I ordered (was raped by Navetq for a disk that contained streets that were 100 years old and should have been on the original release) the new map disk and before they would even sell it to me they took my VIN # and told me that I needed the firmware update to use it. My Mazda dealer said they would update the firmware for $30 and I finally convinced them to do it for free. THEN they told me that they couldn’t figure out how and that it was up to date (or something like that – they don’t inspire much confidence) I’ve seen in some threads that the new firmware is installed from the new map disk automatically but I would think that Naveteq would have known that.

Anyway, my question is if you try to use the new map disk with the old firmware will it work at all? It seems to be working fine but I am wondering if I am missing features.

Sorry if this has been covered before, I searched but couldn’t find this question answered.

 

Do you see new streets or roads that werent on the last version?

 

The roads were always shown on the old version but the system would never use them in directions. Now it does.

So far the updated disk seems to be much better but I haven't used it that much. Who knows, I might need to change my location.

 

You are missing a lot of features, such as split screen and different entry method for inputing data. If you call Mazda USA (1-800-222-5500) tell them your VIN number they will send you the firmware update for free.

 

Thanks, Mine is software version U9.136 2003.7. Are the new feeatures on the U9.139 version? I got my car in Dec 2004 and have never updated the NAV unless the new map disk did it for me.

 

be careful... there still is the upgrade issue where you get the upgrade, and your blue nag screen stalls at the DVD logo, and your default map color is ALWAYS green.

The dealership had to replace mine.

 

I started getting the green map syndrome after I put in the new map DVD so I am guessing that the map DVD had the firmware update on it and automatically updated my system. Nothing else seems to have changed much.