Navigation updates

NAV updates!

Wondering if anyone has tried going thru Toyota to request or purchase DVD updates? I talked to a service rep and he looked at me like I had three heads. I know Toyota is new at the NAV thing, but you would think that a service guy would be able to look up the info.

If we purchase direct from NAVTech, is it just pop it in easy!!! Sounds to simple for Toyota, gotta be more catches...

Any additional info out there!?

Nascar Joe
'03 Silver since April '03
10,050 miles
48.3 mpg

 

Maybe this will help to figur out how to get to the details on the NAV system in the Prius:
DENSO is a leading global manufacturer of vehicle navigation systems, advanced technology, automotive systems and components. Since it launched Toyota Motor Corporation's first vehicle navigation system in 1987, DENSO (formerly Nippondenso) has been a pioneer in the navigation industry.

DENSO partnered with Navigation Technologies in 1991. In 1994, DENSO strengthened its navigation development for North America by starting the ITS Research engineering center in Southern California.

DENSO became one of the first vehicle navigation suppliers to enter the North American market with the 1996 launch of the Toyota Vehicle Navigation System. DENSO navigation hardware and software is now also available as an option on three new Lexus models - the LS400, GS400 and GS300.

DENSO's participation in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry goes beyond vehicle navigation. Easing traffic jams, preserving the environment, and increasing safety are all aims of DENSO's ITS activity. DENSO's contributions range from developing terminals and controllers for intelligent automobiles to creating electronic toll collection systems and two-way communication technologies.

DENSO employs 8,000 people at 15 companies in North America. Worldwide, DENSO employs 65,000 at its operations in 23 countries.

DENSO Web Site http://www.denso.co.jp/en/

Sorry I am still new to your board, and have not figured all the things out how to do them right, my name is Ralphmc

 

I am curious about updates to the DVD navigation system. Do you have to buy from Toyota? Can it be installed by the owner?

I probably can't afford to buy an update every year, and am hoping to find them in the aftermarket.
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I called Toyota's Customer Service Center on this, and the answer is that you can only get it through Toyota, due to the interface that is developed to work with the on-screen display. I will come out with an updated version anually, and does require a royalty fee.

Ralphmc

 

Nav Software Co.

I just got off the phone with Barbara at navtech and the software for 2002 -2003 Prius was done by them but for the 2004 DENSO went with GDT.

Navtech has been getting lots of comments on this subject... so now we know why we are having so many problems... DENSO changed software co.

So don't complain to navtech about the 2004 Prius nav problems.... Maybe Toyota will force DENSO to go back to navtech...

Just thought the group would like to know.

 

Re: Nav Software Co.

Here is the URL to GDTs home page. You can lookup addresses (similar to mapquest) at their web site.

http://www.geographic.com/

Alex Karahalios

 

What exactly does an update do? Is it just road and POI data or does it improve the OS and algorithms? In other words, will it help it calculate better routes -- which it's pretty bad at.

 

Any new info on how to update our navigation systems?
Thanks

 

I've had a few cars with NAV, my last being an 01 Acura TL and Alpine Electronics did theirs. They sent me a notice after a couple of years for an update DVD, which cost about $185. All I had to do was to insert the new disk in the DVD drive in the trunk and the update automatically installed itself. After a couple of minutes, it was good to go. I assume the Toyota version will be the same. I would expect them to charge for it.

 

That is true for the pre 4.2 version but I think the One time free upgrade was back to navtech... if you look closely at the 4.2+ you will see navtech... I had a e-mail loop with navtech about 3 or 6 months after I first got my 04 and was told Toyota was taking about going back to them..

and I read somewhere that the sort of incomplete areas with the 4.2+ data is because navtech can include the GDT data but does not process it (as I remember) sort of there but not indexed...

So the 4.2 + is back with navtech the way I understand it ... because Toyota got such a ear full from the field that the GDT version was SOOO bad... I made my call and reg. gave Toyota an ear full. I told them the GDT data was full of it.. that navtech was more correct.... I was then told they (Toyota) was sorry and was working on a correction/update to PLEASE wait.... This not true??


Now I would pay around $150-200 for the updates but not 300+

know where I get the 5.x to make an archive to store in my 04

Toyota if you are reading this.. Please price the updates more toward the common user and not the Lexus level..

Maybe they will when more Prii starting hitting the road.. .

 

removed and reposted

 

Can anyone suggest how to get owner's manual for the Prius navigation system?

Is it available as PDF?

thanks

jeeva

 

Send me an email and I'll send you a copy

 

Heh-heh... You should probably start a new thread for a question like that, instead of posting to a 2003 thread, but hey, it's your first post!

Welcome to Priuschat!

You can download all kinds of manuals and information from http://techinfo.toyota.com/ for $10 for 24-hours access.

You can also see a demo of the NAV system here, which is the same as on the Lexus.

 

Thanks for directing me there. Unfortunately, it is useless as I do not live in the US. I live in Japan and my new Prius manuals are in Japanese. Though I know how to use that in general but for some setting purposes, I needed English manuals. The local dealer has no idea how to get them.
I understand there are a few changes between the models as the MSD (VGA mdoes) is more clearer than the normal models (EGA Mode) as Toyota calls them.

But, basic functions should be same, I believe

anyway, thanks
jeeeeee

 

I guess I don't understand -- when I go to that link, I get English manuals. It may be sensing that you are in Japan and offering you Japanese manuals. You may need to go through a US proxy server to see English if this is the case.

You should probably update your profile with your location so we know where you are located.

 

I was thinking he is looking for english version for the Japanese model -- with the features of that car covered?

 

that would make sense. that may be hard to come by! :mellow: