Trip computer enabled using Acura MDX/RL DVD

[vertrkr]

Originally Posted by csimo

Hold down the Menu, Map/Guide, and Cancel buttons simultaneously for about five seconds. You will then enter the diagnostic mode. You can calibrate for tire size, get raw GPS data, and a bunch of other info there. You can see that the system didn't find the expected rearview camera as well.

Ya, that's good stuff. I liked running thru all the diag tests, makes me feel good when everything test ok coming up with the "green ok's". Thanks for all your work on this csimo.

[Ultra-HOG]

Thank you CSIMO! It sounds like our hope to allow the Honda Nav system to work the way that it is supposed to and what we paid for is in your hands. I still think that it is very sad and disappointing that Honda is withholding these very useful features from us and causing customers to resort to hacking in order to restore these functions that the system is fully capable of performing. I am trading a 2000 Chevy Blazer LT on the Ridgeline. The Blazer has a trip computer that I use regularly to display the instant MPG. When I see low numbers I back off of the right foot and watch them climb. Seems to me that doing so will increase the average MPG - which is a good thing! If you are going to restore that feature, can you go one step further and make the displayed instant MPG show up in red if it is below the average MPG? That may be a little much to ask, just a thought... Thanks for your help. Please don't be shy about asking me / us to help cover your costs. Then again, maybe Honda will pay you to fix what they broke!

[Drewbot]

I just got my Ridge with Navi and one of the first things I did was pull the DVD to look it over. I happen have access to a 2005 RL as well and pulled the DVD for it as well. I'm reasonably tech savy, one of the folks who doesn't have much trouble implementing a hack but not good enough to come up with my own.

In any case the DVD map data was identical on both DVD's but the Ridge version of the DVD was 4.13C and the RL was 4.13b. Looking over the files for likely suspects the files that were different were the SJCA_.bin, SHJA_.bin and S3VW_.bin files. The Ridge had files that were differents sizes and dated Jan 2005 and the RL files are dated Dec 2004.

When you pull the map data off the DVD the remaining files fit fine on a standard CD so if one of the true tech types would like PM me and I'll be happy to send you a CD with the data from RL and a CD with the Ridgeline files.

It also looks like there is an UPDATE_APL.exe file the must be complied for CE that I am guessing is used to flash the ROMs in the nav system like you would update the BIOS on a PC. Does anyone have access to the Acura tech manual about how to update the RL nav system and what the PC Card slot is used for?

Also did I miss read or have already figured out how to change the splash screen and the nag screen? Can you share how to do this yet?

[csimo]

I've started a new thread on this subject as a first step in actually making this happen. Hope to keep the new thread on topic and working toward the actual hack. We can continue to discuss things here, but hopefully the actual details toward making the hack work will be in the new thread.

Hack the nav - enable trip computer and AC

Thanks!

[Truckin']

Originally Posted by csimo

This is going to take some time, but we've got some very talented people working on navi hacks for the Ridgeline. . .

get raw GPS data,

This is exciting news and great information. I'll do what I can to contribute information, but I'm not as techie as you by a long shot. Please tell me how to eject the DVD so I can tell you what label and version it is. All I know is it's under the passenger's seat, but I haven't looked for it yet. Also, I'm a Mac person, so I don't know if it would do any good to try burning the DVD on my computer. This DVD is a Microsoft product, right?

It's my first GPS unit and I was wondering if it would give you a reading of where you are so you could look at a map to navigate the rural areas and back roads.

I'll be watching your other thread for updates.

[csimo]

To eject the DVD just look at the front of the unit. Pretty straightforward... hit the eject button on most models.

Hope you can help!

[JOERIDGE]

Why would you need climate controls on the screen when its all controlled by voice commands? Mine works wonderful. Your not worried if your dealer or honda find out you hacked your disc they will void all warranty? This was discussed on another forum and the consensus was to just let it go.

[biggesthonda]

what about using a pc card to transfer the info from an 05 tsx (ivan) to my ridge (ivan). csi your thoughs would be appreciated

[csimo]

Originally Posted by biggesthonda

what about using a pc card to transfer the info from an 05 tsx (ivan) to my ridge (ivan). csi your thoughs would be appreciated

No, the TSX has a different generation of navigaion hardware than the Ridgeline.

The navigation unit can apparently write to the PC Card slot, but there doesn't appear to be a loader driver so you can't load from the PC Card slot.

I believe we have the issue solved if we can find a burned DVD format that the navigation system can read. Will keep you updated!