Trip computer enabled using Acura MDX/RL DVD

[vertrkr]

UPDATE UPDATE: Read on, there may still be a solution for this.

UPDATE: turns out this won't work. All the Nav DVDs have the code for each model: Ridgeline, MDX, RL... on the same DVD. When you pop in the DVD it talks to the head unit and sends the appropriate code so even popping in a MDX DVD would still upload Ridgeline code. Oh well, back to square one of complaining to American Honda, squeeky wheels get the grease


Making a new thread for this as I think it's an important developement. Below I've copied the messages about it from another thread.

csimo:
The Ridgeline uses the EXACT same nav hardware as a 2005 Acura MDX and RL (it is a completely different system than the Accord, Pilot, TL, TSX, and Odyssey have). The current DVD version for the MDX and RL is 4.13a. The Ridgeline uses DVD version 4.20.
If you were to put a Ridgeline DVD into an MDX or RL it would automatically upgrade to version 4.20 and DISABLE the trip computer.
If you put a version 4.13a DVD into a Ridgeline it will tell you "incorrect version" because you can't go backward in versions without getting the service department involved.
You need to have the service department enable the nav unit for a backwards revision. Once the unit is wiped clean you can then load DVD version 4.13a from a MDX or RL and the trip computer SHOULD be enabled.
So the bottom line is that you need a cooperative service department and a DVD from a 2005 (2004 and previous won't work) MDX or RL. Don't count on burning a copy because it just won't work.
If you accomplish this you can't put the Ridgeline 4.20 DVD back in the unit or it will automatically upgrade and disable the trip computer.

vertrkr:
My DVD version is 4.13a although hondanavi.com says 4.20 is the latest and only version shipped with the Ridgeline, guess I got jipped on that too. Basically I need a DVD in there so if it did update with someone's elses borrowed DVD I still have to put my original DVD back in so either it will reject it because it's a lesser version or update the firmware again disabling the trip computer. So, then I guess at this point my only option is to fork out $185 and buy a MDX DVD when they release a new version higher than what I got and then I can keep that one in. So I guess I'll wait it out until then. Hopefully Honda will see the light and re-enable on their own otherwise I'll just hold a grudge and fork out the dough so I can get the damn thing.

[csimo]

I got to the bottom of the question "why did Honda disable the trip computer?". I can't reveal my source, but I assure you it's directly from the top at Honda. I hesitate to provide the info, but since I'm not revealing the actual source I'm going to take a chance that it won't be viewed as a breach of trust. Here's what I was told... quoted word for word (broken into segments since I had several questons):

"To your questions - First - we have to define the competitive vehicle set:
Toyota Tacoma
Nissan Frontier
Dodge Dakota
Ford Sport Trac
Chevrolet Colorado

These are all compact trucks which are direct competitors with this model.
None of these vehicles currently offer a navigation system."

"Next - the screen shot that was issued in the quick start guide was an error
taken from a prototype navigation system from the Odyssey. The quick start
guide was corrected to remove this oversight by the publications department
at American Honda. The trip computer function is not included in the Honda
Odyssey Touring Model navigation unit either. The Odyssey displays the fuel
information in the speedometer on the Touring Model only. The Touring Model
with Navigation retails at $38,000. The Ridgeline is $4,000 less expensive
than the Odyssey Touring Model. The base MDX costs $37,000 - a model with Navigation retails for $42,000. Comparing a $34,000 vehicle with the feature set of a $42,000 unit is hardly a fair comparison.

The MDX suffers from severe IQS complaints due to displaying the fuel
economy. After being brutalized by a significant number of complaints over
this issue, it is unlikely this feature will be adopted any time soon. The
JDP survey is currently under going a major revision for the third time
since its introduction. The new survey will weigh less on feature complaints
compared to severe mechanical issues that are currently treated equally.
Perhaps we will see a different environment after this next revision."

[Featser]

CSIMO,
I don’t have Navi so have no dog in this hunt…

But, not sure you intended to expose or protect the anonymity of your source? If you want to protect them, I suggest removing the text and substituting your own paraphrasing. It contains enough distinctive language that someone at Honda who knows this person could easily finger them.

Dunno if you know this but big companies usually have zero tolerance for exposing company secrets – no matter how righteous the cause . Your call.

[vertrkr]

Originally Posted by Featser

CSIMO,
But, not sure you intended to expose or protect the anonymity of your source? If you want to protect them, I suggest removing the text and substituting your own paraphrasing. It contains enough distinctive language that someone at Honda who knows this person could easily finger them.
Dunno if you know this but big companies usually have zero tolerance for exposing company secrets – no matter how righteous the cause . Your call.

I was told the exact same info from a different source so the cats out of the bag and more than one hand let it out. Not sure if it's a big deal or not to them. What ever the reason it still is bogus they disabled it on our trucks. Maybe if we all promise not to bash the RL's milage they'll enable it

[Featser]

Originally Posted by vertrkr

I was told the exact same info from a different source so the cats out of the bag and more than one hand let it out. Not sure if it's a big deal or not to them.

Not to quible, but there's a difference between relaying information orally vs. having your e-mail published in a public forum. Of course, it's their fault for putting it in e-mail anyway.

What ever the reason it still is bogus they disabled it on our trucks. Maybe if we all promise not to bash the RL's milage they'll enable it

Yes. Honda's solution to the peception of poor milage is to make it less obvious, knowing most people won't do the math to figure it out. You must admit it's easier than improving milage.

[rtpjunior]

Originally Posted by Featser

Not to quible, but there's a difference between relaying information orally vs. having your e-mail published in a public forum. Of course, it's their fault for putting it in e-mail anyway.



Yes. Honda's solution to the peception of poor milage is to make it less obvious, knowing most people won't do the math to figure it out. You must admit it's easier than improving milage.

I think it's safe to say that everyone with a brain knows that the posted EPA MPG numbers on the sticker are almost impossible to replicate in normal daily use. Those numbers are obtained in controlled settings that fail to replicate the variables we all see in real life. If the sole reason behind Honda not enabling the Trip Computer is to save face, then shame on them. As a world leader, they need to accept responsiblility for the products they produce, good or bad. I owned a Ford Expedition, with the trip computer, and it was not uncommon to see numers like 6 or 8 mpg in the city sometimes. Granted, this was a larger, heavier vehicle with a 5.4L V8, but the posted MPG was 14 city. I even tracked the MPG myself, and the computer was within .5 mpg of my calculations. What I am saying is that I understood the numbers on the sticker were "best possible MPG", and not what I would see normally......

[vertrkr]

UPDATE: turns out this won't work. All the Nav DVDs have the code for each model: Ridgeline, MDX, RL... on the same DVD. When you pop in the DVD it talks to the head unit and sends the appropriate code so even popping in a MDX DVD would still upload Ridgeline code. Oh well, back to square one of complaining to American Honda, squeeky wheels get the grease.

[csimo]

Originally Posted by vertrkr

UPDATE: turns out this won't work. All the Nav DVDs have the code for each model: Ridgeline, MDX, RL... on the same DVD. When you pop in the DVD it talks to the head unit and sends the appropriate code so even popping in a MDX DVD would still upload Ridgeline code. Oh well, back to square one of complaining to American Honda, squeeky wheels get the grease.

I don't understand what you're saying. There are three different NAV families supplied to Honda/Acura. The DVD's are interchangable between families. You can tell which family you have by the color of the actual DVD. There are white, orange, and black DVD's. If you have an orange DVD from a 2003 MDX for example it will work just fine on a 2005 Acura TL, and vice versa (I've actually done this so I know it works). The DVD's are not coded for the vehicle (MDX, RL, TL, Accord, Odyssey, etc.)... just the NAV family.

Now the Ridgeline may be different, but I've swapped DVD's between many different Acura and Honda NAV systems.

[csimo]

OK, let's work toward solving this problem. I don't yet have a Ridgeline to examin the navigation system, but from everything I've been told it's the EXACT same Alpine unit that is used in the 2005 Acura MDX and Acura RL.

The Alpine system uses a SH-4 processor running Microsoft Windows CE as the OS. Anyone that's hacked a Sega Dreamcast will be very familiar with this setup as they are nearly the same.

The navigation program is written in Visual C++.

Things we've been able to do to the nav system to date? Change the display picture (couple of examples below) and some have been able to remove the "nag" screen upon startup.

If the code for the trip computer is in there we'll find a way to activate it with or without Honda's help!

A couple of examples of what others have replaced the standard opening screen with:








and my favorite (edited):

[Truckin']

Originally Posted by csimo

some have been able to remove the "nag" screen upon startup.

I'm very interested in this hack. Why do we have to see that screen everytime we start the truck for as long as we own it. It's silly.