Sat Nav Install in Dash Storage Unit

Unfortunately I don’t have the factory navigation so came up with this as an alternative.

Took some sorting out but I eventually managed to install this 5 inch nav unit inside the dashboard cubby. It’s powered, turns off and on automatically with the ignition and has no wires on show. It takes seconds to mount in its cradle and stores within the cubby allowing the lid to close.
I have Bluetooth so don't use this function of the Nav but find the highlighted road limits and speed camera warnings of great benefit. There is also the option to add the OBD dongle and display live engine info etc on the screen.

I looked at the OEM retrofit kit, even with the thought of using my own nav unit, but decided against for two reasons. As someone already pointed out, the mount on show just advertises the fact there is an expensive sat nav stored in the glove box and also, as I have the full leather dash I don’t think it blends in to well and spoils the look.

Cost came in at under £10 plus the Garmin unit. Not including all the bits I tried before finding which worked in this situation.

InstalledOn_zps9b42069c.jpg

InstalledOff_zps0e1d6c84.jpg

Night_zps01a2b873.jpg


Unclipped ready for lid to close.

Closing_zps52586017.jpg



Equipment used:

I tried a myriad of Sat Navs and mounts and believe this to be the only combination that works. TomToms are too big as is the basic Garmin nuvi 50 although the smaller 40 may work. The expensive 3xxx series I think will work but not with the powered speaker mount meaning the sound is quite tinny.
So I would stick with any Garmin 2xxx series preferably a 5 inch one.

Mount:
The only one that works:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/GPS-Accessory-IG-PSTARA-Garmin-Sticky/dp/B002T0EK64/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1364050674&sr=8-4

http://www.amazon.com/i-Trek-IG-PSTARA-Garmin-Sticky-Mount/dp/B002T0EK64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364050713&sr=8-1&keywords=garmin+sticky+mount

Extension socket:
Like this. That is non-curly type:
http://www.etrailer.com/merchant2/graphics/00000001/pics/R/M/RM-9331_1000.jpg

2x scotch connectors:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41WttNxCnmL._SY300_.jpg

Lead:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150901965571?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

I personally bought a cheap straight connector type to use instead of the original Garmin to keep the hole smaller. Note it is a special one that prevents the unit going into ‘PC mode’. But if you have a ‘Traffic’ model then you are stuck with the OEM lead and may have to adjust the hole position.

Also:
2x small black self tapping screws and one grommet to suit size drilled for mini USB plug.

Instructions:

Trim:

Remove dash speaker.

Slightly raise lid of storage and use thumbs to lift grill. Then remove the speaker or blanking plate. Unclip A/C sensor and speaker wire as required.

Remove blank plate below stereo.
As with following stage use a suitable tool. I also removed the stereo as it is only held in with two Phillips screws but you can manage without.

Remove centre console top trim.

I have an auto so removed the trim around the lever first. Only clips in so lift up from ashtray end. Then pop out the gaiter and remove surround piece. Be careful as the sharp clips can scratch.
Open centre armrest and lever rear most part of trim up until you can get fingers underneath and the rest comes off easy. Again remove wires as required.
GearLever_zps18032594.jpg


Wiring:

Cut the bought cigarette extension cable to required length (allowing for positioning in front of the speaker opening later) and feed down behind stereo to the front of the console. I used a solid length of wire first to fish out then taped the cable to it and pulled it through.
Identify the cut ends of the cable and attach – to brown and + to green/yellow with the scotch connectors.
CigLighter_zps67b10761.jpg

Extension_zps4e9d45c8.jpg


Mount:

Attach the mount as high as possible in the centre of the cubby and secure with self tapping screws. place the garmin ball mount as high as possible and tighten retaining nut.
The Nuvi bracket is a perfect tool to use either side in the cubby to get the positioning for the mount. Also if you remove the sticky pad (not really needed) there are markings underneath which are ideal for drilling out two 4/5 mm holes. Hold in place and drill pilot holes in cubby for the screws.
InstalledBracket_zps6474284d.jpg


Drill a hole through the cubby of correct size and location for your desired lead. Pass through connector and fit grommet.
Plug into new 12v socket wrap to prevent rattles and squeeze into position in front of speaker.
Connection_zps3c775adb.jpg

Wrap_zpsc6d42549.jpg


Tucked away

TuckedAway_zps199769d2.jpg


Test and replace all trim. Done!
If you find the unit vibrates (an inherent Garmin problem) stick about an inch sqaure of foam directly below the cradle in its upright position.
 
Quadracer said:
Where did you route the cable to?

I deliberated over this and was going to run a feed direct from the fuse box but in the end discovered it was easy to tap into the front cigarette lighter socket feed.
 
Nice one, I had the semi integrated unit including as part of deal for my zed. While very impressed by the actual Garmin unit. I didn't realise that the cubby is completed removed. Meaning mount is on show all time as mentioned. Problem is the sat unit is so thin and slick looking, it actually looks more like a phone. So don't ever want to leave it there thinking some idiot might smash through to nab it. Bit of a fault in design. Oh well.
 
Pacemaker1000 said:
Took some pics while installing so will do a 'how to' soon.

Brilliant, look forward to it. Always wanted to do this but didn't know where to start.
 
Looks a neat solution, looking forward to seeing the write up as I have a 5" Garmin mounted on the screen - would love to get a tidy dash ;-)
 
Thanks for the info. Is it possible you can tell us how you routed the cable and what you have to remove to do so please.
 
Back
Top Bottom