GPS in auto - update maps

[charles p]

My wife has a Lexus that is three years old and several streets and roads do not appear on the version of her software.  How hard is it to upgrade and can we do it ourselves.  The dealer wants $400.  Software is NavTech.

[Siskiyou]

It is my understanding that the software updates for gps units built into the vehicle by most manufactures have a unlock code that the dealers have.  The software is not setup for the customer to install.  This means the dealer can charge $400 for a $99 update.  Without a doubt there are exceptions.

I suspect there are some black market updates the tech savvy costumer could install, but I am not aware of a source.

Deals like this scare me because I do not know the source and the lock code may have already been used in another vehicle.

I believe the Lexus uses an Alpine gps unit, with software lock coded to meet manufacture/dealer specs.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lexus-Toyota-2008-Navigation-Disc-N-America-86271-53022_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ180412632953QQsspagenameZRSSQ3aBQ3aSRCHQ3aUSQ3a101

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-06-Lexus-RX330-GX-LX-Navigation-DVD-USA-Can-Gen-4_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ390098950119QQsspagenameZRSSQ3aBQ3aSRCHQ3aUSQ3a101

At one time I dreamed about a built in gps system in my vehicle.  The more I have learned about them the more I like the aftermarket, free standing units.  If somebody steals it the damage is less.  If some digs your factory unit out of the dash it is going to cost you five or six thousand dollars.  The other thing is the technology gets stale in four or five years.  If you want the latest technology buying a plug and go Garmin or Magellan is a better deal