GPS error reading navigation DVD

[Gary Waugh]

Hi everyone, I am sure this has been mentioned before but using the search feature I was not able to find anything so hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

I love my 2008 expedition (owned it from new), but I am starting to have this issue more and more often and it's really annoying. When I start the engine, the navigation system (its built into the stereo - Pioneer make it, no sync system) tells me it cant read the DVD and to try cleaning it. This occurs with all the GPS navigation DVD's that I have, they all look spotless (I buy a new update each year or so and have kept the old ones). Sometimes if I just eject and put the DVD back in it works, other times nothing will make it read, except to turn of the engine and wait 30 minutes. I am sure it must be something getting worn in the DVD reader. I do NOT want to change the stereo as I like the way it links to the rear DVD displays and the steering wheel controls, but I would like to get rid of this issue when I try to have it navigate me somewhere!! The DVD's cost a fortune and I don't like that the GPS wont read it. This used to occur about once or twice a year, now it is happening every month. Next time it happens I will get a picture of the actual error message, but just wondered if anyone else had this issue and had found a way to fix it?

Regards Gary

 

[Flexpedition]

Received the same error couple times a few years back. The kids had a cleaning disc used for Xbox or Playstation. Looks like a regular CD with a couple tiny brush-like nubs on it. Loaded that into the navigation slot and have never had an issue since.

There are cooling fans that blow air into the back of the head unit, so reasonable enough that some dust might have settled on the laser lens. I also have a 08 with the same system, since new.

 

[Gary Waugh]

Thanks for that, I was thinking the DVD is never removed so how could dust have got in there, but if as you suggest there are fans blowing air in then dust could be a real issue, will try to find a cleaning disc. I was also going to include a picture with the error message in case anyone else has other suggestions, but apparently I have to host the picture somewhere else and link to it!!

Basically I get the following error screen on the stereo display "A SYSTEM ERROR HAS OCCURRED. NAVIGATION FEATURES ARE CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE, THE DVD MAY BE DIRTY, REMOVE IT AND CHECK FOR FINGERPRINTS OR SMUDGES, CLEAN USING A SOFT, DRY CLOTH WIPING FROM THE CENTER TO EDGE."

Regards Gary

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Thanks for that, I was thinking the DVD is never removed so how could dust have got in there, but if as you suggest there are fans blowing air in then dust could be a real issue, will try to find a cleaning disc. I was also going to include a picture with the error message in case anyone else has other suggestions, but apparently I have to host the picture somewhere else and link to it!!

Regards Gary

Hi Gary,

You don't need to host a picture somewhere. You can just upload the picture here using the Upload File button in the center in the lower right hand corner.

 

[Gary Waugh]

Andy, thanks for pointing that out, not sure why I didn't see it!! Must be crazier than I thought..

Gary

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Andy, thanks for pointing that out, not sure why I didn't see it!! Must be crazier than I thought..

Gary

It took me a while to figure it out.

 

[Gary Waugh]

well I purchased 2 different kinds of DVD lens cleaner (a wet and a dry version) and tried both on the map DVD slot, but still get the error message almost every time I try to use the GPS!! A real bummer for sure as I like the system..

Will try removing the stereo from the dashboard, open it up and try blowing it clean with compressed air for a final try, but if that doesn't fix it, then either have to forget the GPS and buy an aftermarket one, or replace the entire stereo system with something else that has an integrated GPS, probably go the first route (for cost reasons) and add an aftermarket GPS, but something with at least a 6" display, my eyesight is getting worse as I get older!!

Gary

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

well I purchased 2 different kinds of DVD lens cleaner (a wet and a dry version) and tried both on the map DVD slot, but still get the error message almost every time I try to use the GPS!! A real bummer for sure as I like the system..

Will try removing the stereo from the dashboard, open it up and try blowing it clean with compressed air for a final try, but if that doesn't fix it, then either have to forget the GPS and buy an aftermarket one, or replace the entire stereo system with something else that has an integrated GPS, probably go the first route (for cost reasons) and add an aftermarket GPS, but something with at least a 6" display, my eyesight is getting worse as I get older!!

Gary

That's a bummer Gary, I was hoping it would be something easy to fix.

I wear contacts for distance vision and I need reading glasses for close so I can definitely relate to the eyesight issues.

As another alternative, you might try finding a direct replacement at a salvage yard. They will guarantee them to work, so you can try it and if it doesn't you can take it back and try another one or get your money back. Just a thought. Chances are the prices should be reasonable.

 

[Gary Waugh]

Thanks Andy, I thought about that, but I suspect that as this model Stereo/GPS was only made for ford for 2 years, it means that whatever I get from a breaker will be the same age as mine and probably just as worn, so whilst it might work when I first install it, it would probably have issues shortly afterwards.
I think an external GPS unit will be better, I also strongly object to paying $200 every year for the map updates, I can buy an entire GPS with new maps for the same price as that Ford DVD with just the map updates, I really feel I am being screwed by Ford every time I buy the update, most new GPS come with free lifetime updates or a $100 fee for lifetime updates.. Seems much better really, but I do like the integrated system!!

Gary

 

[Big Brian]

you could always do what I did and get a Android Head unit. Mine was about $170

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Thanks Andy, I thought about that, but I suspect that as this model Stereo/GPS was only made for ford for 2 years, it means that whatever I get from a breaker will be the same age as mine and probably just as worn, so whilst it might work when I first install it, it would probably have issues shortly afterwards.
I think an external GPS unit will be better, I also strongly object to paying $200 every year for the map updates, I can buy an entire GPS with new maps for the same price as that Ford DVD with just the map updates, I really feel I am being screwed by Ford every time I buy the update, most new GPS come with free lifetime updates or a $100 fee for lifetime updates.. Seems much better really, but I do like the integrated system!!

Gary

We use the Waze App. My wife puts it on her iPad and then as we drive she reports cops, and cars on the side of the road and all of that fun stuff. I'm hope that Waze makes a Car Play compatible app so we can throw it on the big screen in the dash. The app is free and you don't pay for maps its the best thing out there.

 

[Big Brian]

I have Waze on my Android head unit

also Google maps

both work perfectly

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

I have Waze on my Android head unit

also Google maps

both work perfectly

If I had an Android I'd be using Waze on the center screen too, but I like my iPhone too much.

 

[Big Brian]

The stereo is an Android but you can use an I phone with it doesn't matter the Waze app is still the same

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

The stereo is an Android but you can use an I phone with it doesn't matter the Waze app is still the same

Brian, I know what you mean, I was referring to the Sync3 that I have in the 17. If I had an Android phone then I could use Waze on the the main screen but Apple doesn't have a CarPlay version yet that will work on main screen. I have to run it with my iPad or iPhone until Waze makes a CarPlay compatible version.

 

[Big Brian]

Andy I was just letting the OP know that there are options out there not comparing it to a Sync system

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Andy I was just letting the OP know that there are options out there not comparing it to a Sync system

Oh sorry Brian, I though you were replying to my comment.

 

[Gary Waugh]

Very nice, not sure I want to spend all the time necessary to get an Android unit to link with the existing stereo system, but that is definitely an option, you look to have made a lovely job fitting it.

Gary

 

[El-guapo]

going through the exact same predicament right now on my 07 EB EL. waiting on the dvd cleaner to arrive to try it. else im planning to go the aftermarket route. look through crutchfields catalog, they seem to have all the add on modules to integrate an aftermarket unit with the rear DVD and steering wheel controls. thats my (expensive) plan B...

also if youre interested in offloading last year's GPS update pls msg me..;-)

 

[Big Brian]

Very nice, not sure I want to spend all the time necessary to get an Android unit to link with the existing stereo system, but that is definitely an option, you look to have made a lovely job fitting it.

Gary

it was really very simple to install. Yes it does take a bit of effort with the wiring mostly. They makes kits to adapt the units and the wiring harnesses. Took me a few hours to do