Updating the 2012 PiP Navigation System (GPS)

I would also like to add that Toyota should include a guide for any and all system upgrades included in the process. Ever since I had the navigation map updated, I have found several new buttons on other screens. These new buttons and features seem to be centered around the Bluetooth system. I can now change the transmit volume for calls. I also have lost the ability to call back a number from the text message screen banner. When I get a text and the banner shows up on the screen, the call back button is grayed out. I don't know if I have to enable it now. If I do, it would be nice to know how. I don't know if other areas were upgraded as well, but I won't really now since they don't tell you or give you anything when you take it in for the upgrade.

 

Since YOU have noticed this, YOU, and others actually affected, should complain LONG and LOUD to Toyota via every channel you can find about this pathetic situation.

So......does this mean that if you need a "fix" that is in the new software version, you will also get the new NAV map for free ??

What MORON ties the Nav. data to other software changes ?? Absolute moron.

Or maybe the people at the dealership just marked every update box that they could find during the upload ??
That might be more likely........caused by the lack of good instructions and training.

 

There are several different unrelated software downloads that I had to do battle with the dealer for.

1) The core system code for the display unit. This is things like Bluetooth and USB drivers, and screens other than the Nav map. Updated over USB by the dealer.

2) Something called "Grace Notes", which apparently has something to do with metadata for music play lists, Updated over USB by the dealer.

3) Entune applications. Updated by the user using their smartphone Internet connection.

4) The Nav map data and associated software. This is a DVD on the Base's Display Audio system, and loaded onto the hard drive from a USB by the dealer on the Advanced.

(1), (2) and (3) are free; (4) costs obscenely big $$. It was a major production for me to get updates for all of the above, since noone at the dealership had a clue at the time (about a year ago). In the end, I got them all for free.

Edit: Tideland Prius points out that the Display Audio system uses flash storage, not a DVD, and the map update is done over USB, same as with the HDD system on the Advanced.

 

(4) cost so much you can't even afford to list it.

(edit) There's the (4) option. Still very very overpriced.

 

Thank you for the correction. So updating the Base map data is also filling a swimming pool through a garden hose USB connection?

 

After getting used to the Tesla's 17" Nav screen, I recently took a look at the PiP's nav screen yesterday and wondered how one could possibly work navigation in such a tiny screen. I also realized my maps were woefully out of date. It sounds like it is a royal pain to update the maps. If the new PiP is worth trading up for, I'll do that in 1 yr, and until then, take my handheld GPS with me when I'm in the PiP and anticipate needing maps.

 

I use Google Maps 3/4 of the time since it reroutes based on real-time traffic conditions. The only time I use the built in nav is when my phone is close to dying or is otherwise not easily accessible. Built-in nav seems pointless to me.

 

Particularly pointless as it doesn't know about carpool lanes. This is in a vehicle whose prime purpose is to get carpool lane access.

 

OK, guys, so which is it? Scantool or USB? Can anybody succinctly and correctly summarize how the update is installed?

I paid Toyota of Tampa Bay $169 for a 2016 Map Data DVD, which today their technician said "wouldn't load." So he ordered another one, and I am back to waiting. My question is, how is the data supposed to get from the DVD onto the Hard Disk in the car?

 

There is a PDF file which covers the process for both HDD and USB updates.

Toyota uses propriatary service hardware to serialize and apply the software update. In the case of the PiP Advanced a USB flash drive supplies the software.

 

Why care? The 2012 Prius navigation system is terrible. A smartphone with WAZE software is far easier for address entry, is far more accurate, faster-performing, and has traffic routing. You can simply mount your smartphone to your dashboard using a little clip, and get far better results.

 

I agree. I use the built in Nav when I am going where I more or less know the way. I like to have the map available to see how far I have to go and what my position is. It is nice also if I want to locate a restaurant or gas station with a voice command.

I have the magnet clip always attached (see pic) so when I take a (longer) road trip I attach my phone and open Waze. It gives me better real time traffic info, and more importantly shows me most of the Interstate speed traps. The HP in the east is notorious for hiding out in the wooded medians and running speed traps out in the middle of nowhere. Nice to have a heads up!

The position of the phone is better for vision while driving, and if for any reason I need to refer to the phone (like say I am at a stop light) it is right there. BTW, one reason I use the magnet instead of any other type of phone attachment, is visibility. The normal GPS or PHONE attachments are RED FLAGS for auto break ins (smash and grabs). My daughter is a cop and she tells me that smashing a car window to grab a GPS or phone (or just thinking one is there) is one of the BIGGEST crimes she sees. A broken drivers/passenger window (even if you didn't actually leave the GPS in the car) is a BIG headache!