Hello, I own a 2005 T-Spirit Prius and am interested in upgrading the maps of the SatNav unit. I've seen few used legal copies to buy on ebay and was wondering if I can cause any irreversible damage to the SatNav unit if I put the wrong DVD in (say, not the correct Gen or part number). I know I can check this before I buy on the Toyota maps update web site but just wondering and in order to be on the safe side if the DVD also installs files to the unit that cannot be undone or is it just showing the maps database and in case it doesn't work I can simply put back my old DVD in and everything will go back to normal? Thank you in advance!
It won't do any damage. You will probably get a message on the screen that states that it cannot read the DVD (or something like that).
Thanks! Has anyone actually tried this scenario and got this result? Sorry for being paranoid I'm just using it all the time and hate to see it get broken or something... And another question - Other than replacing the DVD is there anything else I need to do? I've read somewhere saying something like: "Before putting the new disc in open the hood, remove the terminals on the battery for 10 minutes, then dress" Is that correct?
I actually did buy the wrong generation update from E Bay for my 2007 and when inserted into the reader under the driver's seat, the screen read cannot read disc. I put the old one back in and it worked fine. Be sure to get the latest disc. There is a post on how to remove and install the disc, but it is very easy to do. Less than 2 minutes. Good luck.
Thanks Again, I'm relieved! I already know where to locate the unit and how to pull the DVD so if all it takes is inserting the new one then I'm good but if there are any additional steps in between (such as the one I mentioned above) then I would be grateful if someone could share them.
The drive probably won't read an incompatible OEM disk. The danger would be buying a copied Gen 4 disk that has errors in it. It's possible that the firmware could be uploaded and updated with errors.
I'm confused. So the DVD does install files to the unit and can cause damage?! How does this settle with what Bernie said that he bought the wrong generation update and although it didn't work it didn't cause ant damage either? Here's the deal: My DVD part numbers are: 86271-64012 86271-60V542 2004-2005 Ver. 2 Gen 03 - TNS600 The one I'm interested to buy has this info: Year: 2008 (not the latest one I know but the price is attractive) 86271-0W061, 86271-60W361, E11 Europe West 86271-0W071, 86271-60W371, E11 Europe Central 86271-0W081, 86271-60W381, E11 Europe North 86271-0W092, 86271-60W392, E11 Europe East 86271-60W401, E11 Europe Russia The website: toyota-mapupdates.eu Can't say whether this will be compatible for my unit however when I check for updates for my part number and for the 2008 part number I'm interested in buying they both lead to a product that has the same item number. Any ideas anyone, do you think it will work...?
I don't think the wrong CD can cause damage to the unit unlee of course there was some kind of major problem with the cd. You would know if the cd were genuine Toyota by the markings on the label. Since I am not an expert on this topic, if anyone knows something different, pls chime in.
Each navigation DVD can contain data and firmware updates. The firmware updates are the ones that add new features to the system, or fix known problems. The data updates are just the maps and points of interest. Attempting to use the wrong data with the system will produce a warning message, but no damage. If you actually managed to update your firmware with the wrong version, you could brick your Nav system. I have never heard of anyone doing this with the Prius, so hopefully the bootloader is smart enough to notice a mismatch and keep you from making a big mistake. My advice is to carefully review the version numbers before purchase and installation. Tom
So that brings me back to my initial question - Does the Prius DVD also includes firmware updates or is it just maps database and nothing more?
+1 Especially with a pirate copy, the author could get a thrill out of bricking your DVD. Notice I did not say SAT DVD as you mentioned in your OP. The '05 has no SAT interface. That feature didn't come about until Gen III ... and only on a few of the package 5's (crash avoidance / park assist / lane assist).
But even if it is a pirate one, if it doesn't contain firmware files and if firmware files cannot be uploaded to the unit through the DVD reader then how could it brick the SatNav? What do you mean by no SAT interface? I've got 2005 and it's got SAT interface and as far as I know it is Gen 3 as well
The post above yours answers your question. Each Nav DVD *may* contain firmware and map data. It all depends on the update. You will have to specify a particular disk before anyone can answer. Even then, we only know what is on an original disk, not what was copied by a third party. As Hill points out, when you insert a pirated DVD into the box, you are trusting that no one put anything bad onto the disk. If the disk has an update file, the system will attempt to load it. That could be good, or it could be disastrous. As Popeye would say: "You pays your money and you takes your chances." Tom
If you look at FAQ's on the Toyota mapupdates site it states that the 2008 discs (PZ485-X03EU-08 & PZ485-X03RU-08) allow operation when driving except for the TNS600 system of 03 which sounds like a firmware upgrade (but it would not work on yours). Looking at ebay there are a number of cheap deals but they appear to exclude Western Europe which is the one that we need in the UK. The current 09 (2010) disks are €159 which is not that much more expensive than the more pricier ebay options which are obviously older offerings. It is though still more than lifetime map updates available with portable devices. Of course we all know that discs can be copied and that is the risk. The disks for 2010 - 11 should be coming out soon and when they do there may be more pre owned discs around. However the saying caveat emptor applies. At the end of the day, if you end up getting a dodgy disc that causes problems to your system if is a very false economy and no one can guarantee that you will not encounter difficulties unless you buy from the official source. It is a pity that Toyota don't give the option to look at the maps so that you can see what changes have been made (or does anyone know better?). There is a new road near me that is partially open and is expected to be fully later this year which will have an impact on journey options and I would like to know whether it will be included on the next upgrade before I shell out for it.
I agree with what you say Jolly, I think it would be safer and wiser to wait for the latest release this month or next instead of buying a cheap deal on eBay. Although it is probably authentic judging by the pictures I would probably get no warranty in case something goes wrong whereas with an official purchase I (hope I!) am. I rang the dealership today and a new unit costs 2,000£! that's a lot of money to risk
