RazorRL

I believe that the 05 tech package doesnt have: the rear veiw camera, ipod adapter, real time traffic, nav voice command and what else?
And the second question which 06 features can be added or converted to the 05. I know that camera and ipod adapter is available at acura but which other features on the 06 are readiliy available to convert an 05???

 

Chas

There was no tech package in 2005. The car was sold fully optioned, with only accessories available. My understanding is the 05 does not have the wiring available to add the rear view camera. The iPod adapter can be added, but there are aftermarket models that are better and offer more flexibility than the trouble plagued Acura MusicLink. In no particular order, Blitz, Dice, Neo Audio and USA Spec come to mind. I have the Neo Audio in my 06, and it works great, no complaints other than maybe I paid too much for the capability.

The 05 comes standard with navigation, voice recognition and real time traffic. The real time traffic is an optional service provided through XM Radio which must be purchased for $3.99 per month with the XM service.

I belieive there are no 06 features that can easily be added to an 05, but there are a number of TSBs addressing hardware and software issues with the 05s that need to be completed, and most all of those TSBs were incorporated into the 06, except perhaps some of the very earliest 06s to which some of the TSBs may apply. The big 06 differences are the options that come in the 06 Technology Package, detailed below.

In 2006, there were two models, the fully optioned base model, similar to the only available model in 2005, and the Technology Package, which added three items, ACC/CMBS/PAX. The first two items, the Adaptive Cruise Control and the Collision Mitigation Braking System are well worth the entry price. While these two items do make some modifications more difficult, every day usage of them outweigh the disadvantages. Then there is the issue of the PAX tires. The ACC/CMBS RL with the PAX tires, IMO, performs better than stock 245/50-17s. Handles and rides better, and to me are quieter. I do not know how much this has to do with PAX and how much is due to the revised rear suspension tuning. PAX cars have different rear shocks. PAX tires are roughly equivalent to 245/45-18s. I do not know of anyone that has changed out the PAX tires because the stock all seasons last a pretty long time. This is the year that most 06 Tech Package owners will face the decision to replace the PAX or to move to a new set of wheels and tires, and add the $500 worth of spare tire parts to fit into the trunk. PAX comes with no spare, and the space in the trunk has been turned into an extra storage area.

In 2007 and 2008, Acura confused things a lot by adding a base model which deletes some features, notably the navigation system, adaptive front lighting system and wood trim. The 07-08 Technology Package is actually equivalent to the 2005-06 base models with all the bells and whistles. Then the third model is the 07-08 Technology Package with ACC/CMBS/PAX which is equivalent to the 06 Technology Package.

Also unsaid, but intimated by comparing the brochures from the various years, it would appear that there have been software adjustments made to the SH-AWD in 07-08, which include an 80-20 max front/rear torque distribution to a 20-80 front/rear torque distribution. The 05-06s appear to have a 70-30 to 30-70 distribution.

In 06, the ability to add a rear view camera kit was added to both models. As I said before, my understanding is the 05s do not have the wiring available to add the rear view camera kit.

In 07-08, the cars came with an integrated mp3 port, which is a 3.5 mm jack in the center console, more compatible than just an iPod port. However, IMO, the aftermarket kits which provide both iPod charging and audio through the dock connection, as well as steering wheel control, has more advantages than the factory mp3 port in the 07-08. IMO audio feed through the headphone port of any mp3 player has some disadvantages, going through another set of amplification and volume control circuits.

RazorRL

hmm, very interesting, thanks much for the info...i thought i did hear that someone did get the 06 back up camera on the 05 via oem parts but i may have been wrong...thanks again Chas...

Chas

My understanding is that even if you have the software upgrade (WHITE NAV DVD 4.3x upwards) the 2005 RL is missing the wiring harness/switch that connects/triggers the camera on when put into reverse.

In the Acurazine forum, a poster named Qatar tried to have the 2006 switch retrofitted, and was unsuccessful for reasons I cannot recall.

In order to install a camera, my understanding is that you can use an aftermarket set up, such as the TVandNav2Go products

http://www.tvandnav2go.com/acura-tv-navigation.html

to act as the interface/switch. Using that same product or a variant of it, you should also be able to play DVDs on the nav screen.

A stero shop should be able to do the integration, because that unit only takes care of video, and you would need something to also take care of the sound. I believe you can somehow integrate the USASpec type iPod and aux in units with the video unit to get sound and an iPod connection to boot. Given enough $, you can do anything.

RazorRL

Yup, ur rite, i double checked and it was a aftermarket backup camera...it had night vision too...thanks for the imfo

Chas, where would be the best place to buy some jdm headlights?

Chas

I would see Sam at VisionaryRacing.com.

He has actually done it, plus a number of other mods to a 2006 RL. See the link at

http://rl.acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2663

The thread is long, but if you have a 2G RL, you will enjoy what he has done.

qatar

Well,
The 2005 RL is prewired and has the rear view camera harness, but the problem ins't there.
Its in the navigation unit it self which is different than 2006-2008.
Although JDM Legends have had rear view camera for years in Japan, USDM was't planned to have it ill 2006.
If you choose to install an after market rear view camera, be advised that Acura will not cover it and you might lose your navigation stsyem warranty if wired are tapped into it and it fails.
I was one of few who tried it, but didnt work.
The Ipod connection worked fine though.

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GrebRL

I've been following this thread and maybe Chas could help me with my 06 RL. What is Acura musiclink? What do I need to connect my iPod to the earplug cable I found in my center console? By the way, I have the back up camera in my 06 RL...works fine but still look out. Thanks

Chas

Interesting. The 06 RL does not have an MP3 port (a 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack) in the center console, but the 2007 forward does.

Similarly, the 06 backup camera is a dealer ad on. The distinguishing factor is the location of the camera. Assuming it is a "genuine" Acura backup camera, the 06 camera is located dead center rear where the trunk release used to be, and there is a new round button, not rectangular button trunk release about 4 inches right of center.

The 07 camera is mounted about 4 inches to the left of center, and the trunk release is a rectangular button dead center.

Both 06 and 07 display through the navi unit.

in answer to your other question, you do not need want Acura Musiclink if you have an mp3 port in your center console. You just need a double ended male 3.5mm jack. You can pay up $50 or more if you want to using premium cable. Go to any Radio Shack. Here is a cheap one.
Amazon.com: 3.5mm Stereo Male To Male Cable 3 ft.: Electronics

Otherwise, rather than musiclink, consider installing an aftermarket device, either the

Neo Car Audio iPod adaptor Neo Car Audio :: The leader in OEM integration.

USASpec iPod adaptor USA Spec

Either one works. I have the Neo. The USA is cheaper. It seems that the Neo is a rebranded USASpec.