) The PDF files link to one another in an almost transparent way. However when you do a save you're only saving the currently open file. So you need to be careful that you're saving every PDF file that you may need.

The other hack many people want is one which does away with the NAV nag screen at startup. I suspect there's a software way of doing that which may be in the service manual. (I might spend some time searching for it when I actually have an M)

If you decide to go for it, lease let us know what you discover.

Good Luck Pete

I'll save everyone the $20 - they do not yet have the M45 service manual online. I subscribed for a day and found this out. They gave me a credit when I emailed them, and said try back in June.

I was hoping someone from a dealer may have access to them - I'd be willing to pay.

Thanks,
-Ed

[Q2M_from_LS430]

Thanks for the update and good to hear about the credit.

Pete

[CODYTM45]

EdH1,

Thanks so much for the post and the pictures. I just completed the work for my DVD/Navi hack and thanks to your pictures it was pretty easy. I used some push button switches and mounted them on the side of the console down low. I'll take some pictures tomorrow when it's light out.

One thing I noticed is that when you throw the switch to get the Navi back online with the signal, it takes a bit of time for it to figure out where you really are. I saw as much delay as up to 30 seconds.

It is great now that you can set the destination and other settings while moving. I think Infiniti should have done that from the beginning but I've now solved that problem thanks to Ed's post.

Very cool.

[Mike_TX]

This is really great stuff, and thanks again to Ed for taking the time and trouble to document it.

Now, the REAL killer hack would be to get the damned navi to work in all modes while moving without losing the tracking position. Like my Garmin standalone unit does.

When someone comes up with that one, I'm buying all the beer they can drink!

[sbrown02]

All - I read the post above regarding the Nav hack but have a few questions. When someone said the hack allows you to program the Nav system while the car is moving, I thought this was already doable via voice command. I don't have an M yet and don't understand. Can someone help me understand this better?

Also with the DVD system does the hack still allow watching DVD's whether you're parked or moving?

And lastly, has anyone (particularly those of you that work for dealers) verified if this hack does or does not void the warranty? Has Infiniti come out with any official policy on it?

Thanks all.

[Q2M_from_LS430]

All - I read the post above regarding the Nav hack but have a few questions. When someone said the hack allows you to program the Nav system while the car is moving, I thought this was already doable via voice command. I don't have an M yet and don't understand. Can someone help me understand this better?

Also with the DVD system does the hack still allow watching DVD's whether you're parked or moving?

And lastly, has anyone (particularly those of you that work for dealers) verified if this hack does or does not void the warranty? Has Infiniti come out with any official policy on it?

Thanks all.

The Nav system already allows a great deal of access while driving. All voice commands (and some others as well) are available while driving, and for many this will be more than sufficient. See my sticky Nav Post at the top of this forum for more details.

There are some Nav actions that are disabled while driving, such as seeing, or choosing between more than 5 candidate POI's (Points of Interest) ; doing a POI search that uses a specific POI name; searching among more than your top 5 address book entries (you CAN do that while driving using voice tags); or choosing a previous destination that's not among the most recent 5.

The NAV hack would eliminate ALL "while driving" restrictions.


In case this wasn't clear, the DVD hack has no effect on the rear screen DVD player. Its purpose is to allow your front seat passenger to view DVD's on the Nav screen while driving. You can already do this when the car is parked.

Re. the warranty. My experience is that warranty issues would only come up if the Mod were likely to be the source of a problem that needed fixing. (Very unlikely) For any other fix, it's very unlikely to give you any problems, and they're also very unlikely to notice the Mod. Of course I'd always be interested in hearing what a dealer would say on this.

Pete

[Mike_TX]

For those of us who are both:

1. Electronically challenged, and

2. Have NAV but no DVD (Journey Pkg.)

Would you cut only the green wire to obtain the NAV functionality? Or is the pink wire also somehow involved? (I wouldn't think so, since the parking brake doesn't have to be on for NAV functions.)

Also, would that change the way the wires are attached to the switch? Or would you just delete the parts that apply to the pink (brake) wiring?

Thanks for any advice on this ... I really want full use of the NAV, but I sure don't want to blow it up by doing something stoopid.

[Q2M_from_LS430]

Originally Posted by Mike_TX

Would you cut only the green wire to obtain the NAV functionality? Or is the pink wire also somehow involved? (I wouldn't think so, since the parking brake doesn't have to be on for NAV functions.)

Also, would that change the way the wires are attached to the switch? Or would you just delete the parts that apply to the pink (brake) wiring?

The wiring for doing a NAV ONLY HACK (avoiding any DVD changes) is as follows:
1- Only the green wire needs to be cut. (The pink wire and the ground can be ignored entirely )

2- A very simple switch which merely disconnects that green wire and reconnects it to itself is all that is required.

It's called a single pole single throw switch (SPST). one of the cut ends of the green wire is connected to one terminal of the switch, the other cut end connected to the other terminal.

[Q2M_from_LS430]

A note for anyone who comes across this thread on a search:

If you intend to attempt this hack yourself:
Start by fully reading this thread first

But make sure that you follow that by reading everything in this current thread as well.

Pete

[Mike_TX]

1- Only the green wire needs to be cut. (The pink wire can be entirely ignored)

2- A very simple switch which merely disconnects that green wire and reconnects it to itself is all that is required.

It's called a single pole single throw switch (SPST). one of the cut ends of the green wire is connected to one terminal of the switch, the other cut end connected to the other terminal.
[image]http://us.f3.yahoofs.com/users/4289332ez68cfc069/abf0/__sr_/5e7b.jpg?phSBUiCBYGQvf4lv[/image]

Here's a pic. If you can't see it let me know.

Pete

Thanks, Pete. Picture not showing, but you confirmed my impression that the green wire is the only one I need to fool with, and also that a SPST switch is what I'd use for this task.

Many thanks!

[Q2M_from_LS430]

Post deleted by Q_from_LS430

[Mike_TX]

I've got the picture up, I believe. If you can't se it now I'd like to know.

And you're very welcome btw.

Pete

No pic. Just an error message that says "phvrt.yahoo.com cannot be found. Please check the name and try again."

[Q2M_from_LS430]

Post deleted by Q_from_LS430

[Mike_TX]

Sorry to bother you all on this. I've seen the picture in my screen all along, so its hard to know. The error message you mentioned could only have come from my previous picture. I had moved the pic to car domain before my last post, so that yahoo error would not have shown. (Perhaps you clicked on the image link in my quoted post [which will never change], rather than looking up higher in my actual post) You should now be seeing that pic right in my post. Are you seeing it yet? (Are we there yet daddy?)

Pete

We are indeed there, and I do see it now. Excellent. The only thing I wonder about now is that in the other diagram there was a ground connection not showing in yours. Am I to assume the ground was needed only for the DVD part?

(And thanks again.)

[Q2M_from_LS430]

The only thing I wonder about now is that in the other diagram there was a ground connection not showing in yours. Am I to assume the ground was needed only for the DVD part?

Correct. The ground in that other picture:

1) Would be connected only to the the pink wire in one position of the switch (where it would simulate the condition of an engaged parking break, to enable DVD viewing), and

2) Would be connected to nothing in the other position of the switch.

The ground serves no purpose for the motion sensor portion of the wiring, and is never part of that circuit. (BTW. Using the ground with the motion sensor, was the original error that started this thread. ) So yes, you can ignore it entirely here, as shown in my picture.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes

Pete