Yes. Instructions indicate that the car must be parked with engine running, and mine took 40+ minutes to load.

 

This is correct BUT...

I've found putting the car in Service Mode (described on pg 181 of my 2019 Owner's Manual) while connected to a battery charger (e.g., CTEK's MUS 7002) in Supply mode works equally well without having to leave the car idling for so long.

 

I will keep checking that sight to see when it goes on sale.

 

I don't doubt the service mode is an attractive option, but FWIW the nav update instructions caution against that procedure - "IMPORTANT - Vehicle must remain running and in PARK during the entire installation"

 

Well said.

 

I see nothing in what you quoted about Service Mode or use of an external power source. The caution's emphasis on remaining in PARK, combined with Extended Parking cautions in the Owner's Manual, indicate it's more about ensuring the car doesn't move while idling than it is about actually idling. Speaking of which, I find the need to babysit the car while it idles an unnecessary annoyance.

In my experience, your inferrence against Service Mode is valid only if attempting it without an external power source, since doing so risks the battery dying and the upgrade failing. Having used Service Mode and an external power source for multiple upgrades, I'm as confident in this method as you are in yours.

 

I did that with the first update and it had me on the east coast (I was actually on the Left Coast). I had to call OnStar twice before they were able to solve the problem. The Tech said it could be driven while it downloaded.

The next update, I drove the Vette down PCH to Malibu with the top down and it worked fine! It might have been the Ocean air.

 

Not to admit that I don't always follow instructions (per my wife) but I shoved in the USB stick and drove the car and it updated just fine.


I did not say drive your car when you are updating your NAV system. Nope, not me,.

Elmer

 

You're exactly right. Using an external power source is GM's required process when doing control module reprogramming at the dealers. The only reason the owners manual says to do it with the engine running is because most people don't have a suitable charger in their garage.

Service mode is just fine if you know what you're doing. Everyone else can run the engine.

 

How did you find out when it went on sale for $100? And also, is there anyway to know what version is in the car currently? I have a 2017 GS.

 

The current version is V.2023
There is a way to search the car's electronics to find what version is currently installed, it's been posted here before but I don't recall the method. Start with Search >Advanced Search and type in your question for C7 General.
The latest update usually becomes available in late summer-fall. AFAIK, GM does not announce in advance when the update will become available or when the price will drop.
Based on the C6 history, the current 2023 update may be the last one for the C7. Or they could get nice and keep making them for several years more. We don't know.

The problem with C7 Nav updates is that they come in the form of a USB stick that is specific to your VIN only. Once GM stops selling updates, you can't buy one from your buddy or on ebay. because it won't work in your VIN. They normally don't announce when updates will be discontinued, the site will just show that one for your car is unavailable. If you're lucky, they are just temporarily out of production and will be available again in a few months. But maybe, it means you're forever stuck with the version now in your car. A bummer.

Toyota is much nicer. One of our older Camrys used a nav CD that was not VIN-specific, but when they started producing the final version they would make, it was specifically advertised as "the last update that will be made for this nav system."

 

I received a letter in the mail from GM.

 

Since I'm not the original owner, I probably won't get a letter if it does go on sale again... maybe someone on here can let us all know if it does!

 

From the web sight.
During map update installation - ignore the message on the screen that says you can drive while performing the update. This could damage your system. Keep the vehicle running and in PARK during installation.