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Navigation Unit "Unable to read data"

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Razorhog, Jan 21, 2009.

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  1. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Are you able to pull the ECU and push the momentary switch inside? This is a reset button as well. The switch temporarily disconnects the backup battery, clearing ALL settings. Hold it for a good 5-10 seconds. The switch is tiny and black, but should be obvious once you find it. Following the traces should lead you to the ECU battery I speak of.

    Also, do you have access to another NAV DVD to validate the disc (one would think the dealer did this too, but alas...) Can the NAV DVD be read in a standard PC DVD-ROM? Have you tried a tool such as Nero ScanDisc to verify the disc is 100% readable?

    As for the other posters, I'm fairly certain the GEN4 unit was IDE. I doubt, given how far "behind" some of the other tech is in his unit that the GEN5 would be SATA at this stage.

    Worst case, start shopping on eBay for a salvage GEN5 unit. Would definitely be <$5k, and it's easily a DIY swap. No need to let Toyota rape you on this one, especially if you're a skilled computer tech. The swap is as easy as, say, a PC power supply.

    hope this helps,
    -Rick
     
    #21 HTMLSpinnr, Jan 22, 2009
  2. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    I had this problem. A change to a new DVD fixed my problem. DVDs go bad. A visual inspection can't tell you much about a "rotting" DVD. Check your system with a different DVD.
     
    #22 kenoarto, Jan 22, 2009
  3. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    When I swapped ver 5.x (warranty replacement for the REALLY awful 4.x) for ver 8.1 last month, it was pretty clear that the rot had already started. The disc was easily 4 years old, but the hot Phoenician climate doesn't help that either. I hadn't started noticing any readability issues directly, though some tasks did take a bit longer than before. The new disc was quicker.
     
    #23 HTMLSpinnr, Jan 22, 2009
  4. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Well if this is really a/the problem, then I would think it would be OK to make 1 personal backup copy of the map disk and store it in a safe place until it is needed!! I would think that a good DVD copy program should do the trick. This is something that I will be looking into. I will let you know the results!!

    73 de Pat KK6PD
     
    #24 KK6PD, Jan 23, 2009
  5. Razorhog

    Razorhog Junior Member

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    Trying a different DVD is a good idea, except I don't have one. I was going to try and copy the disc, but it is dual layer. I have a friend with a Nissan Armada that has DVD navigation, could I try that disc?
     
    #25 Razorhog, Jan 24, 2009
  6. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Likely not, unless the Altima uses the same Denso system. The NAV DVD also contains specific software to make your NAV unit function, and our DVD's are manufactured specifically for Toyota Motor Corporation. I would ask if the dealer had tried this though.
     
    #26 HTMLSpinnr, Jan 24, 2009
  7. Razorhog

    Razorhog Junior Member

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    Took the car to another dealership for a second opinion. After 5.5 hours of work, they came to the same conclusion - the Nav ECU is bad and needs to be replaced. They tried a different DVD, and also took a new ECU out of a new Prius and it worked like a charm. Next step is to tell my Toyota Rep the results.
     
    #27 Razorhog, Feb 9, 2009
  8. Razorhog

    Razorhog Junior Member

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    Finally got the call yesterday from Toyota. They said they would cover 50% of the costs to replace the Nav ECU. That is around $2600, and that is nice of them. However, that is still a lot of money and I cannot afford it at this time. I will start the search for a used one and put it in myself.
     
    #28 Razorhog, Feb 25, 2009
  9. Razorhog

    Razorhog Junior Member

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    One email and call to Steve at autobeyours.com and I have a used Nav ECU on the way!
     
    #29 Razorhog, Feb 25, 2009
  10. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    Our 2006 Prius is having this same issue. I upsets me beyond measure that this issue isn't covered under the original warranty.

    Seems to me the map data should be stored on a memory chip instead of a DVD that can be damaged from a mechanical interface.
     
    #30 Rest, Jun 4, 2009
  11. Razorhog

    Razorhog Junior Member

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    I agree - an SD card would work just as well. At any rate, the used ECU I bought cost me a fraction of getting a new one from Toyota, and it came with a newer DVD! Took me 5 minutes to install. Toyota left a bad taste in my mouth on this one.
     
    #31 Razorhog, Jun 4, 2009
  12. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    I finally got the NAV to see the DVD. I had to reinstall the DVD several times before it would recognize the DVD. Lets see how long it lasts.
     
    #32 Rest, Jun 4, 2009
  13. mandrei83

    mandrei83 Member

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    #33 mandrei83, Jun 4, 2009
  14. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    I spoke to soon, as the same Navigation DVD issue popped up again. Then all of a sudden it worked again. Wth is going on? Is it the disk or the ECU? The disk appears fine and unscratched. This sort of stuff is a deal breaker for me, so I am not sure I will be getting another Toyota again.
     
    #34 Rest, Jun 4, 2009
  15. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    Well now it won't read the DVD yet again. I am so friggin mad!

    Shouldn't this be covered under the original 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty?
     
    #35 Rest, Jun 5, 2009
  16. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    Okay so I went out and removed the DVD and reinstalled it. Now once again the Navigation system is working.

    I also tried to reset the system via the hidden menu, Navigation Menu, top left, bottom left, top left, bottom left, bottom right. Nothing happened. So I tried Menu, Volume, top left, bottom left, top left, bottom left and Okay. Again nothing happened. What am I doing wrong here? The DVD version is 5.1.
     
    #36 Rest, Jun 5, 2009
  17. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    Took the car to the "Stealership" and the NAV issue is covered under the warranty.
     
    #37 Rest, Jun 23, 2009
  18. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    Well they replaced the NAV ECU and I asked if it was a new unit. They said Toyota only sends them remanufactured ECU replacements. Just great, our NEW part was replaced with a USED part. I don't care that it is in new condition,...it should be a brand new part.

    Hey thanks Toyota!
     
    #38 Rest, Jun 23, 2009
  19. joes49

    joes49 New Member

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    I have the same problem, and was also quoted the reasonalbe replacement cost of $5K +. 2006 Prius with 27K miles.
    Any luck with this? Not sure how to proceed, aside from working on anger mangemewnt.

    You can see how this BS has affected my spelling...
     
    #39 joes49, Dec 3, 2009
  20. Razorhog

    Razorhog Junior Member

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    I bought a used one from a junk yard and put it in myself. Cost me $495, and came with a newer version of the DVD. :)
     
    #40 Razorhog, Dec 3, 2009
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