I just got my upgrade from Mazda for my Nav system, and they wont fix it unless it is "broken"... So you will want to make sure you erase your program by going into the "secret page"... (search for it ...) The upgrade is really nice... Here are some pics with some of the new features. The nav voice also tells you what major interstates you are on and also tells the name of the exit, "Turn left onto exit 113"... "Keep right to stay on I-94 East"...

 

here is the new entry system, much easier to use, plus the letters grey out, if there is no match...

 

the blue line for the close up when you are coming on to the turn also has arrows added... and the red car arrow is larger

 

here is the split screen, somewhat useful, but the coolness factor went up a few notches =)

 

I want this upgrade - any tips ?

What "secret page" ?


Thanks for any info !!!!

 

ok... now if only i can figure a way to get my media car and my nav system to work together =)

 

I did some thinking... about security, trouble, costs... buying a 1DIN panel, plus motorized LCD unit is not much cheaper than just buying the stock nav panel and a VGA screen to go in it. This is something that OverLOAD had mentioned wanting to do... and actually it's possibly my favorite solution. I like that Mediacar skin too!

 

yes what secreat? how do we get the dealer to replace it ??

 

There were postings on the backdoor to the nav system. Using different joystick combinations you could access different screens. Anyone got the link to the thread or the info? If not... you can always search for it...

 

if you go into "system information" and when you get to the screen that says the software version and all that stuff... click your joystick up 3 times....down 3 times, and then up 2 times....it will take you to a long menu.... go to the software section, and click "forced change"....it will give you the option to erase your software.

 

Could you please tell us what's the current software-version ?

How does the dealer upgrades this ?
Does it take long ?

The "split-screen" is usable because of the software-update ?
Or is it because you also got a new DVD ?

What's this "MediaCar" thing ?
How does it work, how is it connected, what does it do ?

As I'm not from the States, I wonder from wich manufacturer the DVD-ROM is ? Could it be from NAVTEQ ? Or .... ?

Thanks

 

Hey Bud,
Thanks a lot for the screen shots. Especially the Split Screen one. Now I know exactly what people here are talking about. Thanks.

 

Mine came with that, and it was made in December '03. So I think it's important to mention that only the older cars had different software.

 

They just load the new program DVD and it take 2 minutes or so. You just need to find a dealer that knows whats up

 

Just like Jason, my car was manufactured in December 2003. Cars made after this date likely already have the updated software version.

Navigation System Versions (normal version page)
DVD 3.18.20.2
Software U9.136 2003.7

ECU Info Page (3 up 3 down 2 up)
Software -> Ver. Info

Main CPU (M) U4.06 2002.9
Main CPU (F) U9.136 2003.7
Sub CPU 82
CD-ROM Drive 2.04
GPS 0.0
Map Database 1.7.27.6
Map Software 1.7.32.3

If your car was manufactured on or after December 2003 you likely don't need an upgrade. All of the things that flyboyindy points out are already in my car and I've had no service performed on my nav system since the car was delivered.

If there's anyone out there with a version number that's different from U9.136 2003.7 I'd be interesting in seeing your build date and other version numbers for comparison.

 

won't dealer know that you intentionaly erased software (to try and get nav upgrade)

 

Thanks for the info flyboy... one question- when you erase the NAV software, what does the next boot up look like (i.e. what errors are thrown and how obvious is this?)

 

the dealers are CLUELESS... i went to one in Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, MI, and Shaumburg, IL.... they all said the same thing... "Ive never seen anything like this... its not in any of our manuals". After you erase the program the only thing that appears on your screen is "Application not found... Please insert upgrade disk"... They didnt charge me for the upgrade, but I felt that it was the least they could do for me since they wouldnt replace my front rotary emblem which is very badly corroded... they said that unless the dealer installs it, the warranty doesnt cover it.... =)

 

I'm going to go in next week. I'll post on how it goes.....

 

wow i wish i got it i tought id add after market but its still the same price!

 

do you know a price on the stock navi panel area? and wud a 7" screen fit in there?

 

In an old thread, OverLOAD said he was given a quote of something like $1,500 for it. Pretty steep. I am also hoping on salvage and ebay. I've seen a stock navi for a Mazda 6 sold on ebay before. Also it's like i said... a motorized 1DIN LCD will run you about $600 or so plus the 1DIN panel.. about $400 maybe for comparison.

Would a 7" screen fit? I am not sure of the stock screen size, but I'd say in the worst case it's probably 6.5" if not 7" (anyone want to measure theirs?). Worst case scenario, you have to fiberglass the new screen into the bezel... or create a new bezel and stuff from fiberglass.

 

Good thread with the new pics. Thanks. I guess the next time I go into the dealership, I'll just 'oops' my software. If anyone else is doing the same, I'd appreciate it if you let us know how it goes.

 

I checked my versions versus Pavehawk's, and here's the results. My car was built 5/30-31 or so of last year. Second boat baby!


Main CPU (M) version U 4.06 2002.9
Main CPU (F) version U 9.95 2003.1
Sub CPU version 82
CD-Rom drive version 2.04
GPS version 0.0
Map Database version 1.7.27.6
Map Software version 1.7.32.2

 

Is this a software update independent of a database update and therefor the dealer only has to install the new software that operates the navigation system and does not have to replace the data disc? I understand the new data disc will be out this summer and will cost $199.00 . . . . will the software update be included as part the database update?