Looking at the Lexus software update page none are listed for IS cars, do they only update them when you bring the car in for service?

My 2018 currently has:

Nav: A11A8000
OS: 17.P460
Gracenote: 08367

 

There are no Gracenote updates available in Canada...I've inquired directly with Lexus Canada about this.
I'm not sure if there are any updates for 2018 as yet...I know 2014 and 2015 had some updates.

Usually the updates are part of a TSB to correct an issue(s), so technically they would update it at the dealer for free as part of the TSB.

 

My 2015 RC nav system is useless. Personally I think in dash nav is the biggest waste of money to be put in cars. Any car, not just Lexus. My phone is much more reliable.

 

Thanks for sharing; however let's stay on-topic of software updates.

 

For the NAV update, you will need to pay the dealer. Regular software update like gracenote, once there is a new update, it should get automatically downloaded once you install lexus app and pair your phone to your car.
Regarding the TSB, it was for the car's GPS firmware.

 

I've never paid the dealer for any nav system updates. I just get over-the-air updates for minor ones, and for that TSB, I paid nothing to bring the car into the dealer and have that done.

 

Yes, correct. the TSB is free.

The NAV updates is not free, I meant the map data for they will have to replace the SD card.

 

Oh. Yeah I've never done that. Thanks for clarifying.

 

MinnRC350 - download and try out Lexus App Suite (not 2.0) You will then be able to "use your phone"
to input into the native Lexus Navigation. The car knows when the gas stations are (or were in 2014!).
Open up LAS and touch Fuel Finder and it will sort current fuel prices by location or price plus drop
it into your map. Select "Destination Search" (not Destination Assist) and press the steering wheel
speech button. You are now using your phones voice recognition and map data rather than the cars.

s3v3n is correct, Nav updates cost because the Dealer is sending your money for the licensing fee
and it also takes an hour to download using the dealership TechTool.

www.lexusdrivers.com resources Multimedia updates are free when available and includes Bluetooth
and voice recognition upgrades. Use your own computer and flash drive. My 2018 ES300h has not
had one yet.

Lexus App Suite will update the car automatically every time your paired phone is running the
app (initial time will be 5-7 minutes of your life you will never get back!)

 

the TSB update is ONLY for the Safety Connect. It does nothing to the GPS/Navi. Some people like myself is having the wrong location shown on map and i am quite frustrated.

 

This depends on the type of navigation you have. In the older vehicles that use an HDD navigation system, then the updates did have to be downloaded into the vehicle using the tool.
For the 3IS and others that have the micros SD card, it's simply replacing the card which takes a few seconds.