Hi,

Bought a new EB Expy in June. The navigation system has never really been "on" or even close to being accurate (even after calibration). I recently installed new NAVTEQ CD's (latest updated maps) and the problem is still there. Basically it is off by 100 feet to sometimes a whole block in the map mode and the navigation
mode is off about 100 feet or so. According to the NAVTEQ, the new CDs allow the receiver to find up to 4 GPS satellites and the triangle representing the car should be white when all 4 are being received and it should not jerk on the screen. Okay...I have never had it turn white or not jerk, ever. I have driven all over the South and never got it to turn white. It remains a yellow triangle with a red border.

It is off enough to be annoying. The dealership has replaced the navigation/radio and it is still like that. However they did not replace the antenna (is it located in the right rear window?). They are still researching this and we all don't know if this is really the problem or if everyone's is like this and off that much....

Anybody else having this problem or is it normal for this nav system Ford is using?

Thanks

 

On my 03 X (exact same Nav system), it's not the triangle that shows the signal strength; its the compass on the bottom of the screen - where it shows N, S, E, W, etc. Those letters turn red, yellow, and white.

Occasionally mine will be off. It will show me driving off the road. Usually fixes itself after a few minutes.

 

Thanks...on the original discs that was the case. With the up graded disc from NAVTEQ it says the triangle turning white will indicate a robust signal (from 4 satellites) and the "pip" (triangle representing the car) will smoothly transition across the display. This is the newest 10 disc CDs from NAVTEQ that installs new software in the EPROM (I think it is an EPROM).

The earlier software that came with the EB was the N/S/E/W letters as you have stated...never had those any color but red also...

Thanks...gives me more to think about...I am leaning on having them replace the antenna...if that doesn't work...well....heck, guess that is the way Fords system is then....just wanted to know if mine was acting normal or if mine was not working right. It shows me 2 blocks off from my street address and then slowly moves to the house area, but ends about 3 houses down (100 feet) from my driveway...that's where it thinks I live...hah!

 

I am not 100% happy with my Expy Nav (O3 EB) either. We do not get GPS "lock" sometimes, and do get (I think) overheating sometimes if in sun and radio/CD/DVD is loud. Unit replaced once. I too wonder about antenna? Try the "reposition" vehicle function in menu to get marker closer to reality when you are at/near home? This is not well documented in manual. Mine is pretty accurate when it works, mostly, and of course the accuracy of the maps is a factor too. It will get on the "wrong" road ...especially if I am on a service road say near an interstate, but that corrects eventually if it is working, and is somewhat understandable with say a +/- 10 meter accuracy (no idea what the spec. really is). I know in some cases unit will loose GPS lock (obstructions, etc) but mine seems off or erratic too often, and happens in heat too much...I think...

Fustration(!) is reproducing concerns at the Dealer (who sublet the work to a Visteon-approved radio shop anyway) ...damn reproducibility!

I am on 2nd update of map CDs which did UPDATE the EPROM to change inetrface a bit, but I still have the directional indicator changing color to indicate GPS lock, not the triangle as you mention.

What is your SW versions (see the screen in menus) and post it here...I will check mine tonight and do same. PLEASE let me know how you reapair goes and I will do same here.

 

i'm interested to know the latest s/w version too. I sure hate to pay $200 for the discs when I only use 1.

 

OK I have:

NAV 5.0.7.0
Aud 2.14.18.22
Voi 3.0.0.0
CDDJ 0.3.0.0
DVD 3.-5.6.0
CDROM F-TEN DA-34 1.15.0

Database Version: (for my current CD_ROM)
Area CA/NV
Version 47203012.01
Voice CI29.0302
Text CJ29.0205
TMC N/A

 

I am getting ready to go to work and checked the forum. My wife left earlier with the EB so can't check the version. I will tonight and post it also. The CDs are the lastest updated ones on the NAVTEQ website. I paid $200 for them in July. The set that came with the EB had only 9 CDs and did not have street level maps for a lot of places we drive to (like where we live). The updated ones are 10 CDs and has many more street level cities and areas.

Well, kinda sounds like how the nav system is working now is normal....but, I am going to have the dealer replace the antenna system. Especially since no one has done that yet (who have replied to this post) to see if it works better. I will let everyone know if that resolves it or not...I sure hope so as of all the nav systems I have seen working out there...this one is the worse.

Thanks for the replies

I did not know about the repositioning capability. What menu is it under?

 

I have an early 03. Here's mine:


Software/Firmware Version:
NAV 3.6.3.0 (wow looks like i'm way out of date)
Aud 2.11.7.22
Voi 3.0.0.0
CDDJ 0.3.0.0
DVD 0.0.0.0
DDROM F-TEN DA-34 1.15.0

Southeast
Version 43701092.03
Voice AK29.0301
Text BA09.0204
TMC N/A

 

Those are the version I had before I bought updated CDs. It automagically updated firmware when I inserted new ones the 1st time.

I paid ~$200 + s/h for 9 CDs, got a postcard later offering 10 CDs @ $150 + $10 s/h. Figures! Use offer code "3FOR402" at www.navteq.com if want same deal...

 

Can you notice any differences (interface, features, smoother navigation, etc.) after the upgrade? Or just more map detail?

 

IRRC it changed the volume control to volume up immediately rather than one push to display level, and then next push to change the volume level. Hmmm it also shows the volume on the map screen at the bottom I think, or maybe it changed how it was shown...cannot recall all the changes from the original firmware, but I do remember a few "upgrades" as it were.

Navteq provides the data and CDs, but I think Visteon or the spinoff (spinoof of a spinoff?) company Horizon Navigation does the other updates for Ford under contract as NAV OEM...Not aware when a consumer can find out any software details. I would expect dealer to be ignorant on this unit as most radio work is sublet anyway to electronic shops.

 

Does anyone want to sell me their 9-disc set for my 03 Expy EB?

Or... I need disc 6 from the 8-disc set ver 2002 (the dealer lost it).

 

Hi inmyrightmind, I,m buying a new set, tried the offer code but didn't work, I'll sell you mine, once i get my new ones, if you are still interested.

 

You do realize that the code might be about 3 years old now, right? No wonder it's not working anymore.

 

I noticed that after I responded, oh well, but does anyone know if you have to buy the entire new cd collection to get the updates for NAVTECH. I have heard the new update is very extensive, and much better.