07 Nav system ???"s

[aces-n-eights]

'07 Avalon Limited. Bought it in the lower 48 and moved to Alaska. The nav system doesn't work up here. The local Toyota dealer said the problem is not a software problem - it's a hardware problem - the car cannot receive the signals from the satellites. This does not make sense to me because the GPS sats are in a Global orbit and provide coverage for the entire earth. My handsheld GPS works fine.

The system worked fine in the L48 but not here. I'm just starting to do some research so any assistnace will be much appreciated.

[fwhitehawk]

If you go into setup on the Nav System, there will be a question asking what area that you are in. I think Alaska would be quadrant 4.

[aces-n-eights]

Thanks for the suggestion, but the basic setup is correct. Actually there is no region for Alaska or Hawaii.

I'm very disappointed Toyota does not make this work for all of America.

Any other suggestions to make the nav system work in Alaska? What is the best way to plug into Toyota headquarters to see if there are any solutions?

Thanks in advance!

[Amaury]

Originally Posted by aces-n-eights

Thanks for the suggestion, but the basic setup is correct. Actually there is no region for Alaska or Hawaii.

I'm very disappointed Toyota does not make this work for all of America.

Any other suggestions to make the nav system work in Alaska? What is the best way to plug into Toyota headquarters to see if there are any solutions?

Thanks in advance!

Forget the dealer. Many times their advice is misleading and incorrect.

I strongly believe your problem is more software-related than anything else. Like you said, as long as you are on mother Earth, that GPS in your Avy should be tracking the satellite signals. Dare to check?

1) Put the ignition key in “ACC” position
2) Hit the Map/Voice button of the GPS control console (I expect some sort of message to appear, other than the “Caution” screen, since you have no map for your region)
3) Press and hold the INFO button of the console
4) Turn On and OFF the headlights a few times (about 3 – 4 sequences) until the display on the monitor changes to the “Service Check Mode” screen. Release the INFO button
5) Select the Diagnosis Menu (in the upper right side of the screen)
6) Of the different options given, choose “Navigation Check”
7) Of the different options given, choose “GPS Information”

That screen (step 7) gives you information of signal strength of the satellelites captured by your receiver (GPS) in a table format (up to 8 satellites). Look at the “Status” column.
Any “T” means that you’re receiving the signal but the GPS is not using it.
Any “P” means that the system is using the signal for navigation.
Any “-“ means you’re getting nothing; zero, zilch, NADA MI AMIGO.
Note: For guided navigation you need to have at least 4 P’s, which means your GPS need to track at least 4 satellites simultaneously.

Looking closer at the bottom of the screen, you should be able to spot your latitude and longitude along with your elevation (valuable data if you’re really lost somewhere up there). At any point during the execution of these steps you can just move the ignition key back to OFF to exit the program with no harm being done to the system. Just remember NOT to change anything in there.

Also remember that all of the above is used just to check you’re tracking the satellites. Now back to my first sentence. Being a software problem, the GPS computer is unable to plot your coordinates (position) simply because there is nothing to plot the signal against. For guidance, satellite signal means nothing if you can’t associate that signal with terrain and surfaces on Earth. I mean, how good is it for you to see your vehicle mark on a plain screen? And that’s why your GPS doesn’t work in Alaska because your DVD map software has nothing about Alaska. Solution? Have Denso download Alaska for the next DVD map software release. There’s no other way around it if you want to use the Avy GPS, since everything in there is proprietary.

Amaury
'08 Limited

[aces-n-eights]

Thanks Amaury! That was a great post - THANK YOU for taking the time to respond.

I will do the test to see if the car is actually receiving a GPS signal - i suspect it is. You said the solution was to "Have Denso download Alaska for the next DVD map software release." I will need to poke around this site a bit more, because i don't know what this means. Who (or what) is Denso and how do i get in touch with them? Do they make after-market nav DVDs?

Thanks again!

[inov8]

When I visit the web sites of Toyota Dealers in Alaska, I find 2008 and 2009 Avalons being offered for sale with Nav. It is part of an option package. This suggests Toyota installs a map DVD in Alaska that includes that region (otherwise, who would buy the Nav?). I would visit the nearest Dealer, test drive an Avalon with Nav to be sure it works, and then go to the parts department with the VIN from the vehicle you tested and obtain the part number for the DVD. You will likely be able to save some $$ by purchasing from a dealer with a discount mail-order parts department. .

Denso is a huge Japanese manufacturer of Automotive electronics and a supplier to both American and Japanese car companies. They used to be called Nippondenso, but now are a global company with factories in numerous countries, including the USA. See http://www.globaldenso.com/en/.

The nav unit in my '05 is marked with their name, so I assume they made it. I don't think Denso will sell directly to individuals.

[aces-n-eights]

Thanks inov8 - that's a good idea. I live about 150 miles from the closest Toyota dealer but next time i'm in town i'll give that a try. Maybe i should call one of their salesmen... hmmmmm

[step02]

There are currently no maps for Alaska from Toyota/Lexus. Map coverage for Hawaii was recently added with version 7.1 for generation 5 navigation systems only. You're only hope is that Denso adds coverage for Alaska to be able to use the OEM navigation system.