Can upgrade the SatNav unit with the wrong DVD cause damage?

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).

 

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.

 

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 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

 

+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).

 

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.