[DIY] Budget In-Dash GPS + LCD Re-Locator Install

209978 Views 784 Replies 180 Participants Last post by Birdoflight, Mar 28, 2016

xhrl

Discussion Starter · Jan 26, 2011 (Edited)

So I was planning on saving for an in-dash navigation unit but after some research, prices were a bit high for me. Not to mention, I wanted to keep my awesome blue LCD. (UNavi is really nice, but more than twice my budget :wtc

Total cost of this project for me was $175~

What you will need:
1. JY Custom LCD Re-Locator, there are two models, I bought the cheaper unit which cost about $75~ on Gmarket Korea (the old one requires some cutting but it is also about $65+ cheaper) I actually didn't like the new model so that was a plus for me

2. Basic tools, common sense, and a dremel (not a required tool, but suggested)
3. Magellan Roadmate 1700 (or any other 7+ inch GPS unit) I chose the Magellan because they were $100 at Amazon (refurbished) and this project was basically an experiment for me.

Instructions:

Disconnect the battery.

Get started by taking off the shifter plate.
If you have a M/T, taking the shifter plate is really easy, just reach in the middle after you take off your shift boot. Pull it out!
If you have an A/T, you need to wedge in a flathead (cover it with painter's tape to avoid scratching) and pop out the shift plate. You might have a little difficulty, but just keep working at it! You won't break anything

Take off the shift-knob by turning it counter clock wise.
Also take off your shift lock release tab and move your shifter to "D"

Pull! Again, you won't break anything.

Disconnect all the wires off the faceplate of the Audio/HVAC controls. Also disconnect the hazard lights and the passenger air-bag indicator.

Grab a flathead, and pop off the clips.
Pull the awesome blue LCD unit out and disconnect the cable.

You will need to snip off the wire that holds the cable that goes to the awesome blue LCD (this cable needs to go all the way down. Cut the first two plastic tabs that hold the wire.) Cut off the two plastic tabs as seen in the picture. (I cut them off before taking pics)

Take off the screws that hold the radio unit, pull out the unit and move the wire that leads to the blue LCD downward. (red circles mark where the screws are located)

Install the blue LCD where your DC power was, I don't have pictures but it's very easy to figure it out.
Also take out the DC power jack, you'll need to re-use it when installing your GPS unit.

The JY Custom bezel comes with a 7-inch bezel but it was too big for my Magellan 1700. I had to cut out a piece of thin black plastic and cover the bottom. You can leave it as it if you want. (The red arrow points to the piece which I made)

Cut the bottom portion of the top plastic cover by 1.75~ inches, you will need to cut off the two front clips as well. It doesn't need to be cut cleanly as the new bezel will cover it up. (You'll see what I mean when you start working on it!)

After you secure the GPS unit to the bezel, take the two white tabs off and place them on your new bezel.

Lastly, before placing your shift plate back on..
You will need a thin piece of plastic that deflects the plastic which comes out of the shifter when you park your car (It's hard to describe, you'll know what I'm talking about when you start working on it.) Here's a picture of what I did to solve the problem.

Put everything back together, make sure everything is plugged in.

IMO, this is the cheapest way to have an in-dash navigation unit. Hope you guys find this helpful!

Update: Took some pictures, snowed all day hence the horrible pics.