Nav system not accurate

Sorry ot hear your having these issues. I have a V and have no problems, I think I understand your comment about the cursor, but mine is right on target.

It has found ALL locations I have put in, and I have used it frequently to check it's accuracy based upon some comments from this forum.

It has to date found all locations and the instructions were almost on target within feet....

So hopefully you will like your Magellan unit better. Maybe Toyota will have a fix if this is an issue, but until then enjoy the new Magellan Unit.....

 

I have had three or four Garmin units in my other cars and I have found the Nav unit in the Prius to be adequate. Not great, but adequate. Makes up for having to hide the unit under the seats when I park.

 

Like Bobprius, I have not had any issues with my Nav unit. My unit was off calibration slightly when I parked in my driveway for the first time. I recalibrated the unit and it has been accurate to within a few feet since. It has always taken me to the addresses that I have entered with no problem.

Sorry to hear you are having problems with your unit. I would say that what you are experiencing is not normal.

 

At least we find it functional and useful. I sometimes believe that those that experience issues is related the Map Accuracy or a particular region and area.

In my region area, thus far it's been great. It has not guided me in circles, it displays the Actual address when you hit the map button to within a couple addresses of accuracy. Meaning, if I was in front of 2332 Main street it may say 2334 Main street, but that's GPS related.

But thus far I agree it beats putting in a unit that I have to plug in and remove when I go shopping or leave the vehicle due to "sticky hands".

It's not PERFECT, but it is useful and built in. Plus you can always look at it this way it's value add at trade or sale time.

 

Used twice in NJ. No accuracy problems. Perhaps less densely populated areas have a larger margin for error.

 

I looked at your location in Google Earth, and your surrounding mountains may be blocking some of the GPS satellites' signals. You need at least three for a location fix, four for location & altitude. For example, you might be getting two strong signals and one weak signal, leading to an increased location error. The signals themselves are pretty weak to begin with. See if other people with GPS receivers have problems in your area.

I just looked at my copy of the .pdf of the Nav manual. Go look at the Appendix on p. 306 for some relevant information on GPS accuracy. They mention that window films may cause problems. Have you installed them on your Prius? Again, the GPS signals are VERY weak to begin with.

I don't think there's a readout on the Prius Nav system for how many satellites are in view - my 2003 Town & Country nav system does provide this AND provides altitude readouts, something I really miss on the Prius nav system.

 

My first guess would be the map database. I find the accuracy and completeness of the data varies a lot from place to place. With my 2006, all of the freeway exits in Utah were mislabeled by two miles! They appeared in the proper locations, but the exit numbers were all offset. Likewise, some areas have great map detail, while other areas are missing major roads. It's a crap shoot.

A GPS system can be accurate to six feet, but if the underlying map is off, it's not going to work.

Tom

 

We also have had accuracy problems with our 2008 nav system. It has taken us in the opposite direction on interstates twice in two different states, neither case in an area of recent construction. We have stopped relying on it and use either a Garmin or a TomTom instead.

 

Satellite information is available from the hidden maintenance menu.

 

I have to believe this would go back to what qbee42 was saying about this must be that the map is off in your area. Especially if you recalibrate and after a short drive, it moves back to its original setting. That would be telling me that the system knows where it wants to be based on GPS coordinates.

The Vehicle Service Menu will give you the GPS coordinates. The easiest way to get to this menu is to hold the Info button and turn your headlights on and off three times. (I believe this is correct ?!)

Hold the Display button down to exit the menu.

 

WHat version is your software?

 

Yes, and there's lots of satellite info BUT still no altitude data even though the display says it's in 3D mode.