I want to tint my windows, but remeber it being said that the tint used these days will reflect my signal. Is it possible to get a different type of tint. I would rather have my NAV than my tint...but both would be great.

 

There are color-stable lifetime warranty films available now that are non-metallized and will not affect radio signals or navigation. But i've tinted several vehicles with metallized film that had nav and never had a problem. If it's enough of a concern for you....just use a non-metal film. The only difference will be that it won't block as much heat as the metallized ones.

 

do a search there are recommendations average prices of non-metallic ones...I've read mulptiple times that the NAV signal is weakened by metallic tinting too...especially with the design of our car...good luck I'll be tinting in the spring

 

my tint didn't affect my nav signal but i did hear stuff from other people about it.

 

I had my windows tinted with non-metallic film last week, to the North Carolina legal limit of 35% light transmission. The tint was called "smoke" (dark gray), and looks great. It cost me $170.

 

Metallic films will affect RX-8 navigation system performance. Trust me, I learned the hard way.

The GPS receiver antenna is located in the rear package deck, beneath the plastic trim between the rear audio speakers. A metal film on the window doesn't prevent the navigation system from working but it spends more time doing dead reckoning using the gyro, wheel speed sensors, and the map matching features of the system. If the area you drive in hasn't had major road construction, you're not likely to notice it that much. If there has been construction, then you're going to spend a lot of time manually updating the car's position. The "GPS" indicator on the display will be off more than it is on.

If you have the factory navigation system I strongly encourage you to use a non-metallic film when you have you car tinted. As a final test of the tint, I believe another owner actually had them lay the film (or a small piece) in the back window deck over the area where the antenna was. If you don't see the "GPS" indicator I'd find a new tint. If you're inclined to access the GPS sattelite sky view that contains signal levels, you'll get a better idea of how much the tint affects reception levels.

 

How would I go about this if you dont mind me asking?

 

Yes that is right, metallic base tint will cause problems with your navi I just had mine changed and my navi works fine now.

 

I believe you need to open the info page, move the joystick forward 3 times, backward 3 times, and then forward again twice. It's been a while since I've needed to do this so I'm a little rusty. Search the forums for "back door" or find one of the many threads I've contributed to about window tint and GPS reception. I'm certain I've spelled out the exact steps previously.

 

I used a ceramic 30% and it does not effect my NAV

 

Will the darkness affect it as well? i.e. If I get limo (5%)...or is it just the metal that is the problem...not the level of actual tint.

 

Just the metal