The more I look at what you can do with the Pioneer F series the more I'm considering switching from my N4. The reason why I'm posting these links is because when I had my many issues with my Pioneer, the Tech Support was no help and AVIC411.com I found to be much less organized than this forum and the answers hard to find. I hope this can help some of you to either decide whether or not to buy one of these or to help the ones who've already got one and need help.

As I have mentioned before, there are ongoing mods to change the voice guidance voices (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49682). Now there are mods for aesthetic changes (blue box fix (http://www.avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17509)), video bypass (Hardware (http://www.avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17013) and Software versions (http://www.avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17715)) and functionality (http://www.avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17594) as well.

A good place to start would be HERE (http://www.avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17542). The F series apparently runs off of a Win CE platform and that's why mods are easier to do. The link provided sets up a "test mode" (http://www.avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16632) on your pc so you can implement changes yourself.

There are also rumours that there will be yet another update for the F series released by Pioneer by the end of October of this year separate from the long anticipated Bluetooth Firmware update on its way as well. There is a firmware update already up HERE (http://pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Support/Navigation/AVIC+F-Series+Firmware+Update+Download) (European Firmware Here (http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/content/support/support/upgrade/AVIC_F900BT_F700BT.html)). It has been said one of the many changes in the rumoured October version is to cut the boot up time by half. If this turns out to be true, the F series value might just be worth the price.

Good Luck!

Well they are coming out tomorrow to swap out the F series in my wife Escape for another HU because this one changes modes while driving down the road.:shock: This will be her 2nd HU and she is on her 2nd Sirius tuner and bluetooth interface. I like Pioneer a lot, I have 2 d3s and think they are great, but the F series reminds me of a Vega. If this one gives her any more trouble :mad:they will be replacing it with the new JVC dd. unit. Good luck on your F series.:rolleyes: Drew

I like Pioneer a lot, I have 2 d3s and think they are great, but the F series reminds me of a Vega.

Good analogy. I don't have an F series, I'm just a little tempted. You aren't the first person I've heard of with HU problems. I hope everything works out with this new one!

keep us posted and good luck :confused: