Kenwood GPS systems are widely known for their reliability and user-friendly navigation features. However, to keep your GPS system functioning at its best, regular updates are necessary. In this article, we’ll cover how to update Kenwood GPS, explain why these updates are important, provide step-by-step instructions for completing the update, and troubleshoot common problems that might occur during the process.
A Kenwood GPS update involves downloading and installing the latest map data and software improvements to your Kenwood navigation system. These updates are essential for keeping your GPS accurate, as they include new roads, changes to traffic patterns, updated points of interest (POIs), and software upgrades. Regular updates ensure your GPS system continues to provide reliable and up-to-date navigation.
Kenwood GPS updates are typically handled through either a USB drive or an SD card, depending on the model of your device. The update process is simple but requires careful attention to ensure a successful installation.
There are several key reasons why regular updates to your Kenwood GPS are important:
Accurate Navigation: Roads and highways are constantly changing due to construction, new routes, or closures. An outdated GPS may lead to incorrect directions, causing delays and frustration. Regular updates ensure you always have the most current road information.
Updated Points of Interest (POIs): POIs, such as gas stations, restaurants, and hotels, change frequently. By keeping your Kenwood GPS updated, you ensure you have access to the latest points of interest, making your journeys more convenient.
Improved Performance: Software updates often include enhancements that improve system performance, making your GPS faster and more responsive. These updates can enhance route calculation speeds and provide smoother overall operation.
Safety: With the most accurate maps and software, your GPS reduces the risk of wrong turns, missed exits, or sudden route changes. Updated maps help you stay on the right path, improving road safety by minimizing distractions.
Updating a Kenwood GPS requires downloading the latest map data and software from the official Kenwood or Garmin website (Kenwood’s map data provider). After downloading the update files to your computer, you transfer them to your Kenwood system using a USB drive or SD card, depending on your model.
The new map data replaces outdated information in your GPS system, ensuring it’s up to date with the latest roads, points of interest, and navigation features.
Follow these steps to complete a Kenwood GPS update:
1. Check for Available Updates
The first step is to check whether new updates are available for your device. To do this:
Visit the official Kenwood or Garmin (Kenwood’s map provider) website.
Navigate to the Navigation Update or Map Update section.
Enter your device model or serial number to confirm the latest update availability for your Kenwood GPS system.
2. Prepare a USB Drive or SD Card
Next, you’ll need a USB drive or SD card to transfer the update to your GPS:
Ensure that your USB drive or SD card has at least 8GB to 16GB of free storage space, depending on the size of the update.
Format the USB drive or SD card to FAT32 (a file system required by Kenwood for compatibility).
3. Download the Update Files
Once you’ve confirmed that an update is available, download the necessary files:
Follow the website instructions to download the latest map and software updates to your computer.
After downloading, extract the files if necessary and transfer them to the root directory of your USB drive or SD card. Do not place the files in a folder; they must be directly accessible for the GPS to recognize them.
4. Install the Update on Your Kenwood GPS
After transferring the files to the USB drive or SD card, you can now install the update on your Kenwood GPS:
Start your vehicle and turn on the Kenwood GPS system.
Insert the USB drive or SD card into the corresponding port on the Kenwood device.
The system should automatically detect the update and prompt you to begin the installation process.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update. The installation process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the update and the speed of your system.
5. Restart and Confirm the Update
After the update is installed, the system will typically restart automatically. Once it reboots, navigate to the settings or system information menu to confirm that the latest map version has been successfully installed.
Here are some troubleshooting tips to help resolve common issues during the update process:
1. Update Won’t Start
Ensure that the USB drive or SD card is formatted to FAT32 and contains only the update files. Other files on the drive may interfere with the update process.
Double-check that the update files were fully downloaded and correctly copied to the root directory of the USB drive or SD card.
2. Slow Installation Process
Large map updates may take time to install, especially if the USB drive or SD card is slow. Be patient and ensure the vehicle remains powered on during the installation.
If the process seems excessively slow, try using a higher-quality USB drive or SD card, as faulty or slow storage devices can cause delays.
3. System Fails to Recognize the Update
Make sure the update files are placed in the root directory of the USB drive or SD card, not inside any folders.
Try reformatting the USB drive or SD card to FAT32, re-downloading the update files, and repeating the process.
4. Incomplete or Failed Installation
If the installation fails midway, try restarting the GPS system and repeating the installation process. Ensure that the vehicle remains powered on and the USB drive or SD card is not removed during installation.
5. Post-Update Navigation Issues
If you experience problems with navigation after the update, restart the Kenwood GPS system by turning the vehicle off and on again.
If problems persist, reinstall the update or contact Kenwood’s customer support for further assistance.
Keeping your Kenwood GPS system up to date is essential for accurate navigation, improved performance, and overall safety. By following the steps outlined above on how to update Kenwood GPS, you can ensure that your maps are current and your system is operating efficiently.