AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

Well, thanks to a lot of people on this forum I got the Pioneer AVIC-Z1 installed this past weekend. Here is some information about my install.

What I started with:
6-disc Monsoon system with factory XM Radio

What I installed:
AVIC-Z1
GEX-P10XMT (XM Radio & NavTraffic module)
CD-iB100ii (iPod module)
CD-SR1 (steering wheel remote control)
ND-BC1 (Rear view camera)

Parts needed:
Peripheral GMAH24B (OnStar module)
Peripheral GMAHCM (Chime module)
Scosche GM1595B (Dash Kit)

I got lucky and the VSS (speed sensor) lead was in the small stereo harness, so I tapped into it there. I noticed several people stated that they got their speed sensor working, but the slope was not working. When I turned the stereo on for the first time, I noticed that my slope was also not working. I found out that you need to drive around for a while for the stereo to initialize. Once it got enough data, the slope started working.
I was also able to tap into the reverse lead in the driver's side A-pillar.
I'm not sure if anyone else has had this problem, but I noticed that the trim ring that came with the Scosche kit does not fit without modification. I had to use the Dremel and take a little of the top inside edge in order for the face to open and close correctly. While this was not really a big deal, it is very difficult to get the edge perfectly straight when trimming it. Yes, I know, I'm a bit of a perfectionist. Also, the top edge of the ring doesn't line up to the dash opening just right. I am still trying to modify it a little to see if I can get it to line up better.
I think that I am going to buy the circuit board that someone on the AVIC411 forum created that enables all Nav functions that are normally disabled when the vehicle is moving. That forum is great for any information about the AVIC line. There are already people that have figured out how to replace the hard drive with a larger one. The Hacks section is very interesting.
A huge thanks to everyone on this forum that helped me with the install. It actually went very smoothly. I couldn't have done without all of the information I got here.

I will try to post some pictures tonight or tomorrow.

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

Congrats on the install, Can't wait to see pics of it. Do you have any pics of the install steps? I would be curious to find out what leads you tapped into for the reverse in the a-pillar as well as the vss in the wiring harness. Also, does anyone know if the parking brake bypass still works if you have the vss hooked up? Talking about the bypass where you just ground the lead.

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

I don't have pics of the install process, but I plan to open up the dash soon to add a few more things, so I will get some pics then.
In the A-pillar there are 2 groups of wires. If you look at the top of the a pillar, you can tell that one goes down the side of the vehicle and the other goes to the rear view mirror. The reverse lead is the brown wire in the group of wires leading to the rear view mirror.
The VSS lead is in cavity E of the small plug in the back of the stereo. It is a dark green/white wire. Be careful though because there are 2 wires of the same color. You want the one in cavity E. I don't know if all the H3's have the wire there though.
If you just ground the pk brake lead and have the vss lead hooked up, you will still loose access to some functions when you are moving. As soon as you stop at a light, they become active again. There is a circuit board that bascially connects between the illumination lead from the vehicle and the one going to the stereo. If you use this board, you can connect the VSS lead and leave the pk brake lead unconnected. You will have access to all functions all of the time.

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

Thanks for the info. Just as I expect with the vss hooked up so since I am not having an accuracy issues I think I will just leave it unplugged. I started out with the same system so mine should have that wire as well if I change my mind. Make sure to post here if you get that board to bypass the parking brake. Have not been on AVIC411 in a while and don't recall seeing it. I did recall there are two bundles of wires in the a-pillar from when I hard wired my radar detector so will probably tape in there.

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

Hey buzz got mine installed as well this weekend. Brilliant unit.

Have the same prob with the scosche and I will modify it this coming weekend as well. Let me know how your mod turned out.

thx

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

The trimming worked fine and it fits now, but I'm still trying to get the top edge of the trim ring to line up better with the dash opening. I will let you know.

The new chime module is a little strange. Every once in a while when I get in the H3 (keys no where near the ignition) the chime module will ding once.

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

I have 1 more strange issue. Not sure if anyone has seen this issue with the Z1 too, but occasionally if I get into the vehicle and start it up quickly, the unit won't boot up. Even pressing the buttons does nothing. As soon as I turn the key back 1 notch, so the engine turns off and it is on acc power, the unit powers up. When starting the H3, if I turn it to acc first, pause for about 1 second then start it, everything powers up fine. I have checked and rechecked all of my wiring. It has done it 3 times so far.

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

I have no idea if I started it quickly or not but my D1 didn't boot one time. I shut the H3 off and restarted it and everything was good. Only happened that one time in the month and a half or so it has been installed.

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

had the D-1 not boot up like HummerNewbie described... always fine if i restarted.

Lets see some of those custom backgrounds now! :cool:

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

im actually having a hard time changing my background pic. I have the D1

any clues would be greatly appreciated.

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

I have yet to try to change the background or update any of the XM logos. Had not been to AVIC411 in a month or so and forgot what a wealth of info is there.

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

Hey Buzz
I am trying to figure out wether to instal the nav myself or take it to a pro. I would rather do it myself if I can because everytime i have someone else install or do something for me they screw up or break something else.

Anyway i was looking over the instalation manual and have come up with two questions so far. I hope you can help me out.

Where did you install you gps antena and if you are installing xm or serius where this you install that antena too and how and where did you route the cables?

And my second which may be a little stupid is this:o . In the manual it shows the wires going from the nav to the speakers having rca concectors on them, but as far as i know, which is not so far, the h3 has all the wires from the speakers on a single large conector which plus to the back of the unit. Have i understood the manual right or am i confused:confused: ? How is the conection to the speakers actually made?

I appreciate all of your help!

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

Have you don't any installs in the past? It is a fairly simple install but if you have never do it before, you might want to take it to a reputable shop.


I am running the D1, not the Z1 but as far as I know the install procedures are almost identical. I ran the GPS antenna across to the drivers side, up the a-pillar and the back next to the roof rail. For the XM antenna I did the same thing but on the passenger side. You can not see the antennas unless you are above the truck. I do have the marker lights which do help hide the antennas but even without them they are fairly hidden up there.


You will need to get the wiring harness for the H3. This harness basically duplicates the connection in the back of the factory head unit. You will connect the wiring from the Pioneer harness to the adapter harness. All your connections are made through this harness and you will not need any RCA cables. The only time you would use RCA cables is if you were connecting additional equipment such as amps, crossovers and EQs. Hope this helps.

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

Well, HummerNewbie beat me to it, but he is right on. I installed my GPS and XM antenna the same way. If you have factory XM, you can reuse that antenna, but it will not just plug right into the GEX-P10XMT (if that's what you are using). It will have to be modified. I will be working on the H3 tonight and I can try to get some pictures if that helps.

Not sure of your factory setup, but if you have the monsoon system and want to keep the amp and OnStar, you will need 2 interfaces. I used the Peripheral GMAH24B(for Onstar) and GMAHCM (retains the chimes). The new stereo harness will wire directly into the GMAH24B then it will plug into the vehicle radio harness.

Like HummerNewbie said, not sure of your skill level, but it is a pretty easy install if you know anything about installing car stereos. As long as you make good connections with all of your wires and solder and heatshrink them, you will avoid problems down the line.

Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

:mad:

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

Tanks for the quick replies!

i have not installed a car stereo before but i am an electrical engineer, at least will be very soon:) , so i thought it might not be that bad. If i get in trouble at any time there is an installer close by.

I have the factory monsoon 6 disc changer with xm, amp and subwoofer. I will be keeping everything the same back there and will just be changing the head unit. Is the install any diffrent with this set up than with what you guys were describing above or are you right on?

Do you guys know how the output on the z1 can be connected to the headrest dvds that were in the h3 promotion, so that if a dvd is played on the z1 it can be viewed on the headrest dvds?

Where would be the best place to order the onstar interface and the chime one, and the wiring harness and what ever else may be required for the install?

Oh and some pics would be great if you have some.
Thanks again for your help guys and i apologize for all the questions!

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

You are going for the same setup I have other than the D1 instead of Z1. You should be just fine with the install.


I have been looking for a way to do that myself. I call the manufacturer who is actually here in town but they said there was no cable of adapter to split the A/V feed from the head rest players. Don't know if you have noticed but all A/V feeds from the headrest go through a 6 pin din cable. I might see if I can order an extra one from them and make my on splitter. I will post if I am successful.


You might want to send a PM to kodiakz here on the forum. Just let him know what you are installing and he can get you everything or go down to your local install shop. You will most likely pay more at the local shop though.

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

I also have (had) the 6-disc monsoon system, so your install should be the same.

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

Ok, finally got around the taking pictures.
Attachment 24053

Attachment 24054

Attachment 24055

I ran the XM antenna wire down through this kick panel then up behind the weather stripping...
Attachment 24058

then up through the air intake cap and up through the roof rail channel
Attachment 24061

Here is the GPS antenna
Attachment 24059

and the XM antenna
Attachment 24060

Re: AVIC-Z1 INSTALLED!!
 

hey the nav looks awsome in there, cant wait to have mine done. Thats how im gona route the cable too. Thanks for the pics!