Navi/HVAC Function Problem...2004 LC

[TomR]

HI All...well I am afraid I may hace the dreaded navi/hvac malfunction on my 2004 LC.

Symptoms...periodic failure by "losing" the variable readings on the screen. The touchscreen will still respond...eventually says "failure to read signals"...or something like that. It stays on the settings when it quits responding.

So far the malfunction...or lack of response to hvac inputs usually go away in 5-10 minutes. In no case has it lasted more than a few minutes. It then returns the "readings" on the screen...such as outside temperature/miles remaining on tank...essentially the variable "readings".

Is this the precursor to the complete failure? Is there any easier fix that may involve "sensor" readings/connections. It sure acts like a short of some kind.

Any thoughts??? Tom R

[TomR]

Update...I Goggled and found quite a bit of info confirming I have the "flaw" that was not that uncommon on this version of the Navi...as well as the Highlander and the Prius. Toyota issued a "service" bulletin in 2005...EL 002-05 (jan 05) describing the issue and mentioning a "rebult" exchange option.

I spoke with my dealer and they got back with an exchange part price of $1,600 and a one hour replacement labor charge. I am not happy with $1,600 but sounds alot better than $5,000 which has been mentioned here before. I also have seen reference to a $700 offering on the internet.

Since the navi si "intermitent" AND when not working the HVAC is on "auto" I am going to see if there is a source for a cheaper purchase of the exchange navi...since I am guessing my dealer is marking up.

Any Toyota sources????

I believe the part number of the original navi is 86111-60180.

Sure is unfortunate that a mfg can sell an auto with a stated "bad" part and not offer some type of consideration even after the warranty has expired.

BTW...the exchange is not from Toyota...but apparently through Denso...the OEM on the navi???

Thanks...Tom R

[viper501]

You can do the replacement yourself most likely. The hour of labor will take them about 10 minutes to pull the old one and replace it with the new one. Very simple operation. Instructions are online somewhere.

I think I'd push Toyota on fixing for free though since it is an acknowledge manufacturing defect. Squeaky wheel and all.

[TomR]

Has anyone purchased this "exchange" unit? I would sure like to find for less than the $1,600 the dealer has quoted. Thanks...Tom R

Originally Posted by TomR

Update...I Goggled and found quite a bit of info confirming I have the "flaw" that was not that uncommon on this version of the Navi...as well as the Highlander and the Prius. Toyota issued a "service" bulletin in 2005...EL 002-05 (jan 05) describing the issue and mentioning a "rebult" exchange option.

I spoke with my dealer and they got back with an exchange part price of $1,600 and a one hour replacement labor charge. I am not happy with $1,600 but sounds alot better than $5,000 which has been mentioned here before. I also have seen reference to a $700 offering on the internet.

Since the navi si "intermitent" AND when not working the HVAC is on "auto" I am going to see if there is a source for a cheaper purchase of the exchange navi...since I am guessing my dealer is marking up.

Any Toyota sources????

I believe the part number of the original navi is 86111-60180.

Sure is unfortunate that a mfg can sell an auto with a stated "bad" part and not offer some type of consideration even after the warranty has expired.

BTW...the exchange is not from Toyota...but apparently through Denso...the OEM on the navi???

Thanks...Tom R

[Bighead]

Maybe call CDan and see if he has had any experience with the "replacement" unit.