Would like to know if anyone has hooked up their Garmin Nuvi to the factory gps antenna? If so, what cable connection did you use? Thanks..

 

As far as I can figure out (from looking at wiring diagrams) the good news is that the GPS antenna should be there.

The bad news is that it's only available at the back end of the radio, which is an amazing PITA to access!

There are also connectors (of sorts) at the antenna itself, which requires you to loosen the headliner (a simple matter of removing C, B, A pillar covers, side handle, side visor, and I must have forgotten something else that must be removed). The last time I investigated that area, I used a lot of my "special words."

I keep hoping for a simple answer on this one (that doesn't involve parting with a lot of money).

 

Well thank you for a reply, finally. Guess I'll be using another antenna instead of trying to use that one. Thanks again.

 

LOL, special words, LOL

 

I don't have a 'NAV' MINI, but I believe that the actual GPS Receiver unit is installed inside the access panel on right sidewall of boot area.

Robin Casady's MINI is 'NAV' equipped and he has posted many detailed photos of the rear area opened up for his modifications on this board.

I would study those photos to see if you can spot it.

I have just noticed a plug and some wire inside that panel which look like they would connect to a GPS unit.

If you can locate the GPS Antenna lead, you then have the problem of if it is an active or passive Antenna, I have two different GPS Portable receivers and the antennas are not interchangable. (Garmin & II Morrow/UPSAT Apollo).

The MINI's NUVI Kit connects (probably just for DC Power) to a plug located above the steering column, but think that the NUVI gets its Satellite signals with its own built-in antenna.
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Below is one of the photos I was referring to:
On the photo, you can at least see the wire bundle that comes down from the MINI's Antenna location
and the light color box just in front of the seat back latch may be the GPS Receiver.

 

I know this is an ancient thread, but wanted to bump to see if anyone had more info. My Nuvi doesn't seem to get very good satellite reception in the MINI, unless I stick it wayyy forward on the dash