Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
You zoom-zoomers with NAV have to turn on your lights just to use the windshield wipers? What am I missing?
Thanks for everyones help, I have been able to brighten the screen when the headlights are on.
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
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.
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
I still love having a NAV built-in to the vehicle for many reasons, especially the larger display.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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..........
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.
It's not explained in the manual as far as I can see.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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:
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
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.
Thanks in advance
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
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.
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
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: