Well I finally got around to installing my AVIC-D3 this weekend. I also installed the optional bluetooth adapter, steering wheel controls, Ipod cable, and Sirius Sat tuner. The install went smooth and is very easy in this truck. There is a TON of room behind the dash, almost too much. I quickly fab'd an aluminum tray to install all the add-ons to. Velco saves the day.

Overall the D3 is a nice unit. NAV looks nice, but I have not been on a road trip to put it to the test yet. Touch screen controls and menu structure are very nice, very intuitive. Sirius screen looks nice, but is not implemented well. My wifes Maxima will display all the current channel info at one time on 4 seperate lines, the D3 is like the factory radio, one line at a time, and scrolls.

The sound options are great to me. I have the factory audiophile setup, and see no need to upgrade the speakers at this time. Sounds great to me, a noticeable upgrade from the factory stereo. The video for DVD is ok, nothing special here. At somepoint I will install video screens in the headrest for the back passengers.

Here are some pics of the install. There are more in my gallery. Sorry for the poor quality, my wife had the good camera this weekend.


Here are 3 wires you will need to tap for the install. Gray/black is VSS, and the other two are for steering wheel controls...lt blue/red and green/orange.


Custom tray for installing add-ons


Add-ons tucked away


Install complete

 

Sirius screen


Radio screen


Backup cam mod! Can view OEM backup cam on D3 and mirror now! Thanks to Low e red for supplying the pinouts for cam.

 

nice... im lookin at getting one of those D3's myself

 

Ive had a few people ask about the wiring for the backup cam mod, so I posted a new thread with all the info.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...80#post3204780

 

Looks great man! I installed the same setup in my 07 (Link in my signature to my review) but instead of making a new shelf I used the OEM Sirius receiver to do the same thing.

 

Ya, it needs something to set the add-ons too, but I planned on selling the sat tuner so needed an alternative. $2 piece of aluminum and a pair of house sissors made it a no brainer. Just sold the Sat tuner for $200 on ebay.

 

How does it sound with the stock audiophile system? I have a D3 waiting to be installed but I'm afriad it's not going to sound as good if I leave the audiophile hooked up.

 

Sounds better more adjustments than the stock radio

 

I agree, sounds better than the stock audiophile radio. I thought the stock system sounded pretty good, but with the D3 you have alot more control of the sound settings, and sub settings. For my needs, this setup is perfect.

If you have the audiophile system and install an aftermarket HU, dont forget to put a resistor on the sub turn on wire. You will get a loud pop on the sub everytime you turn the truck on.

 

I have been thinking about gettin one of these the only thing i am worried about is not having that factory feel to it. I dont want to buy an expensive unit and it not work correctly. I dont want to loose my steering wheel controlls or anything like that.



any complaints?
are you happy with it?


thanks.

 

No complaints so far, and I am very happy with it. I know what you mean about loosing the factory look and feel. Im not gonna lie, it is pretty obvious that the D3 is not a factory stereo, but with that said, I dont think it looks bad at all. I bought the PAC swi-ps adapter to keep the steering wheel controls, works great. Im really enjoying the unit, and the wife loves it too