***Acura Truck MDX V6-3.7L Technical Service Bulletin # 09-045 Date: 120728
Navigation System - Controls/Set-Up/Operation
09-045
July 28, 2012
*Applies To:
2010-13 MDX With Navigation - ALL*
2010-13 MDX: TQI of the Navigation System
(Supersedes 09-046, dated September 22, 2011, to revise the information marked by the asterisks)
*REVISION SUMMARY
In Applies To, 2013 models were added.*
BACKGROUND
This bulletin provides information for the TQI, including testing, of the navigation system. These topics are covered:
^ Navigation System Controls
^ Voice Control System
^ Navigation System Setup at the TQI
^ Rearview Camera
^ Resetting the AcuraLink Control Unit to Clear DTCs
^ System Limitations
21
^ Map Coverage Areas
^ Hawaii System Setup
^ AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic(TM) Information
^ XM Weather(TM) Information
^ Ordering Navigation Update Software
For more information about the navigation system and its operation, refer to these resources:
^ Advanced Technology Guide
^ Online University - Use the keyword NAVI for more information about the navigation system.
^ Navigation Manual - Besides the one that comes with the vehicle, the navigation manual is also available online. Under Search by Vehicle,
keywords NAVIGATION MANUAL.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
None. These procedures are considered part of the normal TQI.
NAVIGATION SYSTEM CONTROLS
The buttons listed above are used in this service bulletin. For more information on the button functions, see Getting Started in the navigation manual.
VOICE CONTROL SYSTEM
22
The navigation system features a voice control system that allows you to operate most of the navigation, HVAC, and audio controls with only your
voice. This is the primary way to give commands to the system. To interact with the navigation system, use the TALK and BACK buttons. The
microphone is located on the ceiling.
TALK button - Press and release this button on the steering wheel to activate the voice control system. After pressing and releasing the TALK
button, wait for the beep, and then speak the command.
BACK button - Press this button to return to the previous screen. After the previous screen appears, the system prompts you for a command, and
then beeps. Press and release the TALK button to say your next command. The BACK button has the same function as the CANCEL button located
next to the interface dial.
Microphone - Receives voice commands.
Improving Recognition
If the system does not understand your voice commands, refer to Improving Voice Recognition in the navigation manual.
NOTE:
^ The navigation system does not respond and displays the Cellular phone menu if you have activated the PICK-UP button. Press the
MAP/GUIDE button before using the navigation system.
^ You must be in the driver's seat to use voice commands with the navigation system.
^ If you speak a command with something in your mouth, with a heavy accent, or have a high-pitched voice, the system may misinterpret your
voice command.
NAVIGATION SYSTEM SETUP AT THE TQI
The navigation system is basically ready to use when the vehicle is delivered to the dealership. Since the system interfaces with other vehicle
systems, it is important that all of the systems are initialized. To initialize the navigation system, follow these steps:
1. Do the normal TQI of the vehicle, including the audio system.
23
2. You may see the factory In Line Diagnosis screen below. If so, do the following. If not, go to step 3.
^ Press and hold the MENU, MAP/GUIDE, and CANCEL buttons at the same time until the Select Diagnosis Items screen comes up. Then
release the buttons.
^ Press and hold the MAP/GUIDE button until the Inline Diag Setting screen appears.
^ Select Complete on the display, then select Return twice to exit the diagnostic mode.
3. Start the engine, and drive the vehicle outside, away from buildings, tall trees, and power lines. Then enter the 5-digit anti-theft code for the
audio and navigation system. The code is on the Navigation Anti-Theft Code card.
NOTE:
There are two code labels and a plastic code card located in a small plastic bag in the glove box.
^ Attach one of the labels to the code card, put it in the plastic bag, and return it to the glove box.
^ Attach the other label to the TQI repair order, or put it in the plastic bag, and return it to the glove box for the client.
NOTE:
Never attach a label to the side of the glove box or other location where both the serial number and code are easily visible. This defeats the
purpose of the anti-theft protection.
If the code card is lost or unavailable, you can get the code from the iN (Interactive Network) using the navigation system serial number. The
system serial number can easily be obtained without removing the navigation unit. To get the serial number and the code, do this:
^ Press and hold the MENU, MAP/GUIDE, and CANCEL buttons at the same time.
^ At the Select Diagnosis Items screen, select Detail Information & Settings, select Unit Check, then Navi ECU. The system runs a brief
diagnostic, then the navigation unit serial number is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
^ Use the navigation Anti-theft code inquiry option on the iN to look up the 5-digit navigation anti-theft code.
^ If the code does not work, call the warranty department. Do not call Tech Line.
4. The instructions appear on the screen to indicate that the system is initializing (determining its location from the GPS satellites). Follow the
on-screen instructions.
NOTE:
The average initialization takes about 10 minutes, but it can take as long as 45 minutes. If initialization completes within 10 minutes, the
display changes to the globe screen.
24
5. If the system does not initialize within 10 minutes, a second screen (shown) appears. The system is still initializing but will not automatically exit
to the globe screen when the initialization is complete. Do not immediately follow the instructions on the screen. After 30 minutes, try restarting
the engine to see if the navigation system completed the initialization. If it did not, follow the instructions on the screen.
NOTE:
The initialization screen may appear after battery voltage to the navigation control unit has been disconnected for more than 5 minutes. If this
happens, follow the on-screen instructions. If you are still unable to obtain GPS initialization, refer to the service manual for diagnostic
information.
6. When initialization is complete, the disclaimer screen appears. Select OK.
NOTE:
Do not enter a destination yet. For the navigation system to calculate a route, it must align the current location to a mapped road (map
matching). This happens when you start driving.
7. Verify that the XM(R) Radio dealer demo account is set up by tuning to XM stations 000, 001, 007, 009, 047, 122, 174, and 247. If you receive
these stations, the demo account is fully active.
NOTE:
For 2010 models with navigation, XM Radio, XM weather, and real-time traffic are free to clients for the first 3 months. After that, clients
must subscribe to XM Radio, XM weather, and/or real-time traffic to continue receiving coverage by calling 800-852-9696 or going online at
www.xmradio.com. They will need their XM radio ID (displayed when you tune to channel 0) and a major credit card.
8. Drive the vehicle at least a half-mile from your dealership, and find a safe place to park. Then set the map scale to 1/20.
^ Make sure the VP (vehicle position) icon moves smoothly as you drive and does not jerk from one point to another. Also make sure the icon
points in the direction the vehicle is traveling; it does not "dog track" or spin.
^ After driving a few hundred feet, the name of the road you are driving on should appear at the bottom of the screen. The navigation system is
now map-matched.
NOTE:
If the navigation system fails to map-match after the vehicle is driven more than a couple of miles on a displayed road, refer to the service
manual symptom troubleshooting.
9. With the map screen displayed, press and release the TALK button.
10. When you hear the beep, say "Find the nearest Acura dealer." The system should display a list of Acura dealers.
11. Rotate the interface dial to highlight your dealership, then push in on the ENTER button.
12. On the Calculate Route to screen, select OK.
13. The system then calculates a route and displays it as a blue line. If you are in a rural area with unverified roads, you may see a blue vector line
or a blue/pink dotted line pointing in the direction of your destination.
25
14. Follow the voice guidance back to your dealership. The voice guidance should work even with the audio system turned off.
15. With the map screen displayed, check the system interaction with the audio system and the lower display. Press and release the TALK button.
After the beep, say "XM channel 122." The lower display should change to XM channel 122 and show CNN News.
16. With the map screen displayed, check the system interaction with the climate control system. Turn on the climate control system by selecting
AUTO. Then press and release the TALK button. After the beep, say "Temperature 68 degrees." The lower display should change to 68
degrees.
17. Make sure the time shown in the HVAC display is correct; the system gets it from the GPS satellites. For areas that do not follow daylight
saving time, you may have to adjust the time settings. Go to clock adjustment in the Setup screen, and set Auto Daylight to OFF.
NOTE:
If your dealership is located near a time zone boundary, set Auto Time Zone by GPS to OFF. The clock then keeps the "home" time if the
client routinely drives across the time zone boundary.
18. Press the DISPLAY MODE button to verify that the display changes between the Day, Night, and OFF modes.
19. If your dealership is located in a metropolitan area that has traffic incident or traffic flow data available (see ACURALINK REAL-TIME
TRAFFIC INFORMATION), do this:
^ Select one of the traffic map scales 1/2-, 1-, 2-, or 5-mile scales by rotating the dial.
^ Use the interface dial to scroll to the downtown area of your city. If your metro area has traffic flow data, freeways and other main roads
should show traffic flow data as red, yellow, or green lines for traffic flow in one or both directions on the road.
^ Small diamond-shaped "traffic incident" icons may be shown. If so, scroll over an icon and press in the interface dial to see the details.
^ Partially displayed traffic data does not indicate a problem with the navigation system. Traffic flow and density varies from day to day and
from one road to another. If your area has traffic, but it is not displaying on the screen, refer to the Navigation section of the 2010 MDX
Service Manual.
20. Clear the Hard Disc Drive (HDD):
^ Press the engine start/stop button to select the ACC mode.
^ Turn the audio-navigation unit on.
^ Press and hold the MENU, MAP/GUIDE, and CANCEL buttons at the same time until the Select Diagnosis Items screen comes up. Then
release the buttons.
^ Select Detail Information & Setting.
^ Select Function setup.
^ Select Clear All. A confirmation screen appears. Select Yes.
^ A second confirmation screen appears. Select Yes again.
REARVIEW CAMERA
With the ignition switch in the ON (II) position, shift to R. The rearview image appears on the navigation display. Make sure the distance guidelines
appear on the screen. Change the camera views by pushing in on the interface dial. Rotate the interface dial to adjust the image brightness. The
brightness adjustment is not affected by the screen brightness adjustment in Setup.
NOTE:
^ When you are in R, only the interface dial works. The other buttons are locked out.
^ If the image is foggy or dirty, clean the rearview camera lens.
RESETTING THE ACURALINK CONTROL UNIT TO CLEAR DTCs
AcuraLink is a two-way communication system between the vehicle and American Honda, using the XM satellites. It works with the vehicle's
navigation system, the HandsFreeLink system, and the audio system.
When the No.4 fuse is removed during vehicle shipment, the AcuraLink control unit sets DTCs. These DTCs need to be cleared during the TQI
using this procedure:
26
1. Start the engine.
2. On the navigation system disclaimer screen, select OK by pressing the interface dial. (The interface dial is used to control several functions,
including AcuraLink.)
3. Press and hold the MENU, MAP/GUIDE, and CANCEL buttons at the same time, until the Select Diagnosis Items screen is displayed.
NOTE:
If the Select Diagnosis Items screen does not appear, do this:
^ To establish communication with the navigation system, disconnect the negative cable from the battery for 30 seconds, reconnect it, then
repeat steps 1 thru 6.
^ Because you have disconnected the battery, do this:
- Re-enter the audio unit anti-theft code and enter radio station presets.
- Re-enter the navigation system code.
- Redo the idle learn procedure.
5. Turn the interface dial to highlight the Self-Diagnosis Mode icon on the screen, then press the interface dial to select the icon. Allow the
diagnostic to run.
6. Turn the interface dial to highlight the XM (HIP) icon on the screen, then press the interface dial to select the icon.
7. Turn the interface dial to highlight the XM (HIP) Diag icon, then press the interface dial to select the icon.
8. Turn the interface dial to highlight the Data Reset icon. Then press the interface dial to select the icon.
9. Turn the interface dial to highlight the Yes icon. Then press the interface dial to select the icon.
10. Select OK by pressing the interface dial, then toggle the interface dial to the left one time.
11. Press the CANCEL button.
12. Turn the interface dial to highlight the Return icon. Then press the interface dial to select the icon.
13. Again, turn the interface dial to highlight the Return icon. Then press the interface dial to select the icon. This returns you to the navigation
system screen.
SYSTEM LIMITATIONS
If you think you found any problems with the navigation system during the TQI or after installing replacement parts to repair the system, refer to
System Limitations and Database Limitations in the navigation manual. This helps you to avoid replacing parts when the issue may be a system
characteristic.
To minimize distractions while driving, always use the voice control system to operate the navigation system. Always verify the audio and visual
route information by carefully observing roadway signs, signals, etc. Use your own good judgment, and obey traffic laws while driving.
The navigation system has these limitations:
^ The GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites used by the navigation system are operated by the U.S. Department of Defense. For security
reasons, certain inaccuracies are built into the GPS. This can cause occasional positioning errors of up to several hundred feet. If the navigation
system indicates your position incorrectly, wait several seconds until it corrects itself. The system may also correct itself after you make a turn or
cross a road.
^ The routes calculated by the system may not always be what you consider the most direct ones. Try different routing methods to obtain the best
route. Even the direction your vehicle is pointing influences the route calculation.
^ Since businesses close or relocate, some information may be inaccurate. Also, route guidance may conflict with actual road conditions, such as
street closures, construction, and detours.
^ The GPS antenna receives location information from orbiting satellites. Anything that blocks or interferes with the signal affects accuracy. The
GPS signal can be blocked or interfered with (vehicle position shown incorrectly on the map) by:
- Aftermarket metallic window tinting above or to the sides of the GPS antenna.
- Aftermarket vehicle tracking systems mounted near the navigation unit or the display.
27
- Radar detectors, cell phones, or other aftermarket electronic accessories placed near the navigation unit or the display.
- Outside electrical interference from overhead power lines, trolley lines, or broadcast sources.
- Tall trees or buildings near or over the vehicle. They can cause the system to show the vehicle on an adjacent street. This should
automatically correct itself when the obstruction is gone.
^ In some cases, a city name, road name, or address may be incorrect or missing from the system. These are the possible causes:
- The city name may be listed under a larger metropolitan area or as an unincorporated area. Try selecting the street name first. If it is a smaller
city in a rural area, only the main road may be shown.
- If the street name cannot be found, is shown incorrectly on the map, or is not drawn correctly, it may be because it is a new road or it is in an
unverified area.
NOTE:
See the navigation manual for more information.
^ If the location of your dealership is shown incorrectly or needs to be changed, report it to your DPSM.
MAP COVERAGE AREAS
The map database covers the 48 contiguous United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. The map coverage for the U.S. contains accurately mapped
(verified) metropolitan areas and less accurate (unverified) rural coverage. In Canada, the database covers major metropolitan areas and major roads
connecting those metropolitan areas. For more coverage information, go to the website.
Detailed Coverage and Non-Detailed Coverage
Many cities and metropolitan areas are fully mapped with detailed coverage while rural areas typically have less accurate, incomplete, or
non-verified information. Refer to the Introduction and Getting Started in the navigation manual for more information.
For a list of current detailed coverage areas by country and state/province, refer to the navigation manual, or go online. Online, use the pull-down
menu to select the Model and the Year, select Map Coverage, then select Map Coverage Details.
HAWAII SYSTEM SETUP
The navigation system comes with map information for the entire United States, including Hawaii. Contrary to previous models, a client does not
need to change the navigation settings when relocating to or from Hawaii.
NOTE:
Real-Time traffic and XM Weather are not available in Hawaii because XM radio is not available.
ACURALINK REAL-TIME TRAFFIC INFORMATION
Traffic information is available in many metropolitan areas. The amount and type of coverage varies. Traffic incidents (diamond-shaped icons) are
shown on the screen for most major metropolitan cities (typically during daytime commutes). Many of these cities also display traffic flow, shown as
red, orange, or green bands, alongside major roads or freeways.
NOTE:
^ Traffic information is not displayed if the XM Radio dealer demo account is not active.
^ Refer to the navigation section of the 2010 MDX Service Manual to troubleshoot real-time traffic problems.
The amount of traffic coverage varies from city-to-city. The Acura website contains a link that provides an up-to-date list of the current cities with
traffic coverage and the actual roads covered within each city. The link also provides a demonstration of the system that explains traffic flow color
28
bands and incident icons displayed on the map. The link can be found at the website.
XM WEATHER INFORMATION
XM Radio offers XM weather that shows current local weather as weather icons on the map screen. These are different from weather related traffic
incident icons. Here are examples of the weather icons:
You can also see weather warnings and a weather radar image map. To see weather warnings, say or select Warning Map. The display changes to
show weather warnings for the selected area.
To see the weather radar image map, say or select Radar Map. The display changes to show the weather radar image map for the selected area.
ORDERING NAVIGATION UPDATE SOFTWARE
Update navigation DVDs can be ordered online at the website. Under Find Updates, use the pull-down menu to select the vehicle Model and Year.
You can also call the Acura Navigation Disc Fulfillment Center. Both methods require a major credit card.
