Pioneer AVIC-N2 installed

curtis

curtis

New member
At first, I wanted a double din chassis and I was leaning heavily on the Eclipse AVN5435 because of how good it looked...like it belonged in the dash. But it came up short in features when compared to the N2.

I also looked at the AVIC-D2 because of the double din chassis, but once again.....short on features when compared to the N2. You could add just about all the features of the N2, but it made it more expensive.

After spending the last couple of weeks on what HU to get, I settled on the AVIC-N2. Navigation and DVD playback standard(the D1 does not have this), dual/triple zone(not on the Eclipse), good iPod integration(the Eclipse is lacking a bit here as well). Also performed the motion bybass on the HU...so all functions work while the 4Runner is in motion and do not need to "trick" it. Another added bonus of the Pioneer units is XM NavTraffic.

So I am very happy with the functionality, but didn't get the double din factory look install.

Next are some better speakers.

Here are some pics of the install:
AVIC1.JPG

AVIC2.JPG

AVIC3.JPG

AVIC4.JPG
 
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I didn't have steering wheel controls to begin with.

I did mount the AVIC remote to the steering wheel before I wrapped it with a Wheelskin.
 
I considered the Pioneer and even ordered a unit from Ebay. When I was scammed out of $865 on a fraudlent sale I even had ordered an open box unit from Crutchfield. I changed my mind after finding out they carried Eclipse.

I like the factory look much better and Ipod is not even slightly on my must list.

Thanks for posting the photos. They have shown that FOR ME the Eclipse was a better choice.
 
No questions...I agree...the Eclipse definitely looks better in the dash.

But letting the kids watch TV/Video in the back(with headphones), and me listen to music in front on a long drive.....I will forego some looks. :)

After a few days of playing with it...XM NavTraffic is very cool.
 
nice...I'm gonna get that in a few weeks.
Did you do the install yourself?
is that foreals??? you really get 13 mpg?
 
eddykim3 said:
nice...I'm gonna get that in a few weeks.
Did you do the install yourself?
is that foreals??? you really get 13 mpg?
Click to expand...
I had a shop do it. The system now consists of a the headunit, JL Audio e6450 amp, Boston Acoustic speakers, and a Hsu subwoofer.

In LA traffic driving, and the larger wheels, I am getting about 15-16 mpg nowadays.....about 3000 miles on the 4Runner now.
 
eddykim3 said:
nice...love those rims...you make me regret getting silver instead of black
Click to expand...
Thanks...I love the black when it is clean.......most of the time, I feel like I need to wash it.

Funny thing is, my kids' fingerprints show up all the time. :)
 
Re: motion bypass

eddykim3 said:
so the avic-N2 doesn't need a motion bypass, but does the avic-D1 require it?
thx
Click to expand...

He said he bypassed his N2. The D1 would need a bypass as well if not for DVD for the navigation itself so you could enter info while driving. I'm not 100% but I think they all use the same module for the bypass which is the PAC TR-7. Which is what I used on mine but I have an Alpine IVA-D310.


Curtis: How much is the XM navtraffic fee? I was looking at getting the new alpine nav when it comes out and its gonna have the capability and I just wanted top know the price. I think it's like $6 a month or so?
 
The bypass is a matter of connecting two pins on the underside of the unit. After that, no need to have the parking brake set and stopped to use ALL functions of the unit while in motion.

The XM NavTraffic fee is $6 above the normal XM fee. Well worth it for my LA commute.
 
Curtis, when the screen came out, would it block the view of the windshield while you drove?

And how long would it take for the screen to come out?

Thanks!
 
Curtis, when the screen came out, would it block the view of the windshield while you drove?

And how long would it take for the screen to come out?
Click to expand...
No, and about 4 seconds.

I think the Eclipse 5495 also has dual zone function...

http://www.eclipse-web.com/avn/avn5495.html

BTW Curtis, do you mind to list out the features lack in Eclipse and Pioneer during your studies? Your sharing would help the rest of us in decision making.... thanks!
Click to expand...
The 5495 has dual zone, but the 5435 does not...and the 5495 is much more expensive.

When comparing to the 5435, the N2 has better iPod integration, dual zone, and NavTraffic.

The 5495 is great, but I had one issue with it. While the harddrive can store MP3's, there is not way to import an existing MP3 library you may already have on your computer or iPod. The unit creates MP3's as it plays a CD for the first time....that is the ONLY way you can get MP3's onto the unit. Other than dual zone, it has the same limitations, IMO, compared to the 5435...and cost.
 
Did you do the installation by yourself? If yes, how difficult is that?

Is that Nav turned on right away after you turned on the engine? Does it need to have self-recalibate??

Can the screen stay out when you shut off the car? I'm just worrying about the "motor action" of the screen coming in and out... you know, it is getting more chances in defectiveness...
 
HRunner said:
Did you do the installation by yourself? If yes, how difficult is that?

Is that Nav turned on right away after you turned on the engine? Does it need to have self-recalibate??

Can the screen stay out when you shut off the car? I'm just worrying about the "motor action" of the screen coming in and out... you know, it is getting more chances in defectiveness...
Click to expand...
Nope...didn't do it by myself.

The NAV is active in about 10 seconds.

Yes...the screen can stay out when you turn off the car.
 
I plan on getting the same unit as you (AVIC N2). I have a couple questions

I plan on using my Video iPod to watch shows and movies via the N2's monitor.

Does the iPod adaptor (CD-IB100) play the iPod through its own "iPod Source" OR as an auxillary A/V input.

Do you suspect I would be able to select a movie from a playlist on my iPod and watch the movie, "without" having to switch to a seperate auxillary A/V input?

Also, can the head unit accept standard RCA cable inputs? this is the output of the iPod Video

Thanx

I hope my ?'s make sense.

Thanx
 
trijicon said:
I plan on getting the same unit as you (AVIC N2). I have a couple questions

I plan on using my Video iPod to watch shows and movies via the N2's monitor.

Does the iPod adaptor (CD-IB100) play the iPod through its own "iPod Source" OR as an auxillary A/V input.

Do you suspect I would be able to select a movie from a playlist on my iPod and watch the movie, "without" having to switch to a seperate auxillary A/V input?

Also, can the head unit accept standard RCA cable inputs? this is the output of the iPod Video

Thanx

I hope my ?'s make sense.

Thanx
Click to expand...
Yes...the CD-IB100 is a seperate source. Once the iPod is plugged into it, you can no longer use the iPod's own interface, you can only control it from the AVIC-N2. I think you will have to switch to the auxilary AV interface to use the video capabilities of the iPod Video.......in fact......is there anything that passes video through the iPod's connector?

Yes...the headunit accepts standard RCA cable inputs.
 
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