Nav update & override on 2004

[Greg_M]

I have used the search and looked at Coastal Tech's site. I haven't been able to find an answer.

I have a 2004 prius and it has the original nav disk in it. I haven't had to use the override yet but I don't want to give it up. I know if I put a newer disk in it that I will loose the override. I also know that some have had some success in making a hybrid disk.

My question is if I purchase a 9.1 nav disk is there a way to have some kind of override?

I don't want to make a hybrid disk and my understanding is that the Coastal Tech option won't work.

[efusco]

Yes, it's possible to make a hybrid disk..I can't tell you the details, but there is a thread or two on the subject, you need a dual side DVD burner and a few other tricks, but it's not that difficult.

[Greg_M]

Originally Posted by efusco

Yes, it's possible to make a hybrid disk..I can't tell you the details, but there is a thread or two on the subject, you need a dual side DVD burner and a few other tricks, but it's not that difficult.

I understand that it should be simple to do although I have also read about people having problems getting the hybrid disks to work right.

I'm concerned about having a backup plan (if I choose to try to make a disk) just in case I mess something up and loose the override function.

I'd also prefer a mechanical solution that would be easy for my wife to use.

[efusco]

There are several easy mechanical solutions too, but I find the software solution superior.
I wrote the original write up on overriding the speed sensor wire, but somewhere in the various site upgrades I've lost it and can no longer find it.

[firepa63]

I'm not sure version 9.1 will work with an 04 due to the change in screen resolution with the Nav system starting in 06.

[hill]

Originally Posted by firepa63

I'm not sure version 9.1 will work with an 04 due to the change in screen resolution with the Nav system starting in 06.

+1
You loose over ride functions at V.8 typically. Even though you may order a DVD for older hardware (lower resolution MFD's), the manufacturer took the over ride feature out. Some (unconfirmed) say you can still get the over ride to work via combining older loading data disks onto newer map data ... and it's true to a point ... but good luck with that. Bottom line is, with the flat economy, road & new community development pretty much came to a grinding halt a couple years back ... not like the prior years with new communities springing up every where. With that in mind, 99% of folks can get by quite well with data no newer than version 7, imo. And realistically, v6 will do you just fine, map data wise. I've had no issue burning older loading files onto v6 data disks.

[Greg_M]

Another question.

If I buy the 9.1 (gen 4) disk and use my 4.2 disk (think that's the number) to make a hybrid disk (if it works) will I miss out on any improvements? I know that the maps and POI's are improved but are there also improvements to the rest of the nav system?

I'm thinking about getting the 9.1 and maybe trying the hybrid disk or the speed wire switch.

[ursle]

Got an 06' updated from ver 5 to ver 7 and am thinking about updating to ver 9 but it's starting to dawn on me that just buying a garmin or tom tom would be so much better than dealing with this pos nav in the prius, right thread jack, anyway, has anybody actually got ver 9 installed? I would love to hear first hand how it runs, and what personal impressions are...the more the merrier

[firepa63]

Originally Posted by Greg_M

Another question.

If I buy the 9.1 (gen 4) disk and use my 4.2 disk (think that's the number) to make a hybrid disk (if it works) will I miss out on any improvements? I know that the maps and POI's are improved but are there also improvements to the rest of the nav system?

I'm thinking about getting the 9.1 and maybe trying the hybrid disk or the speed wire switch.

I think you will have some problems. Starting with version 8.1, the security of the DVDs has been changed. You can't sucsessfully clone an 8.1 disk, so I doubt that you will be able to create a hybrid. You'll probably just waste 250 bucks.

[mlibanio]

The 9.1 disk consists in my Gen 4 nav (yes I upgraded the Gen 3 nav from my 2002 Prius to the newer Prius' nav, its a plug and play swap!) mainly of road updates, and more building details in metropolitan areas like NY, MIAMI, CALIFORNIA, WASHINGTON DC (not state!). Canada gets more data put onto it (the coverage in Canada even after 8.1 is pathetic. My 2002 Neon's Chrysler Navigation is an order of magnitude better. It has my house built last year on the 2010 update I just got from Chrysler. I can search by Phone Number with far greater success too. Plus the accuracy of Chrysler maps (made by Alpine/Navteq) is accurate to within 2 metres. Toyota's maps, are 3-5 years behind, and I was told by a Denso rep that all maps are accurate to with 20 meters!!! That is why the silly thing always says you have arrived at your destination way before you actually arrive. Given the precision of the Prius, I am frequently astounded by the utter lack of consideration that Toyota gives to their horrendously expensive navigation. Especially since Chrysler charges $99 for their discs, while in here in Canada Toyota charges... sit down, $489!!!!

P.S. You can make a hybrid disc of 8.1 and 9.1
Just replace the Loading.KWI and Version.KWI of the 8.1 disc with the same files as the 4.1 or 5.1 disc. All the new data will be there, except your firmware will be older. Trust me, there are no "real" functional upgrades from 4.1 to 8.1, other than the updates with regards to positional accuracy. You get your OVERRIDE back, but you lose a certain amount of accuracy. You really notice the difference on highways with lots of off ramps. 4.1 gets confused and jumps all over the place, while 8.1 and 9.1 are far more accurate.