Okay guys, I've never even upgraded any HU before, but I broke down and got the Kenwood DDX-7015 with the nav unit KNA-DV3100 for a steal (I think) on ebay.

Sorry, I'm not gonna even tackle this myself. Just don't have the time to learn on my brand new car and don't want to f things up.

So my question is, do I need to get a trim to mount this, or should my install shop have all that stuff available? Do I need to get the harness and steering wheel control module, or again, should the shop most likely have that? If I need to get it myself, any recommendations? I really know nothing about this stuff.

 

I got a trim kit and it made a big difference. Not Skoshe, but the Metra brand. Not sure about the steering wheel controls but any reputable shop will have the wiring harness adapter for sure.

I HIGHLY recommend that no matter who you take it to, tell them you want the face to be flush with the console. If they are any good, they will know exactly what you mean and what to do.

When I did mine, I took a friend's advice and drilled new holes in the factory brackets, about 3/8" back from the originals and this got rid of the lip that after market installs sometimes have. Note, doing this meant I only had 3 holes left for the mounting screws instead of 4, because of the way the factory bracket is formed but it's all good, still a good solid and tight mounting.

 

I would suggest going with the Metra dash kit. You mentioned "Brand New Car", so I assume its an 07. Make sure the dash kit is for that year,,,,for the Metra kits are different for 03-05 years and 06 and up years.

You will need a wiring harness for your factory connections,,,You will want the "PAC" SWI,,(if I remembered correctly) Adapt. to maintain your steering wheel controls.

If the shop that does the install doesen't have the things needed,,,I would suggest calling Crutchfield,,,explain the type/year of car you have,,,,equipment you want/or having installed. They have fast shipping and very good customer service.

 

Wow, thanks a lot for the info. This all confirms what I was thinking. Yes, it's an '07 and I have seen how the metra kit is different for '06 and up.

Anyone have experience with the steering wheel controls? The PAC-SWIX for Kenwood. Was not impressed with the reviews on crutchfield. People complaining mostly about the PIA install, but also about delay and inconsistent performance??

 

Anyone have experience with the steering wheel controls? The reviews on Crutchfield sound so/so, and these are expensive units not to mention sounds like a PIA install.

Anyone know if the DDX 7015 has a wired remote for the PAC-SWI-JACK or would I need the IR version (PAC-SWIX).

Thanks