Just installed a Kenwood DNX512EX into my 2003 S-Type and wanted to share some of my findings.
1) The color code that originates from "modifiedlife.com" is mostly incorrect (at least for my car)
Car Radio Battery Constant 12v+ Wire: Green/Black
Car Radio Accessory Switched 12v+ Wire: White/Red
Car Radio Ground Wire: Black/Green
Car Radio Illumination Wire: Blue
Car Stereo Dimmer Wire: N/A
Car Stereo Antenna Trigger Wire: N/A
Car Stereo Amp Trigger Wire: N/A
Car Stereo Amplifier Location: N/A
Car Audio Front Speakers Size: N/A
Car Audio Front Speakers Location: N/A
Left Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Orange/Green
Left Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): White/Black
Right Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Orange/Red
Right Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): White/Red
Car Audio Rear Speakers Size: N/A
Car Audio Rear Speakers Location: N/A
Left Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Orange
Left Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): White/Blue
Right Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Orange
Right Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): White
Steering Remote: White/Black
* Verified with power/grounds using a voltage meter and speakers using a C-Cell battery
** There is a Blue putting out 6V, an orange .4V, a Black/Green 2.4 that I did not use
*** I know some of the colors are the same and I did not write down pin positions so you might have to verify with a test light/voltage meter and battery but the above info should simply things

2) The Metra 99-9501B fits but the Kenwood's sleeve was too big so I had to use parts D which essentially means the Kenwood is not "securely fastened" without fabrication

3) The SWI-Jack works but as others have stated there is a slight delay but one gets use to it.

4) I simply grounded the parking brake wire to enable DVD play while the vehicle is in motion.

Dash/Center Counsel shroud is easy to remove. I ran the GPS antenna under the drivers side of the dash tucking the wire along the weathering strip along the door edge and placed the antenna right next to the A-Pillar (it is barely noticeable and works like a champ). The USB interface is in the glove and the video/audio out is routed through the center counsel.

I did not feel like spending another $30 plus dollars for a ISO adapter because I have no intent of ever putting the stock POS back in the car.

Hope this helps

 

Sounds like a successful project, any pics to show off your hard work?

 

+1, need pics asap!

 

+1
Yeah, pictures would be nice. I cooked new WINCE ROM for my Pioneer (x710BT)unit couple of days ago. Now, I don't have to worry about the system reset & losing Korean Fonts.

How's the POI search speed on Kenwood/Garmin? The standalone Garmin was pretty slow on POI search compare to iGO based NAVI units (e.g. Pioneer).

 

I have a garmin (same unit in the Kenwood Nav systems) and the POI search is pretty quick...circling out in spiral radius..smaller, then expanding outward (and it shows you 2mi, 6mi, 10mi, etc) as the POIs start popping up.

 

Here is some additional info along...
1) The Metra dash kit is not flush with the bottom row of buttons, essentially the buttons are about a 1/4" inward from the Metra.

2) The finish on the Metra is matted but it does not have the same texture so a trained eye will see the difference.

3) GPS availability time is quick even in my garage (if I get around to it I will time it and post the info)

I changed the background to a Leaper, my next project is trying to figure out if I can change the Kenwood splash screen to the Leaper

***Hmmm for the life of me I cannot figure out how to add pictures, my CP does not have the prescribed album option, if anyone knows shoot me a note.

 

Hawaii, as a new member, you must get your post count up to double digits and have 3-days under your belt. After that, you'll get full access to all forum hosted images and files, plus you'll be able to attach and start your garage entries.

Would love to see your custom wallpaper w/ the leaper...you do it yourself?

 

I cannot take credit for the leaper. I pulled it off online and the Kenwood allows upload so it was a quick but necessary change.

 

This is my splash screen on Pioneer.

 

The PAC SWI-JACK worked on my 2000 XJ8. I used the white wire, mode 9, cut violet wire and inserted a resister in it. Vol up, vol down, source, and preset up work. I did not get the seek up and mute to work like it did with the original head, but I was so glad just to get four functions working, I just let it alone.

 

Does anyone know how to upload the wall paper to a JVC head unit?