Acura TL Navigation System Hints and Experiences

carteach

When I went to get a blue tooth phone hooked up to my '06 w/out navi, I asked the guy whether there was a navi system tied to real traffic which is voice activated. (I know the '07 has that.) He said that Pioneer makes an awesome one but it's in dash. And of course I"m not messing around with that. He did say that Honda's navis are by far the best... and bluetooth as well. He said that BMW's was awful...he didnt' elaborate.

The in dash navi looks so terrific. But I'm holding out to see the Novogo ( Japanese brand that is all over England and Europe) which is tied to real traffic and is voice activated. According to their rep., it's coming out here in February.

I got lost the other day... and boy did I wish I had one.

Could you tell us what's so different about the Civic's Navi that makes it worth the trade?

ggesq

'"Up branding" should logically insure a better navi - but I am sure not seeing it here.'

Does the Civic have Zagat surveys, Real Time Traffic and a rear view camera?

taxesquire

Here's my guess - the system "lost you," but was still able to show where you were on the nav map based on your speed and direction. :shades:

topgun7

I wonder do anyone know if the 07 Nav is using touch screen and voice commmand to enter street address? Acura web site use the word "you can enter an address or dial a location... using the interface dial or voice recognition systems". do you have to enter each character by move the dial over each alphabet and push enter (like the Mercede kinid??) ?

kennyg8

Taxesquire, I think you are probably right with your seemingly educated guess. While speed may be variable (depending on traffic conditions in the tunnel), direction does not appear to be an issue (as I don't know of any tunnel that allows you to change direction). So, all the experts' comments about GPS unable to show where your car is on the navi screen while it is in the tunnel are NOT entirely correct. :surprise:

hky

Not sure Acura use similar technology or not, but tomtom called this assisted satellite navigation, basically hardware within the unit to determine speed and direction when the gps signals are lost this piece of hardware kicks in and based on last accurate position and plot out the moving direction of you.

accordian6

I have an '06 Accord, with a similar navi. My understanding, from the Navigation System user manual, is that "there is a gyroscope yaw sensor, and a vehicle speed sensor in your vehicle to keep track of the direction and speed of travel at all times." I think that keeps track of things when the GPS signal is unavailable.

jdelabre

I use water and micro fiber rag. Does anybody sell a special cleaner for NAV screens? It would be nice to have a little container with moisturized towels for cleaning on the go. Just keep it in glovebox. I should invent it. Jeff from northern IL.

taxesquire

As long as you're just talking about cleaning fingerprints, I've had pretty good success using the cloths that are made for cleaning glasses and lenses. I'm talking about the cloths that feel like nylon or polyester, and are intended for glasses or camera lenses without the use of cleaning solution, and they're made not to scratch.

ledwing

i have the TLS. you can tell it where to go, or the keypad pops up on screen. most of the controls for the whole car are voice activated, easy, and all can be done while driving. the address is a bit slower, ie, 5-9-0-0 is each number as an entry. on the included blue tooth phone, you can say 5555900 all at once and it sucks it right up and dials

new2cars

I am in the market for an Acura TL and when I saw the price for the navigation, I was pleasantly surprised. I was pleased there is a rearview camera too. Have people found this feature helpful? I was also comtemplating just buying an external GPS unit to save on costs. For those that have a nav system, is it worth the money?

ggesq

No regrets here.

new2cars

Thanks for replying! Have you had any malfunctions with the camera or with your nav? Is it something that requires a lot of maintenance? I'm just wondering if it's worth the $2K to get an in-car system or if I should just get an external unit.

ggesq

Sorry if I misled you. I have an 05 TL w/ Navi so it does NOT have real time traffic or the back up camera. That said, I still have no regrets in getting it. If I had the backup camera, I would appreciate the Navi that much more.

If you check the actual Navi forum for the TL there was alot of discussion about portable Navi's vs. factory Navigation units. There are pros and cons to each. I think there are alot of things that the portable GPS units have that the factory units don't.

I don't know what your looking for in a Navi but the reason I got mine is because it was voice activated, was nicely integrated into the dash, was one of the best factory units at the time (in 2005), and it looked great. I really didn't feel like carting around a portable GPS unit with me from car to car or worry about leaving it in the car waiting for it to be stolen.

To answer your question, IMHO- yes, it is 2k well spent.

taxesquire

I agree - I love my 2004 TL nav. In the '07, you would have an upgraded nav, so if I think my '04 nav is worth $2,000...

Yes, there are some things an external unit might be better for. I've heard it can be easier/less expensive to update external units* and many external units allow you to have a more detailed map even from a further view. What I mean is, as you "zoom out" in the TL nav, you lose the smaller streets, but that's not necessarily the case with external units.

*Updating is a pretty big deal. If you look at the DVD with your maps, you can see when it was made. In my area, there's a lot of new construction, so it's annoying that my '04 isn't easily updated. I can buy a new disc for a few hundred, and might just do that. Twice I've missed doctor's appts because I went to the doctor's old office - that's what was in my nav.

Nevertheless, I love the system, and how well it is integrated into the car.

PS - I would think that "no nav" would be a problem on resale since there should be a lot of TLs on the used market with the nav system.

carteach

I have an '06 without navi; and I am ambivalent about resale. Someone told me that the navis would be outdated and therefore the car would be less desireable. I didn't get the '06 navi because I didn't want to spend the $$ and it didn't have real time traffic. Some days I'm really really sorry I didn't because there are NO voice activated navis out there except for one made by Pioneer. And I'd have to void the warranty in order to have it installed.

I will get myself a good Garmin which I'm sure will do better though not definitely NOT look better than yours. Enjoy your beautiful built-ins.

kennyg8

I have an 06 with navi. I have not used a paper map or visited mapquest or other equivalent internet sites since I bought my TL. It is also a good conversation piece when you have less tech savvy friends sitting in the car. They are usually amazed by the new technology. If you watch car commercials, they almost always use a car with navi as a showoff feature indicating that the car is high tech.

starman98

Actually Navigation on the 2007 model will cost you 2,500 more over nonnavigation not 2000 as in previous model years

starman98

All Navigations need a new CD ROM. So if it is a few years old get a new updated disc and put it in. The Real Time is more of a gimmick and not worth it.

ledwing

the first day i got my TL S i was taking the fam out for a little spin. while backing out of the garage, the RV mirrors gave me the go ahead. as i looked at the nav screen, the cam showed a wire flower pot about 3/8" steel in the shape of an animal. you could imagine how sad i woulda been had i backed up with the brand newbie and tangled with that thing. the cam comes on when the car is in reverse, regardless if you have the nav "OK" screen, audio or anything the cam takes priority.

ledwing

on the S, one of the choices is FIND LOCATION BY PHONE NUMBER which is V slick for a place you know the number. as the other guy says, the BT phone is a little hoppier on recognition, able to hear a series of numbers at once.

one drag about tl s nav (that is prob my fault), you say you want to go to starbux and it shows you one it billings montana rather than the bay area where the car is. i know there is a fix for that, but been too lazy to find it

scottm123

If you watch car commercials, they almost always use a car with navi as a showoff feature indicating that the car is high tech.

Just to stress that fact, try finding an Interior pic in the brochure showing the TL without the equipped navigation... they don't show one.

Kind surprising too.
If I had bought an 06 TL, I would have gotten the Navi option because I just didn't like the center stack without it... those backlight lights...

In the 07, the non-navi stack has gotten a very refreshing update and actually looks very nice.

I'd still opt for navi, absolutely love it in our 06 MDX.

scottm123

Honestly, I believe this may depend on where you use the system.

Most people absolutely love it, as I do.
But once in a while, someone pops in with a horror story or an example of how it just doesn't hold up to it's hype.
I believe these people and their stories, but I personally have had nothing but perfection from mine.

Boston "Big Dig" detours --- Hastings, Michigan back roads in the middle of hicksville --- cross-country without a map...

I love mine and would never want to go without it again.

rvator4

I have a 2000 Nav TL that I bought new that has 58K miles and the Nav had worked well. I decided to update the CD last year and ordered the 250$ or so CD. The first time I used it, it locked up several times as we drove. Then it started telling me to turn when the map didn't indicate I should. I also was not pleased with the areas that were not in the database. My brother has lived in a high rent area in Spring, TX for 4 years and it was not on the map. Far too many roads are still not in the database, at least for the one that fits my 2000. I sent it back and Acura would not allow it without the ORIGINAL PACKAGING. I had to contact the BBB to get them to accept it. I went back to the old one. It was very difficult for the Acura dealer to reprogram the player to get the old one to work. They had to call technical people several times.

mazcarfan87

In about 5 months I will be looking for a replacement for my 00 ford taurus SE with a car solely based on its Nav-System performance, features, design..ect. So heres the top cars I have came up with.....

1)04-06 Acura TSX
2)04-Acura TL
3)02-Lexus GS300(is it true that u can play DVD's when the car is in park? and I read somewhere that u cant input any destinations while the car is moving?)

Which car do you think has the best?

thanks in advance! :shades:

taxesquire

an '06 TSX has a better system than an '04 TL

I don't know about the GS, but looking strictly at the nav.s, I expect both Acuras have better products.

Have you considerred Infiniti M35? I heard it's got a good system.

mazcarfan87

thx for the responds....I'll go check out a M35 as long as its under my 22,000 under budget, I'll proberly have to end buying a used 04 TL or 05-06 TSX :surprise:

kennyg8

I live in Gotham and drive to Toronto and Montreal quite frequently for summer vacation. I wonder if our US-based navi can locate addresses and POIs in those cities.

stevecar

We have an 05 TL w nav and just got crv w/nav. Today we received a mailing from Acura for a new dvd for around $200.
We live on the east coast. Has anyone upgraded yet and is it worth it?
By the way, it's worth every penny. My wife and I haven't argued about directions since we got the TL.

scottm123

We live on the east coast. Has anyone upgraded yet and is it worth it?

I bought an 06 MDX back in May.
The navi has gotten me through the "big dig" with no worries and knows about detours and road changes that seem to not have been there very long.

Depending on where you drive and how much stuff around you has changed... that will decide if the upgrade is worth it.

rvator4

I have an 00TL and returned the new DVD when it didn't list 4 year old subdivisions. The 00 version does fine with me. Unless you travel a lot, save your money.

scottm123

From Acura's FAQ:

I have found errors in the Navigation System Database. How do I report them?
If you find errors or omissions in the system database, please report them to Acura_Navi@ahm.honda.com. This data will be forwarded to NAVTECH, our database vendor, and will be included in future DVD updates. Client input for these types of updates is greatly appreciated.

If you are unhappy with something within the Navi, a simple email can make the next version that much better for everyone.

pat

That's good information - thanks for posting it.

stevecar

Thanks for the answers. I think I'll save my money. Eventually, considering we pay $2000 for the system, they should offer at least 1 free downlaod update.

rvator4

I was one that said save your money. Here is what happened when I upgraded mine. We were planning a trip from Ohio to relatives in Houston. I bought the upgrade and swapped the DVD. On the first leg of the trip, it locked up twice and each time had to shut the car down to restart it. Going through Memphis on a freeway, it started telling me I had to turn on an upcoming surface street which was a total mistake. When we got to the Houston area, my brother in law had moved into a fancy subdivision in Spring three years earlier. Not one street of the subdivision was on the DVD. We had to call for directions.
That did it for me. When we returned, I sent it back and they returned it saying I had not returned it within two weeks and it had to be in the original packaging.
I contacted the BBB in that city in CA and believe it or not, they got it returned and all my money back. I will continue to use the old one.

randy24g

I have an '06 TL w/navi. With daylight saving time being 3 weeks earlier this year my clock did not update. With the navi you cannot do it manually. Do I need to buy an updated DVD?

scottm123

You can change the time manualy.

Go into Settings -> More -> and then choose the option that allows you to change the time. (I forget what it's called, but it's fairly obvious)

I'm due for an oil change anyway.
I'm calling this morning and I'll inquire about any DST update from Acura and I'll post their response.

taxesquire

I did it this morning just like Scottm, did. I was also able to turn off the automatice DST setting.

Scottm, I look forward to reading about Acura's response.

scottm123

Well, just got off the phone.
No update is available, and according to my dealer, no update in planned.
I was told that I would need to change this manually from here on. :mad:

And yes, set the Auto DST setting to Off.

ggesq

Check this out:

http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/SN/A07030A.PDF

scottm123

Youda man, GG!
Shoulda known the kid at Acura was talking from his butt and also shoulda known Acura was on this.

Nice Find!

spyderred

when I click your link nothing comes up. Any ideas?
Spyder.

pat

Sounds like you don't have a good installation of Adobe Acrobat Reader - try visiting the Adobe website and installing the latest version.

randy24g

I did it manually after calling the dealer. Go to setup then #4. That is where you change the time. Too bad the owners manual didn't tell me that.

scottm123

The owners manual mentions nothing about the navi system.
You have to find it in the telephone-like Navigation manual that came with the car.

The Navi in the Acura is fantastic and well thought out.
I have not yet needed the manual.
Very intuitive.

gbutler

I have a 2005 TL with navigation which has been working fine. I decided it was time to upgrade to the 2007 disk and did so last November. I live in Washington, DC and took a trip to central Virginia last weekend. With the 2005 disk, it would route me through I-66. However, with the 2007 disk, the navi figured out some convoluted route. I went via I-66 anyway, and the navi couldn't find me. The map showed the highway, but indicated I was on neighborhood streets on either side of the interstate. This was between the DC line and I-495. Once I got outside the capital beltway, the navi worked fine. On the way back home, the same thing: once I got inside the beltway, the navi was lost. This didn't happen with the 2005 disk. Anyone else live in the DC area and encounter this? I called Acura to report it, but I'm not sure if it's just my system.

scottm123

I've heard nothing but horro stories from anyone who's upgraded, but then again, you only hear about the bad stuff (lol)

jssandri

I have a 2005 TL with /nav. I have the vehicle owner's manual, but not the navigation's manual. Is it worth the $30 to buy, or is there a resource online that can show me the available voice commands?

scottm123

Actually, the Nav system has an option that will teach you the voice commands.
There's really no reason to ever open the manual.

ggesq

copied from another forum, not mine:

Global Commands
The system accepts these commands on any screen.
Help (reads list of the commands for the displayed screen)
Setup (displays Set-up screen 1)
Display map (displays the map screen)
Display menu (displays the Enter destination by screen)
Information (displays the Information screen)
Repeat voice (or just Voice)
Back (to previous screen, same as CANCEL or BACK button)
Cancel (cancels current activity)

The following voice commands are listed and grouped as you would see them from Voice Command Help on the Information screen.
The commands are accessible at any time and can be read to you so that you do not need to memorize all of them.

Navigation General Commands
The system accepts these commands on a map/guidance screen.
Display menu (if on route, displays the Change method screen)
Display navigation (if on route, displays the Change method screen)
Display map
Display map guide (when on route, shows the next maneuver)
Display setup (or just Setup)
Display information (or just Information)
Cancel
Backward (or just Back)
What time is it?
Repeat voice (or just Voice)
Help (reads list of Navigation General and Navigation Display Commands)
How long to the destination? (When on route, tells the time to destination)
How far to the destination? (When on route, tells the distance to destination)
Register the current location (Puts current location in previous destinations)

Navigation Display Commands
The system accepts these commands on a map/guidance screen.
Display current location
Display north up
Display heading up
Display zoom in
Display: (the selected scale)
1/20 mile (80 m) scale
1/8 mile (200 m) scale
1/2 mile (800 m) scale
2 mile (3 km) scale
5 mile (8 km) scale
15 mile (24 km) scale
50 mile (80 km) scale
150 mile (240 km) scale
350 mile (560 km) scale
Display: (display the selected icon on the screen)
ATM
gas station
restaurant (all restaurant types)
post office
hotel-motel
grocery store
Hide: (hide the selected icon from the screen)
ATM
gas station
restaurant (all restaurant types)
post office
grocery store
hotel-motel
Max zoom in
Max zoom out
Go home

Find Place Commands
The system accepts these commands on a map/guidance screen.
Find nearest: (find the nearest selection)
Acura dealer
Honda dealer
gas station
ATM
bank
post office
hospital
police station
hotel
tourist attraction
restaurant (all restaurant types)
American restaurant
Chinese restaurant
fast food
Italian restaurant
Japanese restaurant
Mexican restaurant
Seafood restaurant
shopping
parking garage
parking lot

Climate Control Commands
Climate control automatic
Climate control off
Air conditioner (switches between on and off)/Air conditioner off
Climate control defrost (switches between on and off)/Climate control defrost off
Rear defrost (switches between on and off)/Rear defrost off
Climate control fresh air
Climate control recirculate
Climate control floor and defrost
Climate control floor
Climate control vent
Climate control hi-level (floor and vent)
Fan speed # (#: 1-7) (for best voice control, keep fan at speed 1, or 2)
Passenger automatic
Passenger vent
Passenger dash and floor
Passenger floor

Temperature Voice Commands
The system accepts these commands on a map/guidance screen. A/C screen, and audio screens.
Temperature # degrees (#: 57 to 87 degrees F)
Temperature up
Temperature down
Temperature max hot
Temperature max cold
Temperature balance
Temperature dual mode (allow different temperatures for driver and passenger)
Passenger temperature # degrees (#: 57 to 87 degrees F)

CD Voice Commands
The system accepts these commands on a map/guidance screen. A/C screen, and audio screens.
CD play
CD play disc # (#: 1-6)
CD play track # (#: 1-30)
CD play disc #A track #B (A: 1-6 B: 1-30)
CD skip forward
CD skip back
CD play next disc
CD play previous disc
CD track random
CD track repeat
CD disc repeat
CD normal play

DVD Voice Commands
The system accepts these commands on a map/guidance screen. A/C screen, and audio screens.
DVD play
DVD play disc # (#: 1-6)
DVD play track # (#: 1-30)
DVD play disc #A track #B (A: 1-6 B: 1-30)
DVD skip forward
DVD skip back
DVD play next disc
DVD play previous disc
DVD track random
DVD track repeat
DVD disc repeat
DVD normal play

Radio Voice Commands
The system accepts these commands on a map/guidance screen. A/C screen, and audio screens.
Radio on (or Radio play)
Radio off
Radio select AM (select band before selecting frequency)
Radio select FM1
Radio select FM2
Radio # FM (#: frequency. Example Radio 95.5 FM)
Radio # AM (#:frequency. Example Radio 1020)
Radio seek
Radio seek down
Radio next station (same as Radio seek)
Radio preset 1-6 (selects preset 1-6)
Radio auto select
Radio Select XM1
Radio Select XM2
XM channel # (#: 1-255)
XM channel up
XM channel down
XM preset (1-6)

Tape Commands
The system accepts these commands in a map/guidance screen. A/C screen, and audio screens.
Tape play
Tape rewind
Tape fast forward
Tape change program
Tape Dolby noise reduction
Tape skip forward
Tape skip back
Tape repeat

Information Screen Voice Commands
These are additional commands not found on the Voice Command Help screen available when viewing the Information screen. Follow the voice prompts.
Trip computer
Voice command help (the system read and lists all of the commands, starting with Navigation General Commands)
Calendar
Calculator

Set-up Screen 1 Commands
The system accepts these commands on Set-up screen 1. (For Set-up screens 2-4, simply say what is written on the screen, and follow the voice prompts)
Brightness up
Brightness down
Brightness minimum/min.
Brightness maximum/max.
Volume up
Volume down
Volume minimum/min.
Volume maximum/max.
Volume Off
Display Off
Display Day
Display Night
Display Auto
Show Icon on Map
Guidance Mode

On-Screen Commands
The system accepts these commands on any screen. There are over 100 on- screen commands. Just say what is written on the screen (this excludes keyboard letters, and listed items)
Next
Previous
Return
OK (except at Disclaimer screen)
Delete