A few days ago, I checked the navigation screen and it was dark with no images. I had checked it about a month ago and it was fine then. In short, the panel opens and the screen is dark. If I press the Info or Displays button, those functions will appear but are not usable. I accessed the control unit in the trunk and was able to remove and insert the navigation DVD, but with the same result. Any ideas? I looked at several "navigation problem" posts but saw nothing on this. Thanks for any help.

 

Sounds like the NAV screen is still working since it will display some things, though it still could be the problem. Most likely, it is the unit in the trunk. However, right now it is a bit of a crap shoot as to which one is the problem child. Is there any chance that one of the cables have been dislodged slightly? You'll probably have to check both ends if you haven't done any work in the trunk or behind the radio. (Maybe a recent air bag recall?) If the connectors aren't loose, check the pins in the connectors to make sure none of them have backed out.

 

I had a weird issue with mine at one point and ejecting the nav disk and reinserting brought her back to life.

 

you could disconnect the battery for five minutes, reconnect and try it again.

what year is your car?

it sounds like the NAV unit is bad.

 

When I had my issues the battery reset did not work. Only thing that worked was ejecting nav disk and reinserting. It's odd.

 

Bgw70

He said it was a 2005

Dennis

 

A senior moment? LOL.

 

hahaha...thanks guys...I missed it in the title bar! Yep, I need to retire! ;-)

 

So since he is able to see some screens, like the maintenance page, I think the NAV screen unit is good...to me, it sounds like the NAV DVD unit in the trunk might be bad. Since it ejected the DVD, I would say the unit has power.

does anyone have any suggestions?

 

Most likely the actual disk reader in the trunk. Just like a CD player over time the laser can become misaligned or the motor that spins the disk can fail.
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Need a disk cleaner and new disk. But why bother with the Toyota map, it’s out dated and not user friendly. Go with the phone map, up to date and live traffic to the minutes.

 

If it appears to be displaying, but has nothing to display (Meaning the screen is good); Do you think he can put the money he would spend on a new NAV DVD player into a beatsonics system? This way he can mirror his phone to the screen, Or does the mirroring only apply to a new head unit?

 

Definitely better going with an aftermarket option vs repairing the old system, IMO. I never use my stock nav. I like Waze personally because of all the extra info you get. Such as where the cops are hiding.
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First, thanks everyone for replying. You confirmed what I thought. When the blank screen appeared, I went into the trunk and checked the NAV ECU. I was able to eject the DVD disk and reinsert it, but it did not work. My guess is that it's not reading the DVD, since I can hear it spin in the ECU when I insert it. I'm in the NY, where the weather is not exactly the best right now, but when there is a clear day, I am going to check all of the electrical connections. I also have a 2005 Toyota Avalon with NAV and may swap that disk to see if that works, or at least gives me an error, so I know the ECU is okay.. Then I'll just buy a DVD on eBay. As far as upgrading it with an aftermarket unit, this car is not a daily driver and when I do need directions, I just use my phone. I just want to maintain all parts of the car in working condition. I'll let you know how I make out. Thanks again.