Navigation System - Set-Up/Operation/Controls/Reset
06-022August 2, 2011
*Applies To:
2007-12 RDX With Technology Package - ALL*
2007-12 RDX: TQI of the Navigation System
(Supersedes 06-022, dated June 24, 2010, to revise the information marked by asterisks)
REVISION SUMMARY
*In Applies To, 2012 models have been added.*
BACKGROUND
This bulletin provides information for the TQI and testing of the navigation system. These topics are covered:
^ Navigation System Controls
^ Voice Control System
^ Navigation System Setup at TQI
^ Resetting the AcuraLink Control Unit to Clear DTCs
^ System Limitations
^ Map Coverage Areas
^ Hawaii System Setup
^ AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic Information
^ Ordering a DVD
For more information about the navigation system and its operation, refer to these resources:
^ Technology Reference Guide
^ Online University - Use the keyword NAVI for more information about the navigation system.
^ Navigation Manual - Besides the one that comes with the vehicle, the navigation manual is also available online. Under Search by Vehicle, enter keywords NAVI MANUAL.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
None. The information is this service bulletin is considered part of the TQI.
NAVIGATION SYSTEM CONTROLS
The buttons listed above are used in this service
bulletin. For more information on the button functions, see Getting Started in the navigation manual.
VOICE CONTROL SYSTEM
The navigation system features a voice control system that allows you to operate most of the navigation, HVAC, and audio controls with only your voice. To interact with the navigation system, use the TALK and BACK buttons. The microphone is located on the ceiling. This is the primary way to give commands to the system.
NAVI TALK button - Press and release this button on the steering wheel to activate the voice control system. After pressing and releasing the button, wait for the beep, then speak your command.
NAVI BACK button - Press this button to return to the previous display. After the previous display appears, the system prompts you for a command and sounds a beep. Press the NAVI TALK button to say your next command. The NAVI BACK button has the same functions as the CANCEL button on the navigation system display.
Microphone - Receives voice commands
Improving Recognition
If the system does not understand your voice commands, refer to Improving Voice Recognition in the navigation manual.
NOTE:
^ The navigation system does not respond, and displays an error message, if you have activated the HFL TALK button. Press the HFL BACK button before using the navigation system.
^ You must be in the driver's seat to use voice commands with the navigation system.
^ If you speak a command with something in your mouth, with a heavy accent, or have a high-pitched voice, the system may misinterpret your voice command.
NAVIGATION SYSTEM SETUP AT TQI
The navigation system is basically ready to use when the vehicle is delivered to the dealership. Since the system interfaces with other vehicle systems, it is important that all of the systems are initialized. To initialize the navigation system, follow these steps:
1. Do the normal TQI of the vehicle, including the audio system. The navigation system will not function until its 4-digit anti-theft code has been entered.
2. You may see the factory In-line diagnosis screen below. If so, do the following. If not, go to step 3.
^ Press and hold the Menu, Map/Guide, and Cancel buttons at the same time until the Select diagnosis menu screen comes up. Then release the buttons.
^ Press and hold the MAP/GUIDE button for at least 15 seconds.
^ Select Complete on the display, then select Return twice to exit the diagnostic mode.
3. Start the engine, and drive the vehicle outside, away from buildings, tall trees, and power lines. Then enter the 4-digit security code for the navigation system. The code is on the Navigation Anti-Theft Code card.
NOTE:
There are two code labels and a plastic code card located in a small plastic bag in the glove box
^ Attach one of the labels to the code card, put it in the plastic bag, and return it to the glove box.
^ Attach the other label to the TQI repair order, or put it in the plastic bag, and return it to the glove box for the client.
NOTE:
Never attach a label to the side of the glove box or other location where both the serial number and code are easily visible. This defeats the purpose of the anti-theft protection.
If the code card is lost or unavailable, you can get the code from the iN using the navigation system serial number. The system serial number can easily be obtained without removing the navigation unit. To get the serial number and the code, do this:
^ Press and hold the MENU, MAP/GUIDE, and CANCEL buttons at the same time.
^ At the diagnosis menu, select Unit Check, then Navi ECU. The system runs a brief diagnostic, then the navigation unit serial number is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
^ Use the navigation Anti-theft code inquiry option on the iN (Interactive Network) to look up the 4-digit navigation anti-theft code.
^ If the code does not work, call the warranty department.
4. The instructions appear on the screen to indicate that the system is initializing (determining its location from the GPS satellites). Follow the on-screen instructions.
NOTE:
The average initialization takes about 10 minutes, but it can take as long as 45 minutes. If initialization is complete within 10 minutes, the display changes to the globe screen.
5. If the system does not initialize within 10 minutes, a second screen (shown) appears. The system is still initializing, but will not automatically exit to the globe screen when initialization is complete. Do not immediately follow the instructions on the screen. After 30 minutes, try restarting the engine to see if the navigation system completed the initialization. If it did not, follow the instructions on the screen.
NOTE:
The initialization screen may appear after battery voltage to the navigation control unit has been disconnected for more than 5 minutes. If this happens, follow the on-screen instructions. If you are still unable to obtain GPS initialization, refer to the service manual for diagnostic information.
6. When initialization is complete, the disclaimer screen appears. Select OK.
NOTE:
Do not enter a destination yet. For the navigation system to calculate a route, it must align the current location to a mapped road (map matching). This occurs when you start driving.
7. Verify that the XM(R) Satellite Radio dealer demo account has been set up by tuning to XM stations 000, 001, 007, 009, 047, 122, 174, and 247. If these stations can be received, the demo account is fully active.
NOTE:
For 2007-11 models, XM Satellite Radio and Real-Time Traffic are free to clients for the first 3 months. After that, clients must subscribe to XM radio and/or real-time traffic services to continue receiving coverage by calling 800-852-9696 or going online at www.xmradio.com. They will need their XM radio ID (displayed when you tune to channel 0) and a major credit card.
8. Drive the vehicle at least a half-mile from your dealership, then find a safe place to park. Set the map scale at 1/20.
^ Make sure the VP (vehicle position) icon moves smoothly as you drive and does not jerk from one point to another. Also make sure the icon points in the direction the vehicle is traveling; it does not "dog track" or spin.
After driving a few hundred feet, the name of the road you are driving on should appear at the bottom of the screen.
NOTE:
If the navigation system fails to map-match after the vehicle is driven more than a couple of miles on a displayed road, refer to the service manual symptom troubleshooting.
9. With the map screen displayed, press and release the NAVI TALK button.
10. When you hear the beep, say "Find the nearest Acura dealer." The system should display a list of Acura dealers.
11. Rotate the interface dial to highlight your dealership, then press the dial.
12. On the Calculate Route to screen, select OK.
13. The system then calculates a route and displays it as a blue line. If you are in a rural area with unverified roads, you may see a blue dotted vector line or a blue/pink dashed line pointing in the direction of your destination.
14. Follow the voice guidance back to your dealership. The voice guidance should work even with the audio system turned off.
15. With the map screen displayed, check the system interaction with the audio system and the upper display. Press and release the NAVI TALK button. After the beep, say "XM channel 125." The upper display should change to XM channel 125 and show the Weather Channel.
16. With the map screen displayed, check the system interaction with the climate control system. Turn on the climate control system by selecting AUTO. Then press and release the NAVI TALK button. After the beep, say "Temperature 68 degrees." The upper display should change to 68 degrees.
17. Make sure the time shown in the upper display is correct; the system gets it from the GPS satellites. For areas that do not follow daylight saving time, you may have to adjust the time settings. Go to Clock Adjustment in the Setup screen, and set Auto Daylight to OFF.
NOTE:
If your dealership is located near a time zone boundary, set Auto Time Zone by GPS to OFF. The clock then keeps the "home" time if the client routinely drives across the time zone boundary.
18. If your dealership is located in a metropolitan area that has traffic incident or traffic flow data available (see ACURALINK REAL-TIME TRAFFIC INFORMATION), do this:
^ Select one of these traffic map scales, 1/2, 1, 2, or 5 miles, by rotating the interface dial.
^ Use the interface dial to scroll to the downtown area of your city. If your metro area has traffic flow data, freeways and other main roads should show traffic flow data as red, orange, or green lines in one or both directions on the road.
^ Small diamond-shaped "traffic incident" icons may be shown. If so, scroll over an icon and press in the interface dial to see the details.
^ Partially displayed traffic data does not indicate a problem with the navigation system. Traffic flow and density varies from day-to-day and from one road to another. If your area has traffic, but it is not displaying on the screen, refer to the navigation section of the service manual.
19. Press the SETUP button, or use the voice control system and say "Setup." Then verify these settings:
^ Volume is set to midrange.
^ Brightness is set so the display can be seen in bright sunlight.
20. In the Setup mode, select More, then Personal Information, then Previous Destinations. Follow the screen prompts to delete all previous destinations except your dealership.
RESETTING THE ACURALINK CONTROL UNIT TO CLEAR DTCs
AcuraLink is a two-way communication system between the vehicle and American Honda, using the XM satellites. It works with the vehicle's navigation system, the HandsFreeLink system, and the audio system.
When the No.15 fuse is removed during vehicle shipment, the AcuraLink control unit sets DTCs. These DTCs need to be cleared during the TQI using this procedure:
1. Start the engine.
2. On the navigation system disclaimer screen, select OK by pressing the interface dial. (The interface dial is used to control several functions, including AcuraLink.)
3. Press and hold the MENU, MAP/GUIDE, and CANCEL buttons at the same time, until the Select Diagnosis Items screen is displayed.
NOTE:
If the select diagnosis item menu screen does not appear, do this:
^ To establish communication with the navigation system, disconnect the negative cable from the battery for 30 seconds, reconnect it, then go to step 1.
^ Because you have disconnected the battery, do this:
- Reenter the audio unit anti-theft code and enter radio station presets.
- Reenter the navigation system code.
- Redo the idle learn procedure.
4. Turn the interface dial to highlight the Self-Diagnosis Mode icon on the screen, then press the interface dial to select the icon. Allow the diagnostic to run.
5. Turn the interface dial to highlight the XM (HIP) icon on the screen, then press the interface dial to select the icon.
6. Turn the interface dial to highlight the XM (HIP) Diag icon, then press the interface dial to select the icon.
7. Turn the interface dial to highlight the Data Reset icon. Then press the interface dial to select the icon.
8. Turn the interface dial to highlight the Yes icon. Then press the interface dial to select the icon.
9. Select OK by pressing the interface dial, then toggle the interface dial to the left one time.
10. Press the CANCEL button.
11. Turn the interface dial to highlight the Return icon. Then press the interface dial to select the icon.
12. Again, turn the interface dial to highlight the Return icon. Then press the interface dial to select the icon. This returns you to the navigation system screen.
SYSTEM LIMITATIONS
These issues could arise during the TQI or after installing replacement parts to repair the system. Refer to the navigation manual or the technology reference guide for basic operation.
If you think you found any problems with the navigation system during the TQI or after installing replacement parts to repair the system, refer to System Limitations and Database Limitations in the navigation manual. This helps you to avoid replacing parts when the issue may be a system characteristic.
To minimize distractions while driving, always use the voice control system to operate the navigation system. Always verify the audio and visual route information by carefully observing roadway signs, signals, etc. Use your own good judgment, and obey traffic laws while driving.
The navigation system has these limitations:
The GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites used by the navigation system are operated by the U.S. Department of Defense. For security reasons, certain inaccuracies are built into the GPS. This can cause occasional positioning errors of up to several hundred feet. If the navigation system indicates your position incorrectly, wait several seconds until it corrects itself. The system may also correct itself after you make a turn or cross a road.
^ The routes calculated by the system may not always be what you consider the most direct ones. Try different routing methods to obtain the best route. Even the direction your vehicle is pointing influences the route calculation.
^ Since businesses close or relocate, some information may be inaccurate. Also, route guidance may conflict with actual road conditions, such as street closures, construction, and detours.
^ Occasionally, the navigation system may reboot due to excess cold, heat, or shock, or from recalculating a route too many times. Rebooting does not necessarily indicate a need for service.
^ The GPS antenna receives location information from orbiting satellites. Anything that blocks or interferes with the signal affects accuracy. The GPS signal can be blocked or interfered with (vehicle position shown incorrectly on the map) by:
- Aftermarket metallic window tinting above or to the sides of the GPS antenna.
- Aftermarket vehicle tracking systems mounted near the navigation unit or the display.
- Radar detectors, cell phones, or other aftermarket electronic accessories placed near the navigation unit or the display.
- Outside electrical interference from overhead power lines, trolley lines, or broadcast sources.
- Tall trees or buildings near or over the vehicle. They can cause the system to show the vehicle on an adjacent street. This should automatically correct itself when the obstruction is gone.
^ In some cases, a city name, road name, or address may be incorrect or missing from the system. These are the possible causes:
- The city name may be listed under a larger metropolitan area or as an unincorporated area. Try selecting the street name first. If it is a smaller city in a rural area, only the main road may be shown.
- If the street name cannot be found, is shown incorrectly on the map, or is not drawn correctly, it may be because it is a new road or it is in an unverified area.
NOTE:
See the navigation manual for more information.
^ If the DVD door of the navigation unit is opened or the DVD is removed and reinstalled, the system reboots.
^ Scratches or fingerprints on the surface of the navigation DVD can cause system errors. Always handle the DVD by its edges. A DVD with a white label (Canadian vehicles may have a gray label) is used for this system. It cannot be interchanged with a DVD from a different vehicle that has a different-colored label.
^ If the location of your dealership is shown incorrectly or needs to be changed, report it to your DPSM.
MAP COVERAGE AREAS
The map database covers the 48 contiguous United States, Hawaii, and parts of southern Canada. The map coverage for the U.S. contains accurately mapped (verified) metropolitan areas and less accurate (unverified) rural coverage. In Canada, the database covers major metropolitan areas and major roads connecting those metropolitan areas. Coverage extends about 100 miles from the U.S. border. For more coverage information, go to wwwacuranavicom. A gray DVD that provides coverage for northern Canada is also available for purchase (see ORDERING A DVD).
Detailed Coverage and Non-Detailed Coverage
Many cities and metropolitan areas are fully mapped with detailed coverage while rural areas typically have less accurate, incomplete, or non-verified information. Refer to the Introduction and Getting Started in the navigation manual for more information.
For a list of current detailed coverage areas by country and state/province, refer to the navigation manual or go online to www.acuranavi.com. Online, use the pull-down menu to select the Model and the Year, select Map Coverage, then select Map Coverage Details.
HAWAII SYSTEM SETUP
The white navigation DVD contains maps for the 48 contiguous states, parts of southern Canada, and Hawaii. If the vehicle is sold in Hawaii or relocated from the mainland to Hawaii, you must change the map coverage so the applicable maps are displayed. To change the map coverage for use in Hawaii, do this:
1. Press and hold the MENU, MAP/GUIDE, and CANCEL buttons at the same time. The display changes to the Select Diagnosis Items screen.
2. Select Detail Information & Settings.
3. Select Coverage area. Then select Hawaii coverage. The system may reboot.
4. Start the engine, and drive the vehicle to an open area so the system can acquire a GPS signal.
5. After the system has initialized, do the map matching by driving the vehicle on a road until the road name appears at the bottom of the map screen.
NOTE:
^ If a vehicle is relocated from Hawaii to the mainland, you must change the coverage area to US.
^ When you change the coverage area, any previous destinations, address book, and other system settings are changed to the factory defaults.
^ XM Satellite Radio is not available in Hawaii, so there is no AcuraLink or real-time traffic coverage.
ACURALINK REAL-TIME TRAFFIC INFORMATION
Traffic information is available in many metropolitan areas. The amount and type of coverage varies. Traffic incidents (diamond-shaped icons) are shown on the screen for most major metropolitan cities (typically during daytime commutes). Many of these cities also display traffic flow, shown as red, orange, or green bands, alongside major roads or freeways.
NOTE:
^ Traffic information will not be displayed if the XM Satellite Radio dealer demo account is not active.
^ Refer to the navigation section of the 07-09 RDX Service Manual or the 2010-11 RDX Service Manual to troubleshoot real-time traffic problems.
The amount of traffic coverage varies from city to city. The Acura website contains a link that provides an up-to-date list of the current cities with traffic coverage and the actual roads covered within each city. The link also provides a demonstration of the system that explains traffic flow color bands and incident icons displayed on the map. The link can be found at www.acura.com/realtimetraffic.
ORDERING A DVD
Replacement DVDs can be ordered online at Under Find Updates, use the pull-down menu to select the vehicle Model and Year. You can also call the Acura Navigation Disc Fulfillment Center. Both methods require a major credit card.
For more information about ordering the correct DVD for the vehicle, refer to Service Bulletin 05-032, Navigation System DVD Information and Inspection.