Description And Operation: Overview

The navigation system provides audible and visual route guidance information to enable the driver to reach a desired destination. The system allows the driver to choose the route using minor or major roads or highways with the option of three routes. Directions to hospitals, museums, monuments and hotels are also available.

The navigation system is integrated with the audio/video system and shares a number of components common to all systems. Map information is stored on a hard disk drive located in the IAM (Integrated Audio Module). Map uploads to the hard drive can be uploaded by the customer from a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory stick (not applicable to Japan/Asia specification vehicles).

The navigation system has various levels of user control through the TS (Touch Screen) and the voice recognition system. System volume adjustment can be made using the Integrated Control Panel, TS and steering wheel controls.

There are a number of navigation system variants specific to various markets. On all systems the GPS signal is received by the GPS antenna.

The European navigation system includes the TMC (Traffic Messaging Channel) function, which receives traffic information from an FM (frequency modulation) antenna.

For additional information, refer to: Antenna

On a pre-selected route, the system will offer re-routing options depending on traffic conditions.

All NAS (North America Specification) vehicles are configured to receive TMC. TMC is transmitted in the USA and is available in areas of other NAS markets.

The navigation system is primarily controlled from the TS which is located in the center of the instrument panel. Control signals from the TS are sent on the MOST (Media Oriented System Transport) ring to the navigation computer. The Asia navigation system is different in that the control signals are transmitted via the medium-speed CAN (controller area network). On all systems the navigation computer uses a dedicated GVIF (Gigabit Video InterFace) bus to transmit video signals to the TS.

Depending upon the audio system version fitted, the navigation audio output signals are sent on the MOST ring to the IAM (Integrated Audio Module) or the power amplifier for speaker output.

Japanese market vehicles have a modified system from other markets. These vehicles have an additional DVD (digital versatile disc) navigation computer module and a navigation video interface module located below the left front seat.

The Japanese navigation system includes the VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) function. The VICS supplies information to enable the navigation computer to re-route the navigation guidance or to inform the vehicle driver of traffic conditions in the vehicles vicinity. Information is provided to the system through an FM antenna and a VICS beacon antenna. For additional information, refer to: Antenna

Asia markets have a unique system which is fitted to the vehicles by the dealer or port of entry. These vehicles have a separate navigation computer located below the LH (left-hand) front seat.