Author Topic: My Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT Navigation/Head Unit Install (Read 18159 times)

spicy3480 · « **on:** December 28, 2010, 02:30:07 PM »

After much research, I decided to purchase a Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT Navigation/Head Unit as a Christmas present to myself. After all, I think I deserve it.

Again, after researching local shops, and using the knowledge I already had from a previous show car audio system install, I decided to go with Movin' On Sound and Security in Franklin Square, NY.

The AVIC-Z120BT was a lot of different prices, depending on where I looked. It ranged anywhere from $900-$1699 online, most from a non-Pioneer licensed dealer. I ended up speaking with the sales manager there and immediately let him know that I was knowledgeable in car audio and didn't want to get shafted on price.

He agreed to give me the head unit for $999, with a $100 rebate (so $899 total). I was very happy with this, because they also warrantied the unit, unlike most of the online stores. Crutchfield was asking $1299, so I think I really got a great price. It is Pioneer's flagship unit, and the pre-outs on the head unit are better than the stock radio. I should hear better audio quality out of the stock speakers with this head unit.

I also wanted to keep the steering wheel controls, as well as the chimes. Axxess/Metra just released a new all-in-one unit, part #GMOS-100. This unit allows for retaining both the steering wheel controls, and chimes (with OnStar and Monsoon). You no longer need the GMOS-LAN-05, as this unit is all-in-one.

Also, I decided to add a back-up camera...nothing to break the bank, but it will do the trick. I chose the Audiovox ACA-200W, which will be mounted on the rear license plate.

Also, an iPod cable will be run into the center waterfall, in order to connect my new iPod Nano to the head unit (CD-IU50V).

Lastly, I wanted to keep my XM Satellite radio, especially since Howard Stern signed for another 5 years. There is only one XM tuner that works with this head unit. It is the Pioneer GEX-P920XM unit. Since the rear bumper is plastic, they are going to try and mount the XM antenna inside the bumper under the spoiler. They advised me that the plastic should not take away any signal, and would also hide the antenna.

Hopefully this is helpful to anyone that wants to upgrade just their head unit, and wants to know all of the part numbers that go with this popular model from Pioneer.

Happy Holidays All,
The Spikester

smartin · « **Reply #1 on:** December 28, 2010, 02:34:02 PM »

Wow, Steve! Great write-up, great pictures, and great price! Can't wait to see it!

G8TR · « **Reply #2 on:** December 28, 2010, 03:00:42 PM »

Looks like a great way to go Steve.

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #3 on:** December 28, 2010, 03:37:43 PM »

Steve,

The stock XM antennal can be used, once it's removed from the trunk (passenger side) there is a a small plug in the side of the connector, pop out the plug and the connector pops off, then it plugs right into the new device. No extra hardware required.

also the GPS antenna can be installed behind the seats panel right above the storage container. It has a flat shelf and won't interfere with the signal.

spicy3480 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2010, 03:56:37 PM »

Thanks Joe...I called the shop and let them know. The installer actually just told me that he realized that you could use the factory antenna...they are just going to test it and make sure it has reception and works.

They also told me that the iPhone charging issue is a result of the latest firmware upgrade and that if it doesn't work, they will do what they need to do to get it working.

spicy3480 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2010, 11:45:47 PM »

UPDATE: The shop was able to use the stock XM antenna with this head unit. There was no ugly second antenna needed on the car. The chimes sound really cool with the new axxess/metra module, and they are a bit softer which is comforting. The resolution is is great during DVD playback (used "Cars" as a test movie). I still have a lot of playing around to do with the EQ, but I have it really close to perfect...the installer also did some EQ work for me, so I had a great head start.

Also, my iPhone 4 is charging with the iPod interface, so no issues there.

elff · « **Reply #6 on:** December 29, 2010, 08:14:03 PM »

Sounds like they did a good install

Little FYI for the SKy side of the fence.
You can mount the GPS antenna behind the dash above the air vents.
Fits perfect in there and has no issues with reception.

I might have to change out to the new GMOS unit you have. The earlier units have ridiculously loud door chimes with no way to change it.

You will love the backup camera. It makes backing into parking spaces a lot easier and you can get right up to the curb and know for sure you won't hit it.

Congrats, bet it sounds awesome with all the sound deadening in the car!!

DFW Sky · « **Reply #7 on:** January 01, 2011, 08:57:58 PM »

What kind of price for the add ons (GMOS, XM, Camera?) I'm in Dallas, so the NY shop won't work for me.

spicy3480 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 02, 2011, 12:56:38 AM »

The all-in-one GMOS unit is about $200, the XM tuner is around $125, and the camera was about $75. The iPod cable was around $45.

spicy3480 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 02, 2011, 01:54:05 PM »

Update...love the navigation on this unit...it actually tells you upcoming turns about a half mile before. Sound is great for stock speakers....very clean and tight when you get the EQ and audio settings adjusted. I am very happy with this unit and would recommend it to anyone!

Carbon Sky · « **Reply #10 on:** January 02, 2011, 06:47:10 PM »

What's the power up time? I hear the major draw back of the Pioneer Avics versus comparable Alpines is that Alpines, can get up and running in 6-7 seconds, while Pioneers are all 10+.

How do you like the quality of the camera? My pops is shopping around for a new one.

Can you use the rear view camera anytime you want, or only when in reverse?

spicy3480 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 02, 2011, 07:19:38 PM »

Quote from: Carbon Sky on January 02, 2011, 06:47:10 PM

What's the power up time? I hear the major draw back of the Pioneer Avics versus comparable Alpines is that Alpines, can get up and running in 6-7 seconds, while Pioneers are all 10+.

How do you like the quality of the camera? My pops is shopping around for a new one.

Can you use the rear view camera anytime you want, or only when in reverse?

Power up time is pretty quick... don't mind it at all...I'd say between 7 and 10 seconds...but honestly I have never even thought about it being a problem...didn't even think about it until you mentioned it.

The camera is not bad...wide angle is really nice! For the money, it is worth it. I can only view it in reverse. That's how it was set up. I am fine with that. No need for it otherwise.

elff · « **Reply #12 on:** January 02, 2011, 08:22:08 PM »

U Might be able to kick it on without it being in reverse via a button.
Might have to google it.
I know the Kenwoods can automatically kick on when put into reverse and there is a button u hold for 3 seconds to enable it manually.
I have mine set to only use the button.

spicy3480 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 02, 2011, 08:30:07 PM »

Hmmm...might have to read the manual tonight for a bit LOL

Sly Bob · « **Reply #14 on:** January 03, 2011, 07:55:52 AM »

I can turn the camera on as I want with a button on the Kenwood 9960 that I have Steve. Ya' should be able to with the Pioneer as well I would think.

DickW · « **Reply #15 on:** January 03, 2011, 10:10:43 AM »

The Pioneer camera can be turned on any time you want. I don't remember exactly how I did it on the one I had. On the Pioneer you get a full screen backup camera when driving. on the Kenwood you get a split screen.

spicy3480 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 03, 2011, 10:17:29 AM »

Still trying to figure it out on the AVIC-Z120BT...I'll keep playing around with it.

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #17 on:** January 03, 2011, 12:27:50 PM »

You may have to ground the wire coming from the head unit that was designed for the parking brake. (the brake gives it a ground when pulled). My AVIC takes a few seconds for the screen to come on but the radio/ipod starts playing right away.

spicy3480 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 03, 2011, 12:49:41 PM »

Hmmm...I'll call the shop and check.

spicy3480 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 03, 2011, 01:50:36 PM »

Update: The manager said they didn't wire it to be in use during regular driving because:

1. The camera would be on all the time and severely lessen the life of it, therefore...

2. They could not warranty it based on #1. They said they could wire it to work but the camera would not be warrantied in that case.

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #20 on:** January 03, 2011, 02:15:46 PM »

I'm going to check into your options. On all the other radios I've installed, the camera still required 1 or 2 things to make it operate.
1. When the car is placed into reverse, (there is a wire from the radio tapped into the reverse wire to sense it), the camera comes on. (which requires the ground from the e-brake)
2. Is selectable through a menu.

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #21 on:** January 03, 2011, 02:25:08 PM »

Here is a link for the users manual

It's 15mb http://a248.e.akamai.net/pix.crutchfield.com/Manuals/130/130AVIC920.PDF

Page 29 of the manual

Switching the view mode, Various types of screen displays can be selected for navigation guidance.
1 Display the “Map Settings” screen. = For details, refer to Displaying the “Map Settings” screen on page 154.
2 Touch [View Mode]. The “View Mode” screen appears.
3 Touch the type that you want to set 2D, 3D, Street View or Rear View (For details, refer to Setting for rear
view camera on page 164.)

Page 164

1 Display the “System Settings” screen.
2 Touch [Back Camera]. The “Back Camera Settings” screen appears.
3 Touch [Camera] change the setting to “On”. You can only switch to “Rear View” if this setting is “On”.
4 Touch [Battery] or [GND] next to “Polarity” to select the appropriate polarity setting.

spicy3480 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 03, 2011, 04:26:40 PM »

Yea, I tried all that and it only comes on when the car is in reverse...my split view on the navigation doesn't work...just a blank screen. I think they installed it that way so the camera gets more life.

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #23 on:** January 03, 2011, 04:36:20 PM »

Steve,

You need to turn it on via instruction on page 164, then use the instrucitons on page 29 to use the screen. It should work. Anyway, if that doesn't perhaps we can fix that when you come to the meet. It's real easy to do since the wiring for the E-brake in under your center arm rest.

spicy3480 · « **Reply #24 on:** January 03, 2011, 07:30:06 PM »

I did all of that...the only thing I didn't try was setting the polarity to "GND". I have it on battery.

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Author Topic: My Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT Navigation/Head Unit Install (Read 18159 times)