As all of you with the factory Navigation system know, a lot of the functions of the system are locked out while driving. Looking for a way around this I read about tips and tricks of what wires to cut and what switches to install. Not wanting to go this route of cutting into my expensive system, I kept on looking for less destructive and more plug and play option.
Last year I found a company,
Prestigious Society, that offered just that, a "Navigation and video enhancement module". At that time the module was only available for Lexus and Toyota cars but they were working on one for Nissan and Infiniti cars as well. I stayed in touch with them and when they released their module for the 370Z a few weeks ago, I was their first customer. As such I was their "Beta" tester for the 370Z module and I helped them out by giving feedback and taking pictures during the install, which they will use in their product manual.
I installed the module this weekend and it was as they said, plug and play. It basically is a little box with wiring harness that plugs in between the back of the Nav system and the existing wiring harness. So you will need to take the NAV system out in order to install the module, however, there is no cutting involved. From the module you run a wire with switch that you can place anywhere on the dash. I placed the switch on the right hand side of the stereo/AC control panel, between the Volume and Fan Speed control knobs. You push the switch to get access to the locked out functions while driving.
The lock out deactivation remains active for 5 minutes, after that it switches back automatically. Or you can choose to switch it on and of yourself.
The product itself looks like a quality piece to me and during my first few test drives it functions flawlessly. So I can recommend it to anyone that wants to access those locked functions while driving, but who does not want to cut into their factory system.
And in case somebody is wondering, I am in no way affiliated to the company, I just think they offer a product that is interesting for my fellow 370Z with Nav owners.
I did however advice the company to become a forum sponsor and they intend to do so once their module for the 2010 370's is done (will be done in the next few weeks)
And a final note, unfortunately I will not be able to post pictures of the install and write a detailed DIY, as I had to hand over the pics to the supplier. (as part of the Beta tester deal). But there already are other DIY's describing how to disassemble the dash and take out the stereo, so that should give you guys an idea of the work involved. It took me about 1.5 hours, including taking pictures.