Before I begin, yes I bypassed the wires in the back. Still, system settings, navigation, phone and other buttons are greyed out. I can't even check what version of software is installed. Neverthless, I loaded onto a 4GB SD card the files from the following link (http://www.pioneerelectronics.ca/POCEN/Car/GPS-Navigation/AVIC+F-Series+Firmware+Update+Download), hoping I can reinstall the entire software. Nothing. Once I turn the power on, the device never installs the files. I can't even proceed to do it manually since the button which will enable me to do so is greyed out. I'm really close to taking a Louisville Slugger to it. Thanks in advance for your help.

sounds like the bypass is not done right...

for the record, you moved the mute wire over to the right empty pin AND you grounded the P-brake wire?

i would double or triple check everything, if the mute wire is not moved, it will tell you that you have an improper connection of the p brake wire and video will stop after a certain speed, if you P brake wire is not grounded right, then all of the options stayed grayed out and video never shows...