I know, I iknow, there are many other options for navigation....but I would like to update the database on my '16 3LT stingray. Anyone done this....ever??? Thanks

 

good question, I am interested as well

 

I don't think this is possible anymore. GM stopped supporting the system. I don't even think you can get whatever the last most recent update was from the dealer.

Basically you will need to use your phone if you want reliable maps. Use Carplay/Android Auto.

 

The company that handled the Nav updates had a problem with the software where it locked up the system so they stopped making them.

 

https://www.whiteautoandmedia.com/pr...ap-update-hmi/

Check out the White Automotive and Media website. I sent in my HMI module to have it upgraded to include android auto and I had them update the nav maps while they had it. FYI, the last available map update is probably way out of date now.

 

As I recall, the last update was last year. I was one of the lucky few that did not have the system lock down after the last update. I got a POI Update last month sent to the Infotainment System.

 

I think GM stopped supporting the system.

 

I know you're reluctant to the other options, but as stated above, the company that was doing the updates no longer does and even if you find one it's probably way out of date and not worth the cost.

 

this car has android auto?

do you have to plug the phone in? it can't use bluetooth can it?

 

I believe the last official GM update was for 2023, and that's what you get with the vendor in post #5.
The GM updates worked for 1 specific VIN, so getting a "used" one doesn't work.
If you're in an area with lots of new roads being built, that might be an issue for you.
We were lucky, bought the last GM update when it came out and works just fine.
Here in Flyover Country, the last update we could get for our old Toyota was about 2017, it's officially way out of date but still works fine for most of our travels.
I like having a map visible on the dash by simply starting the car, and will use my iphone if I need something fully updated.

 

I did my 2016 a few years ago , bought the update's from GM.was on sale $99 Us

 

I updated mine 3 years ago for around $100.00. They sent a flash drive that I had to plug into the system, as I recall. It took like three times before it finally took. I didn't notice any difference afterward either. Now I use Apple CarPlay and Google Maps instead.

 

Take the easy approach and use Google Maps on your iPad or iPhone.
Not worth the risk of "bricking" your Infotainment Display with an approach that will continually be out of date.
This provides access to Waze, too, to keep you out of trouble with speeding tickets.

 

CarPlay and Android Auto first appeared in the 2016's. Not sure if wireless Bluetooth is an option with later years, but I upgraded my 2015 to gain CarPlay.

 

On my 19 I use my Android phone. It will Bluetooth music, phone calls, podcasts just fine. But I need to connect a wire to get the phone nav on the car screen. I found a short, maybe 15" wire that I leave connected to the usb in the console w/ the other end wrapped in a lazy circle around the shifter. Obviously this takes a minute or so to get connected but if it's a short trip I just use the phone screen.

 

^^^^^^
My understanding is that the wireless connections for an iphone require you to make entries using the phone, can't enter them on the car Nav screen.
Is that correct?

 

Car Play and Android Auto are available from the factory on all 2017 and later. 2016 has Car Play, and Android Auto could be added by a software update. Some late 2016's have Android Auto from the factory.

The only way to get the 2023 Navigation update at this point is to use something like WAMS where you send then your HMI module and they manually update it.

If you have a 2014 or a 2015 you can get Car Play and Android Audio by ordering an "update" kit, again from a company like WAMS, and you can get the 2023 Map delivered on it by default.

To get wireless Car Play or Android Auto you need a USB dongle, something like an Ottocast.

This is common knowledge at this point (not sure why a lot of posters who post don't just give all the info). I've posted this basic text in at least 10 threads.

 

^^^^^
Our 2017 should have Car Play. I've plugged my iphone into the car USB port for charging, and whatever was on the phone screen (like Waze) also displayed on the car screen.
I'm wondering if I can install an aftermarket bluetooth setup and use the phone to display nav info on the car screen and make entries to the phone (like Waze) without removing the phone from my belt and connecting via cable.
Ideally, the only time I'd need to remove the phone from my belt would be to charge it.
Possible or no?

 

Yes, you get what is called with Wireless Car Play with a device like the Ottocast

https://www.ottocast.com/products/ot...d-auto-adapter

Effectively it tricks the car into thinking you've got a phone plugged in, and tricks the phone that your car is Wireless Car Play capable. I have native Wireless Car Play on my Fords, and you don't take your phone out of your pocket. This Ottocast says it does the same thing for car which lack the capability natively.

 

Here's the "cover" for the final Nav update on the C7. Although it says 2023, I actually was able to order it in September 2022 and it was delivered to me on Sept 29, 2022.
I installed it without problems within a week. Shortly after that I started seeing posts about the same update either unable to load into the car, or locking up the Nav; but mine loaded normally and has worked fine since then.
IIRC, the instructions said not to move the car during installation, but elsewhere we were told it was ok to drive during the update. I never moved the car during any of the six updates we did over the years, not sure if that helped but now too late for others. I did the update each year because, based on our C6 experience I knew that some day GM would stop selling updates without any warning and then it would be too late. Typical GM Product un-support.
When the last update came out for our old Toyota, we got a note and an email telling us that would be the last update. Even at that, those updates were via a DVD that was interchangeable so you could buy one from secondary sources.

Any Nav update that requires the information be collected and then sent to you in some media, is somewhat outdated even before you get it. So this update was missing a few small local Streets even when new. But the differences make little difference even now, 3 years later. A map that's 99.9% accurate and automatically there when I start the car, is more useful to me than a 100% map that requires me to dig out my phone and fiddle with it. Life is full of choices.