2013 Map Update Process.

[gsmornot]

I have a 2012 Pilot EX-L with the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) navigation system. I have been watching the Honda Navigation site for an update; they now list the 2013 Green DVD for 2012 Pilot's. I placed my order and have the (overpriced) DVD on the way.

My question is, how is this loaded if my system is not DVD based but Hard Drive based? I half expected a download link and instructions to use a USB thumb drive but no, it appears to be a disk. I hope some of the updates include the changes in my area for the $149 plus shipping it costs.

[rocky]

Generally the Honda GPS is way behind the rest of the market.

[EmptyTank]

I'll say. Honda and Navteq ought to be ashamed of themselves for delivering such late inaccurate mapping, at such a ludicrous price. They are clearly out of touch with the competitive landscape.

[gsmornot]

Thanks for the opinions but any idea on the process to update? I have the disk on the way and will know for sure soon but thought I would get an idea of how it works in advance.

[GMul]

If you look about halfway down the page on this site, a procedure is described:

Honda Navigation Coupon & Code - Honda Navi Promo Codes

Not sure if it applies to a 2012 though.

[EmptyTank]

Originally Posted by gsmornot

Thanks for the opinions but any idea on the process to update? I have the disk on the way and will know for sure soon but thought I would get an idea of how it works in advance.

You're probably stuck waiting for the package to arrive, but I would bet that it's easier to do with a HDD-based unit than a DVD-based one. Since there are no instructions in the manual (at least, not for my 2013), on how to do the upgrade, one would expect the "green DVD" to have them. Most likely you put the DVD in the RES DVD drive, then bunt the console controller around to some menu item that says Upgrade, if the DVD itself does not trigger such a thing.

You may want to have your codes handy just in case you need them.

[gsmornot]

Disk should be here tomorrow from Honda. I will report back when I complete the process. By the way, I don't have a factory rear entertainment system. I have the EX-L with navigation.

[gsmornot]

GMul, thanks for the link. I don't have a navigation DVD...just the hard drive. Will let you guys know the outcome.

[gsmornot]

Seems like I'm talking to myself here but because I said I would update I will. The DVD is inserted into the CD drive used for playing audio disc's. Basically, it takes about 40 minutes to install the update with several reboots then an additional 5 hours or so of background processing that you only notice because of a drive icon in the bottom left corner of the display. The instructions were easy to follow. You have to enter a password in order for the disc to load, the password is in the upgrade package and is based on your unit ID and VIN number so it cannot be shared. I have not noticed anything yet as a stand out in updates, the road near my house that was completed a year ago is not in the map set but to be fair its not online anywhere but Google Maps so far.

[EmptyTank]

Thanks for letting us know! That also explains why we have to supply a VIN and unit ID number when ordering map updates ; they key the software license with them.

Now.. I wonder why they don't list 2013 Pilots on http://hondanavi.com

[gsmornot]

My guess is they come with the updated map set. My 2012 was just added a couple of weeks ago. A link was there for the car but no updates were available until this month.

[EmptyTank]

Maybe -- but the maps that ship with the 2013 are way out of date; they show roads that were closed four years ago; show a Subway that went out of business 8 years ago, and are missing a road that was opened 3 years ago, all within 5 miles of our house.

I'd hate to be 600 miles from home coping with that level of inaccuracy.

[gsmornot]

Same thing here unfortunately. The road by my house is not on the map even after the update. I know the maps will be a little behind but I was hoping at least the update would give me the best shot at being up to date. I have not taken the time to use it for searching local points of interest but have when we travel and it has been mostly correct. I needed a grocery store, forget the town, but it took me to two that were closed and looked like they had been for a while. I ended up at a CVS pharmacy I could see was for sure open. I normally use my phone to get the address for a point of interest anyhow and just put it in the GPS.

Still, at the end of the day I would not give up the built in GPS system in the car. It makes it so much easier to get from point A to point B and integrates well with the car. To be honest, and I think I said it above already, the maps on my phone are missing a few things as well including the road by my house. Google Maps is so far the only one to show it and if you're looking at the satellite image its still a dirt road.