Workaround for navigation override (bypass) for 2007 ISx50

Technique · 11-29-06, 10:28 AM

DISCLAIMER:

This is to allow upgrade and keep the override function and NOT for discussion of copying the Nav DVD. You can purchase your DVD upgrade from your local dealer or get a better deal from our CL vendors such as Sewell Lexus / Lexus parts here.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

2006 ISx50 = V5.1 DVD Navigation disc = V1550 firmware = Override Exists
2007 ISx50 = V6.1 DVD Navigation disc = V1650 firmware = NO Known Override Exists

FACT #1:

Upon inserting the V6.1 DVD into an ISx50, the firmware will be AUTOMATICALLY updated to V1650. Hence, you will lose your override.

FACT #2:

It is possible to go back to the old firmware. Yes, you heard me right. You can go back to your old firmware. It is NOT a problem at all, despite what Lexus and others may tell you. All you need to do is remove the fuse for the nav unit and put the old V5.1 disc back in. It may take 1-2 attempts, but the nav unit will load the old firmware with no problems. Many of us have gone back and forth between numerous firmwares on the ISx50 without any problems whatsoever.

FACT #3:

The firmware file is located on the nav DVD and is called "loading.kwi". This is only loaded when the power is cut to the nav, or a newer firmware is detected.

SOLUTION TO OVERRIDE:

You will need to own BOTH discs (V5.1 and V6.1) and a PC with a DVD Dual-Layer burner that supports bitsetting (booktype) in order to do this.

1) Copy all the files from the V6.1 disc to your hard drive into a directory called "nav" (or whatever name you want)
2) Copy the loading.kwi file from the V5.1 disc to your hard drive into the same "nav" directory, overwriting the existing loading.kwi file
3) Burn all the files in the nav disc directory to a DVD+R DL disc - Booking type (bitsetting) DVD-ROM

You now have a DVD with all the map data and new features of the V6.1 disc, with the firmware + override of the V5.1 disc.

This has been confirmed to work on an ISx50.

The biggest variable here is your burner software settings, although many variables exists, including what type of media you use, what burning software you use and the type of burner you have.

FYI, our successful burns used:
1) Various media (Verbatim and Memorex)
2) Various burning software (dvd decrypter, isoburn, or Prassi Ones)
3) Various burners (plextor, benq, samsung, liteon)
4) Burner software settings must set - Book Type (aka Bitsetting) = DVD-ROM

Hope this helps those of you who wanted to upgrade to the new V6.1 DVD but don't want to lose the override.

"Pro-Override gang" signing off...

wakaru8 · 11-29-06, 10:40 AM

AWESOME! Can't wait to try it.

jsquared · 11-29-06, 10:48 AM

thanks for the info!! how long does it take to do this? and how much different is the new version from the old, i.e., is it worth it to upgrade?

viettho · 11-29-06, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsquared

thanks for the info!! how long does it take to do this? and how much different is the new version from the old, i.e., is it worth it to upgrade?

I don't know about you guys, but I think it's not worth to upgrade since i'm living in OC, CA and some major freeway (like 22) is under major contruction. And I don't think the new version has an update of that.

SolaraToIS · 11-29-06, 11:02 AM

Thank you BIG time for your effort and results but how do I go about
acquiring a 5.1 disk since all I have in my car is 6.1?

jsquared · 11-29-06, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viettho

I don't know about you guys, but I think it's not worth to upgrade since i'm living in OC, CA and some major freeway (like 22) is under major contruction. And I don't think the new version has an update of that.

yeah, i'm in san diego and i don't think there's really anything new that's gonna be added... at least not worth spending the $270. but either way, it'd be nice to know how long it takes, and how easy it is just in case i decide to do it.

markyboy · 11-29-06, 11:12 AM

Depending on what area you live in the map data may or may not be much different.
Here in Calgary, Canada I can tell you that the map information is not much different than the map information on the 5.1 disk. To be honest with you the map information is quite poor in comparison to my friends portable Garmin unit.

Technique · 11-29-06, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsquared

thanks for the info!! how long does it take to do this? and how much different is the new version from the old, i.e., is it worth it to upgrade?

1) Copy files to your hard drive (5-10 minutes)
2) Burn DVD (20-30 minutes)
3) Eject old DVD and replace with new burned DVD (5 minutes)
4) Pull fuse and replace and watch firmware load (5-10 minutes)

So maybe like 30-60 minutes...

jsquared · 11-29-06, 11:11 AM

^what he said... it'll save you the $$$. haha i was kinda surprised when i saw the GB price for the new 6.1 disk was $270...

T-Rex06 · 11-29-06, 11:36 AM

This is great information.

Thanks for your time and efforts.

kensteele · 11-29-06, 12:06 PM

I may have to try this myself, good job! Thanks for providing the info.

Are you sure you can go back and forth with the firmware? I know maybe the version number on the screen might change or maybe it appears that the [re]loading is taking place (which in and of instead is not exactly proof) but are you absolutely sure that the old firmware is put back into the nav? What is different about the old firmware vs. the new firmware (functionality, color, routing, new screens, etc) that proves the new firmaware is removed and reverts back to the old firmware?

I'm asking for those of us with '06 who screw up this conversion and want to simply start over and go back to the old '06 disc and firmware and get the old override back, are you 100% positive?

sickntired · 11-29-06, 12:08 PM

I've tried finding the fuse for the Nav before. Which fuse is it? Thanks.

Technique · 11-29-06, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sickntired

I've tried finding the fuse for the Nav before. Which fuse is it? Thanks.

The fuse that powers the NAV unit is labeled TV-1 under the drivers side dash. Removing it for a minute or more will not wipe out your phone book or radio presets.

totalstu · 11-29-06, 01:27 PM

Is it still possible to purchase the v5.1 DVD? I have an 07 that has the v6.1 DVD.

Thanks

Technique · 11-29-06, 12:33 PM

The ONLY difference we have found between the two firmwares is the override. So, the proof that we are in fact going between the two different firmwares is the fact that we have the override when the V1550 is installed, and it goes away when V1650 is installed.

This was tested in a 2006 IS350.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kensteele

I may have to try this myself, good job! Thanks for providing the info.

Are you sure you can go back and forth with the firmware? I know maybe the version number on the screen might change or maybe it appears that the [re]loading is taking place (which in and of instead is not exactly proof) but are you absolutely sure that the old firmware is put back into the nav? What is different about the old firmware vs. the new firmware (functionality, color, routing, new screens, etc) that proves the new firmaware is removed and reverts back to the old firmware?

I'm asking for those of us with '06 who screw up this conversion and want to simply start over and go back to the old '06 disc and firmware and get the old override back, are you 100% positive?