Thank you to all for your tips and offers for assistance. I did get my AVIC-F700BT installed with no problems. I took my time but everything worked as it should. I found all of the wires you mentioned.

I wrote up a short document about my install with pictures with the intent of helping the next person. However I can't see how to upload it to this thread. If anyone would like it let me know via email.

One thing I highly recommend is to do the firmware update as soon as you get the unit running. I was having trouble getting my iTouch to connect and having a lot of trouble with the blue tooth connection. Both of these are working now after the updates.

Thanks Again to each of you!!!!

 

My buddy just installed this same unit but he says his system says the park brake wire is not connected properly. he did the bypass and grounded the mute,reg ground and park brake wire all together. the only thing he can think of is that the relocated mute wire is not plugged in all the way? any suggestions or can you email him your pics goodmank11@gmail.com

 

If he was doing the hardware bypass then he did it wrong, the mute wire neds to be moved in the harness. At this point I would suggest doing the software bypass so you don't have to pull the deck. If you do the software bypass you just need to ground the parking brake wire. I'm not sure what affect grounding the mute wire has. I just bypassed mine using the software bypass and it works great.

All the info is over at avic411.com

 

I have a question about the bypass, are there any functions or features you lose after doing the bypass?

thanks

 

You don't lose any functionality, it just disables the safety features.

for example to enter a new route, play a dvd, dial a phone number etc. you'd usually have to stop and have the emergency brake applied. With the bypass you don't have to stop.

 

I wouldn't recommend installing it without connecting this wire. Connect this wire.

 

Not possible with the 700, it isn't in the harness.

 

Care to elaborate?

 

That wire really helps with dead recognition. It will help zero your place in incase there is a time that the GPS satellites cant track you. eg: tunnels, heavy tree cover, etc.

 

I have sent my pictures and notes to the email address you posted. I hope that helps.

As others have suggested, I would also really recommend checking out AVIC411.com There is a lot of stuff on that site.

As for your problem, if you do decide to pull the unit out, first, double check that you moved the mute (yellow/black wire) to the correct spot in the harness. Second, make sure you didn't insert it upside down, and that you pushed it in all way. Give it a firm tug and if it doesn't pull out, then it should be good. Lastly, make sure it (and the green parking brake wire) are both grounded. I simply twisted the two together and spliced them to the black ground wire in the wiring harness.

Hope this helps.

 

I understand that the VSS wire helps compensate for lack of satellite signal but the AVIC-F700BT does not even have that wire in the Pioneer harness. That's why some of the guys are saying it's not required. I haven't drove through any tunnels, but I can say that driving under very heavy tree cover has not affected my GPS yet (knock on wood).

 

I am thinking about buying this unit and found this thread in a search. I am wondering if someone can answer a few questions I have:

Is there an accessory that will allow you to control the unit from the steering wheel controls?

Should I buy a trim piece or some kind of dash kit?

Low_e_Red recommended mounting the GPS antenna on top of a "U" shaped bracket found after removing the factory radio. Does this keep the antenna out of site and if so wouldn't this impede reception?

Where is the best place to mount the mic?

Thanks in advance,

WoodFord

2005 Ford F150 SuperCab
AVIC-F700BT

 

[QUOTE=WoodFordReserve;3599269]
Is there an accessory that will allow you to control the unit from the steering wheel controls? ]/quote]

Dont know , sorry.

Yeah, you'll need a double din dash kit.

The antenna comes with a magnetic "pad". The backside, sticky side, is metal and is supposed to be mounted so that that piece pulls in the signals. The actual antenna sticks to the other side like a magnet. I've read where people have mounted them in their center console and trunks of cars. I dont see how that can be anything but a negative for reception. They mounted mine on the front window. High as possible on the upper right.

 

Yes, I belive it's called a PAC module, about $75

Yes, + a wiring harness to interface with the factory plug. I used a bestkits kit and it fits well but most people use the Metra kit.

yes, this is where mine is mounted and I get great reception. It mounts on the brace right below the dash tray, within the dash so it's completley hidden.

The best place is probably up by the drivers sun visor. I wasn't sure I was keeping mine so I mounted it on the steering column. I haven't had any complaints but I'll probably move it when I get the time.

 

WoodFordReserve,
It seems you have gotten responses for all of your questions. Hopefully you have the unit up and running and didn't haven't problems.
I would like to add two comments. First, I didn't mount the GPS antenna under the dash on the "U" bracket. I did feed the wire through the defroster vent, at the top of the dash then through the foam insulation on the defroster vent which allowed me to mount it on the dash. This allows a clean look, but still gives it good visibility to the sky. Secondly, I mounted the microphone at the top of the plastic trim on the "A" pillar. This works out really well.
If you like, send me your email address and I will send up a file with pictures of my installation process, which include the PAC device which allows control of the until from your steering wheel.

Regards...