MX5 2003 Factory Fitted Sat Nav & AV Unit

[DavidFlies]

Hi there,

Advice will be much appreciated.

Two points:

1. I recently bought a 2003 1.8 Sport MX-5 with a factory fitted 'AV-Navi' Sat Nav unit. I'm finding it hard to find any information on it...and it prompts me to insert the CD software when I press the 'Nav' button - which I don't have. Can anyone provide me with any more information on it? Perhaps there is a site which can provide such software?

2. On the console itself it says it has an 'Aux'. However, there is no sign of this, even when I press the 'Open' button which reveals the CD/Tape players behind the screen. I would LOVE to find a way to reliably play my iPod through this car and I'm sure *someone* is bound to have some kind of solution which doesn't mean completely changing the unit. I'd like to keep the car completely original as it is in lovely condition.

Thanks for your help This is really bugging me...



David

Edited by DavidFlies on Monday 11th March 21:32

[Craikeybaby]

Can you post a picture of the headunit?

Are you sure it is infact OEM fit? Up until recently the navi solution in the MX-5 was to fit an aftermarket double DIN unit.

[DavidFlies]

Hi Craikeybaby,

Yes. The unit was an optional extra when originally purchased. Not many people opted for the unit because it was overly expensive.

Attached is a pic.

[DavidFlies]

...and another!



Thanks

David

[DavidFlies]

I would hate for there to be absolutely no possible way for me to listen to my ipod through my speakers. Just want to keep the car completely original without changing units etc! I'm not very clued up when it comes to connectivity.

[dxg]

Well, it has an AUX button, so there must be an aux socket somewhere for your ipod. Have you looked in the glovebox and the armrest?

[DavidFlies]

Checked in the armrest, glovebox and even in the boot. Nothing. Seriously bizarre. I've wondered whether it could be behind the entire unit itself...but that wouldn't make much sense surely?!

[Craikeybaby]

It could be behind the unit. My guess is that it is a debranded aftermarket unit, if it looks standard double DIN size. My suggestion would be to replace it with something more modern with up to date navigation and a proper iPod connection.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Partly answered here

[DavidFlies]

Thanks for the replies. Craikeybaby, although the unit is by 'Av-Navi', it was definitely a Mazda-optional extra when the model was originally sold. I've noted other owners having the same part and saying the same thing. I guess what I will do is succumb to an FM-transmitter if no connection is evident behind the unit itself. I intend to keep the car original as it is in magnificent condition.

Cheers!

[DavidFlies]

Thanks for the replies. Craikeybaby, although the unit is by 'Av-Navi', it was definitely a Mazda-optional extra when the model was originally sold. I've noted other owners having the same part and saying the same thing. I guess what I will do is succumb to an FM-transmitter if no connection is evident behind the unit itself. I intend to keep the car original as it is in magnificent condition.

Cheers!

[DavidFlies]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Partly answered here

Quite.

But as you can see from my previous post, I received no further reply. There is a wealth of knowledge on this forum so I don't see why I can't ask again - someone else is bound to see the post and potentially know!

Thanks.

[snotrag]

With respect - either have you looked on the back of the unit as I suggested?

[DavidFlies]

Not yet, no (otherwise I would have mentioned that above!). I've been wanting to hear other people's opinions first before hunting down someone who has the tools (and time) to help me take the unit out to check...

[Craikeybaby]

DavidFlies said:

Thanks for the replies. Craikeybaby, although the unit is by 'Av-Navi', it was definitely a Mazda-optional extra when the model was originally sold. I've noted other owners having the same part and saying the same thing. I guess what I will do is succumb to an FM-transmitter if no connection is evident behind the unit itself. I intend to keep the car original as it is in magnificent condition.

Cheers!

When I bought my 2011 car the navi option was a debadged Pioneer unit. FWIW Mazda won't make their head units anyway, most manufacturers don't!

If the head unit doesn't have an obvious AUX socket at the back, you might find a clue as to who made the head unit. You may be able to purchase an AUX adaptor, this is the case with the Clarion head unit in the Fiat 500 (I'm sure Mazda used to fit Clarion head units to MK1s). Personally I'd get a head unit that does what you want and if you are worried about looks/originality come sale time it is easy to swap head units back again.

[DavidFlies]

Thanks for the reply, Craikeybaby. You made a good point there. What I think I'll do is replace the entire unit with something a bit more sophisticated and up-to-date. I've seen a nice double-din JVC unit in Halfords which looks like it'll fit ( http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/... ) perfectly in my mx-5, so I might give that a go.

Unless anyone else can recommend a nice double-din?

Thanks

[LukeBird]

You could just buy a single DIN unit and stick in a cubby box in the other slot.
I did that in my Mk2.5; although the cubby box is shortly to go to be replaced by some extra dials.

[MX-5 Lazza]

LukeBird said:

You could just buy a single DIN unit and stick in a cubby box in the other slot.
I did that in my Mk2.5; although the cubby box is shortly to go to be replaced by some extra dials.

That is the best option. Double-din units tend to be lower quality for the price and unless you have sat-nav or video on it the screen size is way bigger than needed. A nice single-din with bluetooth control of the music on your mobile is the best and most practical solution.

[gd49]

DavidFlies said:

Not yet, no (otherwise I would have mentioned that above!). I've been wanting to hear other people's opinions first before hunting down someone who has the tools (and time) to help me take the unit out to check...

Its very easy to get the head unit out. I have virtually no technical skills whatsoever and managed it ok, you need some head unit removing tools which cost less than £10 from Halfords. If you google MX-5 head unit removal guides you can find step by step guides with photos. If you get the unit out, even if you're not sure what the connections at the back are, if you uploads some photos here I'm sure someone can identify them.

[DavidFlies]

gd49 said:

Its very easy to get the head unit out. I have virtually no technical skills whatsoever and managed it ok, you need some head unit removing tools which cost less than £10 from Halfords. If you google MX-5 head unit removal guides you can find step by step guides with photos. If you get the unit out, even if you're not sure what the connections at the back are, if you uploads some photos here I'm sure someone can identify them.

Thanks! Photos have been uploaded. Scroll up ;-) Couldn't see any connections for the tools.