Mitsubishi vehicles often come equipped with a built-in GPS system that provides accurate navigation, real-time traffic updates, and detailed route planning. To ensure that the system remains reliable and up-to-date, it's important to perform regular updates. This article will explain what the Mitsubishi GPS is, how it works, why updates are necessary, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to update Mitsubishi GPS. We’ll also offer troubleshooting tips for any issues you may encounter during the process.
What is a Mitsubishi GPS?
The Mitsubishi GPS is an in-vehicle navigation system integrated into various Mitsubishi models, typically built into the dashboard as part of the infotainment system. The GPS provides drivers with detailed maps, turn-by-turn directions, Points of Interest (POIs), and real-time traffic information. It’s designed to make driving easier and more efficient by suggesting optimal routes, avoiding traffic congestion, and locating services like gas stations, restaurants, and hotels.
However, the GPS relies on preloaded maps, which can become outdated as roads change over time. That’s why regular updates are essential to maintain its accuracy.
How Does the Mitsubishi GPS Work?
The Mitsubishi GPS uses satellite signals to track your vehicle’s location in real-time. It uses pre-installed map data to calculate routes based on your destination, providing the fastest or most efficient directions. The GPS system also provides live traffic updates (if supported), alerts for road conditions, and lane guidance, all of which enhance the overall driving experience.
Although the GPS works well with its preloaded maps, roads, highways, and points of interest change frequently due to construction or new developments. To ensure the system remains accurate, the maps need to be updated regularly.
Why is it Necessary to Update Mitsubishi GPS?
Updating your Mitsubishi GPS system is important for several reasons:
Accurate Navigation: Roads change due to construction, closures, or newly developed areas. Updating the GPS ensures that your maps include the latest road networks, preventing wrong directions or detours.
Updated Points of Interest (POIs): Businesses, gas stations, and restaurants change over time. Updating your GPS keeps your POI database current, ensuring you always have access to accurate information about nearby services.
Enhanced Performance: GPS updates often come with software improvements, such as bug fixes and new features that enhance the system’s overall performance.
Safety: Updated maps help you avoid outdated or incorrect routes, providing safer and more reliable navigation, especially in unfamiliar areas.
How to Update Mitsubishi GPS
Performing a Mitsubishi GPS update is a straightforward process, but it requires some preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to update your Mitsubishi GPS system:
Check for Available Updates:
Visit the official Mitsubishi Motors website or the navigation system provider’s website (Mitsubishi often partners with map providers like HERE or Garmin).
In the “Support” or “Navigation Updates” section, enter your vehicle’s model year and GPS system model to see if updates are available for your system.
Download the Navigation Update Tool:
For most Mitsubishi GPS systems, you’ll need to download specific update software to your computer. The website should provide detailed instructions and links to the necessary tools.
For certain models, the update process can be handled using a USB stick or SD card.
Prepare a USB Drive or SD Card:
Ensure that you have a clean, empty USB drive or SD card with enough storage space (typically 8GB or more). Format the drive to FAT32 to make sure it’s compatible with the GPS system.
Some newer Mitsubishi models may support over-the-air (OTA) updates via Wi-Fi, but most updates are done manually using external storage.
Download the Update to Your Computer:
Use the update tool you downloaded to your computer. Follow the instructions to download the latest map updates to your computer.
After the download completes, transfer the update files to the prepared USB drive or SD card.
Install the Update on Your Mitsubishi GPS:
Insert the USB drive or SD card into the appropriate slot in your vehicle's GPS system. This is typically found in the glove box, center console, or near the dashboard.
Start your vehicle, and follow the on-screen prompts on the GPS display to initiate the update process. The system will detect the update files on the USB or SD card and begin installing the new maps and software.
This process may take some time, depending on the size of the update. Make sure your vehicle is parked and the engine is running during the update to avoid interruptions.
Verify the Update:
Once the update is complete, the GPS system will restart. Check the system’s map version in the settings menu to verify that the update was successful.
Test the GPS by entering a destination to ensure the new maps and features are functioning properly.
Troubleshooting Tips for Mitsubishi GPS Update
While updating your Mitsubishi GPS is usually a straightforward process, there may be issues you encounter. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
The System Does Not Detect the USB or SD Card:
Ensure that the USB drive or SD card is formatted to FAT32 and contains the correct update files.
Double-check the update instructions to ensure you placed the files in the correct directory on the USB or SD card.
Update Fails Midway:
Make sure your vehicle remains powered during the entire update process. If the engine turns off or the battery dies during the update, it can cause the installation to fail.
Restart the vehicle and try to run the update again if it fails. If the issue persists, consider contacting Mitsubishi support for assistance.
GPS Not Functioning Properly After Update:
If your GPS freezes or shows incorrect maps after an update, restart the system. This can often resolve post-update glitches.
Perform a soft reset or restore factory settings from the GPS settings menu, but remember to back up any important data before doing so.
No Updates Available:
GPS updates are typically released annually or bi-annually. If no updates are currently available, check back later or contact Mitsubishi for information about upcoming releases.
Conclusion
Regularly updating your Mitsubishi GPS ensures that you always have the latest map data, Points of Interest, and software features, which helps improve the system's accuracy and functionality. Following the steps outlined in this guide on how to update Mitsubishi GPS will help you keep your navigation system current, providing a better driving experience.