[Zanyman]

I'm finding parts of the manual for the Nav system very inadequate. Are there any explanatory sites, papers, books, or anything else that would help solve difficulties?
I hope someone will soon publish "Prius for Dummies"

 

[maytrix]

What stuff are you having problems with? I have found it to be pretty easy to use.

 

[DanMan32]

The I have heard the lexus NAV tutorial is helpful, as they use the same system. Only the display screen itself looks different.

http://www.lexus.com/assets/navigation_ ... us_nav.htm

 

[Zanyman]

I agree that the Lexus site is very helpful at the start. I had no difficulty in putting in a destination when I started and the anonymous lady told me the way (it was only a couple of miles) quite well. But then I began to try to put addresses into Memory and my troubles began. I hit "menu", then "register". It tells me to enter an address. I do this but then the only options are "Back" "1" "List" and the off screen keys. The options on the screen do nothing and if I hit "Back" it takes me back to the "Enter address". So I'm going round in circles.
After trying this several times with no success I suddenly get a WARNING: THE TRANSMISSION P LOCK MECHANISM IS ABNORMAL. PARK YOUR CAR ON A FLAT SURFACE AND FULLY APPLY THE HAND-BRAKE.
But the car (with engine cold) is already parked on a very flat surface in my garage and the brake is properly applied! Then in a few seconds the screen goes blank. So I switch off, and then on again, but still get a blank screen. So I switch off again and come indoors feeling miserable.

 

[Jonnycat26]

After trying this several times with no success I suddenly get a WARNING: THE TRANSMISSION P LOCK MECHANISM IS ABNORMAL. PARK YOUR CAR ON A FLAT SURFACE AND FULLY APPLY THE HAND-BRAKE.
But the car (with engine cold) is already parked on a very flat surface in my garage and the brake is properly applied! Then in a few seconds the screen goes blank. So I switch off, and then on again, but still get a blank screen. So I switch off again and come indoors feeling miserable.

I have never heard of this happening! I'd take the car back to the dealer and get it checked out.

 

[DanMan32]

Sounds like you are developing MFD or AVC network problems.

 

[pschumann]

"TRANSMISSION P LOCK MECHANISM IS ABNORMAL"

I had this occur to me today quite out of the blue. Symptoms included a multitude of dashboard warning lights, and the "P" button was flashing. It took quite a few attempted restarts before I could even see the message noted above on the MFD. And I needed to be somewhere NOW!

After calming down a bit, I attempted some Internet research where I found this topic, but no answers. When I did a Google search on "Prius abnormal park" I stumbled upon this link:

http://www.securityfocus.com/news/11129

which seemed to be concerned about whether the Prius can catch a virus via its Bluetooth connection... WTF??? But I also found "an" answer of sorts: the auxiliary battery voltage could be too low to boot the computer. After attaching my battery charger according to the user-manual instructions for performing a jump start, I could start and was on my way. And once I got to my destination, I had no repeat problems.

 

[DanMan32]

I wouldn't worry about a virus being able to get into the drivetrain ECUs via the bluetooth. It might be possible to affect the head unit or the display, though I think that is highly unlikely to be possible, but there are just too many steps/devices between the bluetooth system to the drivetrain ECUs. Not to mention that certain steps have to be taken before a reprogram will occur.

 

[RealAle]

So could Zanyman's problem come about as a result of extended periods of learning to use the Nav system and draining the 12 volt battery?

 

[Phish Phood]

I agree that the Lexus site is very helpful at the start. I had no difficulty in putting in a destination when I started and the anonymous lady told me the way (it was only a couple of miles) quite well. But then I began to try to put addresses into Memory and my troubles began. I hit "menu", then "register". It tells me to enter an address. I do this but then the only options are "Back" "1" "List" and the off screen keys. The options on the screen do nothing and if I hit "Back" it takes me back to the "Enter address". So I'm going round in circles.
After trying this several times with no success I suddenly get a WARNING: THE TRANSMISSION P LOCK MECHANISM IS ABNORMAL. PARK YOUR CAR ON A FLAT SURFACE AND FULLY APPLY THE HAND-BRAKE.
But the car (with engine cold) is already parked on a very flat surface in my garage and the brake is properly applied! Then in a few seconds the screen goes blank. So I switch off, and then on again, but still get a blank screen. So I switch off again and come indoors feeling miserable.

By the way.. from that point of registering things into the "memory" you should choose "list" and it will give you a list of streets (albeit only 1).. you choose the street from there and then the rest *should* be self explanatory.. let me know if you need any help with it..

 

[ChasSuitt]

QUOTE: "I hope someone will soon publish "Prius for Dummies"

Actually, there is "another Owner's Manual" - try this link:

http://john1701a.com/

Go to: Prius Info - User Guide H

This is easier to read and in many ways better than the "official" Owner's Manual. In addition, John has a wealth of added information.

 

[Pinto_Girl]

Stick with it! I felt the way you do when I first tried to program the NAV system...but if I can do it, anyone can!

You also might try taking a look at the NAV quick start card (mine was looped around the shift knob). I went straight to the manual, but -- in retrospect -- the card seems to provide a more direct 'step by step' approach.

The first time you get it to function, and it directs you someplace in a more efficient way than you're used to, it'll be all worthwhile!

 

[Hummius]

I read somewhere on the web, and was told by a local stereo shop when i asked, that the guts of the Toyota factory NAV systems are the same as the Eclipse brand aftermarket NAV systems.

You might find some help by downloading an Eclipse users manual? I cannot confirm or deny the validity of this statement.