Ok, Auto Board - I've got a tough one for you:

2013 Honda Pilot EX-L with Navigation
I want to replace the stock head unit with a basic Apple CarPlay unit.

The problem is, the display for the radio controls are all on the Nav screen in the top of the dash. The A/C controls are integrated with the radio display. The knob to control the radio is all the way at the bottom of the panel, below the A/C controls.

I'm probably not explaining it well, so please just see the pictures.

I've been all over the interwebs and it doesn't seem like there are any good options out there for these cars. At this point I don't even care if the steering wheel controls carry over to the new head unit.

Anyone have any ideas that don't involve spending $1k-$2k for a professional shop to do a custom overhaul?


TIA

theres a company called NAVtool that allows you to get carplay etc without much fuss.

Its like 500 bucks though...

I did find this link.

dubi said:

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I did find this link.

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OP has the baller EX-L with factory Nav. That link is a guy that has a peasant LX that wants nav.

To music via bluetooth connection or what?

Currently you can connect via Bluetooth for music and calls but it's extremely spotty. There's a serious delay on music. For example, if you play a YouTube video the audio playing on your speakers is 8-10 seconds behind the video. Also, if you are just playing music and you click to pause, it takes several seconds for it to pause on your speakers.

For calls, everything is ok until it starts spazzing out. Sometimes it will randomly hang up on calls, sometimes it freezes and won't let you answer a call, sometimes it randomly activates Siri.

Overall, the Bluetooth experience is hot garbage.

Has it always been that way or just recently?

Think it's just old bluetooth speed or did something go bad in your receiver?

You know it is bad when Crutchfield says this..."We don't recommend replacing the radio in your vehicle."

tsuag10 said:

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Also, if you are just playing music and you click to pause, it takes several seconds for it to pause on your speakers.

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My 2015 Odyssey does the same with Bluetooth streaming audio. Guessing it's specific to Hondas at least in that era.

Older Honda's and Acura's can get buggy with phone calls over Bluetooth in my experience. Now, I'm not sure if that is phone or vehicle related.

I think the Bluetooth issue might be a little of both. When we first got the car, it wasn't really an issue. I think we noticed a significant change after one of the iPhone software updates; or maybe even a new phone. I can't remember exactly when, but it seems like it's gotten "buggier" ever since.

Honda has an idiotic penchant for custom audio integrated into the dash that are nearly impossible to upgrade. So stupid and annoying.