How to install a car navigation system

For the most part, installing an in-dash navigation receiver is quite similar to installing regular touchscreen stereos. But there are a couple of additional wrinkles: a GPS antenna and a reverse-direction sensor. 

This article will focus on these extra steps for the navigation receiver's installation. After you've read this article, refer to our Car Stereo Installation Guide for full details about stereo installation.  

At the end of the article we'll talk about add-on navigation modules.

GPS antenna installation

There are a couple of simple rules guiding the external GPS antenna that comes with in-dash navigation receivers. The first is that you shouldn't ever cut or otherwise modify the antenna in any way. The other is that it needs to be in constant contact with the GPS satellites which orbit the earth, so it should be mounted in a way that there won't be a lot of interference with its signal.

In most cases, you can mount the GPS antenna near the top of the underside of your dash (behind or above the receiver). Satellite signals are so strong and reliable these days that this should be sufficient to maintain reliable reception. It also serves to keep the antenna out of sight.

Alternatively, our tech support experts recommend mounting the GPS antenna either on the dash or along the rear deck. As long as it has a clear path to the sky and is not too close to A-pillars or a 2-way antenna, it should work. 

However, you should consider mounting the antenna on the exterior of your vehicle if:

• you have a wired rear defroster
• you have metallic window tint
• you have a solar reflective window
• you have a windshield-mounted radio antenna

The GPS antenna should also be as level as possible and maintain a solid connection to its attached metal plate or sheet, if there is one. There will typically be some sort of adhesive involved to keep the antenna in place. You'll then need to route the antenna wire to the rear of the receiver along the dashboard or floorboard or through a window or door seal. 

Wire connections

Receivers with a video screen require a couple of extra wire connections that aren't needed for non-touchscreen stereos. Let's take a look at each one. 

Parking brake wire connection

For safety reasons, any video screen in the front of the car must be attached to the parking brake wire. This applies to GPS systems too. Some of the more advanced navigation functions are disabled while the vehicle is in motion. If you want to look up a phone number or change the default settings of the unit, you'll need to pull over first. In rare cases, a connection to the foot brake may also be required.

Reverse signal wire connection

Many navigation systems also connect to the vehicle's reverse (or back-up light) signal wire — this connection tells the navigation system when the vehicle is traveling in reverse. If this wire is not hooked up, then the vehicle direction will not track properly, and the navigation system won't be able to do its job.

The most common way to do this is to connect to the reverse light wire right at the tail light. You'll need to check each wire that goes into the tail light with a multimeter. Connect the multimeter to a wire, have someone put the car in reverse (while keeping the brake engaged, of course), then see if you get a 12-volt reading. Repeat this process with each wire until you find the right one. (Note: If you get a 12-volt reading, make sure it's because you've found the reverse wire, not the brake wire. You'll know it's the brake wire if you get a reading as soon as the brake is pressed.)

The reverse wire can sometimes be found under the dash or under the hood, but you'll have to consult your vehicle's wiring diagram carefully in order to identify it correctly. Tapping into it at the taillight tends to be much easier.

Crutchfield can help

Our highly trained Technical Support staff can provide parking brake and reverse wire information for most vehicles. They're available seven days a week (have your invoice handy when you contact us). Even if the information is not available for your vehicle, they can still help you figure out which wires are the ones you need.

We recommend Posi connectors for wire connections

Posi-Product™ connectors offer a quick and secure twist-on connection for wires, and they can be re-used. For the connections we're talking about here, you'll want a package of Posi-Tap™ connectors. They let you tap into an existing wire without cutting it. This is our favorite way to get strong connections fast. You can also try soldering or crimping if you feel more comfortable with those methods.

How to use Posi-Tap connectors

Here is our step-by-step guide to using Posi-Tap connectors when you need to tap into a wire in your vehicle. 

Remote-mount navigation systems

A remote-mount nav system consists of a separate navigation module (with an external antenna) that must be connected to a compatible touchscreen car stereo. Drivers interface with them the same way they would an in-dash system. These are not as common today, but they're just as effective as in-dash systems, provided their mapping data is up to date and they're properly connected.

The navigation module is basically a box that needs to be installed somewhere out of the way. Today's navigation modules are typically compact enough to be installed in the glove compartment, often with some sort of velcro fasteners to keep them in place. They usually have a memory card slot or USB input to receive map updates. The GPS antenna runs off the module, and can usually be mounted on the dash. The module requires battery and ground connections, just like the stereo.

Need help choosing a navigation receiver? 

Installing an in-dash navigation stereo only requires a couple of extra steps beyond any other stereo installation. If you're ready to start shopping for your own navigation receiver, use our vehicle fit tool to see which models will work in your car. 

If you have any questions, contact our advisors. They're always happy to help and will make sure you have everything you need for the installation.