JPBJR

I own a 04 SC which I just purchased. The Nav System is original and I have been told that I can upgrade to the present by going to my local dealer and buying the upgraded disc for $159. This seems reasonable , however, some individuals have indicated that by upgrading the disc you "loose" something by doing this. Is this correct or have I misunderstood something. Thanks in advance Forum members for your guidance.

NEWONE1

The only thing you will lose is that your original disc will be useless and will not work again in the player, other than that it's a good upgrade.....

Poqman

I lost the ability "for the passenger" to set a destination while the car is moving after upgrading..

VVTiBob

What you gain and what you loose.

You gain...newer data. The NAV ECU in your 04 is a GEN 3 system. The disk itself is more than likely 03 data, since data is usually one year behind. So, if where you live has seen a lot of changes, or where you plan to navigate to has changed a lot, then you will gain the benefit of "newer" data. On the other hand, if your community really hasn't changed all that much, there is little benefit. The most current software is 11.1, yearly updates arrive around late September, early October.

You will most likely loose the built in NAV Override which was reached by stepping through some software hoops. By upgrading to the newer data disks, a firmware change was made and the override was programmed out of newer versions of the software. That was Toyota being your Mom...making sure you're looking at the road and not your NAV screen typing in some data.

If you are looking for a more sophisticated NAV system your only OEM choice would be upgrading the hardware to a GEN 4 system, but then any GEN three disks would NOT be compatible. Currently, Lexus and Toyota NAV systems are GEN 6. However, neither it or a GEN 5 system are compatible with your 04 SC430 wiring harnesses.

Some of us have upgraded to GEN 4 systems. It's a straight swap out. While others have chosen to use other portable systems or an app of their smartphone. I hope this wasn't too confusing.

Habious

I have an '03 SC430 (running a Gen 2/3 system). I have the newest data disc...and I still have the override capability.

The Gen4 systems lost the override capability with an update a few years ago...but the Gen 2/3 systems still have it, even with the newest map data discs.

JPBJR

Really great and complete information! Thank you all so much. I am in the midst of getting to know my current Nav. System on my 04. Much has changed in Denver, but not that much! As such I am going to put the current 2/3 system through it's paces and evaluate the results. I am also travelling to Iowa City this weekend and will have a good chance to further review the system. I am also looking forward to seeing what my mileage will be since I seldom go over 65. I will let the Forum know! By the way Pog my 04 is exactly the same color combination as yours! I get a lot of compliments!!