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Second-hand (or shared) purchase of a 3rd-gen (not DVD) nav update?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Daryl K, Aug 18, 2021.

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  1. Daryl K

    Daryl K Member

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    So I have a 2012 Prius IV with the nav that does NOT use DVDs. As I understand it it's updated either through a USB stick or an SD card, though I am not sure yet how to tell which one.

    The nav database got all f'd up about a year ago where it knows where you are, but puts up nonsense routes that steer you in the wrong direction. I inquired to the dealer but they are quoting prices near $500, which is absolute insanity considering both my Acura and my Chrysler charge $99 for the same thing.

    And yes, before anyone mentions it, I of course have a smart phone, but I quickly found out that depending on your phone for nav SUCKS because it cannot function without cellular data (happens to me a LOT). So in-car nav tries to point me in the wrong direction, and my iPhone frequently just stops navigating altogether.

    So, I am looking to see if anyone knows how to buy this update second-hand, or maybe a group with a similar situation might be willing to pool to buy a new USB/SD and share it?

    Any thoughts? Comments?
     
    #1 Daryl K, Aug 18, 2021
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    I think the ones from that era with the 7 inch screen (folds down to insert CDs) have an internal hard drive and are updated using a USB stick, and the ones with a 6.1 inch screen (CD slot above) have you plug in an SD card.

    As far as I know, for the ones updated from a USB stick, you don't need to buy the stick; dealers should have one locked in their parts cabinet. What you buy is an activation key that is based on your VIN and a code that your nav unit displays on its screen when you ask. You might be able to buy the USB stick, but that won't mean the nav unit will accept it, without the calculated key.

    There might be somebody somewhere with alternative means of calculating the key.

    I never looked as much into how the SD card updates work.
     
    #2 ChapmanF, Aug 18, 2021
  3. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Toyota has a one time use strategy built into the usb update. So the best option is to call different dealers for a better price. You might want to check with a couple of online Toyota dealers like McGeorge. As far as I know the update is not designed for a user install but I have heard of almost no one getting it so I would ask about that as well.

    You might consider a Garmin gps that also has traffic, radar and features like speed trap camera notifications.
     
    #3 rjparker, Aug 18, 2021
    Last edited: Aug 18, 2021
  4. Daryl K

    Daryl K Member

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    Thanks. Your description makes it pretty clear I have the one that updates via USB.

    Per rjparker's comments, I may also call around to other dealers.
     
    #4 Daryl K, Aug 18, 2021
  5. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    The "USB dongle" is reusable. The Activation Card is one time use. Need access to Toyota TIS to generate installation code. USB is around $8x from Toyota Service Solutions + shipping, the Activation around $160? And TIS $60 for access....

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    #5 jzchen, Aug 18, 2021
  6. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    You have come to the wrong conclusion about that.......probably.

    It does NOT need continuous cell data to perform the GPS function.
    It needs that connection ONLY to load a new section of map data, which should not happen very often.

    Sounds to me like you have poor reception on the GPS satellites.
    Mounting your phone in a different spot might help.

    AND that $500 figure might be an estimate to fix the problem. IF the GPS function in your head unit has failed, a fresh map might be a waste of time and money.
     
    #6 sam spade 2, Aug 19, 2021
  7. Daryl K

    Daryl K Member

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    Sorry, but both conclusions are correct. I drive a lot in remote areas, and lost count of the "0 bars = no update" status, where the map literally blanks out and says "no data connection." I am also a hiker and have seen the same in remote trails literally hundreds of times, which is why I bought a true standalone satellite GPS 7 years ago.

    The $500 figure was only an estimate to update all maps and SW, not to troubleshoot or replace the head unit. Remember that dealers are franchisees, and are free to charge anything they want.
     
    #7 Daryl K, Aug 19, 2021
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2021
  8. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Some years ago I downloaded OsmAnd+ onto my phones, which uses OpenStreetMaps data and you can just download the vector maps of entire states onto the phone before starting a trip.

    Around the same time, Google Maps added a feature where, after planning a route, you could tell it to prefetch all the map tiles along the route. Not as flexible as OSM if you have a detour or change of plan, but works well enough if you roughly stick to your route.
     
    #8 ChapmanF, Aug 19, 2021
  9. Daryl K

    Daryl K Member

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    Well, there's one additional caveat I didn't mention because I didn't think it was necessary, but since several replies are not answering my Q and instead trying to steer me in other directions I have already considered, I will add it.

    I have already purchased a replacement car - a year ago. My daughter, who just turned 16 and will be taking her driver's test next week, will be the recipient of my Prius at that time. Both my wife and I agreed we do not want a new, inexperienced driver futzing with the maps on her phone at all while driving. The screen is too small and fiddly, and it puts the phone in her reach and makes accessing other functions too easy.

    So yeah, I have considered all options outside of the update, and even have a Plan B and Plan C already in place, but first wanted to ask the community about any cheap(er) ways of getting the update since that would be what we prefer.

    So please, if you don't have thoughts on the actual Toyota update that's fine. I am just requesting the thread stay on topic and not try to convince me to use something else. That is not what I am asking, and I already have a plan if the Toyota route isn't feasible.

    Thank you!
     
    #9 Daryl K, Aug 19, 2021
  10. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    That's understandable. I didn't have the car nav in my Gen 1. I do have it in my Gen 3, and I tend to prefer it for exactly those reasons. I don't have a good phone mount, but even if I did, I think I would still find it more distracting to fuss with than the built-in nav.

    It looks to me as if this thread has netted you the technical information you were looking for, in addition to some other related ideas. That seems to be pretty common on a public forum like PriusChat. You are the bow from which your threads like living arrows are sent forth. All the information in the thread, including your followups that further explain your own situation, make it a better thread for the people who will be reading it in years to come.
     
    #10 ChapmanF, Aug 19, 2021
    Foxglove and burrito like this.
  11. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Sometimes folks don't ask the right question. :)

    You have already been told what a simple map update should cost.....which really isn't THAT much......but it will be somewhat of a gamble if there is something else wrong.

    People really are TRYING to help......and you should be open to the possibility that there might be a better plan that you haven't thought of yet.
    It is called a "discussion".

    Given your most recent reply, I certainly won't be trying to help anymore.........since it isn't appreciated.
     
    #11 sam spade 2, Aug 19, 2021
  12. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    How far are you from Los Angeles, CA, more specifically the Alhambra dealership? They were very reasonably priced last map update I had done. (I also ran the first one myself but had to buy the USB. Still have it but the maps on it are really old now).

    EDIT-. Alhambra didn't charge me much more than the cost of buying the activation card...

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    #12 jzchen, Aug 19, 2021
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2021
  13. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    I have a '14 Scion iQ it also uses a Harmon unit. IF they somehow merged the USB to one SCIH to TOYH I would be more than happy to split the cost of a USB and TIS. My Prius v has the Denso unit which requires the TOYD USB and activation card. If you can use my USB I am more than happy to just lend it....

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    #13 jzchen, Aug 19, 2021
  14. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Here's a question I have myself. I have a 2012 internal-HD unit on a shelf, with the idea of retrofitting it into my 2010. (Not trivial because of wire harness changes, but one day ...).

    A thing I don't know: I think the activation card has to be purchased for a specific VIN, and then the key has to be generated from a code that gets displayed on the NAV screen. But I don't know if the VIN should be of the car the unit is transplanted into, or of the donor car.

    Anybody transplanted one of these units to a different car and then found out which VIN is needed for an activation? I do have the VIN of the donor car, so that's not a problem. But the activation cards are pricey enough that I'd really rather not buy two in the name of science just to find out which way works.
     
    #14 ChapmanF, Aug 19, 2021
  15. Daryl K

    Daryl K Member

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    I thought I made it clear enough in the OP. Had I been looking for any and all kinds of options I wouldn't have asked specifically about an update or pooling resources to buy one, etc. I would have simply asked "What would you do in place of a malfunctioning nav system?"

    I agree completely, which is another reason I am trying to find one "on the cheap." It may not help, and if it doesn't that's on me, but trying to find a way to minimize losses (if it came to that) isn't at all unreasonable or imprudent.

    Of course I know that, which is why I was not being an a$$ about it. I didn't call names or say anything like "can't you read?" and I even used words like "please" and "thank you."

    If even politely asking people to stay on the intended topic is asking too much, well, I cannot help you there. It seems some other follow-on comments took my re-direction of the thread as intended, so I don't think I've been that unclear or impolite.
     
    #15 Daryl K, Aug 19, 2021
  16. Daryl K

    Daryl K Member

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    Dang! I was just in LA about a month ago! Normally I am from Ohio though, so a bit far.

    I can query them online possibly...

    P.S. If I may ask, what was your total outlay in that case?
     
    #16 Daryl K, Aug 19, 2021
  17. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    Activation card is not VIN specific but VIN helps determine which system Denso or Harmon Kardon. The card is not the same part # if I recall correctly. That is dependent on which manufacturer D or H. You can try your VIN in TIS (I did not have to enter anything when I updated because TIS was not set up for the upgrade process so I'm not sure), or if not try the donor VIN. Wonder if there's an antitheft feature as you are transplanting from a different car which simulates theft...

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    #17 jzchen, Aug 19, 2021
  18. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    With the Prius? They won't lend you the USB. Please input your profile location it would help get location specific help...

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    #18 jzchen, Aug 19, 2021
  19. Daryl K

    Daryl K Member

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    May I ask what "TIS" is? Is it Toyota's online VIN checker for nav update? (Given the topic that's what I am guessing).
     
    #19 Daryl K, Aug 19, 2021
  20. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    Toyota Technical Information Service is the dealer level web site/service to access anything Toyota service related info:

    https://techinfo.toyota.com

    It has 3 levels of access with just $20 you get two days to access any repair info. With pdfcreator one who is quick to click can create pdf repair manuals...

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    #20 jzchen, Aug 19, 2021
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