sarcoptic

For those technically incline and want to skip the dealer, I found the latest update to our navigation units online. The latest version is V15A8910 based on the TSB here:
http://www.revbase.com/BBBMotor/TSb/...dPdf?id=197088

The firmware itself can be grabbed straight from Lexus here:
https://dl.securedp.toyota.com/lexus...-AB01_0003.kwi

Quick steps:
1. Download the above file. Take a USB key and format the key as FAT32, MUST BE FAT32!!!
2. Plug the key into the car, start the car (as in leave the car running)
3. Go to General Settings then down to Software Update, finally Update (NOT Gracenote update)
4. The screen will show you your current version and give you the option to proceed with an update if one is needed, if one is not the update button will not be enabled
5. Update takes around 5 minutes or so, leave the USB key plugged in and follow all the instructions.
6. Enjoy skipping the dealer for updates

This firmware update applies to multiple vehicles including: CT, ES, IS, NX, and the RC. Just verify your firmware version is following the similar scheme as V15AXXXX

tfischer

As I read the Service Bulletin, this is an upgrade to fix certain problems that might be manifest on certain cars. The problems are listed, and the service update (a patch) will be installed under warranty. As noted, you can do it yourself, if you want, but if you are going to have the car into the dealer for some service, and you mention one of the listed problems (and you might want to mention the TSB) the dealership will gladly install the update at no charge, since it is covered under the 4 year warranty. I have one of the first RCs to hit the road, and I do not recall experiencing any of the listed problems, and the patch does not add any new features, so I may not bother, but since the dealership gets reimbursed by Lexus for this warranty work, you won't meet any resistance. Maybe I did see one of those problems, once.

sarcoptic

Just wanted to give the option to people....I myself always install the latest firmwares/bios on all my tech.

tfischer

SARCO: I checked the version number on my RC, and it was very low, as I expected, so I performed the firmware upgrade this afternoon. Everything went smoothly, and just as described in the TSB. I see no difference, of course, since this firmware upgrade does not add any new features to the system, and even though I have not experienced any problems with my NAV system, I guess I'm less likely to have any with the current upgrade. Thanks for the tip.

sarcoptic

The only real difference I noticed was the start up speed. Hopefully one day all the issues will be resolved with it I am still not a fan on the interface Lexus/Toyota uses on these nav units.

tfischer

I hope that your note means that the system starts up faster, not slower. I have not driven it since the upgrade, so I can't comment. As for your other observation, as far as I know, issues with software are never resolved.

cjschober

Sooooo, slight problem. Everything went fine with the update, except, went to restart the car to finish the update, It scrolled through like it was finishing, got to through the splash screen and all. But it got to the navigation warning screen and then it gets stuck. Doesn't show the option to click OK or anything. Just the warning screen. And it sits like a log. The radio is now unusable. I've tried a couple of hard reboots and nothing. Anybody know how to do another install attempt or software reset when it's not responding? There's got to be a forced reload of software that can be done. Trying to avoid taking it to the dealer since I leave for a road trip tomorrow after work. On the upside, it does seem to boot faster now. Hah!

sarcoptic

I know this is going to sound dumb....unhook the battery for 5 minutes and hook it back up. You won't lose your presets or any other settings...but this should force the navi to reboot and finish the update. I had this issue just yesterday on an NX we upgraded and that resolved it. I also left the usb key hooked up upon restarting the car.

sarcoptic

Yep referring to boot up speed upon turning the car on. The radio tends to play instantly now whereas before it could take 10 seconds before any sort of sound.

cjschober

Ended up not needing to rehook the battery. I left it alone for 30 minutes, came back, still was frozen, drove it down the road, and within about 50 feet, it cycled through. It didn't have a problem after that. Works just fine now. But a very strange occurrence. Makes me believe that the speed sensor verifies a lot of information back and forth to the nav system.

dannyho

Is the USB port the one in the center arm console?

tfischer

Yes. There are two USB ports in there, and they are the only ones in the car. However, you can only use one of them for a correct install, and no one here is going to tell you, for free, which one is the correct one. You have a 50-50 shot at getting this right. If you are wrong, you won't know at first, but the Nav system will start directing you to a Burger King, regardless of the destination you input. Them's tatsy burgers, and apparently they have a deal with Lexus.

Bearcat

top one buddy.

NAZTY97

does this update maps?

tfischer

No. New maps will cost you. They reside on the little bitty card behind the door below the radio and in front of the gear shift. A new version is released every year, with updated maps and updated POI. Some owners never buy new map data, but it's not a bad idea to do that every 3 or 4 years - just be sure you get the right card for your vehicle, as not all NAV systems are the same.