Mazda CX-7 Navigation System

buckeyedan

I meant to say...the level you have set for your dash lights when your headlights are on. Sorry about that.

carlitos92

...I need to put my lights on (bc of the wipers)...

You zoom-zoomers with NAV have to turn on your lights just to use the windshield wipers? What am I missing?

astegman

I believe the writer meant that because the wipers are in use, his/her headlights must be on. I think most, if not all, states require such by law - if you're using your wipers, you've got to put your headlights on.

kcitti

No, that is not what I meant. I was simply illustrating a time when its still light outside and my headlights would have to be on- thus making it difficult to see the screen because it is dull and hard to see with daylight.

Thanks for everyones help, I have been able to brighten the screen when the headlights are on.

carlitos92

Interesting. Never heard of that. I researched it and found that only 5 states had such laws in 2003, so it must be a recent trend. I also saw where Texas proposed it in state legislature, but can't find where it was ever passed as law.

The law may not be that bad of an idea, but having lived in the desert a while, I remember that it rains quite a bit when the sun is out full-blast. Not a widespread phenomenon across the USA, perhaps, but common in West Texas, anyway.

-c92

johnny__rf

I think there is a setting in there somewhere that allows you to display night or day mode "around the clock". The setting may be where you can also chnage the screen colors. Take a look at the manual.

cxrabbit

You're correct. You can go into the setup and set it to the mode you want or auto.

But pressing the dimmer dial (for the gauges/radio lights) also toggles between forced day mode (even with headlights on) and night mode (headlights on but gauges/radio are all dimmer). Doing this also toggles the nav screen between day and night mode.

vbbuilt

CNET Car Tech Awards 2006 just released their picks for the best nav systems for 2006.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10846_7-6675891.html?tag=txt

Hint: Mazda wasn't included, but I suspect we all knew that the Nav system in the CX-7 is sub-standard.

Vince

defreitasm

I figured out that you could force the NAV into daylight mode with the button on the dash, but it would seem to me that that they should have used a different value light sensor or calibrated it not to dim until it gets a little darker out. I find that even without rain it comes on a bit early as dusk approaches. I find it is better to program the NAV display for "Auto" so that the colors on the display change as it gets dark out, but it is still to dull to read clearly. Thank heavens for the "voice guidance" and the ability to revert to daylight mode from the dimmer switch. Just a minor peeve and maybe they'll fix it in future models. It would be nice if it could be corrected via a sensor adjustment/changeout, firmware update through either the NAV system or through the Car Computer or however they made this thing work.

I still love having a NAV built-in to the vehicle for many reasons, especially the larger display.

defreitasm

The preset destinations are not selectable on my unit and I assume this feature is not an option since I see the icon looks a mouse and a CD or something like that. I'm thinking this is to update via a laptop and written into the software to work with other NAV systems and disabled on the CX7 system, but I can't find any info in the poorly written NAV section of the manual. Am I on the right track or can someone educate or point me in the right direction? (No pun intended)

defreitasm

What is the point of looking at previous destinations? Aside from looking at where you have been, I see no value. It would make sense if you could store a previous destination as a memory point after the fact but it seems all you can do is review or delete.

Of course if you don't want someone to know where you been it might be very useful to erase the info... LOL or if you want to check where someone else has navigated to... LOL

The other thing they could have done was program a way to store inadvertent trips you make on the fly for later retrieval.

All in all I still the NAV system and don't know how I did without it.

defreitasm

One more thing I noticed is that sometimes a POI is not exact. I don't expect perfection and at first I thought it might be just that the POI database is off but last night I noticed something strange. I programmed in a hard to find restaurant last night and the address was different from a week ago. Last week it actually had the restaurant as located on a parkway where no businesses reside and the restaurant was located about 1000 feet from it's actual location. Last night it actually gave me a street address... not the actual street address but at the right intersection.

My question is: How are these POIs loaded into the database? Is it by by Latitude and Longitude and then placed on the map dependant on Satellite accuracy at any given time? It would seem like they would plug in correct address info since they have correct phone numbers, but since I was able to pull up two different street addresses it leads me to believe otherwise. The only other explanation is that maybe the restaurant is loaded in their twice by name and I accessed differently twice.

I understand these things aren't perfect and accept the fact that it lists my home address as about 100 feet from where it really is but find it acting weird at times and yes I've tried the calibration.

cxrabbit

Any nav system I've used the POIs aren't always exact. Some are flat out wrong (and pretty far off). It's definitely not unique to Mazdas. Even with calibration addresses can be off. Something as simple as cloud cover will mess up exact locations.

I'm not sure what you mean by preset destinations are not selectable. Where in the process are you trying to select them?

Basically, you have to save your preset destinations. You'll save it as a memory point and then change it's category to preset destination (going on memory here, but I think that's right). The idea of preset destinations is that the voice system will understand them. If you don't need to be able to speak your destination like that, you can just save addresses as memory points.

vbbuilt

"What is the point of looking at previous destinations?"

Provides you some flexibility in how you use your system.
Sometimes, I'll return to a previous destination. For example, I put in the address for a ceramic tile store. That address isn't something I'll retain permanently, but I'll return to again as I make a purchase. But I'm not going to store it as a memory point, since I'm fairly certain that I won't return to the tile store again, after I make my purchase.

Or try this. I drive into DC frequently and put in a destination address. Once I'm at my destination I just happen to notice a neat antique store. I may visit that store in the future, but for whatever reason, I neglect to write down the address or even notice the store's name.

Days later, I suddenly decide I want to return to that antique store. I rack my brain for the address or even the store's name. Not a clue. Ah, but I remember it's near that destination I went to, days earlier. Bingo, pull up that previous destination, drive there, and find that antique store. This time, I'll store that location for future reference.

Just one of many possibilities.

Just ramblin' on....Vince.

johnny__rf

Any quick way to toggle on / off the lady's voice during routing? Or do I have to dig down deep in to the menus to do this?

Thanks in advance.

Also, anyway to allow full Nav functionality while the car is in drive? (Backdoor way..)I had to pull over this morning to set my destination which is a real pain in the [non-permissible content removed]! It diplays memory points but does not allow you to page through them..........

cxrabbit

Look in the book, but I think the voice command is "voice guidance off" and the voice system will be shut off.

As for full functionality while driving - NO. And really, you shouldn't be playing it while you drive. Pulling over to put in your destination is the safe thing to do.

You CAN put in preset destinations though (ahead of time). That way you can access them while your drive. They will be assigned numbers and you can set the destination by voice using the assigned numbers.

defreitasm

I don't recall seeing an option to change the category of a memorypoint so that you can make a memory point a preset but I'll take a look. Unless of course it requires using the a voice commmand to set it.

It's not explained in the manual as far as I can see.

defreitasm

I agree with the feature benefit as you describe but I can't seem to do anything with previous destinations except review them or delete. Maybe I'm in the wrong screen???????????

cxrabbit

I don't recall seeing an option to change the category of a memorypoint so that you can make a memory point a preset but I'll take a look. Unless of course it requires using the a voice commmand to set it.

It's not explained in the manual as far as I can see.

I'm doing this by memory, but it should be close...

Press the menu button.
Go into your address book.
Press "list"
Find the address you have set as a memory point.
Select it.
Up on the top of the details screen there will be a "change" button. This is to change it's category.
Select "preset destination"
done!

defreitasm

I figured it out last night.... thanks. It's a nice feature though I don't see a way to change it back from "Preset Destination" to "Memory Point" if desired. I am able to get it easily back into a memory point by scrolling through "Previous Destinations" so it's not a big deal

vbbuilt

All,

Here's the email thread I initiated concerning possible map updates for the CX-7 NAV.

-----Original Message-----
From: MazdaCustomerAssistance@mazdausa.com [mailto:MazdaCustomerAssistance@mazdausa.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2007 2:25 PM
To: vbbuilt@verizon.net
Subject: RE: Advertising/Website Feedback - Suggestion & Opinion [INTR:181262]

Hello Vincent,

Thanks for contacting Mazda.

Navteq is a company that produces the navigational map discs. Currently there are no updated discs for the Mazda CX-7. Mazda and Navteq are working together to support the Mazda CX-7 for future updates.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me and I will be happy to help.

Regards,

Jeff D.
Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business

> ---- Original Message ----
> From : vbbuilt@verizon.net
> To : MazdaCustomerAssistance@mazdausa.com
> Subject : Advertising/Website Feedback - Suggestion &
Opinion
> Date : Mon, 29 Jan 2007 12:15:32 GMT
>
>
> I have a CX-7 with the Tech Package and registered on your website.
> Why is there a link to NAVTEQ? The NAVTEQ website does not support the CX-7.
> Regards, Vince.

-----------------------------------------------
If you have an account on MAZDAUSA.COM, you'll see a new link to NAVTEQ. Lookin' at this email, I'm guessing that Mazda Corporate is updating their website in anticipation of NAVTEQ providing updates. Problem is, that when you go to NAVTEQ website, the CX-7 isn't listed as a supported model.

Vince.

defreitasm

I saw the link when I signed up a day or two ago. I'm sure they will get to it. I think I am signed up to recieve a notification when they come up with one.

cs2i

hi
early in the morning, 8/9am, when i get into my CX7 i have a hard time seeing the screen from the ambient light. i am not in direct light, and its winter sun- the past few days have been somewhat gray. strangely it seems better later in the day

it wasn't until recently i read about (in this forum) how to brighten the display when turning on the lights (because of law, windshield wipers = lights in NY) during the day, that helped. but i don't remember having this dim display problem in the past. i've only had the car 3000miles.

i think i've seen some discussion about this, that the display looses brightness, but am i just being critical? does early sun have a strange effect on reading the display?

thanks,
cs.

cxrabbit

I recently felt like I had lost brightness too and took it back to the dealer Friday (I was having other issues too). We compared it to another CX-7 w/Tech on the lot and the one on the lot was the same... actually a bit worse.

I was told on another forum, AND Friday, by one of the salesman at the dealer, that when it's cold out the screen has to "warm up".

I don't know how this compares to other OEM Nav systems, or aftermarket ones, but it seems a bit lame to me.

defreitasm

"hi
early in the morning, 8/9am, when i get into my CX7 i have a hard time seeing the screen from the ambient light. i am not in direct light, and its winter sun- the past few days have been somewhat gray. strangely it seems better later in the day

it wasn't until recently i read about (in this forum) how to brighten the display when turning on the lights (because of law, windshield wipers = lights in NY) during the day, that helped. but i don't remember having this dim display problem in the past. i've only had the car 3000miles.

i think i've seen some discussion about this, that the display looses brightness, but am i just being critical? does early sun have a strange effect on reading the display?"

By 8 or 9 AM the screen should be on with the brightness up unless it is real overcast.

I haven't noticed it in the morning yet because it is usually dark out when I go to work, but mine acts in a similiar fashion in the afternoon as it begins to get dark. The problem with this vehicle when using the automode is that the sensor activates into night mode prematurely and turns on the headlights and dims the display. When I overide it by turning of the headlights or using the blackout overide on the dimmer switch it is fine. I also experiance the same condition if th sky gets dark when it is about to rain. The same should hold true as daylight begins but in an opposite manner. It will stay dim for too long as daylight begins. They can probably fix this by changing out the value of the sensor unless there is a way to adjust the existing one.

Of course there is the chance that you are having a problem but somehow I think what is happening to you is just a peculiarity of these vehicle.

I guess your best bet is to have it checked out.

defreitasm

My display seemed a bit duller than usual the other day in extreme cold. I knew that cold affects the lag time of LCD screens but I didn't know it would affect brightness. It probably affects all LCDs but aftermarket NAVs have the advantage of being removed from the vehicle and probably never see the cold except for people who just leave them in the car. A lot of them get stolen from the train station parking lot that I utilize as well as other lots. Train station parking lots attract thieves because the majority of the cars sit there for 12 hours or more. I plan to get a portable for my other car and will remove it when practical despite the nuisance.

john1060

Does anyone know if a tutorial exists for the CX7 navigation system? I'm figuring it out through trial and error and whatever I can get out of the manual, but there it's still a bit challenging. I like it and it's works well, I just think there's much more it can do that I don't know about.

vbbuilt

"but aftermarket NAVs have the advantage of being removed from the vehicle"

Just a nit here... Some aftermarket NAVs are permanently installed in the dash, so they can't be removed. All of us understand what you mean, so perhaps the better term would be "portable" ???

Vince.

dapaezr

Hi everyone, I checked all past inputs and wanted to post my comments; I'm a former Mazda tech back in my home country and always loved this brand, so needless to say, here I got an 06 Mazda 5 and since July06 a CX7 with all the bells and whistles. My only regret so far, the navigation and all its problems. Before getting this, I already owned 2 Garmin C330 units, used them for work (deliveries) for past 3 years in the most difficult area (Massachusetts) and loved them. What really pushed me into investing $4000 extra for this package was the rearview camera and I hoped the navigation will be at least as good as my cheap streetpilot….WRONG! If only I had realized that I could get an aftermarket system for that for about $200.00.
The voice command does not work well most of the time, one can not input a destination while using it moving or stopped, it will answer “U are not under route guidance” sometimes I ask “go home” and it will answer totally unrelated things like “navigation, Italian restaurant” Its not the tone, accent or other, cause this happens with anyone doing it. We have even tried other language with native speakers and it’s the same thing. My $59.00 cell phone has a “voice training command” you might expect something like that on a manufacturer’s system, Acura has it, Toyota and Lexus have it, gee I even think Hiunday has it, but Mazda doesn’t.
Mazda dealer tried too and nothing is wrong with it, other vehicles in the lot had the exact same issue. Now, may I say that as an Industrial Designer I tend to find all the design failures, but I think all together Mazda did not invested a lot of effort in having this done right in the first place. I agree totally with all the complaints about light/dimming problems, or the “I agree” menu, but not only that, have you not find it impossible to see it with your sunroof cover open on a clear day? The setting that allows tilting, if tilted to the other side would’ve solve the issue; what sense does it make to tilt it upwards? It only reflects more the light from outside.
What about an IPOD link? Us, the ones who paid more, could not have the Mazda Ipod link, precisely because of the navigation package.
May I say also that it looks like there is some hope in the future if only we get together and start working on it? I was surfing and found a website that shows a device to unlock the “I agree” thing, but they developed it for Toyota so far, it shows videos of the car moving and being able to select destinations (Of course we all agree this should be done by the passenger not by the driver) but 75% of the time you are not alone when looking for an address and we should be able to take responsibility on our own like we will do with any portable device. The link is http://www.coastaletech.com/APPLICATION%20GUIDE.htm and I already posted a request for a CX7 compatible system, I hope this helps and if they get enough requests they will work on one.

defreitasm

"we should be able to take responsibility on our own like we will do with any portable device."

While I agree that I would like to be able to take responsibility on my own, I have to say that there are plenty of people out there that take no responsibility and that scares me. I don't want to know how many accidents are caused by someone playing with their navigation, radio, phone or other distractions and I hope no one I know is ever a victim but I guess that's life.

For the time being, I will live with the fact that many functions don't work while in motion and in most cases if I need to use it that bad, I will pull over. I still love the navigation system despite some of it's short comings. I'm not sure how it compares to the ones built in to other vehicles but as I understand it none of the built-ins work as well as a removable unit. Perhaps the best solution is an aftermarket dash unit that is integrated into the car.

Having to acknowledge the agree screen is just plain stupid as I see no realized value by forcing us to physically agree each time we start the vehicle.

gadgettechs

Just a heads up.
I test drove a CX-7 for a couple of days primarily to test the Navigation system out. (As info, I think system is adequate, although I do hate the fact you can't use while driving and am loathing the inability to play IPOD. I then decided to purchase one (different CX-7) and quickly found out that some of the adresses that I was able to locate in demo were now not found. Turns out that the demo had VERSION 2 disk and the one I purchased had VERSION 1. My MAZDA dealer quickly switched the disks for me, but I was told it might be another couple of years before another version comes out.

Love the car, but if anyone has any updates on IPOD connection for the Navigation package equipped CX-7 or mods on how to enable a passenger to use navigation system while driving, I would be extremely interested. I know it may be asking a bit much, but would also be interested in knowing if Mods were available that would allow you to play IPOD video through display.

mike8183

Hi Folks,

New owner of CX7 and planning or driving from Maryland to California. Am I able to place destination from that far away on the Nav, confused as to searching in multiple regions in the US.
Thanks for any help on this.
Mike

wjbushsr

Yes you are!

On the 'Destination or Address Entry' page, you'll find a map of the U.S., on that map, you'll see regions...

Start there with your destination entry and it's easy as pie!

Good luck, and Zoooom Zoooom! :shades:

boesman1

Hello All,

I am a new owner of a CX7 for about a week now and the Navi is really tough. I have a portable Lowrance 500 in my other car which I was accustomed to using prior to this. I found that unit to be SO much more intuitive and easy to use. Right out of the box, pull it in and figure it out. This built in unit is not that way at all. I am still trying to figure out how to set up voice commands. The instructions in the manual require multiple readings to figure things out. Very disappointed thus far compared to my Lowrance. Between that and the IPOD issues, I am beginning to wish I went for the "non Tech" package and paid to have a pioneer system installed, back up camera and all.

My advice is that anyone considering buying the tech package for 4k, save your money and buy the pioneer unit for 1200, installed out the door with back up camera and use as DVD player for under 2k.

just my 2 cnts

defreitasm

The NAV may nit be perfect, but it isn't that bad. BTW, there is nothing to set-up as far as voice commands. You just push the button and speak the command. It doesn't always get the command right, but here's a clue: Wait half a second after hitting the button and hearing the voice command ready tone and speak cleary.

mlkitt

Boesman,

This system is awful. You can't use anything when the vehicle is moving. I suppose if you are always going from a to b and never want to go someplace else in between, find a restaurant or locate an ATM without having to STOP THE VEHICLE it is ok. But if you have ever owned another system -as I have - which allows you to do all of this then you would think this is ok.

maltb

Does any OEM system let you change the route while you are moving? I haven't seen one.

gadgettechs

Nope, you can not change route while moving. Definitely a drawback, but I have found the system to otherwise be pretty accurate. Much better than the smaller portable ones I had been using.

pdabdoub

can you please tell me what model is the pioneer that sells for 1200?

johnny__rf

Hey what is the "blackout overide on the dimmer switch", and how do I use it to brighten up my Nav display?

Thanks in advance

maltb

I believe you just push the dimmer control in and it locks it in bright mode, regardless of the headlights being on or off.

wjbushsr

Or you can go into User Settings in the Menu page and highlight Day Mode and not Auto Mode and your background will be constantly lit up but will also dim when the lights come on.

imamg

The more I'm in the forum.. the more questions I see that are directly answerable thru your owners manual... question is... who wants to thumb thru that lil book all the time? Not many... So.. .as a reminder... if you register with Mazdausa... you can download the owners manual in a pdf format... with searching abilities etc... it's a very very cool way to get a lot done... rather than waiting for someone to answer here... (not that I dont totaly appreciate the input... and inputting (new word lol))

stever

The nice thing about answering "owners manual" questions in the forum is that you know people are going to show up here in three years with a used CX-7 with no manual and no clue about how to register with MazdaUSA. They'll search on the issue and get flopped right onto the correct post and we'll all be after the fact heros. :shades:

johnny__rf

that worked like a charm. thanx!

chicagojason

I have a 2007 CX-7 that I purchased recently. I required leather seats, nav/tech package, bluetooth integration with my phone, and an ipod dock.

I ended up buying an all-wheel drive sport trim with the tech package (they didn't have the Touring with Tech Pack in stock).

I added the following after market:
- Custom Leather seats (with seat warmers)
- Parrot BlueTooth module, which uses the same speaker as the nav (forward left) and mutes the nav voice when I'm on a call.
- IPod dock, accessed from the center arm rest.

The latter two were installed by ABT, which is a national electronics retailer, physically based closed to my dealership north of Chicago. If you're looking to get these after items installed, they might be able to help, or to direct you to a local retailer who can.

Despite the Nav limitations, I love this baby. Also, people posting here have stated flatly that you cannot make changes while driving. Are you saying that the car needs to be in park, or is there some sensor that merely detects if you're moving (or the GPS itself indicates you're moving, I guess makes more sense).

I AM able to make changes occasionally, but never when moving at a high rate of speed. Sometimes when I'm driving at slower speeds I can access these options (and in the city, I'm often moving slowly).

Jason

vbbuilt

"Also, people posting here have stated flatly that you cannot make changes while driving. Are you saying that the car needs to be in park, or is there some sensor that merely detects if you're moving (or the GPS itself indicates you're moving, I guess makes more sense)"

For all functions to work, you need to be stopped, not parked. If you let up on the brake and start creeping forward, all functions continue to be accessible, but any speed above 5 MPH (or thereabouts), then most functions dim out. A couple exceptions: if you have set up a preset for "home", then that is always available, regardless of speed. The other nav option is emergency POIs - police, fire, rescue -those are always available.

Hope that helps!

Vince.

vbbuilt

I've been keeping track of when Mazda will release an update. First, the MazdaUSA website claims that NAVTEQ does updates. When I queried them late last year, they claimed DENSO Japan did updates. I queried DENSO. Denso responded that Mazda was responsible and so it goes. I've attached the email exchange:

From: MazdaCustomerAssistance@mazdausa.com [mailto:MazdaCustomerAssistance@mazdausa.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 5:14 PM
To: vbbuilt@verizon.net
Subject: RE: Ownership & Maintenance - Accessories [INTR:233107]

Hello Vincent,

Thanks for contacting Mazda.

I regretted to advised you this, but an agreement has not been reached between Navtech and Denso. We are currently waiting on further information from them.

Again, thank you for contacting Mazda.

Regards,


Al P.
Customer Assistance Specialist, E-Business

> ---- Original Message ----
> From : vbbuilt@verizon.net
> To : MazdaCustomerAssistance@mazdausa.com
> Subject : Ownership &
Maintenance - Accessories
> Date : Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:37:31 GMT
>
>
> When can CX-7 owners expect to see map updates for the Navigation?
> NAVTEQ denies that they have any responsibility for the CX-7 map updates for the Navigation and DENSO Japan says it's Mazda's responsibility.
> So, now, I'm asking you, Mazda Corporate, for an official response. Please don't tell me to visit NAVTEQ or DENSO.
> When will Mazda release updates? And if you don't have the answer, then who should I contact?
> Sincerely, Vincent Black

022540

I have had our CX-7 almost one year and everytime I look there is no answer to the Update of information for the Navigation system.
I was wondering why no one has answered Mr Blacks question of when are updates going to be available.
I spent an extra $4,000 to include the Navigation system.

I purchased a TOM TOM ONE for our Honda Ridgeline 3 months ago and have had at least 4 updates and two add on's. What is wrong with Madza that they cant get to the bottom of this.

Rest assured that all my friends and relatives will learn fast, the poor service on this issue. We have a forum on Honda Ridgeline Owners club and things like this get covered and addressed promptly. It is one thing to build great automobiles, but it is more important that they are serviced and support backup are there always. :mad:

samiamchari

The manual says that if you have navigation, the clock on the dash is automatically updated. I live in the Northwest, but my clock shows central time and there's no apparant way to change this. I've looked through the manual and on-screen menu ten times already. Anyone know how to fix this? Thanks, Chari