2005 Acura RL -- problems with the Nav System since January, 2008.
My Nav System stopped working indicating that the 'DVD cannot be read -- see your dealer.'
I had it in at Mile High Acura for two weeks, and they could not fix the system -- referring to a glinch in the system that Alpine Electronics has been working on -- now for over 6 months. I keep getting updates with disappointing news that each deadline has been extended.
I have now gone beyond the dealer and have a case number into Customer Service.
They seemed to be very sympathetic, but only report what they hear. They are powerless only to report that Alpine has missed another deadline.
The next deadline for Alpine is May 15 to supply the software to fix the 4.55 DVD to get the system working again. I told the customer service rep, that I will move to the next level to get this operative again by going to the local rep asking for a complete 2008 Nav System to replace the present -- if Alpine does not come through on 5/15.
I would like to hear from some the other 05 RL Acura owners that are experiencing the same challenge. I consider it not acceptable to have a car of this quality without an operative Nav System.

 

i have an 05 DVD nav unit to spare that I was running 4.56 before I removed from my car. If you are out of warranty and are interested, I will send you details.

 

You mean they just didn't replace the DVD unit? or the navi unit?

 

they did replace the DVD unit along with a new disc, but that did not cure my problem.

 

I am in warranty -- they did replace the DVD unit in the trunk. It would accept a new version DVD and work for that day and then not work again.
I am told that Alpine is working on a patch to the DVD that would cure this -- they have been working on it for over 6 months.

 

What version disk are you running? You can force the Navi drive to reload the older version though it's diagnostics, at least on the 07+ TL 4.xx drives.

 

that is absolutely crazy that they can't get it working. ..especially since you have been waiting since January. If they have changed the DVD unit I would suspect either a failed antenna or a wiring harness problem. If I were in your situation, I wouldn't take no for an answer. they need to fix it...even if it means installing an 08 DVDnav unit. (if the rebuilt 05 doesnt work, I doubt the 08 will work either)

 

My dealer, Mile High Acura, states that they have several other customers of 05 RL's with the same problem, and are at a loss as to how to fix it.
I will be leaning real hard on them to replace the entire system come May 15 -- when the patch from Alpine is going to released (for the umpteen time).
I have been dealing with Customer Service and have a case number listed with them.
They seem to be only the messenger.
Would any of you suggest that I get in touch with the Regional Service Manager for my area -- is there such a person?

 

We've had problems with our '05 RL Nav since last fall. We tried to install the ill-fated 4.62 release, went back to the 4.55 release and then our problems began. Continuous "Read errors" sent us to the dealer, who "cleaned" the DVD and said no trouble found. Failures continued. Back to dealer with TSB advice that said to re-boot unit completely. Problems lessened, and dealer reported that Acura had asked if car was "garaged", because if not, cold would have an effect on unit. Watching thru the winter, we could clearly see that if temp was below about 42F read errors were almost guaranteed, and the warmer it got the fewer read errors. Nevertheless, at last dealer visit, grinched again, which brought us reportedly a replaced DVD disc, and with the weather warming up, our read errors only happen on the coldest morning. Nevertheless, I find it really hard to believe Acura could sell a car where a major component fails due to weather. Here in the midwest, it means Nav is dead about half the year. Does this mean RLs sold in Minneapolis and Maine etc. only work at best a couple months of the year!?

 

Eh? My car spends hours outside during the winter and I haven't experienced this temperature sensitivity. Is the dealer feeding you ?

To the OP, why don't they replace the head unit? If the problem isn't the DVD and not the DVD unit, then that leaves the wiring and the head unit. I agree, don't take "no" for an answer, get it fixed!

 

if you read old TSB's, you will see there is a proceedure to remove the DVD nav unit and send it back to Alpine. Within warranty they will repair the unit for free....outside the warranty period, it runs $162 including second day air. I had my Nav unit appart. There are two basic parts...the DVD player...and the Nav computer board and connectors. It is my opinion that 99% of Nav unit failures involve read problems of the DVD or the DVD reader. They pretty much replace the DVD Rom. They unplug the old one throw it away, plug in the new one. They then boot it up with their test unit. It will pass or fail...no intellegent evaluation. With the problems you are having, and it in warranty, they should send the unit back to Alpine. When I sent my unit back, I got it back in about a week. Contrary to popular belief, its not rocket science.

 

Thanks for all the replies on my Nav unit challenges. To JCarey B, shortly before the Nav unit would not work, I noted that the screen would come on faintly - and in cold weather when I started the car (even though it was always garaged). Once it warmed up in the car, the screen would get get to it's normal brightness.
To Larrynimmo, thanks for sharing your experience. I am going out to the dealer today and will show him your notes. Frankly, I don't understand why a full service, successful dealer would not have this information available to service their customers. I will report back how this comes out.

 

O M G!!!! da ja vue!!!! I went thru the same problem with my first 05 RL the exact same and a host of other problems several warnings that wasn't true doors locking and unlocking on their own while driving...Acura brought the car back and we got another 05 because there were no other 05's left within 100 mile radius so we took the GM's demo. and now in the last 5 months the car has been in the shop 33 times..car doent recognize the key so it will not start at times....the car looses memory all the time (seats,mirror,steering wheel and recently the sun roof). Iam told the early 05 RL's had problems with everything linking-up!!! now we are trying to getAcura to but this one back. still has warranty so they keep replacing parts.We were told if it doesn't start again they will have no idea why and most likely will but it back...It's our 6TH acura. We love acura and the quality but the early model RL has it's issues...JUST STICK TO YOUR GUNNS!!!!! YOU WANT ANOTHER CAR IF ITS NOT FIXED....