Navigation (getting a DVD update)

2004 and 2005 Prius owners whose cars came with NAV DVD disk version 4.1 or older were offered a free navigation system software update. If your car came with version 4.2 or newer you are not eligible.

 

A new NAV DVD costs under $300, but if you don't have a lot of new development where you live, most of the roads and POIs won't change. Consider getting a new DVD when you start getting regularly misguided.

 

"Consider getting a new DVD when you start getting regularly misguided."

I've often been described as "misguided" but I don't think a new DVD will change that...

 

The big question though - Are the new features in the 06 NAV system part of the NAV system itself or the DVD? Another way to ask this - is the DVD just data or does that have part of the programming on it, meaning it could update the NAV software?

 

I bet it's mostly road and POI updates. The NAV system would more likely be flash-upgraded, like other ECUs. It's rather a single purpose system.

Sorry, KTphil, I can't help you there, and I agree, a DVD wouldn't help either... :blink:

 

If the Toyota nav is anything like most aftermarket navs and uses the industry standard map disk format (and I think it does), the firmware update is usually included with the updated map and POI data..

Generally, what happens is that the first thing the nav system does is look for the version file on the disk and if it's different from what it is currently running, it reflashes itself with the new firmware on the disk and reboots. The next time, the firmware versions match, and it starts loading map data normally..

Now this does *NOT* mean that the '06 nav disks will work in a previous year's system- this may or may not be the case.. Pioneer, the maker of my aftermarket nav has been very good with making new software releases that are compatible with older navigation hardware and add new features (up to the capabilities of the hardware- eg, the latest software supports satellite traffic, but the satellite receiver is not compatible with my older nav unit, so obviously I can't get this feature; the latest software also supports "memory nav", where all the maps needed for a route can be loaded into memory and the DVD ejected and the player used for video or music, but again, my older hardware doesn't have enough memory, so this feature is not available), but this is not true of most other vendors.. If you can get ahold of an '06 disk, it probably won't hurt to try it- best case, you get all or msot of the new features, but if the software is incompatible, the unit will say so, worst case, you have to get into the nav diag screens and clear the flash out and reload from the original disk..

 

If Toyota switches to a satellite-enabled NAV system that's fundamentally different, I'd expect the old ones would be on their own after a final update or two. If they don't do that, I see no good reason to switch to different incompatible hardware unless they are looking to annoy owners into buying a new car.

"Sorry, we stopped supporting the 2004 NAV in 2007. How about a new car?"

Hey, might not be a bad ploy...

 

The DVD update I got for the Zenrin nav system in the Nissan Murano that I had updated the firmware as well as the data. I would bet that Toyota's system does the same.

Regards,
Chuck Lane

 

Can somebody clue me in...Is there a DVD player hidden somewhere behind my dashboard? When they update my nav, to they just stick a new disk in?

 

Yes, there is a hidden DVD player for the NAV and it is closer to your bottom line than you think! Look down.

 

Menu button, "Map DVD" switch on touchscreen, upper right corner.

 

The Nav is the box underneath your seat.. The DVD drive is inside, but unlike most other nav units, there's no slot for the disk- you have to open up the enclosure to exchange disks..

 

I called my dealer's service department yesterday, and asked about the free update. The guy deferred to whatever the folks at 800-333-4331 had to say.

So I called that number, and was told to ask my dealer. Sheesh.

So I noticed a "Toyota information" thread, and used a website to email for an answer. I mentioned that my dealer and the phone folks were referring me to each other, and that all I needed was a phone number to the people who supplied the free update so I can ask what my dealer needs to do to get me at least version 5.1.

If I hear back, I'll advise.

Meanwhile, none of those features seem outside the scope of what my hardware could do, but if 5.1 doesn't do them then unless there is a newer update that supports my car, I can live without...

 

You are joking, right?

In case you aren't, do the following.
Have the car in ACC or higher mode.
Face the NAV ECU from the back seat. Remove the plastic cover that snaps on.
Push the hidden button and slide the slider to the opposite direction. DVD pops out.
Slide new DVD in, slide cover back, replace protective cover.

 

I was at the dealer yesterday having the recall service done (that was a nightmare in itself). While I was there, I figured I'd pay a visit to the parts department and inquire about the NAV DVD update. After arguing with them for a while about its availability and convincing them to actually put my VIN in the computer and check, they said it was indeed available @ $299.

I live in a new neighborhood where most streets are so new they don't appear on the old version of the NAV software, but I have a hard time stomaching shelling out $300 for the update. Does this sound ridiculously overpriced to anybody else?

 

The pricing is probably high because there aren't many people to sell to. If they sold millions, the price would no doubt be much lower.

Before you consider buying the update, make sure the update fixes the problem you are trying to correct. You can do that through a friend, or maybe PM someone here.

If it's only the streets in your subdivision that don't show up, I personally wouldn't sweat it. I don't even have home set to my home, I have it set to a main intersection near my house. I figure I know how to get home from there.

 

I heard it was $250, but price may have gone up since I last checked.