Opinions? Likes? Dislikes? Difficulty of installation? Mainly from the D2 guys (if any here), but any of you criminals with AVIC series head units, how do you like 'em?

A friend of mine got me a good deal on an AVIC-D2 that I couldn't pass up, and I've always wanted one of those high zoot DVD/nav head units. I know it's an older unit, but still, it looks cool and the price was right.

Is there a plug and play harness available for this head unit going into an F150? Crutchfield doesn't even show the D2 as being available anymore, and they don't show any specific harnesses for it. I got a bundle of wires with the head unit, but if possible, I'd like a harness I could wire up, plug into my factory wiring, then plug into the head unit harness so I could minimize the wiring I'd have to cut/splice in my truck. I've been able to pick up harnesses like that for single DIN non-nav head units before, I don't know if the same thing was available for this unit. I don't have the factory sub, for whatever that's worth, and have no plans of adding a sub or an amp anytime soon.

I've got a Lariat, and I'd like to retain the use of my factory steering wheel controls so I understand I'd need an interface like one of those Pac Audio doohickeys. I believe the SWI-PS is the one I need according to their website - anyone use the same/similar adapter? Any problems with it? Difficult to install and/or program?

I'm holding off on installing it for a bit, 'cause I wanna get the steering wheel interface, the XM radio adapter and the iPod adapter; I wanna try to get all my ducks in a row so I don't have to run back and forth between home and Circuit City, and so I'll only have to take everything apart once. About the XM adapter, I plan on keeping the XM antenna in the same spot I've got it now with my Roady XT, under the wiper cowl on the passenger's side. But where do you guys normally run your GPS antennas?

Also, the head unit came with a bracket that the radio slides in to and a trim plate. Is this all I need to cleanly install this thing in my dash, or do I need one of those double DIN installation kits like from Scosche?

Thanks in advance.

edit - damn, maybe I shoulda posted this in the navigation/multimedia forum. doh. :o

 

You are going to have to do the wiring for this by yourself. There isnt a plug and play interface for the D2. However, Nice UNIT! You will need to pick up a Metra 03+ Ford Harness (audiophile harness if you have it). You will also need the DDin Kit. I honestly have forgotten the numbers. But just make sure it fits the 04+ not the 97-03.

As for the Ipod, XM and all the rest you might add. You need to go to the Cig lighter/12v socket for power. Dont tap into the radio except for the D2.

If you plan on watching DVD's you will need to buy an external DVD Player. The D2 doesnt do that. Oh and the iPod box will show as an external device = less controls.

As for the antennas i mount them behind the radio in this metal channel. youll see it when back there.

The PAC-PS will be nice when you have it but programming it is not fun...

Anything else just let me know.

 

Dang nabbit. You mean I have to cut the stock connector off and splice the harness from the D2 into my factory wiring? Damn, I was hoping not to have to do that. My truck does not have audiophile either, if that matters any. I'm looking on Metra's website and see three different installation kits - I think the 95-5812 is the one I need?

Edit - or is it this one: Metra 2004-up kit

I've read that, that's no problem since I have the 12v power point near the radio.

The D2 won't do DVDs? I guess that's what I get for not reading the box closely...which ain't no big deal, I wanted navigation more than anything.

I saw the metal tube/channel thing on the back of the dash when I installed my satellite radio, but I didn't think the sat antenna would pick up from there. Honestly iPod use isn't real high on my list of things to have, it'd certainly be nice, but I've got a lot of my music on MP3 CDs so it's no big deal either way.

 

I was looking around on Scosche's website tonight, and I think I found the harness I need:

Page 22

Part# FD23B?

 

Ya thats what i was talking about. CUTTING = BAD! (most times)

The sat antenna will pick up as long as it has a clear view of the sky. And is not blocked by metal.

Mp3 Cd's will work but Mp3 DVD's wont.

You need the FD1426B and the FD23B

 

You da man. Thank you sir.

 

i have a Avic D2 and i have a pioneer 12 disc changer
my screen wont open so i cant take out that cd that is stuck in there
i have a 3 year extended warranty still, but i dont want to send it in.
because they will uprgrade me to the d3 and i dont like it

 

Theres a lot about the D2 I prefer. But the D3 has its perks too...