I have a 2005 RL bought in Alaska. Obviously Nav and XM are not available there.
Am now in Lower 48 - went to the dealer who is telling me that I don't have the "Tech Package" and therefore don't have Nav or XM.
However - All the Acura documentation indicates that the Nav package was standard. The Tech package included rear view camera, cruise collision sensing, etc.

The DVD in the trunk says GPS system - it does not say Nav.

Anybody have any idea what the truth is?
Is possibly the only difference that I need the updated Navigation DVD?

 

Alaska spec cars...

I do not know whether they had the nav capability...maybe Tampa knows.

I will tell you that there was no tech package in 2005, just a single trim, which is approximately equivalent to the current Tech package. No 2005 had rearview camera capabilty.

2006 was the first year to have the pre-wiring for the rear view camera, and it came in two trims, standard and Tech Package (which is equivalent to today's Advance package, having the ACC/CMBS/and the erstwhile PAX.

2007 was the first year to have cameras as standard in the Tech Package (navigation) and the higher content ACC/CMBS/PAX trim. The base 2007 had wiring for the camera, much like 2006, no navigation, but a GPS and compass display.

What capabiltiy do you have in your 2005 AK RL? Just a compass function, or something else? Is the trunk unit a CD or a DVD?

There are threads that detail the conversion of a 2007 base into a full fledged navi capable model. The CD system in the trunk had to be swapped out for the DVD system which contained the navi functionality.

You may be able to experiment with a DVD Nav system from a junkyard, but I have no idea if you also have to change out your head unit or the wiring harness. It is worth studying. Without the XM receiver, you obviously won't get traffic.

It would be nice if it is only the DVD. You could try to get an old 4.1X off ebay or something and try it, but only if you have a DVD player in the trunk. If it is a CD, then I think you are out of luck.

There are threads on the 2007 navi conversion, and even discussions on the missing wires needed for the camera to turn on when the reverse gear is selected.

Actually if you look in Wikipedia under the Acura RL, there is a reasonable description of the year to year changes for the lower 48 version of the RL.

 

I called my old dealership back in Anchorage - sure enough confirmed there is a separate "Alaska" spec that didn't have the Navigation or XM since it wouldn't work up there.

However - they couldn't tell me what "wasn't" installed.

Dealer here doesn't seem to know either.

I believe the unit in the trunk is DVD -but will double check. Functions I do have are GPS including Lat/Long, compass, etc. Just doesn't put it on a map. That was what made me think it was software (ie. buy the updated DVD).

 

There was no 'Tech' package in 2005.

However in 2005 US spec RLs came in 2 forms....48states and Alaska / Hawaii. The 48 states configuration was only one form...all inclusive and no factory options (only deasler installed, but no camera offered).

The Alaska / Hawaii models did not come with XM/Nav capability in a 'non NAVI' configuration. This was likely due to XM not yet offering satellite footprint in those areas. Instead those models got a 'Compass' version instead of NAVI.

As a result they did not have XM antennae or NAVI interfaces, similar to many of the European models of that year.

You can confirm this by looking on the center stack, you will have a button that says COMPASS where 48 state models have MAP.

Search the forum, a couple of members cleverly upgraded non-NAVI RLs to NAVI enabled. But you would also need to add the XM antennae. Your DISC is for the electronic compass and the system features.

The TECH package came online with the 2006 MY. TECH in 2006 meant CMBS+PAX+ACC. The rearview camera was now available, but as a dealer option. So 2 model types were offered.

In 2007 Acura made a new BASE model, sans the NAVI, AFS and used plood instead of real wood dash. Then TECH became the NAVI model and the camera was standard. The TECH could also add on the CMBS+PAX+ACC...so from 2007 onward, 3 model types were offered.

 

I told you Tampa would know!

 

TampRL
Thanks - my center console does have a Map/Guide button rather than the Compass button. And I have the GPS antennae on the roof. But you are correct - I don't see an XM antennae.

XM is less of an issue for me anyway as I'd rather put in an AUX connector and use a portable satellite radio receiver anyhow.

Given this - any thoughts about whether simply a new DVD gets the maps?

Thanks

 

Take a look at a couple of these threads

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7515228

See if you have a DVD or CD player in the trunk. That will be the likely clue as to whether the DVD will even work.

 

Here are the Navigation System components for a 2005 Alaska RL:

http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no

and here is a 2005 48 States RL:

http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no

The only difference in the NAVI components is the Alpine Drive unit (CD vs. DVD).

Just a note, full AcuraLink Services do require an XM interface.

2005 Alaska RL (sans XM module):

http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no

2005 48 States RL (with XM module):

http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no

Looks like just the XM unit and harness are needed if you wish to utilize the XM features and integration of AcuraLink.


The parts are likely available used, since there are likely more RLs meeting that sad end.

 

Thanks everyone for all the help - that really clears up what I need to do.