Hey guys, I searched the forums but havent seen the answer yet, has anyone attempted to convert a non-nav to a nav using the OEM screen? If it is a computer based system, shouldnt this be easier? maybe just install a black box and a program? Of course the dealers said it was impossible and cost prohibitive, but i figured i would ask those who know!!!

Any ideas? The search for an 07 with Navigation has yielded few results ths far... this would open up the market significantly!!! thanks guys!!

 

it's cost prohibitive,
no one would want to attempt converting a non nav to nav using oem pieces due to oem $$$

there is a way to use an aftermarket nav on oem screen, but it's slightly different, because non nav doesn't have touch screen

search garmin gvn on this site

 

+1

The Garmin route is actually better in many ways then the factory Nav. The maps / routing is superior, and you don't have to deal with the greyed out screens while in motion. It's also really the only viable option if you want it integrated into the factory screen.

 

Here is the link to the Garmin post.

 

I plan to install the soon. I'm working on step 1 shown in the link listed. Next just plug and mount. I don't like having a remote but what are you going to do? If you do it yourself you can install this for under $500.

 

so surprised that there is no AEM kit use the hard drive plus the screen and controls to get a navigation. Also it is so lame that you cant interface with the GPS once the car is in motion..that is totally lame.

 

It's really not that surprising. There is a lot more tied into the factory nav (and accompanying package features) then you think. And I'd be willing to bet that the non nav cars have different wiring harnesses which make OEM kits impossible. I'm sure with enough know how and money it can be done. There is a guy that did it in a previous model G, but it ended up costing him 2-3x the amount that the factory nav would have.

 

Anything is possible..... The cost would probably be more then just turning in your car and getting a new one, I'm guessing around 5-6K to buy all the parts.

I'd recommend going portable GPS or just trading the car in.

IMO buying this car without Nav is a mistake.

 

Most people that have used an aftermarket GPS unit might disagree. If I had seen the Garmin GVN setup before I bought mine I would have gone that route. About the only thing I would have missed was the back up camera.

 

I doubt that most would disagree...

integrated HDD based nav with giant touch-screen, blue tooth, and real-time traffic information that integrates into the audio system. versus a small screen suction cupped to the window with wires hanging on your center console... the portables are a joke compared to this system. Not to mention all the other perks when you have premium/nav/tech combo.

This car's designed around these packages. and they are worth every penny.

 

The maps are inferior / outdated, the functionality is disabled while moving, and real time traffic is a joke in all but the largest cities ( I live in Houston and it's still fairly useless).

I'm not sure what basis you have for calling aftermarket units a "joke", but almost all of them have the features you listed as standard or as an option (touch screen, bluetooth, real-time traffic). And they are a fraction of the cost.

Bottom line is that my Garmin Nuvi has more detailed up to date maps, and more accurate routing then my Infiniti nav. Not to mention the fact that I can use it while moving.

If I hadn't been able to bypass the lockout on the Infiniti nav, I would have hung the Garmin back in the windshield a long time ago.

Just my opinion

 

The lock out seems silly...let me just be sure i understand, If i choose a destination, i cannot change the destination while driving? How about zooming in and out? Or even toggling to a different portion of the map? these are not available? Eek...

 

It's not completely locked out. You can zoom and move the map around. It basically locks out anything that isn't on the first page of a menu. Take a POI for instance. If you want to find a certain restaurant you are screwed if it's not one of the closest 4 or 5 (whatever fits on the first page). You can't scroll though, you can't manually enter an address or crossroad. You can't even select a stored location unless it's on the first page.

Like I mentioned though, all the OEM units that I've seen have similar lockouts "for safety", so it's not unusual. The Infiniti nav is actually quite good compared to others, but it does have some issues.

 

You can get most functions via voice commands while in motion--as well as move your viewpoint, zoom in and out, view and adjust your route for a midroute stop somewhere you decide once under way. Also, people have found their ways around the motion lockout (not advocating, just saying it can be / has been done) with minimal hassle, provided you know your way around basic wiring.

I have to say that kring hit the nail on the head:

 

so to the original OP, your options are either go buy the garmin gvn black box to integrate with oem screen, or buy a portable gps, converting non nav to nav is probably more expensive than trading your car with one that has the nav package

or another option is to get a phone with nav capability,
current verizon phone has vznavigator (monthly fee) which is awesome, it has traffic info too, so that's another option, it's portable and phone at the same time, so no need for extra device, obviously it's small and it's on a phone...