Ron, I gotta check that out today! I posted elsewhere a week or two ago, that I checked the HERE site and saw that 2023.03.14 was available. I downloaded it w/o issue (using the same 23 GB Flashdrive for that purpose) in about 35-40 minutes. But it seems this version is VERY Slow to upload. BTW, I use the same Flashdrive for these Downloads. When using HERE's Downloader, it detects the older version on the drive, wipes it clean, and then Downloads the newer version. I insert the Flashdrive in the USB port and drive around locally as usual and then after some time, the message comes up that the upload is complete. That can take days - I do not just run the car without driving as some may do. What I have not been abale to determine is the new version uploading if you drive around or solely if you are sitting with the engine on and stopped (at traffic lights , etc.).

 

Geohutch, agreed, Using the other programs (Google Maps, WAZE {which is owned by Google]) are better for instantaneous traffic conditions for a route. For trips of real distance, I will typically use WAZE. However, with the assiatance of Alexa, and it's interrelation with The MDX's NAVI, I will bark out my destination using Alexa and "she" sends it the MDX's NAVI easily. Using WAZE requires connecting my Google Phone via AA which is Burdensome to use with the TTIP - Touchpad. In AA, IMO is terribly S L O W . I have found that the NAVI system has worked well for me on this basis.

 

I almost always use google maps but I do understand that a company may not want to depend on a third party to provide its customers with navigation capabilities. I find it nice to have options.

 

To help in determining if the update is uploading to the car, I use a USB drive that has an activity LED. As long as the LED is flashing, I know data is being uploaded.

I typically do my update with the car parked in the garage and in Accessory mode. It typically takes just over an hour to complete.

For the last update, I was heading out on a drive that usually takes just over an hour, so I did the update while driving. I started the update on my return home and it completed just as I was pulling into the driveway,

Ron

 

I do the same, but with an 8A battery charger connected and everything I can get to turned off. Does the battery carry you through the hour by itself? Good to know the update runs while the car is being driven. Sounds like a good excuse for a bit of a road trip.

 

Interesting, the version I installed a few months ago was labeled 2023.01.03 and as stated in another comment the installer found that version and considered it old before wiping and replacing it with the new content.

 

For clarification, I put the car in Accessory mode (one push on the Start button) as opposed to On mode (two pushes on the Start button). This ensures the minimum number of things are running.

I am able to complete the update on just the battery, although connecting a charger would be a good safeguard. I had an issue once when updating the maps on our Accord where in the middle of the update the car started flashing warnings about system failures and then the car died. In that instance, it was a case of the battery was near the end of its life and, as I recall, I had to replace it shortly after that.

Ron

 

I always copy the contents of the USB drive download to my computer as a backup. Not sure why, I just do. On the drive where I keep the copies, I have a folder named 2023.01.03. That folder has a Date Created of 8/11/2023. The folder named 2023.03.14 has a Date Created of 8/12/2023. I don't recall why I would have checked the Here site on two days in a row, but it appears you just missed the 2023.03.14 version.

Ron

 

Interesting, considering I only just received an email yesterday pertaining to a new update which was indeed the 03.14 version.

 

Same here, NOCO Genius 10 hooked up for the duration to be sure. Also hook it up on occasion and let it recharge and optimize the factory AGM battery. Would like to see how long the OEM battery can go before replacement.

 

I use Google maps 99% of the time while driving, but on occasion have utilized the built in solution. If the map system is already integrated into the vehicle, and the ability to update it for free is a limited time affair, why wouldn't you do so while the option exists?

 

North America Map And Services

Your Subscription includes map updates and connected services for your navigation system. (Connected Services only apply to U.S. & Canada customers)



Latest map database version available: 2023.06.13

 

THX for the Head's Up. I went to the HERE site and low and Behold, it was there!!. It is downloading now. I was UNable to upload the 03.14 version - tried it 4X. My Acura Dealer said that he heard that many people had difficulty as well. He told me that try to upload the NAVI update (he was not aware of this newest Version) by having the MDX just Run, not driving it around. In previous Updates , I did insert the FD, and drive around for a few days, and eventually, it was successful. This 03/14 version has been an issue.

 

I wasn't able to find any specific answer, but does the navigation need to be the primary source during the entirety of the map update? Can I start the update and then switch to Sirius or AA while I drive for ~60mins the update takes?

 

my experience has shown that u can use what u want. it runs in the background.

 

That's what I did for the previous Updates to the NAVI, ut not with this one?? Even using a new FD, re-downloaded the Update on HERE, still getting the opo up window to re-insert the drive in the USB port and try again!!. My dealer service rep said he has feedback form other customers that this version has shown to be problematic. He said to try to keep the MDX on, not driving around and see if the Upload completes successfully. Going to try that today, If I can. I remember reading somewhere that other posters put the car in accessory mode (Double push of the Engine on button without stepping on the Brake) and run the Upload. I have never tried that with the fear that could that be burning out the e-coil? Oh, I beleive the windows had to be open and the key FOB in the car.

 

That's what I was hoping. The last update, I drove around for over an hour in complete silence. I just got the car so I was learning the controls the whole time, so it wasn't completely worthless.

 

You can use your system like you want and the update runs in the background. “No silence for you” LOL

 

Does anyone know if a dealer will update the map for you? I would love to have them take care of this during my next free oil change.

 

I think you will use less battery power with just a single push of the accessory button (not a double push). Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

I successfully updated our map to the 06.13.2023 version on the third try yesterday. It's so strange that SanDisk and PNY flash drives are supposedly not recommended. I'm guessing it's because they are two of the most popular brands and therefore the brands people tend to be using when they complain about this awful update method that seems to be 15 years behind the times?

The very first time I updated our map (installing one of the maps dated 2021) I used a 64GB SanDisk drive. I followed the special instructions to format the drive as FAT32. I seem to recall that transferring the update to the RDX took about four hours, but this may have been because we made stops during a long trip, which would have caused the update to have to be restarted if we turned off the vehicle at any point―which the official instructions seem to indicate wouldn't affect anything, because supposedly a successful update finishes over 15 minutes "in the background" (the background of being completely off??) after you turn off the engine.

For the latest update (only our second), instead of trying to reformat the 64GB drive (I didn't want to spend hours reformatting it as FAT32) I erased the previous map files manually. There was one file that I couldn't delete no matter what I tried, but when I downloaded the current map the HERE software said the download was successful and the file I hadn't been able to delete seemed to have been overwritten (judging from its creation date). In any case, in the vehicle the update failed, twice. The first time the car turned off completely (from accessory mode) at some point when I was distracted (maybe because I didn't leave the key in the car?), and the second time I did see an error message saying something like "map update interrupted, re-connect the USB drive with the update files" (which was already connected). At this point I went online and ordered a 32GB USB 2.0 USB drive from, you guessed it, PNY. Then I saw in this thread that PNY is the other brand that HERE warns against using. I think it's ridiculous for them to blame SanDisk and PNY for their awful software. Anyway, the PNY drive came pre-formatted as FAT32. It took several hours to download the files using the HERE software (more ridiculousness!) and then it took 70 minutes to upload the new map from the USB drive to the RDX. This time I put the car in accessory mode, checked on it every 10 minutes or so at first and then sat in the vehicle after about 45 minutes. I think it was after an hour that the dashboard lights (where it says "accessory mode") turned off and only the navigation screen stayed on. I was afraid the whole thing was about to turn off, so I immediately started the engine. I finally got the "Map Update Complete" notification about ten minutes later.

What a hassle this update process is. The person at Acura who hired HERE should be flogged mercilessly with a wet noodle. I was going to say "fired," but hopefully they've been reading this forum and have already learned their lesson. HERE on the other hand should definitely be fired.

And now we get to wonder when we'll get the next update, and how long it will take to download and install, and if it will make our cars tell us that our map is outdated...

 

I was wondering what other carmakers could possibly use HERE. I found that BMW does, and I watched a YouTube video on how their map updates work. At least their navigation menu has an Update section where you can see the progress of your update installation. Otherwise it looks pretty similar. HERE started out as U.S.-based Navteq in 1985. It was acquired by Finland-based Nokia in 2007. It is currently based in The Netherlands. Its major owners are BMW, Audi, Mercedes and also Intel. Their goal in acquiring HERE in 2016 apparently was to "stay one step ahead of Google"...

 

I have a Mercedes GLA now and the nav users here!.
The car did an over the air update with the ignition off without any intervention from me.
The car has a small Lithium Ion auxilliary battery.
Absolutely nothing like the tedious and annoying update process that Acura nav uses.
One thing M-B has in common with Acura is that the here! updates are already old when you get them.

 

What does Acura recommend if we can't use Sandsdisk or PNY. What size? and 2.0 or 3.0?

 

Use CarPlay or AA....

 

LOL... that's not the answer I was looking for.

 

HEY
i just picked up a 25gb micro usb in my drawer and hooked it up to a usb card reader

 

Latest map database version available: 2023.09.25
Downloaded and installed.

 

I'm shocked! I have a 2024 and the map that's in the car says 2021.10.04.
Really Acura!!! I guess I'm doing and update. Had no I idea the map would have been that old.

 

I am really getting frustrated with trying to update my maps. I have the update on a USB drive but I can't get it to complete.

I chatted with Acura Nav yesterday and they told me that I can just put the car in accessory mode. The car doesn't have to be running. I did just that and the update seemed to start based on the screen and the fact that the light on the USB drive was blinking. I went back to check on it after 45 minutes and the car was off. The map date didn't change.

I called Acura nav this time and they told me that the car needs to running or it will shut off before the map update is completed. Is this true?

If anyone can share their update experience I would appreciate it.

On a side note I called our dealership to ask them if they could do the update when we bring the car in for an oil change. They said "sure, but it will cost $500!" Seriously? That is absurd.

 

I recently experienced the same thing with my update. When in accessory mode, the car shuts down before the update finishes. What I did to get it to work was, as I wrote above: "I put the car in accessory mode, checked on it every 10 minutes or so at first and then sat in the vehicle after about 45 minutes. I think it was after an hour that the dashboard lights (where it says 'accessory mode') turned off and only the navigation screen stayed on. I was afraid the whole thing was about to turn off, so I immediately started the engine. I finally got the 'Map Update Complete' notification about ten minutes later." So it took 70 minutes total, with the engine running for the last 10 minutes or so. It's an awful, unforgiving update method (and it's very poorly documented).
​​​
​​​​​

 

Thanks for the reply. Did you do anything when you checked on the vehicle every 10 minutes to keep it from shutting off? If not, why didn't it shut off or do you think it stays on for 60?

Maybe I can let it ride for 50 minutes and then turn the car on until it finishes.

 

Just use Google or Apple. The OEM nav isn’t worth the hassle.

 

My experience would suggest that that should work. All I did for the first 45 minutes was look in the window every 10 minutes or so to make sure the navigation screen was still on. I think you want to make sure that "Accessory Mode" is displayed on the dashboard. Note that if the process fails, you get an error message that says that the update was interrupted, and then if your car shuts off there won't be any message when you turn it back on to let you know what happened. This happened to me, so it took three tries in all for my update to complete successfully. If you do get the "update interrupted" message without having disconnected your USB drive, it probably means that there is something wrong with the files on the drive. In my case, there had been one file remaining from my previous update that I was unable to delete (I had followed the special instructions to format a 64GB USB drive as a FAT32 drive, but after using the 64GB drive again failed, I ended up just buying a new 32GB drive that came pre-formatted as FAT32). The remaining file had apparently caused the update to fail even though the download onto the drive had been "successful" according to the HERE downloader. If you encounter any problem, your only option is to keep a closer watch on the update process so that you don't miss any error messages. If you do get a message saying that the update was interrupted, you will probably need to re-download the update, possibly onto a different USB drive. Good luck!

 

I Feel Your Pain! I had lots of frustration with the previous update 2023.03.14 ( I think?). I had to keep re-inserting the FD. At one point I sat in the car with it running for over 50 minutes or so (luckily the Advance has a great stereo), and the update Still didn't happen. And the car shut off as well. There probably is a "timer" built in that shuts off the car after idling so long. In fact, when I tried to upload the FD to update the Navi System, using the Acc Mode w/o the car running, it shut down after a period of time as well. Then a few days later, Bingo, got the Success Screen pop up. Now, I'm in the midst of installing the newest version (forgot the version number ) and now know better. There are 3 Takeaways here: 1) incredibly, there is no Status icon, bar, or other item to inform you of the progress of the update; 2) these Updates are Not Forever Free of Charge; 3) There has to be an easier way to do this ! BTW, I beleive that the system suspends the process when you are driving and Moving. Last year, I had to lend my MDX to my son for 9 Weeks (his 2017 Jeep GC was in the "shop" for Tranny issues which we learned was chronic condition for that model Tranny), so that he could commute to his job. The FD was plugged in and while he was stuck in traffic one day, the Success Update Screen popped up. That was after driving for considerable time. I surmised that the system does update while not moving. But stops when moving.
Don't Let the Dealer Rip You Off! All they will do is run your engine until it completes. Per the above, I asked my dealer about the problems uploading the new update. he responded that They have received numerous complaints about that too. Acura has engaged HERE to do these Navi updates, so it may not be in their total control. BTW, I do use the MDX's NAVI quite a lot! I sue Alexa to send the directions to the Navi system - works seemlessly. The NAVI system IMHO, is very good compared to other cars' systems I've seen. And I hate the way the TTIP works with AA connected. The new 25 MDX if you watch the reviews is greatly enhanced with a New Touch Screen - no More TTIP. Much better performance in AA or CP. Now, I'm jelaous!!

 

Please tell us Your Secret !! seems you had a pleasant, uneventful experience. LOL

 

Worked with a nephew this past weekend on doing an update on a 2022 MDX. What he did used the Accessory mode but he got there by hitting the ignition button 2X without stepping on the brake. That pretty much keeps it in Accessory mode until you take it out of Accessory mode. He also said that after the update the new map may not always be immediately available but to wait about 15 minutes (you can drive during that period). Apparently the map update continues but in the background..

 

Did your Nephew sit in the Car for the period it took to Upload the Updated Navi Program? Did the accessory Mode stop after 45 minutes or so. Mine did when I tried that? I have found it takes over 60 minutes to upload the program .

 

He didn’t sit in the car and I can’t really say how long it took. But he did say that his dealer was the one that told him to hit the ignition button twice, not once. Apparently the action can trigger two different Accessory” modes. But doing it that way turns on literally everything, which he wasn’t crazy about.

 

THX for the flw-up. I'm going to try tis latest update in that manner - see what happens. I thought I read someplace that putting the car in ACC mode can affect the Ignition mechanism and severely drain the battery as well if done too long.

 

I always do it with the car running and takes 45 minutes to complete.