Navigation system

[slmhusker]

I'm losing the battle against my '05s nav system. I truly think I could draw a map of Kansas City faster than this thing redraws after changing the 'zoom' level. I live smack in the middle of KC and yet my house is in a one square mile 'void' with no streets, according to my nav unit. Also, on my daily drive to the office, only one street actually shows up on my route, for about 12 blocks, then ends. The map version via the display says 2006-2007, and I know Navigation Technologies has released version 2007.1, but I can't find out if this new release is any more detailed than the one I have. I guess I could just lay down the $200 and find out, but heck, that'd be a nice chunk towards a Garmin. Also, I can't seem to enter any addresses as outlined in the owner's guide. I have yet to get the keypad to present itself from any screen.

I read a forum post on a GM board about the Cadillac SRX, which supposedly uses the same Denso system, that the new DVDs also include a firmware update for the system, but I haven't been able to verify this for Lincolns, nor if said update did anything of consequence for the caddy system. TIA for any info/answers.

slmhusker

[Sysanalyst]

Built in Nav systems are a rip-off. They are expensive options, are expensive to update (if updates are available), incorporate climate controls (which are screwed if the Nav breaks), and are relatively useless for getting around in a congested city (they don't know about construction, traffic jams, etc.). I personally like the portable GPS units; have a Mio C310x that cost me $150, is upgradeable, has an MP3 player, doesn't interfere with the climate control system, can be moved from vehicle to vehicle, and uses standard maps that can be obtained online, put on an SD card, and immediately used by the unit. The more expensive Mio GPS units have an XM radio that can plot routes around traffic jams and construction sites. Good luck finding firmware/map updates for your Nav Nav (like a Tom Tom ;)).

[slmhusker]

Yes, you are correct. However, I bought the car used, so the NAV basically came free, considering what I paid. It wasn't a $3500 adder like when you buy a new TC. The nice feature about the Denso is that the climate controls are NOT integrated, only radio/nav functions, in a double DIN package. I was hoping to get the factory system going, but I could always replace it with a double DIN alpine or Pioneer and add the capability of playing DVDs while parked, but this is $1000+! As for true aftermarket NAV, I could get a cheap Garmin or the likes, but I'm not really into hanging things off my windshield or dashboard. I've done it before with a Palm IIIc nav unit and a Sirius radio. Neither one lasted long, as I couldn't stand them. I've always liked everything 'built in'. I guess I just walk to the beat of a deaf drummer..........

[Earl Warren]

I just bought a portable Lowrance for 200 bucks and it is great. Goes from car to car, talks to me, gets me to the address I have plugged in. So far it has been fantastic. Does not necessarily like rural addresses but I work thru that somewhat.
Earl

[pro-five-oh]

incorporate climate controls (which are screwed if the Nav breaks),

Have you been in a late model Lincoln? They are standalone, not an idiotic design like the imports.

Talk to a Lincoln Service advisor, and if he can't answer it (he won't) you ask for their 1-800 tech number. Odds are the newer DVD will fix your problem...test drive a new Lincoln and see for yourself.

[Sysanalyst]

Last late model Lincoln I was in was either a Zephyr and/or LS - drove both on the same visit to the dealer. Almost bought the brand spankin' new LS V8 for $25K; and well, you know my opinion of the lonely '06 Zephyr. Neither had a Nav system. Good thing they have divorced the Nav from the climate controls. I still think DVD players and NAV systems are better off being stand-alone stuff, but if you get one with a used vehicle, I'd sure want to not use it often in fear of it breaking something else.

[XLRVIII]

Garmin GPS V(5) in my car, works great!

You can upload your area maps or run with the default maps.

Depending on your area, most of the maps include all the way down to "street level Zoom" which shows "all the streets".

They upgrade the maps on a pretty regular basis as well.

I got my Garmin GPS V at best buy for 156.00 when they were selling for 300+ on ebay.
Best Buy no longer carries them as far as I can tell.. BUT.. they are selling for 100-150.00 on Ebay.

[slmhusker]

Have you been in a late model Lincoln? They are standalone, not an idiotic design like the imports.

Talk to a Lincoln Service advisor, and if he can't answer it (he won't) you ask for their 1-800 tech number. Odds are the newer DVD will fix your problem...test drive a new Lincoln and see for yourself.

I did call Lincoln on their 800 number, they advised me to contact Navigation Technologies who make the maps. I couldn't find a phone number, so I filled out their email form. I have yet to hear from them.

I may just go look at new TCs and see if they still have the same Denso unit. A new map DVD may help, but I hate to plunk down two C-notes without knowing for sure.

[slmhusker]

I took it to one of my local Lincoln dealers and they thought the system was acting weird too. They wanted me to schedule an appointment, but one of the guys asked if I had looked at the DVD. Well, of course not! I mean, who would remove the one and only DVD that can work in the DVD map reader? I went ahead and popped the DVD out of the trunk mounted unit and found the DVD with too-many-to-count deep scratches! So, I am going to try to repair the DVD, but if that doesn't work, I guess I'll have to drop the bills to NavTeq.com for a new disc. Thanks for all your ideas/help.

slmhusker

[Cadavillac]

I have a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx and I love it. The screen isn't huge compared to car-only nav systems, but I use it for geocaching so I need a small handheld GPS receiver.

[slmhusker]

I know you all have been waiting with bated breath for the resolution, so for the one or two people interested, I shall conclude the saga....

I went ahead and bought a new DVD from Navigation Technologies. I popped it in the trunk and now the nav system works flawlessly! It is absolutely fantastic! I've been testing the guidance/routing capabilities, and I must say, it's quite accurate. Even when I take a 10 block 'detour' on purpose, it was quite good at re-routing and did it in a flash. I have to say, I am now quite pleased with the unit. I retract my earlier comments calling the quality of this system into question.

slmhusker