Navigation Control Restrictions while Driving?

[Ken-NY]

I am considering the purchase of a 2012 Pilot Touring, but there are no models with Navigation available to test drive in my area.


My local sales guy told me something that I want to verify. He said that the manual controls for the Navigation, such as the interface dial and the other controls located in the center stack can not be operated by the driver while the vehicle is being driven.

He seemed to think that the Navigation could only be controlled from the steering wheel or through voice commands while driving.


I have heard of other car manufacturers who choose to lock out functions of the Navigation System (such as entering a new address) while the car is driven. I have not heard that Honda does this.

I also looked in the 2012 Navigation User's guide and it does not mention any restrictions on the use of the Navigation System while driving.


Thus, my question - Are there any lockouts or limitations imposed for controlling the Navigation System while driving? I hope that this is not the case. I do not want to have to rely completely on voice control for using the Navigation System while I am driving.


Since, I have not been able to verify this on a real system, I hope someone who actually owns a 2012 Touring or EX-L w/Navigation can verify this for me. I am hoping the salesman was wrong about this.


Thanks,


Ken

[N9JIG]

The Nav system can be fully controlled while driving, including adding addresses.

[1YESfan]

I think most folks can't pay full attention to driving when on the phone let alone twisting knobs for the navigation unit. Most folks should pull over, esp. in traffic. Lord knows I would probably pull someone out of their car and inflict bodily pain on some arse who I found out was not driving their vehicle correctly who somehow rear-ended my vehicle.

You should be able to use voice control for most of your needs and on my 11 when twisting the main knob for letters, you get the nav-voice telling you what letter you are on which is convenient when you are looking out the windsheild in front of you. ;-)

[Ken-NY]

I agree that the voice control should make the Nav easier to use. I just still like to have the option for manual control and address entry when needed.

Personally, I feel it should be up to driver to control their system the way that it best suits them. Everyone is different. I've never had a problem using my portable GPS while driving. Some people are better off and safer while using voice or steering wheel controls.

I just hope Honda doesn't go the way that other car makers have gone and make the driver pull over and stop whenever they need to use their GPS controls. That may not always be the safest thing to do, especially on busy roads or highways.

[rcase13]

My wife usually handles the navigation while we are driving. At the very least there should be a weight sensor in the passenger seat that enables the navigation entry while moving if it's occupied.

[freestyle]

I'm wondering if I will miss the touch screen of my 2007 nav...Is it a pain to operate with the dial and buttons? Anyone have a touch prior to using the new style?

[kscurl01]

Originally Posted by freestyle

I'm wondering if I will miss the touch screen of my 2007 nav...Is it a pain to operate with the dial and buttons? Anyone have a touch prior to using the new style?

I came from a 2010 Ford F-150, and I really do miss the Ford Navi offering. It was a touch screen, and everything was integrated on to that screen.

I am getting used to this Honda system, however, and I find myself enjoying it a little more every day. With the exception of placing a call with Bluetooth, I believe the whole unit matches or exceeds most of the features of other systems.

[NYHusker]

I agree with above, how does the GPS differentiate if it's being manipulated by a passenger while driver is paying attention, or by a distracted driver.

[slamminrc]

Originally Posted by Ken-NY

My local sales guy told me something that I want to verify. He said that the manual controls for the Navigation, such as the interface dial and the other controls located in the center stack can not be operated by the driver while the vehicle is being driven.


Thanks,


Ken

I just purchased a 2012 Pilot Touring and Yes, You can control the NAV when the car is being driven.

[whizmo]

Originally Posted by Ken-NY

...there are no models with Navigation available in my area....My local sales guy told me .... that the manual controls for the Navigation, such as the interface dial and the other controls located in the center stack can not be operated by the driver while the vehicle is being driven.

Sounds like a classic example of a salesperson misinforming a customer about a product they don't have in stock so they can sell a product they do.

- Mark

[wickerbill]

You will usually have the correct answer if you go with the exact opposite of what a car salesman tells you is correct.

[Ken-NY]

Thanks for the replies. The salesman I talked to was new (first day on the job). I think he was making assumptions based on experience with other cars.

I initially thought that maybe the Pilot uses the sensor in the Passenger seat to detect another person in the car - and limit Nav controls based on whether or not there is another occupant in the vehicle to control the Nav from the center stack.

However, from what people are reporting - this is not the case. It sounds like Honda has not yet imposed such restrictions. I look forward to trying out the Nav System once I find one that I can test drive.

[ffrog]

Originally Posted by 1YESfan

I think most folks can't pay full attention to driving when on the phone let alone twisting knobs for the navigation unit. Most folks should pull over, esp. in traffic. Lord knows I would probably pull someone out of their car and inflict bodily pain on some arse who I found out was not driving their vehicle correctly who somehow rear-ended my vehicle. ...

I totally agree with you; I place this in the same category as Texting while driving. Thank goodness some manufactures saw the importance and dangers and blocked this feature

I know that it is very difficult and time consuming to find a safe place to stop and set your NAV and make phone calls etc but, “Slow down and smell the roses” folks.

Fortunately any distractive driving is regulated in some states even though many drivers still ignore the law.

[mudbog]

Originally Posted by freestyle

I'm wondering if I will miss the touch screen of my 2007 nav...Is it a pain to operate with the dial and buttons? Anyone have a touch prior to using the new style?

I actually prefer the buttons over a touch screen (I'm comparing to a Toyota touch screen I used previously). I can tactically locate the buttons with my fingers without taking my eyes off the road. You can't do that with a touch screen.

[1YESfan]

As you are aware I'm sure, there is more to the Touring model than just the navigation system. Hope you consider the bigger picture. I'm beyond happy with splurging and getting all the other features of my 11 Touring.