New Nav System pic
I'm Not Here.
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Here's a situation I experienced. Was driving on interstate and car died. Nothing electrical would work. Luckily, I was able to coast into a rest area, and checked some obvious things - fuses, battery, etc. The neg battery terminal seemed a little loose, but not much, so I tightened it anyway. Car "woke up" after I waited another 20 minutes, but the Nav was blank. Took out map disk and got the now famous "Application not loaded ..." screen.
Okay, made a service appointment to have all this checked out. I had read this thread a while back, so I tried to "steer" them to order the disk and do the reload. After a week or so, today they tell me that they have to get a replacement unit directly from United Radio (exactly as mentioned in CzechsMix's previous post).
Service rep (who I know well) said that some issues/problems have been documented with some Nav units, so the procedure is to replace them. I assume it will most likely have the updated software, but I will loose my saved points since they're not going to send an update disk.
Will advise of outcome.
Okay, made a service appointment to have all this checked out. I had read this thread a while back, so I tried to "steer" them to order the disk and do the reload. After a week or so, today they tell me that they have to get a replacement unit directly from United Radio (exactly as mentioned in CzechsMix's previous post).
Service rep (who I know well) said that some issues/problems have been documented with some Nav units, so the procedure is to replace them. I assume it will most likely have the updated software, but I will loose my saved points since they're not going to send an update disk.
Will advise of outcome.
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i dont understand this... why is mazda having nav units replaced instead of blanket distribution of new OS update CD's? the latter seems a little more cost effective. If the initial reset problems applied to early nav systems, then presumably few systems were affected. I just think a repair procedure would work better by trying the CD first, then replacing the entire unit.
In any case, it's not like the old OS was any good... limited search capability, slow processing, crashes, bitchy voice. NEED NEW OS!
And to finish, I just wanted to say, superduper doublesecret backdoor secret!!!
In any case, it's not like the old OS was any good... limited search capability, slow processing, crashes, bitchy voice. NEED NEW OS!
And to finish, I just wanted to say, superduper doublesecret backdoor secret!!!
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Any dealers in the Bay Area that are doing the update?
Hey folks, I'm leary of nuking anything.. I've tried to call a couple of dealers and they don't know of any nav update for the firmware... Anybody know of any Bay Area dealers and a contact who have the firmware?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
My doctor prescribed RX-8
Joined: May 2004
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From: Is it safe to say Ohio yet?
Question:
Answer:
Question:
Answer:
AND
If you have a question, and the thread is quite a few pages long, its probably a good guess that someone asked the question. Hope this helps guys! 
Originally Posted by solarstorm24
What's a Media Car?
Originally Posted by Japan8
The pic in this thread showing MediaCar on the stock nav screen was a photoshop job. The other nav screen pics were of the updated nav software.
MediaCar is a Windows-based program that you will need Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP to run... which obviously means you need a full computer in your car. If you do an A/V tap it would be possible to connect a computer to the stock nav screen (VIA mobo have a tv out) or someone is supposedly making a RGB composite tap for the nav screen. That would be another solution for connecting a computer.
MediaCar is a Windows-based program that you will need Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP to run... which obviously means you need a full computer in your car. If you do an A/V tap it would be possible to connect a computer to the stock nav screen (VIA mobo have a tv out) or someone is supposedly making a RGB composite tap for the nav screen. That would be another solution for connecting a computer.
Originally Posted by UAwream
how did you get it to display the split screen? ive gottne the map or the guie but i cant seem to get it to display both. i have a 12-13 hour drive tomorrow i guess i have plenty of time to toy around but i figured i would ask ahead of time instead.
Originally Posted by JasonHamilton
devoid, the split screen appears when it's giving you directions. If there is a right turn up ahead, it will display the map on the left, and on the right it will show how the right turn will look ahead.
My car was built in Dec and has the new software.
My car was built in Dec and has the new software.
Originally Posted by BRx8
it only works if you have a destination set and only on expressways...when you're exiting on a ramp, it'll show you all possible exits you can take (sometimes there's more than 1 very close to one another) and draws directional arrows to the correct one...is it necessary? not really, but it's just a little more detailed than before
Last edited by devoid; Aug 3, 2004 at 07:51 AM.
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I haven't gotten around to checking the software version.
However, my navi system turns on with the Mazda screen. In addition, the zoom level only appears when I change the zoom. Does this mean I have the new version of the software?
However, my navi system turns on with the Mazda screen. In addition, the zoom level only appears when I change the zoom. Does this mean I have the new version of the software?
I'm Not Here.
Joined: Jan 2004
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Finally got my Nav unit changed out. Observations:
- Overall, most operations seem faster
- New Mazda splash screen on start up
- On the version screen:
-- U.9.136 2003.7 (old was U9.95 2003.1)
-- Same can be seen via one of the secret screens:
NAVI ECU Info Menu\Software\Version Info\Main CPU(F). No other ver info changed there
- Street names on map appear more legible (maybe just my eyes)
- New split screen showing highway exits on left (only when your on an interstate)
- Voice now says the interstate number ("I-whatever"), as well as exit numbers (you don't have to be on the interstate)
- The map scale is only visible while your zoomong in/out
- When entering addresses, a little table is presented to allow you to pick only letters contained in cities/streets that actually exist
- Now you can select a destination by history or intersection - this may have been there before, but if so, I didn't notice.
Of coarse, since they changed out the hardware, I lost all my addresses. Would not have happened if they would have gotten hold of that elusive upgrade disk
Now I wish I could:
- Enter a destination by Lat/Lon
- Display the Lat/Lon of a saved address. I know you can get your current Lat/Lon from a couple of the secret screens, but ther's no way to save that in a POI so you can reference it again.
- Edit the address field of a saved address, in addition to the Icon and Name.
- Export/Import addressbook data from/to a PDA or laptop.
Jeff
- Overall, most operations seem faster
- New Mazda splash screen on start up
- On the version screen:
-- U.9.136 2003.7 (old was U9.95 2003.1)
-- Same can be seen via one of the secret screens:
NAVI ECU Info Menu\Software\Version Info\Main CPU(F). No other ver info changed there
- Street names on map appear more legible (maybe just my eyes)
- New split screen showing highway exits on left (only when your on an interstate)
- Voice now says the interstate number ("I-whatever"), as well as exit numbers (you don't have to be on the interstate)
- The map scale is only visible while your zoomong in/out
- When entering addresses, a little table is presented to allow you to pick only letters contained in cities/streets that actually exist
- Now you can select a destination by history or intersection - this may have been there before, but if so, I didn't notice.
Of coarse, since they changed out the hardware, I lost all my addresses. Would not have happened if they would have gotten hold of that elusive upgrade disk
Now I wish I could:
- Enter a destination by Lat/Lon
- Display the Lat/Lon of a saved address. I know you can get your current Lat/Lon from a couple of the secret screens, but ther's no way to save that in a POI so you can reference it again.
- Edit the address field of a saved address, in addition to the Icon and Name.
- Export/Import addressbook data from/to a PDA or laptop.
Jeff
Last edited by RotaryJeff; Aug 15, 2004 at 10:26 PM.
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From: Houston
Originally Posted by mazradiodoc
Wow, this is a very heated thread. There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding by most and some understanding by few on this upgrade. I dont think the dealers are trying to make this hard on anyone, they really are unsure how this system works, how to troubleshoot it and were they will get hardware or software from. I mean the same guy that checks your oil will be trying to identify a problem in your Nav system?? As the owner and operator of your Nav, you know way more than most at the dealership. The Nav system is manufactured by Panasonic and the software is produced by Navteq. (an arrangement I dont think they like) United Radio is only the service center for this system. VERY EARLY production DVD units seemed to have a reset issue that would crash the system software. this problem has been corrected! I say seemed to have based on all the post from people that crashed there own. The updated software is NOT available for download or at the dealer. I assume Panasonic and Mazda will come up with a plan (that doesnt cost them a lot of money) to distribute upgrades to any and all Nav owners. This system has been on the market just over a year and few have the oldest software . The problem I see with breaking your system so you can get the latest screen saver is the cost involved. Everyone hates the up front cost for there system... well this helps pay the service contracts on replacement (because I want the newest color). This is why the "secret" screen was a secret, so you couldnt hurt your self. Now everyone is upset customer,Mazda,Dealer. Its a good thing no one knows about the superdouble secret screen
For all the people who are ******* up their system on purpose you are being very selfish and doing everyone a disservice.
If you didn't like the Nav when you bought the car, then don't buy the car. Now that there are updates people feel entitled to have them at any cost.
It is no different than an insurance scam. If you want to go make some cheap money go fake whiplash, but don't **** with our Mazda service reps. They will become jaded over time and they will think customers are always trying to screw with them.
This is not free money somebody has to pay.
-Mr. Wigggles
(Ps. If you wait one more year they will probably send out a replacement DVD to things anyway.)
Attracts tree branches
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WOAH...calm down
first off WHY WOULD mazda service reps become jaded? THEY ARE MAKING MONEY ON FXING THE DAMN THING
Second...if they are going to give us a half-assed nav unit and charge us $2k for it we can damn do whatever we want to it...they should have locked us out of reseting the memory...their loss MY gain and their gain for a happy customer
They should be updating this for free...did I mention it was two damn thousand damn dollars
ok, peace
first off WHY WOULD mazda service reps become jaded? THEY ARE MAKING MONEY ON FXING THE DAMN THING
Second...if they are going to give us a half-assed nav unit and charge us $2k for it we can damn do whatever we want to it...they should have locked us out of reseting the memory...their loss MY gain and their gain for a happy customer
They should be updating this for free...did I mention it was two damn thousand damn dollars
ok, peace
Thread Starter
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From: Indianapolis, IN
I agree with truemagellen... For $2000 bucks it should be a free upgrade. PERIOD. Mazda is obviously making this harder than it should be. I watched the service tech pop the cd-rom into my unit, taking all of one minute to load, and then I was on my way. They didnt have to pull the car apart, the units are NOT broken. But rather than spending a few bucks on getting some upgrade cds made, they are having the units pulled and replaced. That makes NO sense to me. Lets see, lets just replace the engine instead of changing the spark plugs? Mazda is making it costly on themselves in this instance, NOT the consumer that wants a well deserved upgrade. And as I pointed out, it is not just a "color" or a "splash screen" the voice assistance is MORE than worth the upgrade.
So all of you that are pissed off, then just chill out... obviously YOU didnt shell out the 2K.
So all of you that are pissed off, then just chill out... obviously YOU didnt shell out the 2K.
Let's all pick the same day to call Mazda North American and complain. If they field several hundred calls the SAME day, maybe they will get a clue. Any thoughts on that idea?
Last edited by Nemesis8; Aug 16, 2004 at 09:36 PM.
I'm Not Here.
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Originally Posted by flyboyindy
Jeff,
Was the splash screen different from the information on the beginning of this thread? Is anything different?
Was the splash screen different from the information on the beginning of this thread? Is anything different?
Jeff
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Posts: 1,232
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From: Houston
Originally Posted by truemagellen
WOAH...calm down
first off WHY WOULD mazda service reps become jaded? THEY ARE MAKING MONEY ON FXING THE DAMN THING
Second...if they are going to give us a half-assed nav unit and charge us $2k for it we can damn do whatever we want to it...they should have locked us out of reseting the memory...their loss MY gain and their gain for a happy customer
They should be updating this for free...did I mention it was two damn thousand damn dollars
ok, peace
first off WHY WOULD mazda service reps become jaded? THEY ARE MAKING MONEY ON FXING THE DAMN THING
Second...if they are going to give us a half-assed nav unit and charge us $2k for it we can damn do whatever we want to it...they should have locked us out of reseting the memory...their loss MY gain and their gain for a happy customer
They should be updating this for free...did I mention it was two damn thousand damn dollars
ok, peace
Yeah, I don't like my engine. Maybe I should milk the tank or something.
You weren't charged for it. YOU PAID FOR IT. There is a difference.
Why don't you walk into your Mazda dealer and tell the truth:
"I used to like my Nav system, but now that there's an upgrade I'm not satisfied anymore and I have zero patience. That's why I sabotaged my Nav system. Now, fix it under warranty, please."
-Mr. Wigggles
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I'm interested to know what that "Media Car" program is too. How does it work? Is it a factory option or aftermarket? What benefits does it offer?
Also, is Mazda required to fix the nav system after you erase the program, or do they just tell you to take the DVD they already gave you and re-install it all?
Also, is Mazda required to fix the nav system after you erase the program, or do they just tell you to take the DVD they already gave you and re-install it all?
Goh Mifune
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Green Oaks, IL
Bump. I'm disappointed that this all hasn't been worked out by now. I thought we'd have some clarification by now from Mazda. I've got to get my oil changed next week and I just know what's going to happen when I ask about the NAV update... blank stare, then sad excuse making no sense whatsoever.
Last edited by MEGAREDS; Oct 8, 2004 at 09:30 PM.
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From: Newport Beach, CA
[QUOTE=MEGAREDS]...disappointed that this all hasn't been worked out by now...QUOTE]Me2. I keep calling once a month & keep getting the same shoulder shrug. 
I really don't mind paying whatever Mazda wants to charge, since I think they've started us out with a real bargin. 
Don't like the thought of having to "fight" for each legitimate fix, especially when they are readily available. (30k miles, 1 year & still can't wait to jump in and zooom! :D )
I really don't mind paying whatever Mazda wants to charge, since I think they've started us out with a real bargin. Don't like the thought of having to "fight" for each legitimate fix, especially when they are readily available. (30k miles, 1 year & still can't wait to jump in and zooom! :D )
Absolute Rotary Madness
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Thessaloniki, Greece
I didn't wanna start a new thread, so...
Can anyone please answer me a simple (and silly probably) question:
do you guys leave the Nav disc in the DVD player all the time? so when you need those directions just pop up the screen and go? or you insert it every time you wanna use it?
I am wondering if any damage can be done, because the disc remains in the player all the time... roads are really bumpy here.
Can anyone please answer me a simple (and silly probably) question:
do you guys leave the Nav disc in the DVD player all the time? so when you need those directions just pop up the screen and go? or you insert it every time you wanna use it?
I am wondering if any damage can be done, because the disc remains in the player all the time... roads are really bumpy here.
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leave it in the player...it is morelikely to be damaged if you take it out...
the drives on mobile (and on many home dvd/computer drives) have rubber bumpers that protect the disc incase a severe jolt is sustainted...if you hit a BAD bump the map may not update for a few seconds but it is unlikely since map data is spooled from the surrounding areas into the ram
the drives on mobile (and on many home dvd/computer drives) have rubber bumpers that protect the disc incase a severe jolt is sustainted...if you hit a BAD bump the map may not update for a few seconds but it is unlikely since map data is spooled from the surrounding areas into the ram