pobrown

Another one of my alerts regarding a new software update. A new version of software for the MEU (Multimedia Extension Unit) has been released for the MM17 Premium Navigation system. This is the newer widescreen system fitted to many NX vehicles from late 2017 onwards. The new software version is 1540 and is simply called Navigation on the software update screen in your car. It mostly contains bug fixes. The main one being that street names can now be displayed at the bottom of the screen at all times, not just during navigation. This is a bug I'd certainly noticed when I first took delivery of my NX back in Aug 2018. This update does not contain new mapping data - new maps are released separately. The latest maps are 2019 v2 although 2020 v1 is due anytime soon. Note: if you have a very new vehicle that already has Apple CarPlay installed, please see the FAQ below. FAQ: How do I get the upgrade? The upgrade is available from the Lexus Tech website - you will need to create an account (free) to access but you will need a subscription (paid) to download the necessary files. Once logged in, click on Repair then select 'Technical Service Bulletin' under payable access. The search for NX300h under model. The required listing should come near the top if you are searching close to the date I wrote this. Does this apply to other vehicles? According to the TSB it may apply to the following models in addition to the NX: ES, LC, LS, RC, UX. As I only have experience with carrying out updates on my NX I can't comment on other models. I would advise that you check the details carefully, especially the Model ID codes shown on the Software Update section of your media system. How much will it cost to download the files? An hours access to the site will cost €3.63 (about £3.20 at current exchange rates). Depending on your bank you may get charged a fee for the currency conversion. Why do I have to pay? I don't know - I don't run the site. A dealer may carry out the install for you free of charge during a routing service. All you can do is ask. How big is the download? About 1.5GB How do I install? The download will arrive as a ZIP file. Inside this will be a .KWI file (in this case 17LML2EU-FB00_1540.kwi). Copy this to a blank USB Flash Drive - note it must be formatted as FAT32. Insert the USB drive into the port in your car (remove any others). Go to the software update screen and it should be detected and give you the option to update. This particular update takes about 20 minutes and requires that the system/engine is powered up at all times. What about the maps? These are updated separately - you can check the current version available on the same site by clicked 'Owner' then 'Map and Software Updates'. Click the 'More Info' button in the MM17 section to see the latest version available (2019 v2 at time of writing). You may be entitled to a free update due to the 'mapcare' program. 2020 v2 should be released very soon (2019 v1 was released end of April 2019) What about the DCU / Audio software? The Display Control Unit software controls the Audio side of your media system. The current version of this software is 1435. This can also be found on the tech website in the same place - it is dated 19/09/2019. Personally I'm hoping they update this soon - I'm constantly annoyed that music files don't play in track number order but instead in alphabetical order. I have reported this to Lexus UK but they tell me that this is how the system was designed! Do I have to update? No - if you are happy with the current function of your system and you haven't noticed any bugs or problems then you don't have to. Are there any risks with the upgrade? Yes - like any other computer based device there is a small risk that the update could go wrong. Whilst this has never happened to me I can't be held responsible for any damage caused during any update that you attempt. If you have any doubts at all please leave it to your dealer. I paid £40k for my car I don't see why I should pay £3 to access this file Then don't - ask your dealer to do it. They may do it for free. They may charge for their time. I really don't want to give Lexus another £3 to access the site - will you send me the files? No - please don't ask. The files are behind a paywall. I'm not going to break any applicable copyright rules. When is Apple CarPlay or Android Auto coming to my car? Lexus have said in various places that an update for this particular media system should be coming soon - it was initially scheduled for May 2020 but the current climate may delay this. There is no word yet on whether this will be a free or paid upgrade. Lexus in Spain have said it will be a free upgrade as part of your next maintenance visit but I've not seen any confirmation from UK yet. Use Google Chrome to look at the Spanish site then you can use the built-in translate function. I already have the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functionality If you have bought a vehicle recently then you may already have the CarPlay functionality. If this is the case then this update is not for you. I believe systems with CarPlay are now referred to as MM19. The latest software version for this system is 1140 but contains the same bug fixes as the version I've already discussed. Again, if you have any doubt then do not attempt the update. Why did you post this? I'm a computer science graduate and work with IT every day - yes I'm a geek. I know nothing about how the greasy and dirty parts of a car work and I've learned a lot from this site. Technology is the one area of owning a Lexus where I think I can be of some help. If just one person finds my posts helpful then it was worth doing. Hope that helps you out Phil

Apparently Toyota have registered the trademarks for NX450h+ and NX350h in Europe. The + model may end up being a Plug-In Hybrid https://lexusenthusiast.com/2020/04/14/lexus-nx-450h-trademark-could-be-plug-in-hybrid/ https://www.macheclub.com/threads/lexus-nx-phevs-vs-mach-e.802/

I’ve got one (detachable) on mine. Never used it, was installed (official Lexus) by previous owner.

I would say chances are high.

Never had an issue on my Mac. They download as ZIP files which the MAC will automatically unzip for you. Then just copy the update (usually a .KWI file) to a blank FAT32 formatted USB stick.

What version of software do you have running for the MEU (Navigation)? The latest update (1530) reports that it fixes the following issue: Map in map screen changes to 2D North from another orientation after IG cycle. The below shows the latest software version I have installed on my NX

They are under ‘repair’ then ‘technical service bulletin’. Then select your car model or insert your VIN.

You can see the titles of the TSBs without paying. When you click on one to read it you will be asked to subscribe.

I thought the map data was the same between the two systems on a UX - the software upgrades however may be unique to the larger screen.

You also get the software updates from the Tech website. They are listed under Technical Service Bulletins, but you’ll need an active subscription to access them. Costs about 3.50€ for an hours access. Alternatively ask your local Lexus dealer if they will install it for you.

Same version also available on the Lexus-Tech website. I updated my NX a while ago. You’ll need to create an account (free) to access the files. Then select ‘Owner’ then ‘Map and Software Updates’. I’m pleased that Lexus are finally starting to show updates on the dashboard as this is where the official map updates website tells you to look.

I was wondering the same!

Yes, that’s the one.

I notice that there are now instructions/details on the Lexus-tech website (*) for adding CarPlay to 17CY non-navigation systems (Pioneer systems). This appears to match the details found on the Spanish Lexus website that stated non nav systems would get updates from Dec 2019 and systems with Nav (Panasonic) would get it from April 2020. (For NX, UX and ES manufactured after Sept 2017) Although the instructions look pretty easy to follow, it looks like it is designed for dealers to install as it mentions registering the upgrade on the warranty. No use to me as I have a Panasonic system with Nav. It does sound encouraging though. (*) subscription needed to see the documents. 3€ for an hour.

I notice that there are now instructions/details on the Lexus-tech website for adding CarPlay to 17CY non-navigation systems. This appears to match the details from the Spanish site mentioned above. Although the instructions look pretty easy to follow, it looks like it is designed for dealers to install as it mentions registering the upgrade on the warranty.

MP3 playback has been poor on Lexus systems for a few years. My old IS300 had the same behaviour you describe from your GS. My wife’s Toyota Aygo with the X-Touch system (from 2014) has no such issues. Quick and responsive and always plays files in the correct order. Ironic on a car that’s a quarter of the price of a good NX/ES. Aygo for the last year have also had Apple CarPlay 😳 Lexus make great cars but I’ve often found their infotainment systems really poor. I’ve already started looking at other brands although I’m not to change for at least another 18 months.

2019 v2 was released a few weeks ago. Not aware of anything newer in the last week. This is only a map data update. Software for the navigation and audio systems are installed separately. I believe the latest versions are as shown in the photo.

My NX is the same. It plays tracks in alphabetical order by title. Latest firmware hasn’t fixed it.

The screen shots below show the latest firmware versions according to the Lexus Tech website. I would guess you have the 13CY system, but please compare the pictures to see which system you have. There are slight differences in the graphics between the two systems. Note: there is a slight chance that this info is out of date as the latest map data is a year old - they may not have updated this part of the site.

Firmware version will depend on which Nav system you have. The standard system (with dial control) and premium system (with remote touch) have different software. Which do you have and what version are you currently running?

Glad you got to the bottom of it 👍

I doubt it. I would imagine swapping the screen would be quite a big job. The computer running the screen is also different.

Luxury spec below for comparison

The SE spec in 2018 was available as FWD or AWD as an option. This photo is from the 2018MY brochure.

Personally I would try removing the phone from the cars settings and remove the car from the phone settings. I would then start again by re-pairing the phone to the car. If you have a laptop or other portable device in the house you can check if your personal hotspot works by trying to connect using that (eg connect your laptop WiFi to your iPhone using the password you’ve set). If this works you know your contract allows for tethering. Remember that sometimes the personal hotspot mode on the iPhone goes to sleep if not used for a while, which is why I recommend switching it off and back on again before trying a connection. I’ve just been out and checked again. With personal hotspot switched off I get the error shown below. When I switch it back on and try street view I get the ‘trying to connect’ graphic like your post earlier for a few seconds then the street view appears.