[skotti]

We have a 2012 2LT, with the touch-screen 'info-tainment' system- but no nav, except through OnStar.
Does anyone know what is involved if I'd like to add navigation? I'm wondering if it is as 'simple' as re-programming and/or adding hardware, or does the entire unit need to be removed and replaced with a nav-capable unit. And if the latter is the case- any suggestions as to best (lowest cost) place to get a new nav-capable unit. And I already know I have the Garmin/TomTom option, so please, save it :
I've asked over in the technical forums, but no response.
TIA :cheers:

 

[Rick Tinley Park]

If you are planning to keep On-Star (basic) and don't want the extra 9.99 for its Nav -- There is an alternative.... On-Star will turn your nav on and off so if you want to use the nav today -- have them turn it on and you'll have it for one month -- then some other time you can turn it on again. Generally I only use the O-S Nav during 3 months a year so I have it turned on as I need it.. that way I am paying $30 a year rather than $120.... Just a thought if installing a Nav unit and want to compare costs

 

[rlhmarines]

I think you can port a navigation app, like navigon or similar apps, from your smartphone via usb port to the (UFU) chevy mytouch radio in the 2012 equinox 1LT and above. I watched a video on youtube that shows and explains this process as they demonstrated it with a pandora app ported from a smartphone to the radio. Also I believe that an update later in the year will expand on some features on this new audio system.

 

[Barbidoll1175]

RLHMARINES - Would you mind posting a link or what to search for on youtube to find that video? I've searched and searched and can't seem to locate it.

SKOTTI - I am in the same boat. I also purchased a 2012 2lt nox with touchscreen and am now wanting to add the navigation. Have you been able to find out how/where to do it for the best price? I was told when I purchased the vehicle that it wouldn't be a problem to add it on later and would be about a 45 minute job, but was told it was approx $800, which to me, seems a bit steep consider the screen is already there. If you go to the Chevy website and "build your own" equinox, when you "add" the audio system with nav, it's $795....hmmmm.

 

[skotti]

No, haven't found out much more than what is posted above. When I have time, I'm going to the dealership to see what is specifically needed to add nav. I'm traveling now, so won't be until the new year.
I am somewhat interested in the smartphone app possibility as well.

 

[dwendt44]

While the on board navigation is great, some are finding that a separate Tom-Tom, or Garmin is equal or better and cheaper in the long run.

You can leave it home when not needed.

Entry level Tom-Tom's are about $90; and go up from there.

Salesman I know is advising buyers, if they need to trim here and there to make a deal/price, to skip the NAV and go with the aftermarket.

 

[EDwardo]

I've been using the trial version of OnStar with directions and connections. The $199 a year plan is going to save me about $150 bucks a year on my insurance bill. If you get the directions (same as having a GPS/nav dealio) plan, it's an extra hundred bucks a year more (or less - see appropriate threads). You can get 8 years of navigation via OnStar for the same price as upgrading to a Nav system.

 

[Rick Tinley Park]

Also, you need not keep the Onstar nav on. You can have them turn it on for the $10 a month price only when you use it.

 

[Mochaman]

I've been using the trial version of OnStar with directions and connections. The $199 a year plan is going to save me about $150 bucks a year on my insurance bill. If you get the directions (same as having a GPS/nav dealio) plan, it's an extra hundred bucks a year more (or less - see appropriate threads). You can get 8 years of navigation via OnStar for the same price as upgrading to a Nav system.

But the Onstart directions suck they are consistantly 25yrds off.

 

[alfred67]

Has anyone try this?? Nav unlock --PAC-NU-GM3
It says works for terrain


Alfred67

 

[skotti]

Has anyone try this?? Nav unlock --PAC-NU-GM3
It says works for terrain


Alfred67

Any more information on this- where did you find this? There are likely some features that can be activated on these vehicles...

 

[alfred67]

Any more information on this- where did you find this? There are likely some features that can be activated on these vehicles...

Google Pac-nu-gm3

For some reason I can't post a link

Alfred67

 

[RIT333]

Google Pac-nu-gm3

For some reason I can't post a link

Alfred67

You need a certain number of posts before this Site trusts you enough to post a link ! It may be 5.

:welcome:

 

[kimbered]

Has anyone try this?? Nav unlock --PAC-NU-GM3

This appears to be an 'unlock' for the Passenger ... so they can operate an already installed navigation system. It is not going to add navigation to your system.

Found this:
-Navigation Unlock Interface for Select 29-bit GM LAN vehicles
-Allows the factory navigation features of your GM radio or the reverse camera to be used by the passenger at any time
-Text Displayed on Radio “Confirm safe use” Passenger must confirm for the navigation features to be unlocked

 

[skotti]

This appears to be an 'unlock' for the Passenger ... so they can operate an already installed navigation system. It is not going to add navigation to your system.

Found this:
-Navigation Unlock Interface for Select 29-bit GM LAN vehicles
-Allows the factory navigation features of your GM radio or the reverse camera to be used by the passenger at any time
-Text Displayed on Radio “Confirm safe use” Passenger must confirm for the navigation features to be unlocked

I suppose that is the mystery- whether the nav capability is 'there'- and can be activated with this unit.
But- while all this is nice, it is N/A for a 2012 Equinox. I went to the pac-audio website, you can search what products are available by make/model/year.
I'll send them an email and see if they will have one for the 2012- and I bet they will know whether the nav is already installed in the system.

 

[Mochaman]

I think what the module does is allow the functions of a already equipted nav system that are locked out while moving to work, not enable a dormant nav system capability.

 

[darkside]

As dwendt44 said it would be more cost efficient to just use a garmin or tom-tom type of portable gps unit. Also it is nice to be able to take it with you to use in other vehicles and in you get a unit with lifetime map updates that make it even better.

 

[skotti]

As dwendt44 said it would be more cost efficient to just use a garmin or tom-tom type of portable gps unit. Also it is nice to be able to take it with you to use in other vehicles and in you get a unit with lifetime map updates that make it even better.

Yeah, I do that in my Audi now- and would still prefer to have an OEM product, especially integrated into that beautiful big touch screen sitting there. Without nav, it is just a big-screen audio system.