I am the proud new owner of a 2005 RL with 94K miles on the clock. The car has multiple issues, but the price was right. The fundamental mechanics of the car are pretty good, although there are electrical issues that I need some help resolving. Being totally unfamiliar with these cars, I was hoping someone could help me get started with the diagnostics. First though, a brief description of the issues.

1. The car has the original NAV disc, but nav does not work. The screen stays mainly on the screen saver view and occasionally, shows the do not drive and adjust warning for a few seconds and every n ow and then it will display "Can't read dvd disc" or words to that effect
2. The "Audio" "Cancel" 'AC", "Menu" "Info" buttons don't work. On the occasions that I see the "Don't drive and adjust" message, I am able to get the "Info" page to come up and the rotating knob works. However, selecting anything by pushing the knob does nothing and it all times out after about 5 seconds.
3. The actual radio seems to work normally (YAY), but none of the other center console stuff does.

So, where do I begine. I am presuming that the Laser needs to be cleaned in the Nav disc player (read that here someplace) and if that helps, I can try to update to a new nav disc. But, does the intermittent nature of the screen have anything to do with Nav? I am also presuming that even if the Nav system isn't working that I should be able to access the other features on the center console and I can't. I read here somewhere the procedure fro bringing up the diagnostic screen, but of course, that doesn't work either.

The battery is of good quality and about 3 months old. I mention this as I see that anything but a pristine battery creates a lot of issues.

If anyone can help me figure this out, or even suggest a diagnostic/trouble shooting plan, I would be most grateful.

Thanks

NM

 

Could be your navigation unit. Could be your head unit. Could be both. Short of having first hand experience, I'm not sure anyone will have a good first step for you.

 

Thank you for responding. I have a small update. I removed the DVD from the navigation unit and made a lot of progress. With the DVD removed, I get an expected 'dvd door open or no disc" message. However, all the other button functions (except "menu") now appear to work as expected. This suggests to my less than scientific brain that the fault lies with the Navigation unit, either a full on failure or a dirty lens. While not ideal, at least I know the other items are working but were being hammered by the nav unit.

I have read some posts about taking apart the nav unit and physically cleaning the lens, but I haven't seen any about trying one of those dvd lens cleaners. Any idea on whether it's worth a try?

Thanks

NM

 

It's relatively common for the Nav unit to have to be replaced. You can pick one up on eBay pretty cheap. Any '05-08 will work, but the later years have firmware upgrades.

 

I'll start looking for one then. I am presuming that the firmware upgrade is desirable?

Thanks

NM

 

Yeah, I would search for an '07 or '08.