Swapping 2018 Equinox 8" Headunit/Radio/Dash screen w/o navigation for 2019-2024 8" Unit with Navigation?

[Strategos]

I've got a 2018 Equinox 2.0L AWD Premier trim with the 360 surround vision from that model year but without navigation or the Bose sound system--- was hoping to find a 2019+ Equinox headunit from a wrecked car that would still work and potentially give me the newer, multi-view 360 surround vision along with built-in navigation and the newer MyLink system found starting in the 2019 model year Equinoxes. Has anyone had any experience with this type of project? I've contacted 3 different chevy dealer parts/service counters who told me that it is absolutely not possible without giving me details or reasons why, especially since the connectors are the same... I have a feeling their answer was no because they really didn't know and have no interest in trying to figure it out for me. A 4th parts department told me that unlocking headunits made it theoretically possible, and a past attempt was done on a Malibu with a similar situation but didn't work because they thought the malibu had too many missing features (i.e. base model without 360 surround trying to move to a premier trim head unit with all the trimmings, a different situation than mine). Thoughts?

Also thinking of upgrading the non-Bose sound system in addition to this.

 

[PoManNox]

As you've discovered, this is a tough one to know for sure. If programming is required, I'd think it's going to be even tougher, as the GM scan tool and software is going to balk at the vehicle's VIN#, because the vehicle wasn't built for the options you want to put on. I doubt anyone at a GM dealer level would have the ability or resources to sort that out. You'd need someone savvy with vehicle electronics and module programming.

Keep us posted.

 

[Strategos]

As you've discovered, this is a tough one to know for sure. If programming is required, I'd think it's going to be even tougher, as the GM scan tool and software is going to balk at the vehicle's VIN#, because the vehicle wasn't built for the options you want to put on. I doubt anyone at a GM dealer level would have the ability or resources to sort that out. You'd need someone savvy with vehicle electronics and module programming.

Keep us posted.

Will do, this is a project that's near and dear to my heart and if I end up going through with it I'll document every step and post it here so anybody else looking to do the same thing in the spirit of taking care of these fine machines can do so and maybe help with upcycling some of these components. Let's see if it all works out!

 

[NXR71]

MyLink is not used in the 2019 and later; it's just called "infotainment".

My 2020 Surround Vision cameras are hi-def and I don't think the cameras in the 2018 are.

I suspect it will not work. My 2020 Premier needed a lot of firmware updates to fix sound and HVAC issues. Unless all of those functions are in the head unit those pieces-parts needed for the head unit to work may not be in your car computers.

But it is an interesting project. Me, if I wanted those features, I'd sell the 2018 and buy a later model. I just checked and around here a 2020 Premier has an asking price about $4,000 more than the asking prices for a 2018.

That head looks like it's about $800 plus tax and shipping, narrowing the price difference: https://infotainment.com/shop/inter...x-mylink-iou-gps-navigation-hd-radio-upgrade/

Looks like they have a nav upgrade for the 2018: https://infotainment.com/shop/interior-accessories/infotainment-radio-upgrades/g-bdlio62-5-16gps_13/