Nav System Install
 

Hello all,
My wife and I just got her new 08 FEH and she loves it. She was driving around in a Diesel Excursion so it might take a while to adjust to the smaller size. Anyway, I ordered the Hybrid Nav system from the dealer (good price break) as part of the negotiations. I have extensive experience installing audio systems and well as LoJack devices. My question to you all is, should this just be a "plug and play" install? I mean, the harness should already be there behind the dash. Any thoughts?

Re: Nav System Install
 

I don't know about the '08, but harnesses weren't there on the earlier models.

The "problem" is that the Nav system in the hybrid also has to tie into the hybrid's computer system. This supports the extra hybrid-only screens on the Nav system. The computer system also needs to know to send some info, like that for mileage, to the Nav system instead of to the Message Center.

Re: Nav System Install
 

I know at one time Ford uses a single wiring harness across a models (like all the convertible wiring being available even if it's not a convertible). But from what I've read that's no longer the case. Please let us know how you make out with this project.

Re: Nav System Install
 

On the 2005's to 2007's there were five, count 'em... 5 separate wire harnesses that plug into the back of the Nav radio. One for GPS, one for MPG, one for CD changer, one for Speakers, etc.

One of them, for the MPG display went either to the instrument cluster, or the radio, but not both places. So if you have MPG on the Instrument Cluster, there will not be a MPG "wire" at the back of the radio.

*disclaimer
*I have never seen a 2008 radio.

Re: Nav System Install
 

The dealer added the NAV system to my 08. I had two problems:
1. They gave me the NAV manual supplement form a Lincoln Navigator, not an 08 hybrid.
2. They gave me an outdated MAP dvd.

And, the dealer took care of these problems. It all works fine:)

Re: Nav System Install
 

Thanks for the replys all. I guess I will see what happens when I tear into the dash.

DavidH - What is your version of the nav cd's?

Re: Nav System Install
 

Yea, my old 1995 Mustang V6 Coupe had the wiring for the GT's fog lights, and the wiring for the convertible top. If one wanted to add the GT fogs, it was simple "plug and play".

Ford then got smart, realized it was too easy for us to do that, and stopped using a "max" wired harness.

Re: Nav System Install
 

Off-topic and naive question - Can the MPG "wire" be split between the instrument cluster and the radio/nav?

Re: Nav System Install
 

Jason. Check out this thread!

https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...package-12803/

Re: Nav System Install
 

Good read on that link David. Thanks. Now I'm starting to have second thoughts on the Nav system.

Re: Nav System Install
 

There is some mis-information in this thread, so I thought I would add some more....

I did this swap on my 05 FWD FEH on my own, and I now have AVERAGE ECON in the instrument cluster, as well as the AVE. in the navigation radio. The instrument cluster sends the hybrid and mpg info to the nav unit on the MS-CAN bus, where it is converted to Audio Control Protocol (ACP) so the radio can use it. What the instrument cluster displays is coded in its software, so with or without the nav unit, you theoretically could have the AVERAGE ECON display. If you removed a factory NAV system, you would need to have the instrument cluster computer re-programmed to display the AVERAGE ECON. Probably can be done, but Ford might not want to do it.

Physically, you only have to swap one harness. You also need to add the MS-CAN to ACP module, but its wiring is included in the new harness. You would also have to add a harness for the changer under the passenger seat. To add the factory sub-woofer you would have to change out a major harness on the passenger side, which is expensive and time consuming. I didn't do this on mine. Interestingly, the 05-07 nav unit will accept a DVD input, but requires populating connectors with new wires and a software change. I didn't pursue this, either.

I don't know if the same methodology is used on the 08, but a look at the schematics will tell the story....

Re: Nav System Install
 

If you go here:
http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdi...=productdetail

you can get a short-term (72hours) or one month subscription to all the service manuals for a single vehicle/year for really cheap (16.95 for the month subscription and 9.95 for the 72 hour access). The wiring diagrams are part of the service manuals that you have access to.

Re: Nav System Install
 

Great link Chuck. Thank you. From what I can tell the harness is there. There may be another harness included with the Nav ACM that plugs into the "Smart Block" in the center console. Should be pretty straight forward. I also found out from that link that our escape was built on my birthday. Maybe a good sign.