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2011 F-150 Navigation Screen Upgrade

Posted on 2/2/16 at 12:49 pm
Posted by TexasTiger90
Rocky Mountain High
Member since Jul 2014
3576 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 12:49 pm
I've got a 2011 FX4 (equipped with Sirius XM and Microsoft Sync) with the standard radio, and I was wanting to look into an in-dash screen for navigation/stereo. Has anyone done this after-market? If so, what do you recommend I look into to being able to do this? TIA
This post was edited on 2/2/16 at 12:50 pm
Posted by TigerFanatic99
South Bend, Indiana
Member since Jan 2007
27601 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 2:28 pm to
I've got nothing to add here, other than I've always been disappointed you can't take your newish vehicle to the dealership to have the stereo upgraded, etc.
Posted by TexasTiger90
Rocky Mountain High
Member since Jul 2014
3576 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 2:32 pm to
They want $4k to upgrade the OEM to the nav screen. They're out of their mind!
Posted by weadjust
Member since Aug 2012
15103 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 3:00 pm to
Go to Crutchfield and see what fits/available for your vehicle.
Posted by CP3
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2009
7406 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 4:01 pm to
I was in your exact situation. Found a couple solutions. I will do an in depth post once I get off work. Check back later this afternoon.
Posted by NYCAuburn
TD Platinum Membership/SECr Sheriff
Member since Feb 2011
57002 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 4:08 pm to


There are a couple of aftermarket ones. This one is $599
Posted by CP3
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2009
7406 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 4:25 pm to
I replaced mine with a $500 unit that operates android 4.4 and it is amazing. Like I said, I will do an in depth post later this afternoon.

This post was edited on 2/2/16 at 4:27 pm
Posted by CP3
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2009
7406 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 5:19 pm to
Ok so here is the deal. Obviously you know that radio replacement with this particular setup is not as easy as just throwing a new dash kit and headunit in. The amp used for the door speakers with the Sony system is located under the center console. The problem is that the audio out signal from the headunit is a 2-wire DSP signal that gets processed in the amp. This means if you replace the headunit you either need an additional DSP processor to re-use the factory amplifier, or you have to run wires from the door speakers to behind your Dashboard to connect to the output of the headunit.

With the second option (The cheapest and easiest), you can use any touchscreen you want. You will lose SYNC, but most headunits have better hands free systems now anyway.

Another thing to look into is the Kenwood Maestro set up. I BELIEVE this re-uses the factory amp, but I'm not positive. This wasn't out when I started replacing my unit. I do know they are geared more towards vehicle specific applications as far as retaining SYNC and other OEM functions. This route is also VERY expensive (can get up to $1000 easily).

The last option, which is the route I went, is to buy a "replica" OEM replacement like the one posted above and the one I posted. Mine runs on android 4.4, and I can download literally any android app to it. I have a verizon wireless hotspot in my truck, so I can stream spotify, browse TD, use WAZE, pretty much do anything a tablet can do. It also displays diagnostic truck data via a bluetooth OBDII adapter. I did have to run speaker wire to bypass the factory amp, but it is really not that difficult. The sound quality is also a lot better than the factory system.

The other similar "replica" options are WIN CE units which have similar functions, but no additional app downloads. Basically whatever comes with it when you buy it is what you get. No custom GPS apps, no Spotify, etc. Basically the same functionality of an OEM unit.

I opted for the android OS bc of the endless ability to expand the software. Want to add a function to it? Just download a new app.

I'm sure I left a few details out, but if you have any specific questions let me know.

I am VERY familiar with how the 2011 F150s are wired. I've pretty much been through every system in these trucks and know them very well.

Forgot to add, mine put me out ~$500 but I was the installer.
This post was edited on 2/2/16 at 5:25 pm
Posted by diat150
Louisiana
Member since Jun 2005
43556 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 6:03 pm to
those built in navigation systems suck. something like waze or google maps is infinitely better. invest in a good mount and an Iphone or android with a larger screen.

or maybe something like the guy above uses that can download apps. its not worth the trouble to upgrade just for nav IMHO.

IMHO a in dash system that syncs with your phone and uses your phones data connection or apps is the future. its fricking stupid for these manufacturers to spend all the time and money they do trying to perfect this shite and it ends up being obsolete in a few years, or in some cases, as soon as you pull out of the lot. They also never upgrade the shite or want to charge you an arm and a leg for updated maps.
This post was edited on 2/2/16 at 6:11 pm
Posted by WestlakeTiger
San Antonio, Tejas
Member since Feb 2012
9439 posts
Posted on 2/2/16 at 10:47 pm to
What radio is that? I've been running pioneer double dins for years and never heard of units with Android
Posted by TexasTiger90
Rocky Mountain High
Member since Jul 2014
3576 posts
Posted on 2/4/16 at 6:43 am to
Wow, that's exactly the information I needed. You're the man, CP!
Posted by Covingtiger
New Orleans Saints Fan
Member since Mar 2010
3313 posts
Posted on 2/4/16 at 6:44 am to
quote:

IMHO a in dash system that syncs with your phone and uses your phones data connection or apps is the future.
It is. Android Auto and Apple Carplay look great.
Posted by LafitteDog
Old Metairie
Member since Feb 2011
216 posts
Posted on 2/8/16 at 9:57 am to
Can you post a link where you bought the unit ?
Posted by CP3
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2009
7406 posts
Posted on 2/8/16 at 10:15 am to
LINK

This is the later model of what I have. It's a Chinese company and it may seem kind of sketchy, but I promise they are great to deal with (minus the 12 hour delay for email responses). Had my unit to my door in 3 days. You can use paypal for payment.

If you want data service to it, don't get the 3G dongle from them. Get a hotspot from verizon or something similar instead. Not many carriers support using their 3G device.
Posted by LafitteDog
Old Metairie
Member since Feb 2011
216 posts
Posted on 2/8/16 at 11:09 am to
Thanks
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