I can not believe how hard it has been to get service on my Nav system. Last week, my car just stopped receiving the GPS signal(s). I tried everthing including erasing the whole damned navigation program.

After taking the car to THREE dealers, I finally found one dealer who reinstalled the program, after having to have it shipped to them from California. Only to find out that the problem was still there...no signal.

So here I am, with the new version of the nav system...very nice =) but I cant get a signal, even with a Cold Start....

The dealer is USELESS... and says he doenst know what else to do. Does anyone know what I am missing? Where is the GPS antenna? Does anyone know how to aquire the signal?

If anyone can help me out here, or if you are a Mazda service tech with any info you can give me...PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

I cant stand not having my Nav working...

=(

 

are your windows tinted?

i don't see the software as being an issue with the lack of signal though.

 

i had my windows tinted in February... and this just happened a few days ago... I dont know why it would start acting up now... I did notice when i checked the software version, it says under GPS VERSION : 0.0 Any ideas? Can any of you check what version you are running?

 

yow, sounds like something is screwed. I don't recall what version my gps says, but I don't think it's 0.0, I'll try to check in the morning for you.

I wonder if it's possible for the gps antenna to pop out.

 

call MNAO

 

The GPS antenna should be located in the rear package deck between the two speakers. It should be under the plastic there somewhere. I've never tried to access it directly but I have looked for the wiring for it from within the trunk. Of course from there all I can see is my Bose amplifier.

Tint was going to be my first question too since it pretty much killed my reception. But if that hasn't been recently done you're likely looking at something hardware or software related.

I'm always nervous about messing with stuff in the hidden pages. One time when I was trying to diagnose my problem I did a software reset on the reciever. If you're familliar with GPS navigation systems and how they work I think all it did was simply dump the almanac data and restarted its search for satellites.

What do you see when you access the GPS info page following these instructions: (I'm doing this from memory so forgive me if it's off a little. You can search for the back doors on the forums if I've made a mistake.)

Menu, System Setup, System Information, Version Information

With Version Info displayed...

Up, Up, Up, Down, Down, Down, Up, Up

Select GPS Info from the new menu.

You should see a page that has a listing on the left with multiple colors that denote what I believe is signal strength. On the right side you should see a typical globe with satelites positioned around it based on where the system thinks they should be.

If you've simply dumped the almanac (software reset) you'll likely see only the globe with no satellites. If that is the case you should be able to just pick a nice open parking lot and wait about 5-10 minutes before it starts tracking things again. If not there's more to it than simply reloading the almanac.

I'll try to flip through the info pages and see if I can get what you're looking for tomorrow.

Basic troubleshooting would have me ask, what changed when it stopped working?

 

If you managed to remove the software and get the new version installed then maybe there is hope for others of us who want the new version of the nav software with it's nice new features.

 

Here's the version info I just pulled from my car:

Navigation System Versions (normal version page)
DVD 3.18.20.2
Software U9.136 2003.7

ECU Info Page (3 up 3 down 2 up)
Software -> Ver. Info

Main CPU (M) U4.06 2002.9
Main CPU (F) U9.136 2003.7
Sub CPU 82
CD-ROM Drive 2.04
GPS 0.0
Map Database 1.7.27.6
Map Software 1.7.32.3

As you can see my GPS reports version 0.0 as well but is functioning normally.

Since you just got a new program, it would be interesting if you could post your versions as well to see how they compare. The build date on my car is 12/03.

 

Ok, so i decided to remove my 6 disc DVD changer that I recently installed with my NAV/DVD switcher, and the GPS started working again. So I guess you dont want to mount anything near the GPS antenna where the Bose Amp and Speakers are. Looks like I will have to relocate. On a brighter note, all you have to do to get your NAV upgraded is erase the software. They had to send away for the disc, but the install took all of 2 minutes. They did it right in front of me.

 

How do you erase the software?

 

is there anything different about the new software other than updated maps? New features, etc... I'd really like to have some sort of trip statistics like avg speed and other stats.

 

You don't get updated maps with new navi software.

The maps are on a DVD, and the update comes out sometime this summer. Espect it to cost around $200.

 

Oh, for some reason I thought that the navi software was on the DVD also, and was just loaded up every time the GPS starts. So I thought he got the updated DVD. My bad.

 

yes how how how ??

what secret page?? how do i find this stuff ?

 

If you go into "system information" and when you get to the screen that says the software version... click your joystick up 3 times....down 3 times, and then up 2 times....it will take you to a long menu.... go to the software section, and click "forced change"....it will give you the option to erase your software.(not reversible)

 

Just to reitterate what I said on the other thread, if your car was manufactured on or after December 2003 you likely do not need an upgrade.

Before you make an attempt to erase your software check your version numbers as reported in the main information page (the access point for the back doors) and the detailed information page I described above.

 

Pavehawk is correct... if you see the Mazda logo as your startup screen, you have the most up to date software... DONT DO IT unless you have an "old" car like mine =)

 

Jason -

Any idea what features the new navi software will bring? I saw a post about an "upgrade", but it looked like you were saying that yours already had the "split screen" view, etc. If it's $200, just wanted an idea of what we could expect.

 

the map upgrade is just that.... you get updated streets. It wont look any different.

 

My car was manufactured in March 04 and I still have the old software. I'm in the UK so I'm guessing we don't get the new software yet.

 

mine was made in sep of 03 it has the old firmware as well ...

After I deleate it I just go to the delaer and say "

What happend it stopped working .. fix it please" and they will have to load the new firmware into it ?


how do they do this? do they use the DVD drive to upload the new firmware?