navigation system ACURA RL KA9 1996 Service User Guide
Page 243 of 1954
System Description (cont'd)
Global Positioning System (GPS)
The Global Positioning System (GPS) enables the navigation system to determine the current position of the vehicle by
utilizing the signals transmitted from the satellites in orbit around the earth. The satellites transmit the satellite identifica-
tion signal, orbit information, transmission time signal, and other information. When the GPS receiver receives a signal
from three or more satellites simultaneously, it calculates the current position of the vehicle based on the distance to each
satellite and the satellite positions on their respective orbits.
Position detection Image with GPS satellite
Navigation System
Precision of GPS
The precision of the GPS varies according to the number of satellites from which electric waves are received and the con-
trol condition. The precision is indicated by the color of the GPS icon shown on the upper right of the display.
GPS Antenna
The GPS antenna amplifies and transmits the signals received from the satellites to the GPS receiver.
GPS Receiver
The GPS receiver is built in the navigation unit. It calculates the vehicle position by receiving the signal from the GPS
antenna. The vehicle position and signal reception condition is transmitted from the GPS receiver to the navigation control
unit to adjust vehicle position.ProCarManuals.com
Page 244 of 1954
Navigation Unit
The navigation unit calculates the vehicle position and guides you to the destination. The unit performs map matching
correction, GPS correction, and distance tuning. It also controls the menu functions and the DVD-ROM drive, and inter-
prets voice commands. With control of all these items, the navigation unit makes the navigation picture signal, then it
transmits the signal to the display unit and audio driving instructions to the audio unit.
Calculation of Vehicle Position
The navigation unit calculates the vehicle position (the driving direction and the current position) by receiving the direc-
tional change signals from the yaw rate sensor and the travel distance signals from the vehicle speed pulse (VSP) sensor.
Map Matching Tuning
The map matching tuning is accomplished by indicating the vehicle position on the roads on the map. The map data
transmitted from the DVD-ROM is checked against the vehicle position data, and the vehicle position is indicated on the
nearest road. Map matching tuning does not occur when the vehicle travels on a road not shown on the map, or when the
vehicle position is far away from a road on the map.
GPS Tuning
The GPS tuning is accomplished by indicating the vehicle position as the GPS's vehicle position. The navigation unit com-
pares its calculated vehicle position data with the GPS vehicle position data. If there is a large difference between the two,
the indicated vehicle position is adjusted to the GPS vehicle position.
Distance Tuning
The distance tuning reduces the difference between the travel distance signal from the VSP and the distance data on the
map. The navigation unit compares its calculated vehicle position data with the GPS vehicle position data. The navigation
unit then decreases the tuning value when the vehicle position is always ahead of the GPS vehicle position, and it increas-
es the tuning value when the vehicle position is always behind the GPS vehicle position.
Route Guidance
The navigation unit can calculate different routes to a selected destination. You have five options:
• Direct Route - Calculate a route that is the most direct and will take the least tome.
• Easy Route - Calcute a route that minimizes the number of turns needed.
• Minimize Freeways - Calculate a route that avoids freeway travel. If that is not possible, keep the amount of freeway
travel to a minimum.
• Minimize Toll Roads - Calculate a route that avoids, or minimizes travel on toll roads.
• Maximize Freeways - Calculate a route that uses freeways as much as possible.
Audio Guidance
The navigation unit transmits audio driving instructions before entering an intersection or passing a junction.
The audio instructions come through the audio unit and the front speakers.
The front speakers are muted whenever the navigation system is giving guidance commands, and all of the speakers
when the voice control system is being used. When using OnStar, both the audio system and the navigation system are
muted, and the voice control switch (TALK and BACK buttons) is disabled.
DVD-ROM
The map data (including all scale rates) is stored in the DVD-ROM. The map date includes:
• Road distances, road widths, speed limits, traffic regulations, passing time at junction, distances to junctions, and the
driving instructions for audio guidance.
• Latitude and longitude GPS.ProCarManuals.com
Page 245 of 1954
Navigation System
System Description (cont'd)
Audio Unit
The audio unit receives the audio driving instructions from the navigation unit and transmits the instructions through the
front speakers even when the audio system is in use.
Display Unit
The display unit uses liquid crystal display (LCD). The LCD is a 7-inch-diagonal, thin film transistor (TFT), stripe type with
280,800 picture elements. The color film and fluorescent light are laid out on the back of the liquid crystal film. The touch
sensor on the front of the LCD is an infrared type with 20 vertical and 9 horizontal infrared rays to produce 180 sensing
points. The display unit transmits the signal from each operation key and the touch switches to the navigation unit.
Infrared rays
Microphone (Mic)
Receives voice commands and transmits them to the navigation unit for interpretation.
Talk Button (Voice Control Switch)
Activates the voice control system in the navigation unit to accept voice commands.
Back Button (Voice Control Switch)
Returns the display to the previous screen.ProCarManuals.com
Page 246 of 1954
Glossary
The following is a glossary of terms pertaining to the Voice Recognition Navigation System.
Item
Breadcrumbs
CPU
Database
DCA
DTC
Dead Reckoning
Digitized Road
Disclaimer Screen
DVD or DVD-ROM
ECM
FAQ
GA-Net bus
GPS
HDS
H/U
Initialization
LCD
Map Matching
Mic
Definition
Off road tracking dots that can be followed on the map to retrace your route back to a
mapped (digitized) road. This function can be turned on/off in Setup screen 1.
Central Processing Unit. The main device within the navigation unit that coordinates the
rest of the electronic functions.
This consists of the Map data, and the POI (Points Of Interest) data stored on the DVD.
Detailed Coverage Area. Main metropolitan areas in the Lower 48 states, and Canada are
mapped to this level. See the Navigation Owner's manual for a list of these areas.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes. Use the HDS tablet to obtain, and troubleshoot the cause of
these codes.
The use of the speed signal, and yaw rate sensor to position the vehicle on the map even
when the GPS signal is obscured by tall buildings, or while driving in a tunnel.
A road that appears on the navigation screen. The road name will appear at the bottom of
the navigation screen. If the user drives "off road" the navigation system will display
"Not on a digitized road", and if 1/2 mile, then "breadcrumbs" will appear.
Screen containing cautionary information. It is meant to read carefully and acknowledged
by the customer when using the navigation system.
Digital Versatile Disk. The navigation program and database resides on this disk. See the
Navigation Owner's Manual for information on how to order a replacement or update
DVD.
Engine Control Module. Typically referred to as the PCM
Frequency Asked Question. See the Navigation Owner's Manual for a list of the customer
FAQs, and troubleshooting information
Proprietary communication bus. This serial bus connects the audio unit, navigation unit,
display unit, and XM receiver. Signals passed on this bus include audio muting requests,
navigation and display unit buttons, control commands, and XM control sequences.
Global Positioning System. A network of 24 satellites in orbit around the earth. The navi-
gation system can simultaneously receive signals from up to 12 satellites to accurately
positioning the vehicle on the map.
Honda Diagnostic System. A hand held tablet PC for use in diagnosing vehicle problems.
This device can be used to obtain DTC codes for diagnosis of navigation system CAN
related problems.
Head Unit. The navigation system display unit assembly in the dash.
This refers to the period needed to re-acquire the GPS satellite orbital information when-
ever the navigation system power has been disconnected. This can take from 10 to 45
minutes.
Liquid Crystal Display (the navigation screen)
The received GPS information allows the navigation system to position the vehicle on the
map. Map matching has occurred if the map screen is displaying the current street name
in the bottom-shaded area.
Abbreviation for the microphone used for receiving voice commands. It is located near
the map light in the ceiling
(cont'd)ProCarManuals.com
Page 247 of 1954
Navigation Syste m
System Descriptio n (cont'd )
Item
MW
Nav i
Off Rout e
Outlyin g Area s
PC Car d Slo t
PCM
PCMCI A
PIN
PO I
Polygo n
QWERT Y
SCS connecto r
Security Cod e
Touc h Switche s o r Touc h
Senso r
Tuning
Unverifie d Street s
On-Sta r
Satellite Radi o (X M Radio )
Definitio n
Maneuve r Window . Whil e on-rout e to a destination , thi s windo w display s informatio n
about th e nex t maneuver .
Abbreviatio n fo r th e Navigatio n Syste m
This occur s whe n th e use r leave s mappe d roads . Of f roa d trackin g dot s ("breadcrumbs" )
are displaye d if th e optio n is enable d in Setup . Th e use r ca n us e the m to retur n t o a
mappe d road . Th e botto m o f th e navigatio n scree n wil l sa y "No t o n a digitize d road "
These ar e rura l area s tha t typicall y hav e onl y their main road s mapped . Al l othe r road s
are show n in ligh t brow n fo r referenc e only , sinc e the y hav e no t bee n verified .
The P C Car d (PCMCIA , typ e II ) slo t i s fo r factor y us e only . Mak e sur e tha t th e slidin g doo r
is close d a t al l items , i f opened , a n erro r messag e is displaye d o n th e screen .
Powertrai n Contro l Module . Thi s uni t supplie s th e navigatio n syste m spee d signal .
An compute r industr y define d ter m referrin g t o th e P C Car d slo t standard .
Personal Identificatio n Number , a rando m 4 digi t numbe r create d b y th e custome r t o pro -
tect persona l informatio n
Point O f Interest . Thes e ar e th e businesses , school s etc . foun d unde r th e "places " optio n
on th e mai n men u
Colore d area s o n th e ma p scree n denotin g parks , school s etc . Se e th e Navigatio n
Owner's Manua l "Travelin g t o You r Destination " fo r a lis t o f th e assigne d colors .
Keyboar d layou t resemblin g th e typewrite r keys . Th e keyboar d layou t ca n b e change d t o
a n alphabetica l layou t i n th e Setu p mode .
The 2-pi n connecto r use d t o pu t th e navigatio n syste m int o th e diagnosti c mod e
Code neede d to activat e th e navigatio n system . Th e securit y cod e ca n b e obtaine d fro m
the "IN " b y enterin g th e navigatio n syste m contro l seria l number . Th e seria l numbe r ca n
be foun d fro m th e diagnosti c screen s (Uni t Check , Nav i ECU) , o r fro m th e unde r sid e o f
the contro l unit .
The side s o f th e navigatio n scree n hav e 9 vertica l an d 2 0 horizonta l infrare d beam s tha t
are interrupte d b y th e user' s finge r t o selec t th e desire d function .
A continua l updat e o f interna l navigatio n syste m scalin g factors . Se e th e individua l sen -
sor tunin g discussion s unde r eithe r "Syste m Description" , o r "Syste m Diagnosi s Mode "
(see pag e 23-40 ) i n thi s manual .
These street s hav e no t bee n verifie d fo r tur n restrictions , one-way , etc . The y ar e show n i n
ligh t brow n o n th e map . Yo u ca n ente r addres s destination s i n thes e areas , bu t voic e
guidanc e end s a t th e las t verifie d stree t closes t t o you r destination .
This uni t provide s emergency , an d othe r specialt y service s ove r a cellula r link . Ther e is a
monthl y charg e associate d wit h thi s feature . Th e uni t ha s it' s ow n GP S antenna , an d cel -
lula r phon e antenna . Whe n in use , th e navigatio n guidanc e is muted , an d voic e contro l
system is disabled .
XM Radi o fo r thi s model . Thi s provide s additiona l channel s o f audi o entertainmen t fo r a
fee . Th e X M radi o receive r i s locate d in th e trunk , an d ha s it s ow n independen t satellite ,
and terrestria l antenna s (fo r receivin g th e broadcast s whe n satellit e signal s ar e temporari -
ly blocked) .
ProCarManuals.com
Page 254 of 1954
Navigation Syste m
Sympto m Troubleshootin g (cont'd )
Display uni t button s d o no t wor k
NOTE :
• Alway s chec k th e connector s fo r poo r connection s o r
loos e terminals .
• Befor e troubleshooting , ge t th e navigatio n syste m
anti-thef t codes .
• Afte r troubleshooting , ente r th e navigatio n syste m
anti-thef t codes .
1. Tur n th e ignitio n switc h to AC C (I) .
2. G o int o th e Diagnosti c mod e an d us e "Touc h Panel "
diagnosti c unde r Monito r Chec k (se e pag e 23-41 )
and, i f necessary , "Display " diagnosti c unde r Uni t
Chec k (se e pag e 23-43 ).
Do the buttons work properly?
YES—System is OK .
NO—G o t o ste p 3 .
3. Measur e th e voltag e betwee n bod y groun d an d dis -
play uni t connecto r B (20P ) termina l No . 1 an d No . 2
individually .
DISPLAY UNI T CONNECTO R B (20P )
+B(WHT/YEL ) AC C (WHT/YEL )
Wire sid e o f femal e terminal s
Is there battery voltage?
YES—G o to ste p 4 .
NO—I f th e + B wir e doe s no t hav e voltage , repai r th e
ope n in th e wir e betwee n th e under-hoo d fuse/rela y
box an d th e displa y unit . I f th e AC C wir e doe s no t
hav e voltage , repai r th e ope n in th e wir e betwee n th e
under-das h fuse/rela y bo x an d th e displa y unit .
ProCarManuals.com
Page 257 of 1954
Navigation Syste m
Sympto m Troubleshootin g (cont'd )
GPS ico n is whit e
Diagnosti c Test : Navigatio n Syste m Lin k
NOTE :
• Mak e sur e th e vehicl e i s parke d outsid e an d awa y
from buildings .
• Refe r t o GP S informatio n (se e pag e 23-46 ) fo r real -
tim e satellit e receptio n display .
Befor e assumin g tha t a GP S antenn a receptio n com -
plain t i s hardwar e related , b e awar e o f th e following :
• Th e GP S signa l i s extremel y wea k (abou t on e bil -
liont h th e strengt h o f a radi o broadcas t signa l
receive d b y a radi o antenna )
• I f th e rea r windo w ha s bee n tinte d wit h metalli c
tint, thi s ca n seriousl y degrad e o r bloc k GP S
reception .
• Loos e item s o n th e rea r shel f ca n bloc k satellit e
antenn a reception .
• Aftermarke t device s lik e Lo-Jack , remot e starter s
o r othe r electroni c device s locate d nea r th e navi -
gation uni t o r GP S antenn a ca n potentiall y inter -
fere wit h th e operatio n o f th e navigatio n an d On -
Star systems .
1 . Chec k fo r electroni c aftermarke t accessorie s (possibl y
hidden ) mounte d nea r th e GP S antenn a o r th e navi -
gation unit .
Are there any electronic accessories?
YES—Disabl e th e accessorie s an d recheck ,
NO—G o t o ste p 2 .
2. G o int o th e Diagnosti c mod e an d us e th e "Nav i
Syste m Link " diagnosti c (se e pag e 23-40 ) t o chec k
th e GP S antenna .
Is "GPS Ant" icon red?
YES—Us e th e "Nav i ECU " diagnosti c unde r Uni t
Chec k (se e pag e 23-43 ) t o chec k fo r a kinked , crushed ,
o r disconnecte d GP S antenn a wire . I f ico n i s stil l red ,
replac e th e GP S antenna .
NO—Chec k tha t nothin g is blockin g th e GP S antenn a
locate d unde r th e rea r shel f an d recheck . Substitut e
a known-goo d navigatio n unit , an d recheck .
ProCarManuals.com
Page 259 of 1954
Navigation Syste m
Sympto m Troubleshootin g (cont'd )
8. Chec k fo r continuit y betwee n navigatio n uni t connec -
tor B (14P ) termina l No . 5 an d th e audi o uni t connec -
tor A (20P ) termina l No . 13 .
NAVIGATIO N UNIT CONNECTO R B (14P>
RG L (+ ) (WHT )
AUDIO UNI T CONNECTO R A (20P )
Wire sid e o f femal e terminal s
Is there continuity?
YES—G o to ste p 9 .
NO—Ther e is a n ope n i n th e circui t betwee n th e navi -
gatio n uni t an d audi o unit . Chec k fo r poo r connec -
tions o r loos e terminal s a t th e audi o an d navigatio n
units. I f a poo r connectio n o r loos e termina l i s found ,
replace th e affecte d shielde d harness .
9. Chec k fo r continuit y betwee n navigatio n uni t connec -
tor B (14P ) termina l No . 1 2 an d th e audi o uni t connec -
tor B (14P ) termina l No . 8 .
NAVIGATIO N UNI T CONNECTO R B (14P )
Wire sid e o f femal e terminal s
Is there continuity?
YES—G o to ste p 10 .
NO—Ther e is a n ope n i n th e circui t betwee n th e navi -
gatio n uni t an d th e audi o unit . Chec k fo r poo r con -
nection s o r loos e terminal s a t th e audi o an d naviga -
tion units . I f a poo r connectio n o r loos e termina l i s
found , replac e th e affecte d shielde d harness .
10. Substitut e a known-goo d audi o unit , an d recheck .
Is the system OK?
YES—Replac e th e audi o unit .
NO—Replac e th e navigatio n uni t
(see pag e 23-53 )
ProCarManuals.com
Page 261 of 1954
Navigation Syste m
Sympto m Troubleshootin g (cont'd )
DVD scree n erro r message s
Diagnostic Test : Ca r Statu s
NOTE :
• Chec k th e Navigatio n Syste m Owner' s Manua l fo r a
lis t o f commo n DV D scree n erro r message s an d th e
probabl e cause .
• G o int o th e Diagnosti c mod e an d us e th e "Ca r
Status " diagnosti c (se e pag e 23-45 ) t o chec k th e sta -
tus o f th e DV D lid.
1. Chec k th e DVD-RO M readin g surfac e fo r scratches .
Are there scratches?
YES—Replac e th e DVD-RO M (se e pag e 23-52 ).
NO—I f
the proble m occur s occasionally whe n the
syste m is cold , thi s i s normal . I f th e proble m occur s
frequentl y whe n driving , replac e th e navigatio n uni t
(se e pag e 23-53 ).
Navigatio n canno t contro l A/ C
Diagnosti c Test : Navigatio n Syste m Lin k
NOTE :
• Alway s chec k th e connector s fo r poo r connection s o r
loos e terminals .
• Befor e troubleshooting , ge t th e navigatio n syste m
anti-thef t codes .
• Afte r troubleshooting , ente r th e navigatio n syste m
anti-thef t codes .
1. G o int o th e Diagnosti c Mod e an d perfor m th e "Nav i
System Link " chec k (se e pag e 23-40 ).
Is "Air-con " icon red?
YES—D o th e climat e contro l syste m
troubleshooting .
NO—Chec k fo r a n ope n o r shor t t o groun d betwee n
displa y uni t connecto r A (5P ) terminal s No . 2 , No . 3 ,
No . 4 an d climat e contro l uni t (12P ) connecto r termi -
nal s No . 12 , No . 15 , No . 4 . I f OK , chec k th e climat e
contro l syste m fo r norma l operation . I f th e climat e
contro l syste m work s properly , substitut e a known -
goo d displa y uni t an d recheck .
23-36
ProCarManuals.com
Page 263 of 1954
Navigation Syste m
Sympto m Troubleshootin g (cont'd )
Vehicle ico n spin s whe n parke d
Diagnosti c Test : Ya w Rat e
NOTE : Perfor m thi s diagnosti c whe n th e vehicl e i s cold .
1 . G o int o th e Diagnosti c Mod e an d us e th e "Ya w Rate "
diagnosti c (se e pag e 23-47 ).
Are the values correct?
YES—Th e syste m is OK .
NO—Replac e th e navigatio n uni t
(se e pag e 23-53 ).
Navigatio n drive s b y itsel f whe n parke d
Diagnosti c Test : Functiona l Setu p
NOTE :
• Alway s chec k th e connector s fo r poo r connection s o r
loos e terminals .
• Befor e troubleshooting , ge t th e navigatio n syste m
anti-thef t codes .
• Afte r troubleshooting , re-ente r th e anti-thef t code ,
an d re-initializ e th e navigatio n system .
1 . Star t th e engine .
2 . Fro m th e mai n menu , selec t places , the n selec t
an y destination , an d begi n th e trip .
3 . Wit h th e vehicl e parked , watc h th e vehicl e ico n o n
th e display .
Doe s the vehicle position icon move by itself?
YES—G o to ste p 4 .
NO—Th e syste m is O K a t thi s time .
4 . G o int o th e Diagnosti c mode , selec t "Functiona l
Setup" , the n selec t "Demonstration" .
Is "Demonstration Mode" set to "Yes"?
YES—Se t th e Demonstratio n mod e t o "NO" .
NO—Replac e th e navigatio n uni t
(see pag e 23-54 ).
23-3 8ProCarManuals.com