General Troubleshooting Information

General Troubleshooting Information

General Operation
Refer to the Acura Navigation System Owner's manual, for the navigation system operating procedures.

Anti-theft Feature
The navigation system has a coded theft protection circuit. Be sure to get the customer's 4 digit security code number before:
- disconnecting the battery
- disconnecting the navigation unit 8P connector
- removing the No.7 (10 A) fuse from the under-dash fuse/relay box

After service reconnect power to the navigation unit and turn the ignition switch ON (II). Enter the 4 digit security code, then select "Done".

If the code cannot be found, use the Interactive Network (IN) to look it up. You will need the serial number for the navigation unit in the trunk. It is on a tag on the underside of the unit. Alternatively, you can view the serial number in one of the Navi ECU diagnostic screen.

When replacing the navigation unit, be sure to give the customer the new anti theft security code.

Symptom Diagnosis
Certain circumstances and system limitations will result in occasional vehicle positioning errors. Some customers may think this indicates a problem with the navigation system when in fact, the system is normal. Keep the following items in mind when interviewing customers about symptoms of the navigation system.

Self-Inertial Navigation Limitations
The limitations of the self inertial portion of the navigation system (the yaw rate sensor and the vehicle speed signal) can cause some discrepancies between the vehicle's actual position and the indicated vehicle position (GPS vehicle position). However, if GPS signals cannot be received, you must tune the vehicle's position manually.

The following circumstances may cause vehicle positioning errors:
- Moving the vehicle with the navigation system on and the vehicle stopped, such as by ferry or tow truck, or if the vehicle is spun on a turn table.
- Tire slippage, changes in tire rolling diameters, and some driving situations may cause discrepancies in travel distances. Examples of this include:
- Continuous tire slippage on a slippery surface.
- Driving with snow chains mounted
- Abnormal tire pressure
- Incorrect tire size
- Frequent lane changes across a wide highway
- Continuous driving on a straight or gently curving highway

- Tolerances in the system and map inaccuracies sometimes limit how precisely the vehicle position is indicated. Examples of this include
- Driving on roads not shown on the map (map matching is not possible)
- Driving on a road that winds in one direction such as a loop bridge, an interchange, or a spiral parking garage
- Driving on a road with a series of sharp hair pin turns
- Driving near a gradual highway exit or transition Driving on one of two close parallel roads Making many 90 degree turns

Global Positioning System (GPS) Limitations
The GPS cannot detect the vehicle's position during the following instances:
- For the first 5 to 10 minutes after reconnecting the battery (This can take as long as 45 minutes)
- When the satellite signals are blocked by tall building mountains, tunnels, large trees or large trucks
- When the GPS antenna is blocked by something on the rear shelf
- When there is no satellite signal output (Signal output is sometimes stopped for satellite servicing)
- When the satellite signals are blocked by the operation of some electronic aftermarket accessories including, but not limited to non OEM in dash entertainment units (radio, CD players/changers, and theft recovery systems) and window tinting above the GPS antenna

The accuracy of GPS is reduced during these instances:
- When only two satellite signals can be received (Three satellite signals are required for accurate positioning)
- When the satellite control centers are experiencing problems
- When driving near high tension power lines

Muting Logic
Whenever the navigation system is giving guidance the front speakers are muted. When the voice control system is being used, all of the speakers are muted.

LCD Display Unit Limitations
- In cold temperatures, the display may stay dark for the first 2 or 3 minutes until it warms up.
- When the display is too hot because of direct summer sunlight, it will remain dark until the temperature drops.
- When the humidity is high and the interior temperature is low, the display may appear cloudy. The display will clear up after some use.
- Fingerprints on the touch panel may sometimes be noticeable because of the panel's low-reflection coating. When cleaning the panel, wipe it gently with a soft cloth. To avoid scratching the panel, do not rub too hard, or use abrasive cleaners or shop towels.
- The touch panel consists of a touch sensitive resistive membrane covering the display. Unlike previous systems, you must actually "touch" the display to activate it. Never use hard or sharp implements to operate the screen because you risk damaging the sensing membrane. If a touch "switch" does not function immediately, shift your finger slightly, and touch it again.

NOTE: The display is unaffected by sunlight, as in previous displays.

Symptom Duplication
- When the symptom can be duplicated, follow the self-diagnostic procedures and the appropriate troubleshooting procedures.
- When the symptom does not reappear or only reappears intermittently, ask the customer about the conditions when the symptom occurred.
- Try to establish if outside interference may have been the cause.
- Try to duplicate the symptom under the same conditions the customer was experiencing.
- Vibration, temperature extremes, and moisture (dew, humidity) are factors that are difficult to duplicate.
- Inspect the vehicle for after-market electronic devices (vehicle locators, radar detectors, amps, etc.) that may be hidden.

Service Precautions
- Before disconnecting the battery, make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, and write down the frequencies for the radio's preset buttons.
- When the battery is disconnected, the internal GPS clock is reset to "0:00". The clock will reset to the correct time after the system finishes GPS initialization.
- After reconnecting the battery, you have to wait to get the initial signal from the satellites. This may take from 10 to 45 minutes.
- After reconnecting the battery, do the power window control unit resetting procedure.
- Before returning the vehicle to the customer, enter the radio code, then enter the customer's radio station presets, and set the clock. Do the ECM/PCM idle learn procedure.

After Servicing-Map Matching
- Park the vehicle in an area where the GPS satellite signals will be unobstructed, and make sure the satellite mark is displayed on the screen.
- Drive the vehicle 1 mile before entering a destination and confirm the road being used is displayed at the bottom of the screen (map matched).
- Enter the dealer address and confirm the system routes and performs normally.
- Clear any previous destinations that may have been entered for testing purposes.

Obtaining A Navigation DVD
If the Navigation DVD is lost or damaged, or you need a yearly update DVD, you have 2 ways to purchase one. You can either call (888) 549-3798, or order on-line at www.Acura.com. Both methods require a credit card. The DVD for this model has an orange label, and cannot be ordered through the parts system. The following DVDs will not work in this navigation system:
- Earlier model Acura navigation DVDs (black label)
- Map software programs manufactured by other companies
- DVD movies, or DVDs containing audio recordings

Update DVDs are available for purchase usually in the fall of each year. They may contain the following:
- Enhanced map and Points of Interest (POI) coverage
- Fixes for minor software bugs
- Additional features

NOTE: Update is of course optional, and there is not program to provide free DVDs containing yearly mapping updates.