Okay here we go...
First off, I just want to warn you there is a lot, and I mean A LOT of things you have to do to get this convertion completely working. But don't worry - it can be done! Let's see...where to start? There's so many things to explain so...right now I'll just explain the major areas of the conversion. And then when...or should I say IF you decide to actually start this - I'll give more on the various details that might help you along the way.
Also, you might want to keep the phone number of that junkyard you got the NAVI from because you may have to go back and take some more of it's parts. Okay, here is what's needed:
1)
Code - First off you will need to know the 4 digit code for that NAVI unit or else you won't be able to use it.
2)
Helm Manual - You definitely need a Helm Service Manual for your particular TL model. I needed it because I had to take out my entire dash to replace the wiring harnesses that ran intriquitly throughout the inside of it. Removing and reinstalling the dash is the single most difficult part of this whole conversion, at least on the Odyssey it was. The Odyssey dash is a single hunk of plastic, metal and wires all wrapped together. Also, in order to remove it you will have to take out the various things in it's way such as the front seats, steering wheel column and a bunch of other things too. All the instructions on how to remove these things can be found in the Helm Service Manual. Note: I highly recommend scheduling a convienent time (for you) to do all this because it will require you car to be offline and non-movable for a period of time. At LEAST 2 days, is my guess.
3)
Two Wiring Harness Clusters - For the Odyssey there are 2 major wiring harness clusters running throughout the dash. One harness is refered to as 'Dashboard' and the other is 'Instrument'. They are also known as Cluster A and B. You will need to get wire clusters specifically made for a TL with NAVI model. I had to buy these brand new because it was too much work to get them out of the wrecked Odyssey at the junkyard. One cost around $120 and the other is $200. In this diagram they are #4 and #8:
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/catimgs/13S0X0_B07.gif
Here is a pic of my old non-NAVI wiring clusters:
http://www.nemogira.com/odyssey/MVC-081S.JPG . Note: Before removing the existing harnesses make sure you know and REMEMBER how it's layout in the dash because you will have to reinstall the new clusters in the same exact way. You might want have a camera near by to record how its layed out.
4)
Climate Control Buttons - Because you're putting the NAVI display unit where the old AC controls used to be you will need a different set of buttons that will be placed inbetween the upper vents in the dash. It's easy to get this out of the wreck. In this diagram it's all of #13:
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/catimgs/13S0X0_B1702.gif
5)
Climate Control Computer Unit - You'll notice the AC Buttons are only just buttons. It doesn't have the computer unit built in like how the non-NAVI TLs/Odysseys have it all in the center dash panel. This computer, on the Odyssey, is located right above/inbetween the the glove compartment and the passenger side airbag. It's basically a white plastic box with harness outlets. It's pretty easy to get to so you might want to get that from the junkard as well. Just remove the glove comparment and you should be able to see it. In this diagram it's #11:
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/catimgs/13S0X0_B1702.gif . FYI, this unit is needed in order for the AC to work.
6)
GPS Antenna - You should be able to get this from the junkyard as well. In the Odyssey it's mounted in the top center of the dash. It's used for picking up those satellite signals. In this diagram it's all of #10:
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/catimgs/13S0X0_B1120.gif
7)
Sub-Wiring Harness - This wiring harness is the thing that connects one of the 2 wiring clusters to the NAVI Hard Drive (HD). The Odyssey's sub harness runs & starts from the lower center of the dash and ends up under the front passenger seat area. In this diagram (left side) this is how it would be layed out:
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/catimgs/13S0X0_B1120.gif . Note: This is not a diagram of the sub harness, but rather how the GPS runs - which is similar to how the sub harness in the Odyssey runs. I'm not sure what the 'official' name of this harness is because I was able to get it from the junkyard. I believe the TL has the NAVI HD unit mounted in the trunk which is considerably father than where the Odyssey's is. It's up to you if you want to get this harness from the junkyard or not. Our is pretty easy to remove. I'm not sure too about the TLs though.
8)
Speed Pulse Generator - From my understanding the NAVI unit gets signals from both the GPS (which tells the location of vehicle) and a Speed Sensor (tells how fast the vehicle is going). Now normally the speed pulse is generated from a device called the VSP (Vehicle Speed Pulse) sensor. On NAVI models it's mounted on top of the transmission and generates a pulse based on the a gear rotating in the transmission. But the details for that doesn't really matter because I wasn't able to get that to work. I know for sure because I did buy a new VSP and installed/wired it but it never generated a pulse for the NAVI unit to pick up so I found another device called a Speed Pulse Generator (SPG) made by Pioneer (there's also one made by Alpine). Both of them are more or less the same device so either brand should work with the Honda/Acura system - which BTW is made by Alpine.
Currently, this unit is being used (as an option) on both Alpine and Pioneer's navigation systems. What's different about this device from the VSP is it generates a pulse based on the rotation of 1 tire that has been magnatized. It's kind of hard to explain but just know it DOES work. You do have to hotwire one of the SPG wires to the wire that accepts the VSPs signals on the NAVI HD unit. You'll probably understand it better once you get to that point.
9)
Miscellaneous - Things like mounting screws and brackets. Although these will probably come with the units if you can get them from the junkyard. If not they'll only cost you a couple dollars or even cents. Also, remember to get the center plastic dash panel from that wrecked TL.
Well, I hope that didn't scare you off TOO much. I've never EVER thoroughly explained how this is done because I feared it just be a wait of my time. But since you already got the 2 major components (the display and HD unit) then it shows me your were willing to take the first big step in the conversion. Now I just hope you (or whoever is doing it) is up for the even bigger challenge of removing and reinstalling of the dash. Anyways, good luck to you and let me know if there's anything else you need to know.
-Nestor
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2000 CCS EX-NAVI
