000NAVIG
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Copyright 2005 Crutchfield Corporation
There are several different types of navigation systems available, including remote-
mount (or component) DVD-ROM systems, in-dash DVD receivers with built-in
monitors and navigation capability, and portable navigation pieces.
This installation guide focuses specifically on installing component navigation
systems. The main component in this case is a DVD-ROM drive that is installed in a
convenient spot, and to which certain wiring connections need to be made. For tips
on installing a receiver, visit our receiver installation guide and our receiver
installation video on crutchfieldadvisor.com, or refer to your Crutchfield
MasterSheet™ (available for most vehicles). Portables, meanwhile, don’t require
permanent installation methods, and are generally quite easy to use; you’ll just need
to follow a few simple instructions in the owner’s manual.
Please note, too, that all navigation systems require a GPS antenna. It can be placed
in the car, on the rear deck, for example. However, for optimum performance, it
should be mounted outside the vehicle. In this regard, it installs just like a satellite
radio antenna. Please see our satellite radio installation guide and our satellite radio
antenna installation video for further information.
To install a navigation system in your car, you’ll need to be able to do four things: find
and make a connection to the vehicle’s speed sensor, find and make a connection to
the reverse light, install the DVD-ROM drive, and make all the power and audio/video
connections. (If you’re not connecting the DVD-ROM drive to an in-dash receiver with
a monitor, you’ll need an external monitor. Front-seat external monitors usually come
with adjustable mounting brackets; their owner’s manuals feature mounting details.)
You must make a secure connection to your vehicle’s speed sensor to get the most accurate navigation possible.
Speed sensor wire location varies; it may be under the hood, as pictured above. Call the Tech Support phone number
on your Crutchfield invoice for assistance in locating the speed sensor in your specific vehicle.
Finding and connecting to the speed sensor
Your car’s speed sensor sends information from the transmission
to the speedometer. A navigation system (component or in-dash)
uses this information to calculate vehicle speed and distance
traveled, and to estimate time of arrival during a trip. To get this
information to the navigation system, you’ll have to find and make
a connection to your car’s speed sensor wire.
Where the wire is depends on the vehicle. Sometimes it can be
accessed from under the dash, sometimes from under the hood.
You’ll need to consult a comprehensive wiring diagram for your
vehicle in order to identify it correctly. Make sure you feel
comfortable with this. If not, you’ll probably want to have your
navigation system installed by a professional.
Once you find the vehicle speed sensor wire, connect the
navigation system’s speed sensor lead to it. The easiest way is
to attach a wire-tap to the car’s wire and connect the navigation
system’s lead with a male disconnect. For an even stronger
connection, you can strip away some of the jacket from the car’s
wire — be sure not to break the wire itself — then wrap the
exposed end of the navigation system’s lead around the exposed
wire and solder the two together. Wrap electrical tape around the
connection or use heat-shrink tubing for strength and insulation.
Types of Navigation Systems; Connecting to the Speed Sensor
