My NAV system is acting up. When I am heading North, it shows me heading West. It pretty much makes the nav useless since it doesn't show where I am located. What do I do to fix this?

 

It probably needs recalibration from the dealer. However, you could try upgrading the Nav OS to see if that helps. What version of the software does it have now? You can find it in the Set or Settings screen off the main menu... it should be in the format X-XX/X, such as 3-1/63 or 4-1/90.

 

SW 4-1/20
It is running a DVD nav 2003-1.

 

I went to look at the antenna from the inside. I took off the little box in the back ceiling. There was a cord with two brown wires, a yellow wire, and a red wire, just hanging. The connector end had 4 little holes and BMW 8 377 234 on it? Should this be plugged into something? Is this a reason the gps is funny? Also, should I always have to input location, or should the nav be able to find me? Since I've had the mini, I've always had to input location.

 

Wow - yes, your NavOS software is WAY out of date... there have been many, many updates since then... Also, your map disc is very, very old too, but you probably figured that out already from the year printed on it.

The good news is that the NavOS software update is easy and free to download and install (as long as you are comfortable with burning it onto a blank CD). The bad news is that updated map discs will have to be purchased from either your dealer or directly from Navteq.

Of course, you don't have to do both... you can update the NavOS and keep using the old map disc if you like.

As for the wires in the ceiling, I'm not 100% sure but I'm pretty confident that is the connector for the OEM alarm sensor. Most 1st Gen MINIs (if not all) came pre-wired for the OEM alarm... that made it a simple matter of installing the actual working parts and "activating" the alarm (at the dealership).

Just to point it out, here's the OEM alarm install document - be sure to look at page EN/13 (step 10): http://www.motoringfile.com/howto/Alarm.PDF

 

Where can I download the NavOS software? Are there directions on how to install? Thanks for the help!

 

ahhh, found it. I'll give it a shot and let you know how it turns out.

 

Cool - just make sure it's V31 (the latest), which will show up as 4-1/00 in the Settings screen when you're done.

 

So, I installed v31, even coded for British female voice. Wow what a difference. BUT, it still has me going in a different direction than I am traveling. I know you hinted at taking it in for a recalibration... I would hate to do that, well my pocket book would hate it. Do you know of any manuals or such that will walk me through it. We just got the car. Poor baby has a sad history. After purchasing her, I can't afford to pay someone else to fix her NAV. Anyone willing to help me through this?
Jane

 

let me search for a fix, I have a cd to up grade your software(not map disc) look for a photo of mine in gallary

 

Cybergypsy - Jane already did the upgrade - see post #9 above yours.

Jane - I don't have any other immediate answers for you, but it wouldn't hurt to post in the Navigation System section of the X5world forums, because most of the experts on the DVD-based MKIV navigation system (which is what 1st Gen MINIs like yours and mine used... except very early MINIs which used the CD-based MKIII).

There must be some kind of compass or other directional sensor that is out of alignment. When I get some time, I'll try and search for a fix too... but if you find a solution, please be sure to post it here!

 

Definitely sounds like the Nav has issues. So is it consistantly going in the wrong direction? Does it get a correct 'fix' when you restart the car? (otherwise it seems like it would show your vehicle in some random spot somewhere.)

The wires in the box in the ceiling are indeed for the OEM alarm.

 

Try resetting the unit by disconnecting the battery for a couple of minutes. I think pulling fuse F22 (fusebox in the driver's footwell) will also do it.

 

No, it does not get a correct 'fix' when I start the car. I always have to input location. And yes, it consistently goes in the wrong direction. An suggestions? I will try pulling the fuse as suggested.

 

Pulled fuse. Checked to see it was the correct fuse. It did not fix the problem though. I like the suggestions though. Great way for me to learn more about my car.

Jane

 

The icon in the upper right corner only displays the letters "GPS" when it is able to determine the position. Does it? There could be a problem with your antenna or the cabling to it. Does your Nav show correct position, even if the heading is wrong?

In my previous job, I was developing software products that use GPS devices. I've never heard of "recalibrating" a GPS -- it either determines its position or not. Accuracy depends on number of satellites it sees, and signal strength. Also, GPS technology itself measures position only, not heading (or speed). Heading and speed are calculated from successive position readings. This is usually done in the hardware or firmware of the electronics chipset.

 

When I went to check the icon, part of it is hidden by the dash. All I can see is half the earth and part of a satellite. No where could I see "GPS". But it did have my sitting in my driveway, just facing north, when I am facing east. If I were to start driving, it would have going north, not east. Does this help?

 

Until you start moving, a GPS can't tell what direction you are facing. It only "hears" the timing of the satellite signals, not their direction, and it has no compass, AFAIK.

When you are moving, does it track correctly on the map? Does the direction appear correct on the map while in motion?

Or, just a thought, does the direction always point to the top? Some GPS have a setting to choose between North-always-at-top vs. Top-of-map-is-direction-of-travel.

 

rkw & OldRick - bear in mind that the factory Nav also has the added benefit of additional sensors beyond the GPS antenna. This includes wheel sensors, so it can detect the speed and direction, even when there is no GPS signal. In my MINI with factory Nav, when I go through a long tunnel or other place (garages!) where it can't get a signal, the screen still tracks my location quite well for that very reason.

This is why a recalibration may indeed be necessary. A recalibration to those sensors. However, yes it's very likely that the GPS antenna is simply messed up and needs to be adjusted or replaced.

 

I understand that I have to be moving to get a correct GPS direction, but it does not track correctly on the map. For instance say I am driving in kansas, if I am driving North towards Canada, it will show me driving west to California.

As for the settings, I know what you are talking about, and it does the same regardless of the setting.

 

Maybe this is why I constantly have to input position to get the gps to "find me", and it is using the sensors to guess where I am located once I start moving? Should the gps find me every time I turn the car on? I shouldn't have to always input position right?

 

Okay, no "GPS" means it can't get a position reading. At this point, my guess is that the problem might be your antenna (or its connection). Was it working before, and stopped working?

Here's what the icon looks like when it can get satellite signals and determine position. This is in split screen display mode:


This is what the icon looks like with no position (car was inside my garage). Here the display was in full screen mode:

I don't know if it will help, but you can look at diagnostic screens on the Nav. Go into the settings screen, then press and hold the Menu button for 10 seconds. Then you can navigate around various diagnostic screens. I don't remember what they have, and my wife has the car today.

 

Sounds like an antenna/reception issue, and the system is trying to compensate by guessing. I'd almost say one of the wheel sensors is off - but that would have you going around in circles.

 

You rock!
GPS status: receiver error
No readings from the GPS (lat, long, alt.)
S/N values are all 0.

Gyro, wheel sensors are all good.


Now what?

 

Should I try and replace the antenna? Or do you think it is something else?