Here's a question for those that are interested. I was driving my new '04 SRX (sweet) from Philly to Princeton on I-95. The factory-installed navigation system lost contact with the GPS satellite signal just outside of Philly, and it stayed lost for an hour and a half to Princeton, by which time it had accumulated significant error in my position. My dealership could find nothing wrong. A person at Cadillac tech support said (I'm not making this up) "sometimes the government turns off the GPS system for security purposes." I find this statement non-credible, considering the life-saving uses to which GPS is put by millions of users. So before I start working my way up the complaint ladder at the dealer and at Cadillac, I thought I would ask forum members for their opinions and suggestions. My thanks to anyone who replies.
It is always possible that you had extremely bad luck, i.e. satellite went out of service, only two others available, extremely bad weather, etc. simultaneously. For GPS updates, see http://www.schriever.af.mil/GpsSuppo...advisories.htm. Note one satellite was out yesterday. Usually though, I can pickup at least 7-9 so that should not be a problem since you only need 3-4 minimum. The vast majority of the time, I can access 8 or more. Thus it is VERY unlikely that the availability or access to the GPS satellites is your problem.
I agree that the dealer is full of $h*t. I know that DOD can make the satellites' transponder accuracy better for military versus commercial purposes, but I am not aware of a way to turn it "off". More likely, your external antenna's connection simply came loose or a malfunction with the Nav system itself.
BTW, if you take it into the dealer, could you please inquire as to whether there is a new DVD or system firmware update for this Nav System? Specifically, I have problems with incorrect/bad routing, no GPS screen, no system options (such as undoing the safety override), and other issues. Thank you!
Thanks. I haven't had the problems you have, but if I go back for this, I will ask. My plan right now is to take my Garmin portable unit from another car I have, and test the two systems side by side. We'll see what happens.
Unless you have a different Nav system or I have a defective one, I think we all must have the SAME issues that I have. Perhaps you don't care as much, but these issues still exist. Just to be more specific:
1. Bad/Incorrect routing-On several test routes, the Nav system has improperly or inefficiently routed. For example, it has sent me through tunnels when it should not have, directed me in a circuitous route, etc.
2. No GPS screen-Where is the GPS lock type (3-D vs. 2-D), elevation, GPS satellite information, signal strength information, satellite directional map, time, etc.?
3. System Options--How do I turn off the safety "feature"? How do you tell what version of the software/mapping data we are using?
I am already using a Garmin StreetPilot III for side-by-side comparison on display quality, performance, GPS data, autorouting, mapping, features, etc.
Anyone know if these are WAAS enabled? (Mine's on order, and I know better than to ask the dealer!)
Beats me. It seems when you buy an OEM Nav unit, you get no system documentation, no technical specifications, and no user-customizable or user-accessible system features/functions! Obviously Cadillac assumes all SRX owners are all basic/beginner users, or are too stupid to want to know this information or use advanced features! This is exactly why I've been complaining so much about the Nav system.
There IS documentation, although fairly basic and skimpy on the details as already observed. I've passed some of Terpnuts concerns on to my dealer and hopefully if enough owners raise this issue we'll see them addressed in upcoming firmware updates. It's good to be optimistic, no?
I've been very happy with the NAV but there is certainly room for improvement.
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Originally Posted by sgilbert
I hear ya! As a boater with a chart plotter, it's quite important to know whether I'm within 50 feet or 5 feet!
Are you saying there's NO documentation as to system? UNBELIEVABLE!!
Clearly, GM has assumed we only deserve a dumbed-down unit, with minimal documentation. I can't find any reference to the original manufacturer of the unit. Can we get GM to give us more info? Or, is there a group anywhere that has begun hacking the nav system?
When it comes to the electronics, my dealer knows how to do one thing and one thing only - run a diagnostic. Conversations at that level are very frustrating.
Navigation system malfunction? 
Re: Navigation system malfunction? 
