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Thanks,
Aside from it's other problems, there seem to be more and more places I go to that are not in my current navigation system (Version 6.1, I believe).
Anyone with similar problem or suggestions. Thanks, Fred
If you're talking about the CD-ROM that explains the system then you may or may not be able to get one from your dealer but you can go to www.toyotaiguide.com and see the same info.
I have to agree with you. If I had not gotten a very good deal on my Sequoia with NAV I would be real unhappy. Whoever did the mapping for the Toyota NAV units was not too worried about accuracy. Twice it has sent me on dirt roads as the shortest route. One had a locked gate for so long that is was rusted in place. The other was passable with four wheel drive in low range. The wannabe SUVs with AWD would not have made it. I also like the vehicle.
The reason we looked at the other 3 routes was the "default route" was almost 10 miles out of the way getting to the destination. The best route to my brother in laws place is 16 miles. The NAV wanted us to go 26 miles. The short route that it gave was on the gated dirt road at about 14 miles. It did not even find the best route with 3 tries. In baseball that is a strikeout. Toyota has struck out with their NAV system. I plan to file a complaint with Toyota on our first service.
Also, having had gps systems for over 4 years, quite often you have to decide which way to go and let the unit compensate. I have had two Garmin units and though I would rate them five star, I bring a Yahoo map with me to make sure it doesn't lead me too far off the beaten path.
The other night, comiong back from a wedding I photographed; at midnight it put me on a secondary road instead of the main highway. Not being familiar with the area and being in the middle of a downpour I had to suffer through... though it got me home. Using the Garmin of course... the nav system on the TCH is not accurate.
Unfortunately, I must agree with those who said that the NAV system is not very accurate. In fairness, most of the time it gets me where I need to go. And on rare occasions, it is actually very helpful (in that I wouldn't have known how to get there otherwise). One notable example is a hotel I was going to when travelling out-of-state; my NAV system did find a back route that got me there quicker than I ever would have figured out on my own, even with MapQuest.
However, there are far too many times -- my legitimate estimate is about 15% to 20% of the times -- where my NAV simply has no idea where I am going. What I mean is, I will try to input an address and the system will say "No such address exists." But what makes that so ludicrious is that I will get directions from MapQuest (which will have my destination address) and once I arrive at my destination, I will "bookmark" where I am (sorry, since I am not in my TCH as I write this, I do not remember the exact command), and more often than not the NAV system will say that I am at the exact address it originally said did not exist.
Why couldn't the system allow me to input my destination address in the first place!?!?!?!? :mad:
And on top of that, most of the time even when it gets the address right, it will still say, "You have arrived at your destination, the route guidance will now cease" while I am still 1/4 mile from where I want to be.
If there is one thing I truly dislike about my Toyota Camry Hybrid, it is the navigation system. Although it has been useful at times, far too often I simply find it frustrating.
But everything -- and I really do mean everything -- else about my TCH is great. That's why I keep hoping against hope that the next version of the NAV software will substantially improve it.
Oh, and one more thing you can do to affect the routes is to adjust the default road speeds that it uses to calculate the routes. If you live in a rural area where people travel 50+ mph on two lane roads, then you should boost up the speed value so the system can take this into account.
Secondly, it's a lot easier if you select the city first. That way it will narrow down the choice of streets.
Third, avoid typing in the street prefix & suffix. If it's West Montcalm St, just enter "Montcalm" and pick the exact street name from the resulting list.
Fourth, make sure not to put an ending space in the house number field. Occasionally I'll try to put the house # and street on the same line and if I forget to erase the space, it can't find the address.
Following these tips should add at least 2% to your success rate.
I have literally gone to a place that I could not find on my NAV system, "bookmarked" (again, not the correct term but you know what I mean) the location and found it to be exactly what I unsuccessfully tried to put in in the first place.
Moreover, I have copied the location from the "bookmark" EXACTLY like it showed up on my screen -- the correct and full address, city, abbreviations, everything -- and then tried to enter it back into the system and it will still say it cannot find the address. One example where I remembered this happened was 11 Florence Ave in Hempstead, NY.
Again, as I admit above, I don't think I've ever tried to enter the city first (although when the system cannot find an address, I have [unsuccessfully] tried to have it search nearby cities). I will do that next time but I admit to not being overly optimistic.
But what makes it so frustrating is that, without fail, I am able to find the address on MapQuest. So I know that somewhere these addresses exist. When I search for them, they simply come up; I don't even have to put in the city first. My hope is that the next version of the TCH NAV software will include them.
gfr1, thank you for the technical explanation but, again, MapQuest, shows the addresses and provides accurate directions. For that matter, the navigation systems that come with Acura automobiles seem to do a much better job (as well as give you more points of interest). My question and frustration is, why can't Toyota (and Lexus?) do better?
And mdchachi, the one thing I must ask you is how do you change the "speed value" for roads in the factory navigation system of a 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid?
So Toyota struck out on all 3 routes. I imagine they will want an arm and a leg for any updates.
Regardless, the website is a little biased towards Garmin GPS systems, IMHO, but it is still very good and comprehensive. If you are looking for an aftermarket GPS system, I would suggest you look there.
Menu > Setup -> Set Speed (Estimated Travel Time)
and change to whatever suits you. I think I boosted my freeway speeds to 70 mph. I might have boosted up the secondary roads a tad too.
I tried your Hempstead example. If I put in the city first, I get one choice: Florence Ave. If I don't, I get East Florence Ave, Florence Ave, North Florence Ave and West Florence Ave. Even if I pick the right one, "Florence Ave", then I still have to wade through a long city list.
By the way, another tip I forgot to mention is that if the thing doesn't seem to recognize the street number -- "That number was not found on that street" -- then just leave the street number off. Sometimes it knows the street but doesn't know the street numbers that are available on it. That will at least get you to the street.
As far as why Toyota/Lexus doesn't do as well as Acura... you'll see the same complaints about Acura systems so I'm really not sure that one is any better or worse than the other. I've never seen a comprehensive study about it. I've also played with Garmin, etc and have heard people claim portables are better than factory systems. In my experience, they both are missing data and sometimes take boneheaded routes. Neither are perfect.
From now on, I wll try to remember to put the city in first. By the way, when you tried my Hempstead example, were you able to get the street number (11), too?
It's a little unclear from what you say above but even if not, you still did much better than me. Thanks again!
Thanks also for telling me how to change the default speeds in my NAV. I'll do that this evening.
And I agree that no NAV system is perfect. Far from it. But my experience has been that the Acura system is better than what we get from Toyota/Lexus. Both have errors and omissions, although I think the Acura has fewer, but the Acura seems to have mreo and better points of interests. YMMV, of course.
As for me, I think I will get a Garmin nuvi 760 (http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2007/10/garmin_nuvi_760_review.php) for my wife; who drives a 2005 Honda CRV.
Hey, it's cheaper than buyer her a new car.
The map disc version I have is 5.1. (To check your version, press Menu, then the Version button at the top right corner).
The nuvi series is good. I've borrowed a nuvi 680 before and I thought it was quite nice.
The good news (hopefully!) is that Version 7.1 was just released. I am hoping it will be better. Give me a few days and I will write up a review here.
On a related note, I ended up getting my wife a Freedom Keychain GPS and it is absolutely fantastic. It gets her everywhere, is so small and unobtrusive that she can take it everywhere, like when jogging or biking (it actually fits on her keychain), and is incredibly accurate. The only "downsides" are that you must use it with a third-party smartphone with third-party GPS software (she uses a Sprint Treo 700p with TeleNav). Absolutely fantastic; it saved me the expense of getting her a new 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited.
1). No turn-by-turn voice. This is the biggest issue since it's safety related. It requires you to watch the screen constantly which is an obvious danger. I do have the two voice options turned on and from the time it tells me to get to the highlighted route until I actually get to my destination, the system is silent.
2). No auto recalculation. I have other nav systems in other cars and if I deviate from the listed route, it will automatically recalculate my new route. This system just ignores any changes. If a road is closed or there is a detour it won't take that into account once I'm off the road.
3). Voice recognition is poor. When driving I can only use the voice activation to get an address listed, but the voice recognition is poor to terrible. As a test it took me 30 mins to get an address in. I actually was at the address by time it took it and even then told me that address didn't exist, and I was sitting in the parking lot.
4). Address database is substandard. Of the dozen or so times I've tried to use the system, it's found the address only once.
5). The menu system and path to follow to do anything is anything but intuitive. This has to be the most confusing set of menus and options I have ever seen.
I have a 2003 Acura MDX and I have yet to open the book on it's nav system and both my wife and I have never had any real trouble figuring out how to make it work. We also had a 2001 Lexus and it's nav system was on the same par as the Acura's, easy to use and accurate. I also have a Garmen and while much smaller, is still easy to use.
Can anyone address or suggest what to do about any of the above items?
Thanks in advance and sorry for such a long post.
The reason I ask is because I am about to upgrade from 6.1 to 7.1. Moreover, it seems like performance was compromised a bit for those who "upgraded" from 5.1 to 6.1. I initially had 6.1 and cannot comment first hand but I do remember a few posts from TCH owners who did upgrade complaining about a few things; plus I cannot get at least one address from a 5.1 owner can get [see above].
My fear is that 7.1 will prove to be even worse than 6.1.
Not exactly answers to your questions/gripes -- I'll try to provide more details next time I am in my car and can investigate further -- but:
1) Turn-by-turn voice works fine in my 2007 TCH with 6.1. In fact, one of my gripes is that I wish the thing would shut-up a bit. If you have the system turned on, which you seem to have, it should work. I will investigate further when I get back in my car.
2) Auto-recalculation works fine in my car. This may be the only NAV feature that I have not complained about. If it is not working, I would have the dealer take a look at it.
3) Voice recognition is poor, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. However, from personal experience, I have not find any that I really like. Of course, YMMV.
4) Yes! See my rants above. Indeed, it is in the hopes of a better address database taht I am upgrading to version 7.1.
5) I thought the same thing when I first got my TCH but after a bit of time (using only my TCH NAV) it began to make sense to me. It's different but it really isn't that bad.
All in all, like you, I think Acura has a better navigation system. But some of the problems and frustrations you are experiencing seem more particular to your system; or at least I hope it is not endemic to version 7.1. As I wrote above, I will investigate later and get back with you with more details.
6). The system does not seem to have a clue on what road you are currently on. I was cruising north on a major expressway in Atlanta, and using the voice system told it to take me home. It told me to jump onto a side road that had access to a cross interstate. The only problem was that side road had no access to the expressway that I was on. The fact that I was already on an expressway that took me to my destination was lost to the system. it wanted me to cross the swale and drive down an enbankment to get to that other road.
It is not intuitive or have sufficient mapping. I drive with my Garmin, which I had in my other car. I would be interested to know if 7.1 works and if it does, how to get it.
Otherwise.. love my car.
But nevertheless, I've been working on it all night and no recalculation nor voice directions. I think it's time to harass the dealership.
Reading these posts have convinced me that something is wrong with the system. The lack of voice directions, no recalculations, and the inability for it to recognize what road you're on, all indicates a flawed system.
I'm going to go the the dealership and demand it's replacement with a version 7.1 system.
PS
The NAV took me about 30 miles out of my way in Phoenix on Monday. I should have taken my AAA maps and did not, thinking the NAV would be useful. Big mistake with gas at 3 bucks per gallon. It has no listing for Dillard's department stores outside the metro area. Take a map is my suggestion with a Toyota NAV system.
You are speaking Japanese when entering an address? :sick:
I really feel like Toyota needs to update the systems they have sold us.
Did the dealership add XM or Sirius to our TCH? If so, they need to connect a 5-pin harness that has speed pulse and reverse. It's a very easy fix that is very common when technicians add stuff to the car.
Second, you specifically mentioned that you knew the route to the mall. The navigation system will never match the route that you prefer. Again, the system will take you to a destination based upon the attributes of the available roads such as speed, turn restrictions, etc. Additionally, the system doesn't account for traffic signals or traffic. The navigation system is simply designed to get your from point A to point B. Nothing can substitue for local knowledge, or completely understand your personal driving preferences.
Once a Bluetooth cell phone has been paired, simply press the off-hook switch on the steering wheel to access the telephone feature. Then you can either say, "Dial by number" or "Dial by name". One note, you must have added a voice tag to a contact to use the "Dial by name" feature. Be sure the interior is quiet (no talking), windows/sunroof are closed and the A/C vents aren't pointing at the microphone in the overhead console. The system is very sensitive to background noise.
For an online tutorial go to - http://mynewavalon.com/iGuide_Camry.htm
I'll contact the dealership ( I had planned to anyway) and have this checked out. With all the other hassles we've had, I'm going to try to get them to upgrade the nav system from 6.1 to 7.1. It's a brand new car and should have the latest version anyway. Any idea when 7.1 came out? That date will hopefully add to my argument.
Thanks much again for a much informed post.
Actually we were totally lost in Phoenix. Looking for the Superstition Mall. Ended up in Apache Junction at the Superstition Plaza. Our biggest mistake was not getting a AAA map of Phoenix before we made the trip. I will never trust this NAV again. The POI is of marginal value.
As far as poor routing on known routes. That has been here in San Diego County. It does NOT give you the best, fastest or most direct route much of the time. It employs a very crude routing program and leaves many old and well used roads out of the equation. I am not at all satisfied with nor would I recommend buying a Toyota vehicle with the NAV. Get a Pioneer or Garmin portable.
> Looking for the Superstition Mall. Ended up in Apache Junction at the Superstition Plaza.
So, let's get this straight, you're blaming the Nav because you input the wrong POI name?! There is no Superstitition Mall as far as I can tell. There is, however, a Superstitition Springs Center which is where you probably wanted to go.
PS
The directory our friend was standing next to in the Mall said Superstition Mall. He was as frustrated talking to us on the cell phone as we were. Our biggest mistake was thinking these NAV systems were useful in strange locations. I will never again trust it over my AAA maps.
A place like a big mall may be noted on an AAA map but not places like Dillard's, 7-11 or whatever.
So if your car was produced in June or July it was the most recent mapping information when it was rolled of the assembly line.
The only other option I would suggest is to call the telephone number provided by the system if you are not totally sure, or would like to confirm the location or hours of the establishment. Just press the INFO button when it shows the location to get the address (number, street, city, state) and telephone number.
Hopefully this little tidbit will help redeem the navigation system and provide some benefit to you in the future.
As someone that has designed dBase systems for a living, I do understand how that works. I do not understand how you can put a name into the POI and get a different list each time.
I could live with the POI idiosyncrasies if it could just give me the best routes to where I am going. I have tested it going to my own home from several places. It is determined to go the long way home. These are all roads that are 20 years old or more. What really set me off was routing me over a dirt road with a locked gate. If you cannot trust a $1600 piece of electronics to be accurate what good is it? Not sure when this Sequoia was built. We bought it in October. We have version 5.01 I believe. I was forewarned. Several owners on the Tundra website lamented the poor NAV from Toyota.