Nav in a 99?
 

I'm wondering if an INR (non-touch-scrreen) DVD nav system out of an '03+ Rendezvous will work in a 99 Alero. The main plug on the back appears to be the same as the harness in the Alero, but there also looks to be two additional plugs on the back. I'm guessing one is for the GPS antenna, and the other may be for the data link, but that's nothing more than a guess on my part.

gotta ask clifford on this one.... he pulled one out of a newer car and his worked fine. you just need to get the other wires for the connection somewhere.

i could be wrong though

While the plug *looks* the same, it isn't. It's still a Delphi Micro-Pack 100 series connector, however the '99 -'00 has a 32 pin connector and the '01-'04 has a 24 pin connector.

It wouldn't be a huge deal to switch it over. You would just need to swap out (re-pin) for the 24 pin connector, and add a Class 2 data bus wire. You should add a VSS wire to make the map move smoother on the screen and be a bit more accurate, but I haven't even hooked up mine yet.

The INR would probably fit the dash bezel a little better than the TNR that I have.

The larger 12 pin plug is for things like VSS Signal, XM, CD Changer, Onstar, etc... You may or may not use it. The only factory use for this in an Alero is for XM.

The small green square plug is the one for the GPS antenna.

^^ How hard is it to switch it over, what has to be done?

A couple hours at most if you know what you're doing.

The only big mystery is if the '99-'00 will send the correct signal over the data bus to tell it to turn on. I'm pretty sure it will, but haven't verified it yet.

OK

I like your setup a lot and been looking for one. I just don't want to spend $700 on a hunch ;)

They actually seem to be going down in price. It's just harder finding the Rendezvous one that matches the backlighting. If you get any of the other ones (with worn off buttons, etc..) you can get a replacement face kit that will have the right backlighting.

I think you're right about it possibly fitting the bezel better. It certainly looks that way anyway. I may give this a try. Thanks for the input Cliff.

Really? The face is the color lighting?

Yeah, I never got any pics of it apart, but all the buttons, etc.. are contained in the faceplate.

OK kool!!

I did find a 32 pin from a 04 Devillie (sp) and I know I have a 32 pin right now, but the CD player seems to be only the remote 6 disc changer.

Is this a direct swap, or close to one?

That would definitely be more work than it's worth to make it work. That's a denso nav and it sucks (same one in the XLR). It wouldn't have the olds logo in it either, it has to be a Delphi.

OK thanks for the info.

I know nothing about this stuff ;)

The rendezvous specific one will have "GMT257" on the label. The "GMT800" ones have white backlighting.

hey cliff.. gotta question.. on the fact of this... i wouldn't mind doing this to my 01 alero with the monsoon system... any input or info ? on how to and where to get everything

All you would really need is the navigation unit, either a TNR (touch screen) or INR (not touch screen), preferably from a Buick Rendezvous. The GPS antenna, and a navigation disc. It may require a little trimming to fit (the TNR), but nothing too major.