Tinting Front Windows

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

It seems really popular to add tinting to the front Driver/passenger windows. The manual indicates that adding tint will REDUCE the reception signal of the GMS system (and by implication could include the FM reception). While it may not prevent those things from working - a reduction will be felt if a weak signal is all that's available from your location.

I decided to NOT add tinting as a result of this information.

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I have NAV and tinted front glass and have never had any problem at all. Have had it since early March. That said, if you are concerned then don't do by all means. Could be a few others will chime in on their experience. As far as FM, I cannot speak to that as I use XM all the time. I does not bother that but reception is from above the windshield so It would not. I believe the NAV is located there also so I do not see how it would be changed but the FM is a possible problem. I just don't know. reception comes from all sides so it could be it might be degraded.

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Where are you located, 2BRidgeLineGuy? Here in south florida I'd be willing to take the risk of poor reception just to keep a little cooler on those hot sunny days. 8)

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I checked my FM on a 300 mile trim this week and could not see any problem with reception. So--it doesn't hurt my NAV and I can see not problem with FM. Reception should be the same everywhere as these are satellites 23.000 miles up. only way you could have low signal is if you were under a lot of dense trees which happened to me in Yosemite in a rental car with my Garmin 2610 and no tint. I agree with you 2006, it is so much cooler and the privacy is well worth it. I would like to see a few more folks experience with this.

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I'm going to take a stab and guess the antenna for the NAV is located near the rear of the roof - just like the radio antenna. As such, I don't see how tinting windows could affect either the radio or NAV. Some of the older window tint was metalized and if you had an antenna in the glass - PERHAPS it might degrade the reception.

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The only way I can see the tint affecting signal is if a) the tint had a metallic base and b) the antenna were on the inside of the car. Since the antenna for the XM and GPS are on the roof, there is no way a window tint can affect the signal. Some FM radiows have window antennas and could be affected by metallic tint, but I don't see that as likely for the Ridgeline with Nav. I think you are probably reading some standard disclaimer in the book to absolve Honda of any responsibility if you tint your windows.

I tinted my side windows with standard 3M tint, and had no interruption of GPS signal or FM signal. It's not likely anyone else will either.

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Were is the GPS antenna? I know where the XM one is but not the GPS one,

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rapid-richard wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")Were is the GPS antenna? I know where the XM one is but not the GPS one,

I was looking again this weekend and still not sure. I'm still guessing it is in the roof similar to the radio (not XM) antenna.

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rapid-richard wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")
Were is the GPS antenna? I know where the XM one is but not the GPS one,


Your XM and GPS antennas are one in the same on the Ridge w/Nav.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

thanks, that makes sense.

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bigdave269 wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")rapid-richard wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")
Were is the GPS antenna? I know where the XM one is but not the GPS one,


Your XM and GPS antennas are one in the same on the Ridge w/Nav.

That's good to know - and with that there really is no (logical) reason why window tinting should affect the performance.

:)

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I have 10% tint on my rear, and 15% on my fronts and it doesn't effect either my nav, or my XM radio

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ShaneCohn wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")I have 10% tint on my rear, and 15% on my fronts and it doesn't effect either my nav, or my XM radio

Again - there is no reason why tinting should have an effect on ANY device in the vehicle.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

2BRidgeLineGuy wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")It seems really popular to add tinting to the front Driver/passenger windows. The manual indicates that adding tint will REDUCE the reception signal of the GMS system (and by implication could include the FM reception). While it may not prevent those things from working - a reduction will be felt if a weak signal is all that's available from your location.

I decided to NOT add tinting as a result of this information.


That does not make any sense... all the receiving units are up near the front windshield. I plan on tinting all my windows but based on your recommendation will not tint the windshield. :oops:

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

Well, from the response from those who have tinted there windows, I'd say it doesn't have any BIG impact. I wasn't stating my opinion, just what I read in the owners manual. I was mostly curious if anyone noticed a change by doing so. It's not a big deal for us in Washington state, not a lot of sun to cut out anyway. Though I'm more sensitive to the sun when it does show up.

I'm sure glad I bit the bullet and paid the extra for the Navi. I've used it a LOT more than I thought I would. It's saved me a lot of headaches.

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And if you don't get the Nav standard, you can't install it later -- I knew that, but I still passed it up. Wish I hadn't done that! 8)

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Just tinted my windows and not problems with the Navi system. I had the windows on my MDX tinted and there was no problems neither.

Get it tinted!!!