Part Two
How to Troubleshoot the Navigation System
Obtaining A Navigation DVD
If the navigation DVD is lost or damaged, or you need a yearly updated DVD, you have two ways to purchase one. You can either call (888) 549-3798, or order on-line at www.acuranavi.com.
Both methods require a credit card. The DVD for this model has a white label, and cannot be ordered through the parts system. The following DVDs will not work in this navigation system:
- Earlier model navigation DVDs (black, orange, light blue label and the older versions with a white label)
- Map software programs manufactured by other companies
- DVD movies, or DVDs containing audio recordings
Update DVDs are available for purchase usually in the fall of each year. They may contain the following:
- Enhanced maps and points of interest (POI) coverage
- Fixes for minor software bugs
- Additional features
NOTE:
- Map matching must be done any time the DVD is removed or replaced.
- Always order navigation DVDs on an as-needed basis. During a typical model year, each color DVD may undergo a half a dozen software only version upgrades to fix minor issues on some or all models the DVD supports. This is normal. Usually only the letter at the end of the version number changes, while the database (maps and POIs) remain unchanged.
- Never promise your client future free updates. There are no free programs for updating the navigation DVD. Update DVDs are generally available for purchase each fall. The online DVD order site provides information when an update for a particular color DVD is available.
- Damaged discs are not covered by warranty unless they have been damaged by the navigation system.
DVD Handing and Cleaning
To avoid damaging or leaving fingerprints on the DVD, always handle it by the edges and place it in a jewel case whenever it is outside the navigation unit. Deep scratches or fingerprints on the back of the DVD can cause intermittent rebooting or other system errors.
Smudges and fingerprints can be carefully removed using a mild cleaner and tissues designed to clean eyeglasses. To clean a DVD, use a clean soft cloth. Very gently wipe across the DVD from the center to the outside edge, never in a circular motion.
Do not place stabilizer rings or labels on the DVD.
Earliest DVD Version Application for Each Model
Each navigation system DVD contains a map/POI (point of interest) database and the navigation system software for each model that it supports. Inserting an older DVD can cause problems since it lacks the software to provide the specific features needed for that model. Unfortunately, the navigation software does not detect or warn you that the version is outdated, and it may even appear to operate.
NOTE: Replacing a DVD just because the version number is higher is not always warranted. A higher software version does not necessarily mean it contains newer software for your model. The DVD contains software for all models that use the same color DVD, and a revised number may or may not have software fixes or upgrades for the model in question.
Typical warning symptoms that an outdated or incorrect DVD is being used include:
- The Acura model navigation screen may display a Honda logo while booting up.
- A newly introduced model feature or current accessory may not display properly, and the term Extension displays instead.
- The current street (the street being driven on) does not appear properly at the bottom of the map screen display when the vehicle is driven on a main road.
NOTE: If necessary, compare the operation to the navigation system of the same model and year vehicle that has a current DVD.
How to Identify Navigation DVD Versions, and How to Inspect A DVD for Damage
To determine the navigation version on a particular model, start the engine, then locate the navigation unit. Open the DVD door, and push the eject button to eject the DVD. Hold the DVD by the edges, and check for these items:
- Check any official Honda service website for more service information about the navigation DVDs.
- The DVD label color.
- Read the DVD version on the label, and note it on the repair order. The version number is near the bottom of the label text (for example, ver: 4.23A). You will need this version number:
- To verify that the DVD version is appropriate for the vehicle. Check any official Honda service website for more service information.
- Any time you call Tech Line regarding a navigation system issue.
- To answer client inquires concerning update or coverage issues.
NOTE: Clients may obtain DVDs from sources outside the normal ordering process. If you determine this is the case, recommend that your client purchase the appropriate DVD from the Acura Disc Fulfillment Center (see ORDERING A DVD).
- Check the underside of the DVD for signs of mishandling. Deep or random scratches, light swirl marks, or fingerprints can cause random lock-ups, reboots, erratic voice response, erratic positioning errors, and DVD read or format errors.
NOTE: A damaged DVD is not covered under warranty unless the disc is damaged by the navigation unit. Damage by the navigation unit typically appears as circular scratches caused by something rubbing against the DVD as it spins. The damage may appear as arcs or complete circles on the DVD reading surface.
- Verify that the underside of the DVD is silver, and not a copy with a blue color. Copies will not work properly and can cause other symptoms that mimic hardware problems.
- Incorrectly colored DVDs being put into navigation vehicles. This causes the system to either display error messages, or causes system malfunctions that mimic a hardware problem. This results in the client leaving with a malfunctioning navigation system.
- The DVD version provided to the client is out-of date or incompatible with a particular model. This inconveniences your client by delaying the repair, or by causing additional (and unnecessary) returns to your dealership.
- The client experiences bugs or other issues that have already been resolved in later versions currently available at the fulfillment desk.
If the DVD is defective, or has any of the issues mentioned above, return the vehicle to your client and recommend that they order the proper DVD from the Acura Disc Fulfillment Center.
NOTE: Navigation DVDs do not come with replacement navigation units. If you are replacing a navigation unit because it is detective (following appropriate service information troubleshooting), and the DVD does not eject, order a DVD from the Acura Disc Fulfillment Center.
How to Answer Client Questions About Navigation Coverage
Some clients may ask questions regarding a city, address, or POI (point of interest) covered by the navigation system. It is better to verify a coverage question on an actual vehicle than to disappoint your client by promising coverage that may be incomplete or missing in their area. The following suggestions can be used to answer coverage inquiries from your client.
Is my address covered by the navigation system?
Using a current production vehicle (of the same model), enter the client's address (street first) to see if their area is covered. Always enter the street first, because sometimes their city may be included in a neighboring township, or under some larger metropolitan city name. If the address is shown in a later year vehicle, but not your client's vehicle, you might recommend that your client purchase an update.
Is my city covered by the navigation system?
For general questions about whether a city is covered, view the map coverage link on the DVD order site. On the site, select a year, and select a model, then click on the Coverage link. You then select a state or province, and the cities are listed. This does not guarantee that the client's road or address is in the system. Verifying on an actual production vehicle is always the best guarantee that your information is accurate.
The gas station on my corner is now a restaurant. Why is it still incorrect in the navigation system?
For POI-related client questions, explain that businesses are constantly moving, and there can be a considerable lag in updating the millions of POIs in the system. The database is updated annually, and the best way to the verify whether the POI is accurate is verify the inquiry on a current production vehicle.
Answers to these and other questions regarding coverage can be found in these locations:
- In the Frequently Asked Questions section of the navigation system manual.
- At the online DVD order site, www.acuranavi.com, by clicking on the FAQs link.
How do I find the local address of a business that is part of a national chain (for example, Starbucks)?
There are three ways to find the local address to businesses:
- If you know the phone number of the business, select Phone Number and enter the 10 digit phone number (area code plus seven digit number).
- Select Category, then Restaurant. Enter the keyword Star. The resulting list includes all restaurants that have the letters Star anywhere in the name.
- Select Name and enter Starbucks. For more common business names, like McDonalds, you may have to search through a list that includes other businesses like McDonalds Welding, McDonalds Automotive, etc.
Why are some features different or missing compared to my previous Acura vehicle?
Hardware and software continually go through updates and improvements. Features may change or disappear over time based on the navigation system development.
Precaution on Client Navigation DVD"Sneak Previews"
Your client might request a look (or sneak preview) at features in the latest navigation software. You should never preview a navigation DVD in a client's vehicle. Inserting newer navigation DVD installs the latest software from the DVD into the memory of the client's navigation system. When the original navigation DVD is reinstalled, the newer software remains in memory and is often incompatible with the client's original navigation DVD Map and POI database, or software.
If your client wishes to see the latest navigation coverage or software features, demonstrate it on an in-stock vehicle that already has the latest navigation DVD version.
If a newer version is loaded, either by the dealer or the client, the only remedy is to enter the navigation diagnostic mode's Version screen and do a forced download. Check any official Honda service website for more information about what patches may need reinstalling.
How to Check Error History (Navigation DTCs)
Map type
NOTE: The navigation DTCs cannot be retrieved with the HDS.
The Error History feature is to record intermittent navigation issues that occur while the client is using the system by setting navigation DTCs. Sometimes the client complaint cannot be duplicated. The error history may record the information needed to diagnose the problem. To check the error history:
- Start the engine.
- Press and hold the MAP/GUIDE, MENU, CANCEL buttons for 3 seconds, or connect the SCS service connector to the navigation service connector located in the trunk Component Tests and General Diagnostics.
3. When the Select Diagnosis Items menu is displayed, select Self-Diagnosis Mode.
4. When the navigation unit has hard error codes, the Error History icon appears yellow when the Self Diagnosis mode (System links) screen is displayed. When no hard error codes are stored, the icon appears gray. To view the errors with their DTC, select the Error History icon.
USA models
Hawaii models
Canada models
5. Select Hard Error.
NOTE: Software errors are for factory use only.
Hardware Error History
6. The Hard Error screen displays the following information for each error:
- The DTC for the error
- A brief description of the navigation DTC
- The date and time when the error occurred.
NOTE:
- To see additional errors, use the interface dial to select UP or DOWN icon (A).
- Select Clear to delete the error history. The Save feature is for factory use only.
7. Use the DTC Symptom Troubleshooting table to troubleshoot the error.
8. Clear the navigation DTCs.
9. Select Return to exit the error history.
Software Error (Soft Error) History
Software errors are not available. They are for factory use only.
How to Clear Error History
1. Do the steps in How to check Error History.
2. Select Clear in the error menu.
NOTE:
- By selecting Clear, all software and hardware errors stored in history are erased at the same time.
- Save is for factory use only.
Hard error history is displayed
Soft error history is displayed (Soft errors are for factory use only)
3. After selecting Clear, then selecting Yes, both Hard Error history and Soft Error history are cleared at the same time.
Hard error history clear
Soft error history clear (Soft errors are for factory use only)
4. Press Return to exit.