Gen2 Acura RDX Gets Android Auto & Apple Car Play ++++

People ask on forums and in Facebook groups whether Android Auto and/or Apple Car Play can be added to the Generation 2 Acura RDX (2013-2018).
The Answer is yes!! You can also add cameras all around the car and (my favorite) phone screen mirroring.
You'll need some parts and some patience along with the willingness to remove the stock radio in the car (just for awhile) to plug in a harness or two. If you're up for that then here's what you'll need (and what the video shows).
NavTool Module For Gen2 RDX: www.navtool.co... (Note: there are several, all with different capabilities)
A USB cable (with type A connector on one end, the other appropriate to your phone: amzn.to/2ZwA98p (for connecting your phone to the NavTool module for Android Auto or Apple Car Play and for programming the module)
Optional: ActionTec Screen Beam Mini: amzn.to/3kepyH1 (Plugs into the HDMI port of the NavTool module. It allows wireless screen mirroring from your Android phone..IOS devices need a special wired interface.)
Optional: A short extension HDMI cable: amzn.to/2ZwssiM (Goes between ActionTec Screen Beam and the NavTool module. It helps you pack parts more efficiently into the fairly small space available)
Optional: A Front Camera if you want that capability: amzn.to/2FcN7l1 (Makes parking perfect every time) Note: I've posted a separate video showing the front camera installation on the RDX here: • Add a Front Parking Ca... . That video will be handy for anyone who 'only' wants a front facing camera.
In this video you'll notice one app that shows up a lot (with my address blurred at the top). That's "Car Home Ultra", an incredible piece of software that lets you load 'any' software on your phone into it (unlike Carplay and AA which severely restrict outside apps). Even if you don't do this project, check "Car Home Ultra" out. It's worth having on your phone if only to make your drive a bit more enjoyable.
If you've already watched the video you've seen the installation is simple but I had to jump through some hoops on my way to success.
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The NavTool module came without instructions except a slip of paper noting the harness has changed and it's no longer necessary to connect a cable to the upper screen. Great, wonderful, marvelous! Except....There's no indication 'where' those two black data cables now connect. Here's the path to success:
1. Disconnect the appropriate connector (should be square and white) from the back of the radio and replace it with the male plug from one of the (2) digital cables supplied by NavTool.
2. Connect the factory connector that you unplugged from the radio to the female end of the second digital cable.
3. The cable you've attached to the factory connector now plugs into the 'inner' socket of the NavTool module. The other end of the cable you plugged into the back of the radio goes to the 'outer' socket of the NavTool module.
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The video does not show the setup of the NavTool module which arrives un-programmed. You download free software (link below) from the company, plug your module into your PC with a USB cable and follow the prompts while you're comfy in your lounge chair. I'd like to say it couldn't be simpler but I ran into a glitch. The software updated the module to the RDX program just fine but refused to save the front camera as an option. As a result, the system wouldn't see my front camera at all.
SOLUTION: I plugged the module into the car with camera and other items plugged in then connected the module to my laptop. I ran the Configurator with the RDX running (car power to the module). After that the front camera option stayed checked and the camera worked fine. So I strongly suggest if you do this install, leave the module where you can get to it for future updates. Here's a link to the NavTool Configurator software: github.com/ovs...
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And finally, huge thanks to my son Shane for doing all the heavy lifting while dad mostly waved a camera around for this video.