Help Needed with Navigation Yukon XL 2003

TXPJR · June 21, 2006

Ok, my apologies for probably having this question asked before but I am in need of a direct answer before I invest some money and loose it. I have a 2003 Yukon XL that has the bose system with XM radio. I have verify that it is not a Y91 or Y92 but a UQ7 which my understanding is that is a NON LUX Amp.

From what I have read all indications point to me getting a replacement unit that is also a NON LUX Amp unit such as GM part # 15108421 (2004) which is the old knob style or # 15800000 (2006) which is the newest touch screen NON LUX amp.

I called a good friend of mine from back home who is the service manager at a local GMC center to asked him if it was possible to do a swap of units to have the navigation system. His answer kinda surprise me because he said that they tried one time to do this and they did everything possible and it would not work. He said it had to do with the software on the vehicle.

So now I find myself asking for your opinion on what is the real answer to the project that I want to accomplish. Can any of the two units listed above be use to upgrade/replace my current system to a navigation system. Is it pretty much a plug and play? Or does it involved major overhauling such as replacing harness and who knows what else. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

jdouthit · June 22, 2006

Please see link above

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28030

and turn key system from JP Customs

http://www.jpcustoms.com/store/customer/pr...&cat=359&page=1

I plan on using the JP Customs myself, but have not done it yet....

Hope this helps

Jerry

drdiesel · June 22, 2006

Ok, my apologies for probably having this question asked before but I am in need of a direct answer before I invest some money and loose it. I have a 2003 Yukon XL that has the bose system with XM radio. I have verify that it is not a Y91 or Y92 but a UQ7 which my understanding is that is a NON LUX Amp.

From what I have read all indications point to me getting a replacement unit that is also a NON LUX Amp unit such as GM part # 15108421 (2004) which is the old knob style or # 15800000 (2006) which is the newest touch screen NON LUX amp.

I called a good friend of mine from back home who is the service manager at a local GMC center to asked him if it was possible to do a swap of units to have the navigation system. His answer kinda surprise me because he said that they tried one time to do this and they did everything possible and it would not work. He said it had to do with the software on the vehicle.

So now I find myself asking for your opinion on what is the real answer to the project that I want to accomplish. Can any of the two units listed above be use to upgrade/replace my current system to a navigation system. Is it pretty much a plug and play? Or does it involved major overhauling such as replacing harness and who knows what else. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

WOW, your service manager friend doesn't know what he's talking about. You CAN do the switch, and those numbers that you have are correct for a non-lux install. You will also need a gps antenna that mounts under the dash. If you get a navigation unit that is used, then you'll need to take it to the dealer and have them reset the vin lock in the radio. This is also VERY simple to do!!

TXPJR · June 23, 2006

Ok, my apologies for probably having this question asked before but I am in need of a direct answer before I invest some money and loose it. I have a 2003 Yukon XL that has the bose system with XM radio. I have verify that it is not a Y91 or Y92 but a UQ7 which my understanding is that is a NON LUX Amp.

From what I have read all indications point to me getting a replacement unit that is also a NON LUX Amp unit such as GM part # 15108421 (2004) which is the old knob style or # 15800000 (2006) which is the newest touch screen NON LUX amp.

I called a good friend of mine from back home who is the service manager at a local GMC center to asked him if it was possible to do a swap of units to have the navigation system. His answer kinda surprise me because he said that they tried one time to do this and they did everything possible and it would not work. He said it had to do with the software on the vehicle.

So now I find myself asking for your opinion on what is the real answer to the project that I want to accomplish. Can any of the two units listed above be use to upgrade/replace my current system to a navigation system. Is it pretty much a plug and play? Or does it involved major overhauling such as replacing harness and who knows what else. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

WOW, your service manager friend doesn't know what he's talking about. You CAN do the switch, and those numbers that you have are correct for a non-lux install. You will also need a gps antenna that mounts under the dash. If you get a navigation unit that is used, then you'll need to take it to the dealer and have them reset the vin lock in the radio. This is also VERY simple to do!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

After spending a whole day researching it I just could not believe what he told me. I even called the local dealership and same story. But as long as I get the right unit I should be alright. Thanks for the response.

gltech · June 23, 2006

TXPJR, don't sweat it. I just converted my 03 burb from non-lux to a full blown lux with the touchscreen nav and the aux 6 cd changer like the Escalades and Denalis have. Your situation is much easier. If you stay non-lux, all you have to do is change the head unit, install the GPS antenna and (optionally) hook up the vehicle speed signal (VSS) wire. I have to give kudos to the lux system though -- it is far and away better sounding than the non-lux.

Some may disagree, but I think the more clever folks around here will agree that the JPCustoms package is too expensive. Here's what my entire conversion to lux cost me:

Lux Touchscreen Nav - new for $800 on eBay.

Lux Amp - new for $200 on eBay.

GPS Antenna - new for $50 from gmpartsdirect.com

Aux 6 CD changer - new for $250 on eBay

Harness for Aux CD Changer - $19 from buy-oem-parts.com

Map Disc - new on eBay for $100

Total: $1419

But again, all you need is the non-lux touchscreen head unit, GPS antenna and map disc. You should be able to stay under or around $1000. But note that if you don't add a CD changer, you cannot play CDs and use the navigation at the same time. The nav head unit can only do one or the other at any given time.

Everything you need to know is here on this forum. I know it can be confusing to find certain posts that tell you what you need to know, but believe me from experience, persistence pays off if you just keep digging. The first link jdouthit posted above is the best place to start. Heck, after doing mine, I learned so much that I've been thinking about starting a new, simplified post that has concise, right-to-the-point, step-by-step instructions for installing nav systems. I would detail the 3 common scenarios, installing a non-lux nav in a non-lux vehicle, installing a lux nav and amp in a non-lux vehicle, and installing a lux nav in a lux vehicle. Oh well, maybe on a rainy day...

Glenn

TXPJR · June 28, 2006

TXPJR, don't sweat it. I just converted my 03 burb from non-lux to a full blown lux with the touchscreen nav and the aux 6 cd changer like the Escalades and Denalis have. Your situation is much easier. If you stay non-lux, all you have to do is change the head unit, install the GPS antenna and (optionally) hook up the vehicle speed signal (VSS) wire. I have to give kudos to the lux system though -- it is far and away better sounding than the non-lux.

Some may disagree, but I think the more clever folks around here will agree that the JPCustoms package is too expensive. Here's what my entire conversion to lux cost me:

Lux Touchscreen Nav - new for $800 on eBay.

Lux Amp - new for $200 on eBay.

GPS Antenna - new for $50 from gmpartsdirect.com

Aux 6 CD changer - new for $250 on eBay

Harness for Aux CD Changer - $19 from buy-oem-parts.com

Map Disc - new on eBay for $100

Total: $1419

But again, all you need is the non-lux touchscreen head unit, GPS antenna and map disc. You should be able to stay under or around $1000. But note that if you don't add a CD changer, you cannot play CDs and use the navigation at the same time. The nav head unit can only do one or the other at any given time.

Everything you need to know is here on this forum. I know it can be confusing to find certain posts that tell you what you need to know, but believe me from experience, persistence pays off if you just keep digging. The first link jdouthit posted above is the best place to start. Heck, after doing mine, I learned so much that I've been thinking about starting a new, simplified post that has concise, right-to-the-point, step-by-step instructions for installing nav systems. I would detail the 3 common scenarios, installing a non-lux nav in a non-lux vehicle, installing a lux nav and amp in a non-lux vehicle, and installing a lux nav in a lux vehicle. Oh well, maybe on a rainy day...

Glenn

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey thanks for the info I have found that if you do the right research you will get the right answer and this forum has been great at explaining things. I wish somebody would post a listing of all Navigation Units along with part numbers and if they are lux or non lux systems. It would make things alot clear..

txky · July 9, 2006

TXPJR, don't sweat it. I just converted my 03 burb from non-lux to a full blown lux with the touchscreen nav and the aux 6 cd changer like the Escalades and Denalis have. Your situation is much easier. If you stay non-lux, all you have to do is change the head unit, install the GPS antenna and (optionally) hook up the vehicle speed signal (VSS) wire. I have to give kudos to the lux system though -- it is far and away better sounding than the non-lux.

Some may disagree, but I think the more clever folks around here will agree that the JPCustoms package is too expensive. Here's what my entire conversion to lux cost me:

Lux Touchscreen Nav - new for $800 on eBay.

Lux Amp - new for $200 on eBay.

GPS Antenna - new for $50 from gmpartsdirect.com

Aux 6 CD changer - new for $250 on eBay

Harness for Aux CD Changer - $19 from buy-oem-parts.com

Map Disc - new on eBay for $100

Total: $1419

But again, all you need is the non-lux touchscreen head unit, GPS antenna and map disc. You should be able to stay under or around $1000. But note that if you don't add a CD changer, you cannot play CDs and use the navigation at the same time. The nav head unit can only do one or the other at any given time.

Everything you need to know is here on this forum. I know it can be confusing to find certain posts that tell you what you need to know, but believe me from experience, persistence pays off if you just keep digging. The first link jdouthit posted above is the best place to start. Heck, after doing mine, I learned so much that I've been thinking about starting a new, simplified post that has concise, right-to-the-point, step-by-step instructions for installing nav systems. I would detail the 3 common scenarios, installing a non-lux nav in a non-lux vehicle, installing a lux nav and amp in a non-lux vehicle, and installing a lux nav in a lux vehicle. Oh well, maybe on a rainy day...

Glenn

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

txky · July 9, 2006

Glenn, can you elaborate a little on how straightforward it would be to add Nav to a 2003 Yukon XL Danali which has the Lux Amp already if one has a Nav unit from another vehicle that matches the original equipment used for the 2003 Danali with factory-installed Nav.?

gltech · July 10, 2006

txky,

Piece of cake. If the nav head unit (HU) is from another Denali like you said, it will be the lux version, and will plug and play (note: you'll have to have a dealer program the VIN for your vehicle into it). Then you install and connect the GPS antenna, and finally connect the speed sensor wire (optional but recommended - commonly referred to as VSS).

See this document:

http://www.vcameras.com/yukon/pdf/2004%20YUKON%20XL%20TNR%20INSTALL.pdf

Now I know the document says "Navigation Install for Non-Lux...." right on the first page, but all you are concerned with are the GPS antenna installation and VSS hookup, which are the same for lux or non-lux. See pages 22-30 and 34-43 for HU installation, GPS antenna installation and VSS hookup. Keep in mind that other parts of this document describe wiring changes to the amp harness and installation of the CD changer. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO EITHER WITH THE YUKON DENALI.

A few notes/clarifications to the document:

Page 23: The "Garnish Moldings" are the trim pieces that go from the dash to the headliner. To remove them, just pop them straight rearward at the top, then slide the bottom out. On mine, the driver's side was more difficult than the passenger side.

Page 24: I found the whole "ambient light sensor" (with its' connector still attached) can be turned a quarter turn or so, and then pulled out on the underside of the dash trim panel. Trying to remove the connector from the sensor is much more difficult.

Page 25: Providing you have all the screws out of the dash upper trim panel, it should slide out toward the rear of the vehicle. Getting it started requires a little oomph. Make sure you have all the mounting tabs near the windshield lined up properly when putting it back on.

Page 28: "10 screws" for the instrument panel gauges unit??? Mine only has 4, 2 on each side. And when he says "drive shaft", he means "gear shift".

Page 34 & 35: Good pics for where the GPS antenna goes. You mount it using an existing bolt already present on the vehicle. Note that the drawing (p 34) and the picture (p 35) show the antenna installed in two slightly different places. I installed mine like the drawing, that is, nearer the curve in the silver M-channel rail. I have the genuine GM service manuals and that exact drawing is shown in the section for installing the GPS antenna.

Page 37: Note that the process of unplugging and plugging back in the main connector from the HU while the key is in "ACC" position temporarily overrides the theftlock, so you can test out your installation before having to take it to the dealer to get the new VIN programmed in.

good luck,

Glenn

txky · July 10, 2006

txky,

Piece of cake. If the nav head unit (HU) is from another Denali like you said, it will be the lux version, and will plug and play (note: you'll have to have a dealer program the VIN for your vehicle into it). Then you install and connect the GPS antenna, and finally connect the speed sensor wire (optional but recommended - commonly referred to as VSS).

See this document:

http://www.vcameras.com/yukon/pdf/2004%20YUKON%20XL%20TNR%20INSTALL.pdf

Now I know the document says "Navigation Install for Non-Lux...." right on the first page, but all you are concerned with are the GPS antenna installation and VSS hookup, which are the same for lux or non-lux. See pages 22-30 and 34-43 for HU installation, GPS antenna installation and VSS hookup. Keep in mind that other parts of this document describe wiring changes to the amp harness and installation of the CD changer. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO EITHER WITH THE YUKON DENALI.

A few notes/clarifications to the document:

Page 23: The "Garnish Moldings" are the trim pieces that go from the dash to the headliner. To remove them, just pop them straight rearward at the top, then slide the bottom out. On mine, the driver's side was more difficult than the passenger side.

Page 24: I found the whole "ambient light sensor" (with its' connector still attached) can be turned a quarter turn or so, and then pulled out on the underside of the dash trim panel. Trying to remove the connector from the sensor is much more difficult.

Page 25: Providing you have all the screws out of the dash upper trim panel, it should slide out toward the rear of the vehicle. Getting it started requires a little oomph. Make sure you have all the mounting tabs near the windshield lined up properly when putting it back on.

Page 28: "10 screws" for the instrument panel gauges unit??? Mine only has 4, 2 on each side. And when he says "drive shaft", he means "gear shift".

Page 34 & 35: Good pics for where the GPS antenna goes. You mount it using an existing bolt already present on the vehicle. Note that the drawing (p 34) and the picture (p 35) show the antenna installed in two slightly different places. I installed mine like the drawing, that is, nearer the curve in the silver M-channel rail. I have the genuine GM service manuals and that drawing is shown in the section for installing the GPS antenna.

Page 37: Note that the process of unplugging and plugging back in the main connector from the HU while the key is in "ACC" position temporarily overrides the theftlock, so you can test out your installation before having to take it to the dealer to get the new VIN programmed in.

good luck,

Glenn

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

txky · July 10, 2006

Many, many thanks. This looks like everything I would ever need to know, and then some. I had hoped it would be straighforward but was looking for confirmation before getting too far down the road. FYI; the local GMC rep tells me that it can't be done (after calling the GM tech support office), but I had seen enough success stories on the harder problems that I felt my situation should be a relative piece-of-cake. Your info confirms that somewhat. Thanks ,again. Larry

gltech · July 10, 2006

Larry, here's the nav unit you need on eBay right now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...em=130005213090

Contrary to what the ad says, if it's brand spankin' new, you don't have to get the VIN programmed into it at the dealer. A new one assumes the VIN of the first vehicle it's powered up in.

gltech · July 17, 2006

the local GMC rep tells me that it can't be done (after calling the GM tech support office)

Sorry but he's badly mistaken. Denalis already have the lux audio system, so you don't have to mess with the amp or CD changer. Plenty of folks have done it, and plenty of others have went even further and changed a non-lux system to lux (including me)

I installed the lux touchscreen nav, amp, CD changer, console, instrument cluster, upper dash and door panels from an Escalade into my 2003 Suburban Z71. I'll put some pics in the garage soon.

-G