First post, I miss being a part of car forums.

Anyway, I used to be way into car studio back in the day, and since doing my GF's system, I'm kind of getting the bug to do my own. So, I just need to do a little prep and research first.

I got my 03S slightly used, and never was quite sure if the Alpine Nav that was installed was factory or not. The model is NVE-N852AT, and the brain is under the driver seat. Was this factory installed?

The only way I've ever used is to hit "ok" when the car is started and let it follow me. I think there was something wrong with the brake cable connection, as the system thinks I'm never parked, so I never used the system to it's potential. Now that I think about it, my driving lights interaction with the brake cable status is pretty volatile also.

Anyway, If I remove the factory head unit, am I going to lose any functionality that I currently have? I assume, I'll only lose audio functionality, which I'm not even using anyway. Thanks guys!

 

If your dash has a built-in Nav screen (not a large center speedo) and you have dual speedo+tach gauges over the steering column, then you have the factory Nav. You can replace the headunit and not lose any functionality except for the Nav voice, which you said you don't use.

Replacing the headunit is a little more involved if your car has the Harman Kardon stereo upgrade (you have it if the speaker grill covers are marked with "Harman Kardon").

 

Ah, I guess this isn't factory then. I have the regular setup with the LCD mounted under the window switches. Maybe they were too lazy to setup the brake sensor then. Thanks!