When new navigation DVD comes out
- Thread starter hwheeler
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The Toyota navigation systems come in "Generations", or major versions. You must buy the annual update disc that corresponds to your generation. Toyota does make an update disc every year for every generation since Gen 2, so there will be a 2007 disc available for your system.
The update discs only change the map and POI data. You can't upgrade to a newer generation through a disc alone; such a change would also require new hardware.
I believe that the 2003 4Runner is Gen 3, 2004 is either Gen 3 or Gen 4 (they might have switched during the model year), 2004-05 is Gen 4, and 2006-07 is Gen 5. To get the right version, give your dealer both your model year and the date of manufacture off of the door jamb label.
Be very careful if you buy an update disc on eBay. There are two kinds of discs - a "Program Disc", which is the one that comes with the unit from the factory, and an "Update Disc", which has updated map data. Some people try to sell their Program Discs after they upgrade their system, but you don't want to buy those!
The update discs only change the map and POI data. You can't upgrade to a newer generation through a disc alone; such a change would also require new hardware.
I believe that the 2003 4Runner is Gen 3, 2004 is either Gen 3 or Gen 4 (they might have switched during the model year), 2004-05 is Gen 4, and 2006-07 is Gen 5. To get the right version, give your dealer both your model year and the date of manufacture off of the door jamb label.
Be very careful if you buy an update disc on eBay. There are two kinds of discs - a "Program Disc", which is the one that comes with the unit from the factory, and an "Update Disc", which has updated map data. Some people try to sell their Program Discs after they upgrade their system, but you don't want to buy those!
Toto-- Just curious, does the update disk just update data, or does it also do some update on the operating system, such as correcting bugs, etc.? In other words, is it also a firmware update, or is the operating system hardwire in the unit? I know you won't get a Gen 5 out of a gen 4, but might it include some improvements to the operation itself?
Uneek
Super Moderator
hwheeler said:
I've heard update disc can correct some bugs and does reflash the firmware, thus some sellers on eBay mention the difference between the updated map disc vs. the OEM factory installed disc. They also mention that once updated, you cannot use the original disc cause the firmware gets flashed. But if you cut the power nav and power it up, you can flash it back to the older firmware. This has been done for people making the hybrid disc to restore the override functionality in the 2006+ navs.
Yes, the update discs can make minor software changes - usually either bug fixes or lawyer-oriented things like the removal of the override that Uneek mentioned. (There used to be a menu option that let you temporarily override the lockout on most screens whenever the vehicle is moving.)
They generally don't add new software features this way, even though it's clearly possible from a technical standpoint.
They generally don't add new software features this way, even though it's clearly possible from a technical standpoint.
I don't think Toyota made a big deal out of the fact that they removed it, so the dealers probably don't know if it's in or out unless they've encountered it themselves.
For sure it was removed from Gen 5 last year. I don't know if they took it out of the previous generations as well.
For sure it was removed from Gen 5 last year. I don't know if they took it out of the previous generations as well.
Do later generations do better at routing through smaller towns and rural areas? I got this 4Runner after having a Garmin portable, and you really notice the limits of the stock Toyota unit. If your not in a major metropolitan area, it just tells you "no data available and follow the direct line arrow to your destination." The Garmin always could tell you where to go and callout specific streets. It seems like if the far less expensive Garmin could include all the US in its nav system, the Toyota Nav should do it too. I keep thinking a new upgrade disk might bring the system a liitle more in line with what very common and inexpensive standalones from multiple manufacturers have been able to do for a couple of years.
oldboy
New member
That's why I'm considering after mark for my wife's next vehicle
I agree with you. It seems like cheaper after market systems outperform the dumbed down uber expensive OEM units. I have a Mio mitec pda (<$500) based GPS/nav that dates a couple of years prior to my 4runner nav and it outperforms the yota nav on all fronts (more friendly user interface like very easy destination selection, ability to get to rural destinations, and additional features like current speed, elevation, current exact geographical location, etc.)
It's a darn shame we paid so much for a simpled down version of what it should be.
I keep hoping that an upgrade will bring additional features....
On the other hand a nav is better than no nav....
Lou
I agree with you. It seems like cheaper after market systems outperform the dumbed down uber expensive OEM units. I have a Mio mitec pda (<$500) based GPS/nav that dates a couple of years prior to my 4runner nav and it outperforms the yota nav on all fronts (more friendly user interface like very easy destination selection, ability to get to rural destinations, and additional features like current speed, elevation, current exact geographical location, etc.)
It's a darn shame we paid so much for a simpled down version of what it should be.
I keep hoping that an upgrade will bring additional features....
On the other hand a nav is better than no nav....
Lou
Uneek
Super Moderator
Hmmm on the contrary, I find the OEM nav to perform better than the Nuvi 660. The 660 is usually a bit late when announcing when to turn or if a manuver is missed. The annoucement ahead of time is the same, but it's when you actually make the move, like turning around the corner or exiting the off-ramp is when it's delayed.
But certainly aftermarket systems are much more affordable than OEM systems. Feature wise, the aftermarket will do more too. But the premium in OEM system is integration, i.e. backup camera or Bluetooth.
But certainly aftermarket systems are much more affordable than OEM systems. Feature wise, the aftermarket will do more too. But the premium in OEM system is integration, i.e. backup camera or Bluetooth.
Yes, integration is a big plus. Of course, on my nav (2005), not as much is integrated as later generations, but the camera is handy, especially when hooking up trailers. But it still bugs me that as a navigation unit, it lags behind the capabilities and features of my Garmin. It might operate a little quicker on a turn, I don't know, but it consistantly misses my turns off an expressway unless it is in the preplanned route. It usually can't tell if I'm on the freeway or access road. This really doesn't bother me, but the inability to guide except in metro areas seems senseless since much less sophisticated units do it fine. I wish it could also do text to speech guidance and give summaries of trips--average speed, top speed etc. and especially elevation. All this is just a matter of software because the unit picks up enough satellites to get a 3D fix. I don't know, it just feels needlessly crippled after using the Garmin.
