jzanone

I just acquired a 2005 RL. The Nav system searches for its software for a while and then gives the message to check disk. I've searched the forums but I haven't seen anything that was suggested that worked.

I've looked at the disk itself and found no issues. I've even made a copy and tried that with the same result. Since it appeared that the drive might be bad, I found a source for a new drive unit and replaced it but still have the same result. I assume that means that one of the boards is bad and the unit needs to be completely overhauled or replaced with a used one.

Since I really don't care about the GPS system itself, does anyone know if there is a way to bypass the nav unit so that the climate control and audio controls will come up? I've tried the reboot (basically CTRL, ALT, DEL) with no success. If anyone has a suggestion to get the other systems to work, I would appreciate it. I have three kids in college at this point and this car is meant for them to use as they need it.

oo7spy

What about a new disc? What version disk are you trying?

There is a firmware update for versions 4.31 and later. If you are using a newer version, perhaps you need to reload the firmware.

titomang

Yup, need to find out what disc version you have. If you have the newer version and try to update (maybe the disk you currently have?) you need a seperate disk that needs to be inserted into the NAV unit frist. If you have an old disk and try to revert back to the old disk software then try this (see post #4):

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-94/how-go-back-previous-version-navigation-dvd-704187/

jzanone

Thank you both for your input. I went back and checked the disk. It is actually a Ver. 4.81A with a copyright date of 2009. I have no idea yet as to how I have this disk.

The car came from my father-in-law and he certainly isn't tech savvy enough to have changed the disk. The car was in for an extensive service right before I acquired it from him. There is nothing on the service order about the Nav unit except a note that my FIL said the system wasn't working and constantly showing the check disk note. The dealers comment was to tape black construction paper over the screen so he didn't have to look at it. This after a $2500 bill that included replacing the engine mounts and two new tires.

My question is if this means there should be another disk somewhere that needs to be inserted first to boot up the system and re-install some software?

I notice that when I search for the Ver. 4.81A on Ebay, all of the references seem to say that this version (also) fits a 2006 RL. I can't find anything stating that it would work in a 2005, although I understand that the 2005 & 2006 units are interchangeable.

oo7spy

FYI, red text = sarcasm. Use bold for emphasis.

Any disc version can work in any model year RL. Pre-4.31c version discs do not need the firmware update. For cars that came before this update, there is a separate disc containing the firmware that must be inserted before using a 4.31c or later disc. You may be able to get the dealer to insert the disc to load/reload the firmware (I would call before going), or there is a "community" copy that floats around from member to member in the electronics sub-forum. What I don't know is if a prior version can still be run after the firmware update. It is possible that either it can, or your car never got the update. If that's the case, you could run a pre 4.31 version.

jzanone

Titomang and 007spy thank you for the help.

Sorry about the RED highlight. I've been using forums since Compuserve (yes, I'm that old) and I have never heard that.

I've been trying to find the 1.29 Firmware update on-line but can't find it anywhere. I see that IvanVS seems to have the ability to give access to one but I don't think that I can PM him yet as I haven't passed the trial period yet. If someone has those instructions, they can e-mail them to me at ice9hockey@yahoo.com. If not, I'll try sending my son over to a dealer this week to see if they can install the firmware.

It is really frustrating that the system was engineered in such a way that a failed Nav system takes out the audio and climate controls. I would just as soon have a bunch of simple dials (see above about being old).

oo7spy

jzanone

Thanks everyone for your help. It turns out that the unit was shot. I bought a used one out of a wreck, installed it, and everything works properly.

This site was also very helpful in directing me to the MyAcura website in order to get the Navi code.

titomang

Glad it all worked out for you.

GASKICKER

What model years will work for the 05 nav replacement? Ive got to find one. Thanks

oo7spy

2005-2008 will work. Later years have different part number to reflect updated firmware or improvements, but all years before 2009 will work. The wiring harness changed for 2009+.

GASKICKER

oo7 thanks for the info, that will help me get a replacement wrangled up. In the meantime how do I set the time in the upper LCD display? super annoying having it run 1:37 hr behind

oo7spy