I got my new Blizzard White Limited 4WD last week to replace my totaled Jeep Commmander Hemi which was sadly fully fixed up (lift/suspension/exhaust/cargo) and just where I wanted it... 
However, my departed Jeep's nav system ALWAYS pissed me off that you couldn't fully use all the features while moving. The only fix available was a software hack which was supposed to work just fine BUT if it didn't your nav unit was totally locked up and had to be returned to the factory (not dealer) for a fix. So I just sucked it up and dealt with it.
Enter my shiny new 4Runner Limited which reminds me of my beloved old Troopers in it's humble yet capable simplicity BUT a pretty new nav system that is even more limited than my old Jeeps!!! I did some research and came across these guys with a funny name but well reviewed:
Prestigious Society - GPS Navigation Override for Lexus and Toyota
I emailed a couple questions and they got right back to me with the right answers so I bought it ASAP before all you guys found out first and bought them out... They then offered to do the install for free if they could take some install pics since I was the first buyer to be local. Turns out they were initially a Lexus customizer but this whole "Nav Enhancement" thing has blown up into a big business for them and they work with Engineers in Japan with all the factory specs to make their system as perfect as possible.
I went over and the founder/owner Mark extra carefully pulled three panels and 4 bolts to get out the nav unit. It then only took a few unplugs/plugs to attach the unit. It's totally plug and play with all factory connectors and has a cable with an on/off switch you can put wherever. I had Mark install mine right by my knee for easy yet unseen activation.
Basically, hitting the button makes the GPS think you are stopped (or no data, or something...) and you have five minutes to do whatever you want with the nav system as if you were stopped. Full address entry, phone contacts, music, etc... It then automatically turns back on and the GPS only takes a few seconds to recalibrate and all is fine. You can also hit the button anytime to re-enable the GPS. I just used it during 12 hours of driving to/from Mammoth and had no problems with sync or anything losing anything when pressing the button. It just works like it should with the only caveat of no GPS updating while you are playing with it. There is also a mode to keep GPS off continually if you just want to play with the music or phone or whatever for the duration of your trip.
I am pretty much overjoyed after 3 years of suffering in my Jeep. I have no idea why companies do this, especially since they already have the tech to sense a passenger for the airbags, but (stupid lawyers) whatever.
This is a simple, plug and play, easily reversible, mod that WORKS. I will update if I find any other issues, but what else can I say?
Happy Open Nav-ing!
Dennis.
However, my departed Jeep's nav system ALWAYS pissed me off that you couldn't fully use all the features while moving. The only fix available was a software hack which was supposed to work just fine BUT if it didn't your nav unit was totally locked up and had to be returned to the factory (not dealer) for a fix. So I just sucked it up and dealt with it.Enter my shiny new 4Runner Limited which reminds me of my beloved old Troopers in it's humble yet capable simplicity BUT a pretty new nav system that is even more limited than my old Jeeps!!! I did some research and came across these guys with a funny name but well reviewed:
Prestigious Society - GPS Navigation Override for Lexus and Toyota
I emailed a couple questions and they got right back to me with the right answers so I bought it ASAP before all you guys found out first and bought them out... They then offered to do the install for free if they could take some install pics since I was the first buyer to be local. Turns out they were initially a Lexus customizer but this whole "Nav Enhancement" thing has blown up into a big business for them and they work with Engineers in Japan with all the factory specs to make their system as perfect as possible.
I went over and the founder/owner Mark extra carefully pulled three panels and 4 bolts to get out the nav unit. It then only took a few unplugs/plugs to attach the unit. It's totally plug and play with all factory connectors and has a cable with an on/off switch you can put wherever. I had Mark install mine right by my knee for easy yet unseen activation.
Basically, hitting the button makes the GPS think you are stopped (or no data, or something...) and you have five minutes to do whatever you want with the nav system as if you were stopped. Full address entry, phone contacts, music, etc... It then automatically turns back on and the GPS only takes a few seconds to recalibrate and all is fine. You can also hit the button anytime to re-enable the GPS. I just used it during 12 hours of driving to/from Mammoth and had no problems with sync or anything losing anything when pressing the button. It just works like it should with the only caveat of no GPS updating while you are playing with it. There is also a mode to keep GPS off continually if you just want to play with the music or phone or whatever for the duration of your trip.
I am pretty much overjoyed after 3 years of suffering in my Jeep. I have no idea why companies do this, especially since they already have the tech to sense a passenger for the airbags, but (stupid lawyers) whatever.
This is a simple, plug and play, easily reversible, mod that WORKS. I will update if I find any other issues, but what else can I say?
Happy Open Nav-ing!
Dennis.
However, after watching and helping a bit with the whole process it looks pretty darn simple for anyone with a bit of mechanical aptitude. The pics with their factory disassembly instructions will just make it that much easier!
