I bought my 2013 GS350 last week. I was surprised to find the original owner had not done any map updates. I did some online searching and found mixed info on how to go about the update, either must be done by a dealer, or I can order the part and update myself. Any insight is appreciated!

 

@Oliviersm welcome and congrats on the GS! If you have a '13 GS, the update can only be installed by a Lexus dealership.

See these posts/threads for some good info:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...l#post10373458
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...-gs-350-a.html

 

Thanks. This is where I found conflicting info. There is a post that says the owner had the update on USB and installed it.

 

There was for awhile a non OEM website that for $75, an update current to 2019 could be downloaded and installed. Although it did work just fine for me, was later said that it was something that should be avoided for a number of reasons.

 

Thank you. So, if I'm able to order the OEM part, I should be able to perform the update myself?

 

Not sure if there is an OEM update available for 2013.

 

@Oliviersm - I think a NAV map update for a 2013 still requires you to request the map be ordered for you by a service representative at a Lexus dealership, The map is then sent by Lexus from their mainframe computer to be downloaded to a specific computer in the dealership's parts department. Then, at your service appointment the map dedicated for your VIN is loaded in a dedicated portable computer and this pre-loaded map will be installed to your car. It typically takes.1.5 - 2 hours labor charge and requires the vehicle's engine to be running the entire time. That's the way it used to be done (I had a 2013 GS 350 and had a map update done), and I presume it's still done this way for the 2013 models. Newer 4GS Gens could have the NAV map updated by using micro cards or USB devices purchased from the parts department..

 

The above sounds about right - I have kept mine updated over time and it's always a process at the dealership. Also I remember in our last conversation that the newest version of the maps is like 2019 or something like that.

 

So the map update simply updates all the new roads, correct?
Quality and layout of the map does not change I presume?

 

@zheka130 - The latest NAV map version is either mid-year 2022 or 2023. A map update provides updated streets, roads, highways, Interstates, entrance and exit ramp numbers, etc. as well as updated POIs (points of interests) like restaurants, banks, gas stations, shopping (Walmart, Costco), etc. etc. which includes the businesses' phone numbers. The quality and layout of the map is the same and NAV features can be changed as you desire in the vehicle's system.


I had my 2018 GS 450h NAV map updated when my car was in for a Lexus service appointment in December, 2021 and the map version was dated 2021. The Lexus service record said: 'Navigation Map Update and Calibrate (PT219-GEN09-21 GEN 9 V21.1)

 

Thanks bclexus

 

Thank you, I'll contact the dealership.

 

@Oliviersm - In the past for Lexus vehicles (like the 2013 GS 350) that required the map update be installed at a Lexus service center - in the Fall (often in November) Lexus dealerships have typically offered the previous map update at a reduced price. Also, in the past few years I believe most Lexus service centers dropped the labor time to ½ hour to install a map update.

In case you're wondering why Lexus offered the previous year map update at a reduced price in the Fall - it's my understanding that Lexus has to commit to buying 'x' number of map updates so the amount of map updates they have remaining are offered in the Fall at a reduced price. It's also my understanding that each map update Lexus purchases has a one-time-use security key (much like a serial number identification) that is ultimately linked and dedicated to a specific VIN it is installed for a customer's vehicle, and that is why the map updates have not been sold like nuts and bolts or plastic clips by the parts department for the older, earlier model Gens.

Now that map updates no longer have to be installed at the Lexus dealership's service center for newer Lexus vehicles - like they were for the 2013 model year vehicles - the ability for customers to purchase the map updates on SD cards or USB memory devices from the parts department (or other sources) for newer Lexus Gens and install it themselves, the process has no doubt changed...

 

This is great, thank you! I feel well informed, and will contact my dealership tomorrow to discuss.