How to Install an Aftermarket Car Navigation System

A navigation system is a helpful and easy-to-use addition to your car's dashboard, especially if you spend a lot of time traveling through unfamiliar areas. Some car manufacturers offer them as part of a vehicle's standard options, but for those with older vehicles, or those who are less willing to pay the expense of a dealer's markup, aftermarket navigation systems are available to install.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Aftermarket navigation system
• Screwdriver
• Drill

Determine the Type of System You Need

1. Decide what kind of aftermarket navigation system you want. There are three general types available: hand-held, portable and built-in systems. Hand-held and portable systems are the easiest to install, but a built-in system usually offers the most options.
2. Purchase a system that matches your car and your needs. Choose a simpler hand-held system if you anticipate light use, and a portable or built-in system for moderate to heavy use.
3. Compare cost effectiveness. Hand-held systems are the least expensive, followed by portable systems. Expect to pay more for built-in systems.

Installing a Portable System

4. Examine the dashboard for a place to install your portable aftermarket navigation system. You generally want to choose a spot that's about level with the remainder of your instruments. You should take care not to block any other readouts or instrumentation, vents or airbags.
5. Install the attachment device for the portable navigation system on the part of the dashboard you have selected. It's usually Velcro, removable adhesive or a suction cup--something that will hold the device, but which can be taken off and moved without too much fuss.
6. Attach the system to the selected spot and plug it in. Some systems run on batteries, in which case there will be no need to plug it in, while others rely on the cigarette lighter for power.

Installing a Built-In System

7. Disconnect the negative cable from your battery. This cuts electricity from the system, which you must do in order to install the device safely.
8. Attach the CPU of the aftermarket navigation system to a position under the dash. This should be as close to the current position of the car stereo as possible. The surface should be secure and should not interfere with your leg room or ability to drive the car.
9. Remove the part of the dashboard that surrounds your old stereo system, and detach the old system with a screwdriver. Detach the wiring connecting the stereo to the electrical system as you do so. This is usually fairly easy, though you should keep careful track of which wire goes where, so you won't become confused later.
10. Connect the wires for your navigation system into their appropriate positions in the back of the stereo housing on the dashboard. Some systems rely on an easy-to-use harness, while others should be connected in a specific order. Particulars vary according to the model you have purchased, but the instruction manual should show you the proper way to install them.
11. Check that the ground wire is properly connected. It should be screwed into a piece of metal to ensure proper grounding, not a plastic part of the dash.
12. Connect the CPU with the navigation system. You should be able to run the wires behind the removed dash, or mount them on the surface of the dash when you are done. The instruction manual should indicate the proper outlet to plug the CPU in.
13. Install the antenna at the point indicated by the particular model you have purchased. It's usually placed along the top of the dash, flush against the windshield of the car, and should be securely mounted with a screwdriver or drill.
14. Connect the antenna cable to the CPU, taking care to keep the wiring from dangling or interfering with any other driving functions.
15. Install the microphone at the location indicated in the instructions. Manufacturers usually recommend placing it somewhere unobstructed near the CPU, so you can hear it clearly.
16. Connect the microphone cable to the CPU, again taking care that the wiring will not interfere with your driving.
17. Screw the navigation system into position in the stereo housing and replace the dash covering. You may need to alter the dash in order to get the new navigation system to fit properly.
18. Reconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
19. Program the navigation system as instructed by the manual of the specific model you have purchased. Usually you insert a software CD into the system and program in a few specifics about your car, such as the particular make and model and the size of the tires.

Tips & Warnings

• Like any other instrument, a navigation system can be hazardous if you look at it excessively while driving. Exercise caution, or let a passenger use it while you drive. Always pay attention to the road before anything else.