I came across a potential source for Nav map updates at lower cost than what Honda charges. Here's the info:

Acura & Honda Navigation System 2011 Map Updates for $99 each + $10 s&h

I don't have Nav, so I'm just posting this as an FYI to those who do. I can say that I use dealnews a lot and have found them to be a reliable source of info.

 

I don't this this NAV DVD will work with FIT OEM NAV. It is for Acura.

 

You're right. dealnews has updated the link, removing the reference to Honda systems (just Acura now), and showing a higher price now.

So it's a false alarm - sorry. Just trying to save you Nav folks some $$.

 

Honda map updates are apparently now available through the referenced link, but who knows for how long.....

 

Thanks for the heads up, but unfortunately, the Fit navi takes the turquoise DVD, not the white one... and the turquoise disc isn't on sale .

 

I'm probably showing my age here but how do you update maps on you Nav system. I mean, it's not like hooking up your GPS to a computer when you update it. I don't have a Nav system but I am curious.

 

The Honda system has all it's maps stored on a DVD. So to update the maps, you just take out the old DVD and put in a new DVD .

 

What do you mean? Is there a permanent CD installed that has to be replaced? Is this a DIY thing because it certainly doesn't sound it.

 

Yes, there navigation system has a separate DVD drive, and the DVD disc has to be in all the time. And yes, accessing the DVD is kind of slow, like when you search for POIs.

They make it easy to replace the disc though, here's a sample pic:


Note the door that says "open to replace navigation dvd". You just open that and it's another slot fed drive, hit the eject button and out comes the disc.

 

Ok! That explains it. Thanks. I was thinking that it was going to be something similar to replacing a hard drive in a computer and you would have to open up the head unit, etc..

 

I'm surprised still that they haven't gone to Flash or SSD memory inside navigation units. the market has moved to Hard drives. (kind of odd choice for a vehicle). Hard drives are cheaper once you get up into higher capacities but 16GB of Flash memory (Most auto Hard drives are 20GB) are just as cheap as a hard drive, require Far less space, would be practically as easy to update. Honda's been using PCMCIA Cards/CF cards for a while now in it's navi units for music so they are no stranger to solid state memory.

I wonder if the NAVI DVD drive is a standard IDE Interface on the back (or laptop IDE). If so, in theory, it could be replaced with a Hard drive or SD/CF Card adapter. With today's internet connections, you could download the maps and honda could sell it for less through their ownerlink. I'm sure they are concerned about pirating and could opt to embed the Radio Security code into the software upon download so it only works on the radio tied to the ownerlink account since everyone (enrolled in ownerlink) has their OEM Radio code online I believe.

I had an extra hour of sleep... this means my brain is working more.... I gotta stop typing.

~SB

 

Honda navi DVDs: The gifts that keep on giving (to Honda).

I think I'll wait another year.

Cheers.

 

Does anyone know if Honda ever updates the software or is it just the maps? The search on my 2009 Fit is horrible and practically worthless!

 

Yes, they update the software, but it's bug fixes, not overhauls. So the search function will still be useless. At least that been my experience with my 04 accord's navi. It's got the same stupid searching issue.