Automatic Navigation Map Updates - bs or not?

[Pattonn]

When in was at the dealer discussing options for the 2011 explorer limited, I asked him about how map updates were handled on the system.

With nav being handled by a SD card, I figured I would have to pay the $200 anytime I wanted them updated (at least this is what my in-laws were quoted on their fusion).

He said that with the MFT, all maps are kept up to date automatically via the satellite. This just didn't seem correct, so I thought I would ask here...

BS or not?

(btw, he also said that when car in park, MFT plays DVDs, and we know this isn't true)

 

[TIO M]

As far as updates to the SD Card, my understanding is you have to purchase a new updated card. I would hope that you can just update it off the internet from time to time if need be. But of course maps don't make themselves.

For DVD playback capability, I"m sure it does. I haven't tried it yet, but when I play my iPod with Music Videos it does play back video. Just you have to be in Park.

I could be wrong about the SD card, but its the Siruis/SYNC/Traffic Directions that gets updated via automation but you call through your phone in the car to use SYNC travel services. It'll it give you turn by turn navigation directions. The SD Card Map is for the Navigation which is a stand alone system of its own.

SO in summary.

SD Card not upgradeable thru internet
SYNC Travel Services is automated by cell phone when linked by Bluetooth.

Hope this helps you.

 

[Bucho]

From what I've heard it WON'T play a DVD...streaming from an iPod is NOT what he inquired about.

 

[peterk9]

Although I'm not 100% sure, I believe the only way to get the Navigation updated would be by purchasing an updated SD card. I'm quite sure updates are not available through satellite downloads. All the satellite does is track your position relative to the map display.
Welcome to the 2011 Explorer forum. :wavey:

 

[Pattonn]

Thanks for the comments. When the sales rep said "there will be no charge for map updates as it's always kept up to date via the satellite". I knew it couldn't be this easy. I am sure it will be a charge once we need to head down that road. Oh well!

We ordered a white/platinum tri-coat limited 301a with dual moonroof / captains chairs/ and blis on 5/16. I just found out from ford cust service that it has a Vin! Very excited (well, my wife is....it is going to be hers and I will get to drive it sometimes)

 

[rmp301]

I was told by my salesman that it requires a sd update card. I would be advised of such appx 2 years out from purchase.

 

[boss377]

I was told by my salesman that it requires a sd update card. I would be advised of such appx 2 years out from purchase.

This is true, but now with the announced system revision coming this Spring, there's talk of a NAVTECH sourced system, that will be all new and up to date.

 

[Sgt1411]

When in was at the dealer discussing options for the 2011 explorer limited, I asked him about how map updates were handled on the system.

With nav being handled by a SD card, I figured I would have to pay the $200 anytime I wanted them updated (at least this is what my in-laws were quoted on their fusion).

He said that with the MFT, all maps are kept up to date automatically via the satellite. This just didn't seem correct, so I thought I would ask here...

BS or not?

(btw, he also said that when car in park, MFT plays DVDs, and we know this isn't true)

TIO's explanation 100% correct.

Your salesman is another one in a long list that knows less about the product he sells then the members on this forum.

The MFT disc slot is CD only, no DVD functionality because CD and DVD are both legacy technologies. Audio and Video are available through the Media Hub RCA and USB connections. Works great off your iPhone or USB Drive.

 

[cnsheets]

While in park, I have hooked a playstation to the RCA jacks and let the kids play games on the MFT screen. I'm sure you could hook up a DVD player through the RCA jacks also.......but again, would only work in park.

 

[Sgt1411]

It would be nice if someone would be able to design and build a Plug & Play Lockpick for the 2011+ model year MFT systems.

CoastelTech has them for older SYNC systems but even if they did build one their Customer Service reviews are bad enough to pass on it.

 

[calb]

This is true, but now with the announced system revision coming this Spring, there's talk of a NAVTECH sourced system, that will be all new and up to date.

I'm wondering if this is the start if the answer to our problems in Canada (functionality being removed) as I see Navteq's press release is talking about a worldwide rollout.

 

[VinceL]

Regarding Navteq map data, I am super excited. I have been checking addresses as fast as I can, and it has gotten every one of them correct. It is a far cry from the previous Ford map provider I checked addresses with. This is looking good.

 

[JETZ]

Yes, cause he was selling ladies shoes last week!

TIO's explanation 100% correct.

Your salesman is another one in a long list that knows less about the product he sells then the members on this forum.

The MFT disc slot is CD only, no DVD functionality because CD and DVD are both legacy technologies. Audio and Video are available through the Media Hub RCA and USB connections. Works great off your iPhone or USB Drive.

 

[peterk9]

I'm wondering if this is the start if the answer to our problems in Canada (functionality being removed) as I see Navteq's press release is talking about a worldwide rollout.

I hope that you are right about getting the full functionalty here in Canada. My concern is that certain functions could still be restricted to those with vehicles registered in this country. I guess we will have to wait and see.

 

[Haunf]

Don't get too excited about the NavTech mapping system via SD card. I just bought a 2012 Ford Explorer. Maps are incorrect (streets that were changed 3 - 4 years ago still have their old names and the street where I live is not even on the map and the street has been in existence for 5 years!). Here's what I've been told by NavTech. "The maps are updated quarterly, we can't speak for how often Ford will release their SD card updates". Here's what Ford is telling me. "The map update via SD card will be released 3rd Quarter of 2012 (I'm working off of a 2010 card) and because the maps are on a SD card all street detail will not be included" I was told that an SD card will only fit so much information, so my street may not be on the mapping system. What a bunch of BS. I'm going back to my "stick on the window" Garmin!

 

[VinceL]

Don't get too excited about the NavTech mapping system via SD card. I just bought a 2012 Ford Explorer. Maps are incorrect (streets that were changed 3 - 4 years ago still have their old names and the street where I live is not even on the map and the street has been in existence for 5 years!). Here's what I've been told by NavTech. "The maps are updated quarterly, we can't speak for how often Ford will release their SD card updates". Here's what Ford is telling me. "The map update via SD card will be released 3rd Quarter of 2012 (I'm working off of a 2010 card) and because the maps are on a SD card all street detail will not be included" I was told that an SD card will only fit so much information, so my street may not be on the mapping system. What a bunch of BS. I'm going back to my "stick on the window" Garmin!

The current map data is provided by Telenav. Navteq was recently chosen to provide the data from this point forward. My Garmin also uses Navteq data and has only let us down twice, but that only resulted in one long routing and a missed turn that was easily corrected. We got to the destinations fine.

I would think that SD cards being as cheap as they are, they could spring for 2 gig one to fit all of the data on. I think that is about how big the current map data is (my friend updated his Garmin not too long ago and the map data wouldn't quite fit in the internal memory, so he purchased an extra SD card to fit it all on).

Of course, time will only tell, but I can't honestly believe it could get any worse than it is now.

 

[RandyH2]

I'm guessing that we all, 2011 and 2012, have the same map data SD card- Revision A0 or A1 of year 2010, which should tell you plenty. The update to MFT is supposed to include new map data on an SD card. How the data updates will happen in the future is to be seen. Perhaps they will allow us to plug the SD card into a computer and do a download for free. That would be the "right way to treat the customers".

 

[HDJulie]

I have a Kenwood aftermarket in-dash system in my 2006 Mountaineer (that I just replaced with the Explorer). That system has Garmin's navigation. The maps for it are on an SD card. To get new maps, I would have to buy a new SD card from Garmin whenever there was an update. No downloads allowed like they do with the Nuvi portable devices. I expect the Explorer's maps to work the same way -- you'll buy a new SD card if you want an update whenever they happen to become available.

 

[Sgt1411]

Don't get too excited about the NavTech mapping system via SD card. I just bought a 2012 Ford Explorer. Maps are incorrect (streets that were changed 3 - 4 years ago still have their old names and the street where I live is not even on the map and the street has been in existence for 5 years!). Here's what I've been told by NavTech. "The maps are updated quarterly, we can't speak for how often Ford will release their SD card updates". Here's what Ford is telling me. "The map update via SD card will be released 3rd Quarter of 2012 (I'm working off of a 2010 card) and because the maps are on a SD card all street detail will not be included" I was told that an SD card will only fit so much information, so my street may not be on the mapping system. What a bunch of BS. I'm going back to my "stick on the window" Garmin!

As was said above, your 2012 has the exact same SD card map data as the rest of us 2011 owners.

The comment about forum members being excited is directed at the switch to a completely new map geo data provider (TeleNav to Navtech). The Navtech maps in some of the stand alone handheld GPS units seems to be more accurate and more up to date then what we got from Ford.

 

[FordIVTteam]

Hi, Everyone!

I see a lot of conversation about the new SD cards. Coming with the release of the Performance Upgrade, the maps will be powered by Telenav with map data from NAVTEQ. At this time, we don't have any set price for future SD card updates.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

Rebecca