Hi all, I'm thinking of upgrading the OEM navigation software in my 2002 RX300.

Firstly, how do I check to find out what version nav software that's currently installed?



Thanks.

 

Just pop the disk out and see what version it has.
Or:
1. Press MENU.
2. Press the DVD button on the display
I believe the last version they made for this vehicle is DVD version 13.1

You might want to order a map disc through DENSO by calling 1-888-285-4236.
There are a lot of fakes out there.

My 05 GX still has the orig map disk in it.
I just use my phone for nav.

 

Thanks Nad, I will give this a go.

I also use my phone but would like to see a bit more modern look on the Nav screen as it's in my face all the time.

 

The update will not change the look or function of the Nav unit itself, it will only update the Points of Interest and
any new road construction. In this case you will come all the way up to...2013.
Playing the latest music release on your Dad's console stereo will not improve the speakers

 

Update/upgrade has many meaning and it can be better understood when we talk about computers [essentially the Nav is single purpose computer].

Hardware:
Early model RX were when GPS was in its infancy state and mobile application for general users was fairly new. As time has gone the hardware has gone through many updates. Analogous to X286/486/Pentiam upgrade path. Note Generational upgrade path is not available for old models. Current generation NAVs can not be fit into first gen RX. [Some one will always find a way, but the systems are not plug and play].

OS: [firmware]
Each gen of NAV has had firmware upgrade and the latest firmware can be installed .. but then again it will be more that 10-15 years old today.

Software [Map data]:
This is what every one understands as upgrade in auto Navigation area. New roads and point of interest are updated every year, but the data goes with the hardware and firmware. I don't think Lexus would be providing new data for an outdated system. You can get the last released data for the old system which will be of many years in the past.

Personally I dont have high opinion of the Nav system in any of the Lexus models. The only nice thing is the integration with other controls. The cost of upgrade is pretty steep as well. One can not beat the convenience, latest map data that comes with the phone.

Final word: Dont let me discourage you from doing the upgrade. But give the alternate a serious thought.

Salim

 

I'm in Europe so this may not apply to you.
I replaced the original Nav unit in the boot with a newer one from a Prius (IIRC from 2004-2009 range).
Now it will accept current (2018) maps from Toyota/Lexus.
User experience does not upgrade though.

Search for Nav update in various other threads/subforums; it's a common update

Cheers.
Johan

 

I would guess the Nav in your 02 RX 300 is the same Nav unit in a 02 SC 430 which is a 2/3 Gen Nav unit. The last map update for the 2/3 Gen Nav units was the 13.1 which should be good up through 04. In 05 Lexus went to the 4th Gen Nav unit which ran through 09 so the last map update was 15.1. Lexus cam out with the next Generation of Nav units in 2010.

Dennis