Has anyone with a navigation system tinted their rear window and found that it affects the sattelite reception of the GPS receiver?

I recently had my dealer install all of my dealer installed accessories (MP3, e-brake, strakes, etc) and I also had them tint the windows. Ever since then I've had a perceived loss of GPS reception. I simply don't see the "GPS" indication on the display as much as I used to.

I'm concerned that either the tint installer damaged the antenna element in the window or it is having an adverse reaction to having the tint applied to it.

The obvious question that comes to mind is does the tint have a metallic component to it and unfortunately I don't know the answer to that question. I'm going to get the tint details from the dealer when I pick up my plates later in the week.

I have nav and tint and no problems

I think this has been discussed before

I'd swear when I did the search it came back blank. Perhaps I was only searching the A&E forum instead of the whole site. Live and learn I guess.

I guess it's time to find out if the dealer's tint installer damaged anything. Can anyone confirm the location of the GPS antenna? Another thread suggests that it is located under the rear window deck but all I can find is my Bose amplifier and rear speakers.

no problems here either

I have the nav system and did an aftermarket tint job. No problems with my nav either. I believe I heard the antennae is in the rear window.

Originally posted by Pavehawk
Has anyone with a navigation system tinted their rear window and found that it affects the sattelite reception of the GPS receiver?

I recently had my dealer install all of my dealer installed accessories (MP3, e-brake, strakes, etc) and I also had them tint the windows. Ever since then I've had a perceived loss of GPS reception. I simply don't see the "GPS" indication on the display as much as I used to.

I'm concerned that either the tint installer damaged the antenna element in the window or it is having an adverse reaction to having the tint applied to it.

The obvious question that comes to mind is does the tint have a metallic component to it and unfortunately I don't know the answer to that question. I'm going to get the tint details from the dealer when I pick up my plates later in the week.

The problem is that your window tint film is probably a metallized film. That's good as far as tint quality is concerned, but bad as far as GPS is concerned. It interferes with the reception of GPS nav systems as well as GM Onstar. I run a shop that does tintin in Ohio. We won't use metallized film on certain vehicles that the interference has been known to occur on.

Since way back it's been discussed that the GPS antenna is in the roof (somewhere aft of the sunroof hole). Still could be getting interference from the tint, though, I guess. MDW3x5 knows more about that than I.

Seems even the dealer couldn't give me a straight answer on the location of the antenna. I got three different possibilities from them.

The first was in the front dash/window area. I think she thought the nifty little "button" on the passenger side was it.

The second was that it could be in the window.

The third was that it was under the window in the rear window deck.

I've got two things I need to do yet.

I found the more detailed GPS status screen (3 up, 3 down, 2 up) that shows signal strengths instead of the simple boolean that the other info screen (2 up, 2 down) shows. I would love to compare my values with an untinted vehicle's values to see how far off they are under similar circumstances. Ideally this would be another car located next to mine. Otherwise I need to establish a set of similar conditions like an open parking lot on a clear day with the car facing north. (Any volunteers, Austin or otherwise?)

The second is to call the dealer's tint installer and ask him about the type/brand of the tint and the metal content.

I don't suppose the navigation system is covered in the wiring diagrams or shop manuals is it?

I am having problems with my navigation now that I have added tint. It seems that is shifts off a bit and the pathing is off randomly.

After replacing the rear window tint with a non-metallic film the GPS reception is back to normal.

Originally posted by Pavehawk
After replacing the rear window tint with a non-metallic film the GPS reception is back to normal.

Good to know... thanks for updating the thread- I plan on getting tint in the next couple weeks.

I know it's been a couple weeks, but I finally spent some quality time with the shop manual tonight. I had read on the forum a few times that the GPS antenna was somewhere in the roof, but that just didn't make sense to me. I have verified the antenna is actually mounted in the center of the rear deck, which would explain why metallic tint on the rear window would directly affect GPS reception.

Another update- I was scheduled to get my windows tinted this morning with a local place. I told them on the phone I needed the non-metallized tint because of the Nav and they said no problem... well I get there and all they have are 5% and 20% in non-metallized. There's no way I can get away with 20% on my fronts in Illinois, so they tried to tell me the metallized only had a 'little' metal content. I took a sample piece of it and laid it across the black plastic cover on the rear deck between the speakers, and instantly the GPS icon on my nav screen disappeared... and when I removed it, and instantly it came back. I was shocked it was that night and day- I expected an intermittant signal at worst.

Needless to say I left without getting their tint. I found a place close to my work that carries Madico CharCool non-metallized tint specifically for cars with GPS and integrated antennas on the rear window, and their installed claimed to have used this on an RX8 last week with the Nav system with no problems.

I just had my 8 tinted with 15% on the rear windows and 30% up front. I was told I would completely lose AM reception, but it's still perfect.
They used Llumar titanium metalized film on my windows.

I would assume that ceramic tint does not affect the Nav reception?

Originally posted by Boozehound
I would assume that ceramic tint does not affect the Nav reception?

That's what I've read... I haven't seen anyone carrying it around here though.

I think I'm going to have my whole car redone. When I had the metallic film removed it was only removed from the back window. The sides are still metallic film. It's not that noticable now but I think it's going to become an issue later on in the car's life as the two tints differ in aging characteristics.

I'm also not satisfied with the installation of the replacement tint on the rear window. It looks like they were rushed to complete the work as there's much more air trapped around the outside edge of the window masking. There's also lint particles from the towel used to clean the window trapped under the film. They had the car long enough to do a quality job. I also think the new film isn't as dark as the original film. It could just be the difference between the metallic and non-metallic though they way he explained it the percentages were supposed to be the same.

I'm tempted to take it back and ask them to fix it hoping that the third time's the charm. The first tint job, other than being metallic, was excellent. The work done to replace the rear window film just seems rushed since no money changed hands.

I'm leaning more towards just finding another tint shop here in town to do the work.

The place I went to this morning offered to do metallic on the fronts and non-metallic on the rear... I asked him how noticeable it would be. He said it would be a little, but as time went on the rear would fade faster. I asked if he would do it to his own car, and his answer was 'no'...

I don't have nav,and if I ever listen to AM,somebody slap me.
(Lol! I don't listen to the radio-why bother with 20x 8 hr. mp3 discs in the cockpit?)
My 50% (legal in ME) metallic tint goes in next week.
All 'high end' tint is metallic,and cheaper film won't block uVa and uVb nearly as well as the metallic,reflective or not.

Delphi Portable Mobile Navigation GPS Unit
Brand/Model: DPI NA1000011B1:
http://www.shopharmony.com/product.asp?file=cnet&i=NA1000011B1
at $599.00 not a bad deal at ALL.....

Originally posted by Preacher
I don't have nav,and if I ever listen to AM,somebody slap me.
(Lol! I don't listen to the radio-why bother with 20x 8 hr. mp3 discs in the cockpit?)
My 50% (legal in ME) metallic tint goes in next week.
All 'high end' tint is metallic,and cheaper film won't block uVa and uVb nearly as well as the metallic,reflective or not.

Delphi Portable Mobile Navigation GPS Unit
Brand/Model: DPI NA1000011B1:
http://www.shopharmony.com/product.asp?file=cnet&i=NA1000011B1
at $599.00 not a bad deal at ALL.....

Really 'high-end' tint seems to be the ceramic stuff. Between the my cell and Nav, I'll be avoiding the metallized tint. If you do go with an aftermarket Nav with the metallic stuff, you'll need to position the GPS antenna on the dash (which is where most of the factory Nav systems in other vehicles are apparently).

I originally considered adding in an aftermarket Nav system, but after I read about the way the factory system ties into the vehicle's speed sensors, gyros, steering wheel angle sensor, etc. for dead-reckoning, I decided it was worth the extra $$.

Happily,I'm good with a map :D
The portable systems aren't gonna' be as comprehensive in relation to your car as an OEM unit,but for $600 I'd prefer the portability instead of $2000+ for the fixed unit.
The GPS unit specified's antenna would be pointing through the windshield.
As to 'ceramic tint',I've not heard of it,sounds interesting.

ceramic tint:
http://www.automalltintfactory.com/270511.html

Am calling tomorrow to see what's up with this stuff.

:)

Originally posted by Preacher
ceramic tint:
http://www.automalltintfactory.com/270511.html

Am calling tomorrow to see what's up with this stuff.

:)

Yeah- Hüper Optik is supposed to be the best. It runs about $100 or more higher, but if it should last forever.

I left a message with my customisers.

Oh,well,what's another $100,eh? :rollseyesandsighs:

The best costs,but sometimes it hurts (that's gonna'' be a $300+ tint job,arrrrgh!!)

I'll post details tomorrow when I get 'em,I promise.
(Believe me,I'm DYIN' to know how bad I'm gonna' get hit for this upgrade!)

Originally posted by Preacher
I left a message with my customisers.

Oh,well,what's another $100,eh? :rollseyesandsighs:

The best costs,but sometimes it hurts (that's gonna'' be a $300+ tint job,arrrrgh!!)

I'll post details tomorrow when I get 'em,I promise.
(Believe me,I'm DYIN' to know how bad I'm gonna' get hit for this upgrade!)

Ceramic it WILL be,however,whatever the cost.

Cool- let us know. I've seen quotes as high as $400 for all five windows on the '8 for the ceramic. Prices seem to be very regional though for tint in general- when I was in So Florida, 5 window tint jobs were $150, but in this area (chicago) all my quotes have been $250 for decent quality tint.

My original quote for highest-end metal film was $225,in Maine.
In FL,where I used to live,the same'd be about $120.
Ceramic sounds to be the ONLY choice,given the internal antennae of the 8s.My cel reception in any car sucks bad enough already,no way I'm going to degrade my signal any more,and I will not get a conventional external cel antenna,they don't strike me as attractive,though if I get any spare change eventually I'll try and find a powered,low-key euro model.

150 more for HO here..
I didnt bother. It doesnt look dark enough to me and that's part of what I got the windows tinted for, the look.

H.O. Tint goes up to 50%,I checked.That's legal max in Maine,anywayzzzzzz.....now,to tie it all up tomorrow,I'll post the (OUCH! OUCH!) cost,too.
(insert wistful sigh here)

My tech says it hasn't been/won't be a problem w/the HQ metal-based tint,so I'll go with that and if there's any issue in the future,they'll replace it w/out issue.
I don't have nav,and cel reception,he assures me,won't be affected.

Alright, I've done my requisite searching and only found one picture. Are there any pics out there of 8s with Heuper Optik ceramic tint installed? I know what the Llumar looks like (last 2 cars), but after I conduct my own "test" like Pavehawk, it's decision time this Sat. I got quoted $300 for Hueper Optik in Houston and $150 for Llumar titanium, so I think it might have to be the more expensive pending emperical results...

So let's see some pics!!!

I know HO does 30/40/50% tints,from the link in my previous post.Finding a distributor in the NE might be a bitch,we have nasty tint laws up 'north and tint biz' are rare.

30 looks acceptible. I had 25 & 35 on my last 2 cars, so it'll probably work. Just lookin' for pics of an 8 with H.O. now...

Here's a photo my RX-8 with Huper Optik 40 tint. It did not interfere with the NAV system or radio reception at all. I think I would have preferred the tint be a little darker here in Florida.

--SL01

Are your front windows tinted? The back and the rear side glass both look dark, but the front side windows look pretty light.

Originally posted by Boozehound
Are your front windows tinted? The back and the rear side glass both look dark, but the front side windows look pretty light.

Yes, Huper 40 on all windows but the windshield. The front looks lighter because you're seeing through to the windshield. The other windows look darker because the interior is dark and/or you're seeing through to another tinted window.

--SL01

I have a quote of $425 for HO tint in Maryland (just outside of DC). The problem is, there are very few HO certified installers in any one area. They have territories. So there is no competition. That makes barganing tough.

I'm also thinking of having the sunroof lightly tinted too. That would help to keep the UV and IR out. The ceramic tints have fabulous UV and IR rejection specs. They quoted me $68 for the sunroof, but I think they pulled the number out of their collective asses. I'll offer them $450 for everything, and that is still being generous.

I did the same test that Pavehawk did with the llumar titanium. I had a relatively small piece and laid it across the package tray and - blammo - the GPS signal was gone. I didn't go to the screen with the diff't satellites to see exactly what was going on, but I'm convinced enough that I'm going with the ceramic if I can get it. Right now I'm in the middle of finding someone to get it done here in Houston - apparantly the buy-in is pretty steep for installers (~1500), so if you don't have a bunch of people who want it or know about it, you're stuck with a big loss.

So far it looks like Hüper Optik and Madico CharCool are the only two alternatives if you have the navi... anyone know how good the CharCool tint is? I don't want purple crap in my car :(

Originally posted by Boozehound
I'm going with the ceramic if I can get it. Right now I'm in the middle of finding someone to get it done here in Houston - apparantly the buy-in is pretty steep for installers (~1500), so if you don't have a bunch of people who want it or know about it, you're stuck with a big loss.

I would think you should have no problem finding a Huper Optik installer in your area. They are headquartered in Houston.

Go to their website. You can ask for installers in your local area. I found there was only one locally, so there was no bargaining on price...but it is greate stuff.

Okay. I'm back from the tint place.

I went to Window Tint America here in Clearwater FL.

I had their recommended Solar Guard Grey tint installed - 18%

I was worried about GPS reception, but it worked fine. No GPS signal loss. AM/FM also works great.

They are highly recommended!

It was $140 installed.

Now to bring this thread back from the dead...

I just put on HO 30 all the way around yesterday. It looks fantastic and if the sun ever shines again here, I can report on how much heat is rejected.

One disconcerting bit - I have the factory nav system, and after my tint was installed, there is a noticable downtick in GPS reception. This is from viewing the backdoor satellite strength menu and by watching the 'GPS' icon turn on and go off periodically. The car still tracks very well (no flubs yet) on the maps (probably due to the quality of dead reckoning), but I'm worried that it's going to degrade if I get anything in the way of sky obstructions. Maybe it'll get better as it dries (doubtful), but just a warning to those looking at HO - it may not be invisible to your GPS system and radar detector as I (and many others) assumed.

If someone can point me to a claim by HO that their tint shouldn't effect the nav this way, let me know - it may be useful in the future...

SL01 - - - where in the Orlando area did you have yours installed?

I went w Titanium instead of ceramic and have had no interference w radio or radar(no nav) to date.

Originally posted by RAM
SL01 - - - where in the Orlando area did you have yours installed?

Class on Glass -- near I-4 & OBT. They did a very good job.

--SL01

Originally posted by Preacher
I went w Titanium instead of ceramic and have had no interference w radio or radar(no nav) to date.

The titanium film that was on my rear window was the culprit in my GPS reception problems. For those that have the factory navigation system, metalic films should be avoided. If you have concerns about a specific film I would suggest having the installer take a small sheet of the film and lay it on top of the rear package deck while monitoring the GPS info in the hidden menus. I don't know exactly where the antenna is but I suspect it's in the center of the deck between the two rear speakers.

Pavehawk's right - I've looked through the manual and it's located in the center of the package tray if not slightly to the driver's side. If anyone's interested in getting to it to see what's up (that may be me in a few days), you take out the rear seats, side sills, upper and lower rear trim pieces, and then the package tray. I'm wondering what I can do to gain better reception without replacing the uber-expensive ceramic on the back glass. All suggestions appreciated...

Having never seen the antenna I can only assume it's a small flat patch style antenna mounted horizontally under the package deck. Given the amount of things to be removed I'm not sure I want to go looking for it.

I have seen, with increasing frequency, small circular antennas and fin antennas on different vehicles which I can only assume are for XM or Sirrius radio service. It should be possible to purchase a replacement antenna that could be located on the trunk lid. In fact this location could give you better forward sky visibility than the current location.

I've also seen small antennas that aren't much bigger than a few 50 cent pieces stacked up placed on the front dash. I can only assume that Mazda chose the back of the car instead of the front because of potential RF interference with the TPMS.