FAQ - Navigation System

[rogue]

This FAQ is currently in Development. If you have any suggestions or corrections please reply to this post. Thanks!

General Description:
Navigation Radio (model designation REC) combines a 5.8-inch full-color display, AM/FM stereo, 6 disc CD/MP3 Player and Navigation System that utilizes DVD technology, all in one handy unit. This sophisticated, yet simple-to-use navigation system guides you to your precise destination through the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology and an onboard computer. The system offers turn-by-turn route guidance with voice instruction, automatic re-route calculation, unique smart-spelling feature, extensive listings for point of interests and enough memory to store 100 personal addresses. Unit includes a geographic DVD with routing directions for the entire mapped United States and parts of Canada. The radio features 12 AM, 12 FM, and 12 Sirius Satellite Radio pre-sets. This system is Sirius Satellite Radio capable and displays station names, song title and artist. To obtain Sirius Satellite Radio, a satellite receiver/antenna kit and subscription to the Sirius service is required. See Sirius FAQ. It uses the new CAN bus system and CANNOT be adapted to older vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does the navigation system play movie dvds?

No. The system is designed to accept MOPAR DVD navigation disks exclusively. There are currently no modifications to allow this.

Can the Navigation unit be hacked to allow an external video input so I can use a TV Tuner, Backup Camera, DVD player, or Gaming Console?

Yes. AVelectronic.com has developed a way to tap into the RGB signal on the LCD screen to allow video input. You must ship them your Navigation unit for the hack, and call them to prearrange. Cost is $575 for the Video Switching unit, and $100 for the Modification itself. Turn around time is about a week. The system supports up to 4 Audio/Video inputs. AVelectronic has become a common provider of Navigation system modifications and currently supports many other vehicles. You will void your Navigation Warranty by having any modifications performed so be aware.

Can I add the Navigation system to my 300c myself?

Absolutely. The installation process involves swapping the Silver Center console bezel with the Navigation Bezel, and swapping out the AC Vents, AC Controls, ESP/Airbag module, and Analog Clock. 4 Screws hold the Radio in, Navigation or not. Its quite a simple modification. A phillips head screwdriver and 4mm socket are all that is required.

What parts do I need to purchase to convert my car to Navigation?

1. A REC Navigation Part#P56038646AJ system from a Dodge Durango, Chrysler 300c, Dodge Magnum, or Jeep Grand Cherokee. You should be able to find a used one for $800 on up off ebay or the forums. Be Sure that the unit you purchase comes with the Antenna and Navigation DVD because the dealer charges a lot for them. New the units will cost around $1500 on up. The cheapest new ones I have seen are on ebay for $1350.
2. The Center console bezel with the larger opening for the NAV Unit for your model 300.The Bezel costs anywhere from $75 to $100 depending on where you decide to purchase. Part Numbers:
Model: 300 Base - WX57DX9AA
Model: 300 Touring/Limited 1AQ46AAAAA
Model: 300C - XB311ZBAA
Model: SRT-8 1AP611D1AA
3. Navigation Antenna (I'm unable to find MOPAR part number on this item)
4. Navigation DVD "AC" Part # 05064033AC $50-100 off ebay

Where exactly am i supposed to mount the NAV antenna?

Anywhere under the dash. Mine is located on the metal bar behind the AC vents in the center of the console. Works great. Never any drop outs.

How are you prompted for turns? Voice, visual?

The nav has sound and visual alerts (on both the screen and on the evic) and it gives a realtime distance to turn on the screen.

How often do you get updates to the DVD? Do they send you DVD's annually?

Updates are issued every so often and we have to purchase them seperately from the dealer.

Does it mute the radio / CD volume to speak, or does it talk over it?

The voice over coveniently turns down the stereo volume when she has something to say. The voice can be changed to an audible chime in the settings.

Every time I start the car, there's an annoying warning on the nav screen, and I have to hit Enter to clear it. Is there any way to disable this "feature"? Thanks!

Nope and hacking it isn't going to be easy. Thats the lawyer screen!

During the setup of my 300C/Nav, it was defaulted on "automatic" setting for day/night. However, when driving at night time, the navigation does not dim itself. Is there another setting that I should have chosen? It's somewhat annoying at night.

Check your gauge cluster brightness setting on the knob next to the headlight knob. It is most likely set to "Full Brightness" which means the navigation unit is always bright.

Is there a way to disable the safety feature that does not allow in motion use of some functions over 10 mph?

Nope. Talk to the lawyers.

Is the unit touch screen? How is it controlled?

No touch screen on this unit, but it is easy to use. The little knob can be used as a joystick (rocked up/down or left/right) to select items, or rotated to zoom on the map.

[Black Hemi]

If I already have Sirius installed in my 300C, and I take out my stereo to swap for the Nav Unit, does Sirius stay in the car (i.e. is it in the stereo or car?) If no, do I have to subscribe to Sirius again? Is everything from the stock SGII system plug and play to switch to Nav, or do I have to get a new harness, or splice any wires/connectors?

-Chris

[dreadful]

While I do not know how much is plug and play, I do know the sirius reciever and antenna are seperate items that attatch to the radio.

[JustForFun]

Hello,

First time poster here. I just got my Brilliant Black 300C on 1/27/05 and am also interested in adding the NAV. I think these are important questions, and I would like the answers to them as well.

I think the FAQ is a great idea.

JFF

[rogue]

Originally Posted by Black Hemi

If I already have Sirius installed in my 300C, and I take out my stereo to swap for the Nav Unit, does Sirius stay in the car (i.e. is it in the stereo or car?) If no, do I have to subscribe to Sirius again? Is everything from the stock SGII system plug and play to switch to Nav, or do I have to get a new harness, or splice any wires/connectors?

-Chris

The entire process is plug and play. Your sirius functionality will be greatly improved with the NAV unit also. You will be able to see the Artist Song title every time a new song is played fulltime.

[jamoleh]

Are there maps for the Nav unit of the Middle East?
Garmin, Mercedes & BMW has their own software and works great and gives everything in detail.
Could we use the one that is being used by Mercedes considering that both cars come from the same Mother company and that both cars have lots of part common?

[II kings 9:20]

My guess is that the DVD map disc is not interchangeable though you would have to wonder why not. You might run down to the local MB dealer and give thier disc a try, I am sure they have extra demo discs in a car or two you could try on thier lot. That is the only way to know for sure. You might then see if you can get a burned copy off an MB forum or ebay, I would guess it would be $500 or so for the disc from the dealer assuming it works.

[jamoleh]

Originally Posted by II kings 9:20

My guess is that the DVD map disc is not interchangeable though you would have to wonder why not. You might run down to the local MB dealer and give thier disc a try, I am sure they have extra demo discs in a car or two you could try on thier lot. That is the only way to know for sure. You might then see if you can get a burned copy off an MB forum or ebay, I would guess it would be $500 or so for the disc from the dealer assuming it works.

The problem is that I am considering buying the Nav. unit if the MB disk works on it.BTW I have a burned disc of the MB and it works on all MB 2001+ models so I need some one to try it in the 300C & the big problem is that the C's that we have over here don't come with a Nav. unit (or I would have tried it), the top of the range 300C like mine comes with only 6 disc changer that plays mp3 so if some of you guys who own a MB and a 300C (like E55 Kev) would try this thing out I would really be greatful of what you would find out and share this info. with us.

[II kings 9:20]

I SEE, INTERESTING (IT'S NEVER GOOD TO BE INTERESTING.) Since no nav is available can we assume your multiplex connectors will interface with a US or Euro Nav unit. They are easy to install. What about the GPS signal in your region, how would that work with the new unit's GPS antenna.

[jamoleh]

Originally Posted by II kings 9:20

I SEE, INTERESTING (IT'S NEVER GOOD TO BE INTERESTING.) Since no nav is available can we assume your multiplex connectors will interface with a US or Euro Nav unit. They are easy to install. What about the GPS signal in your region, how would that work with the new unit's GPS antenna.

Well as you already know GPS is based on sattelite and here we aready have the GPS working on MB's , BMW, Garmin & some other cars with OEM Nav. Units so I don't think that it would be a problem about the signal & as from what I have read in this forum you just have to remove your old unit and install the Nav. Unit so it is a plug & play proccess.