1996 ACURA RL KA9 sensor

Navigation Unit

The navigation unit calculates the vehicle position and guides you to the destination. The unit performs map matching

correction, GPS correction, and distance tuning. It also controls the menu functions and the DVD-ROM drive, and inter-

prets voice commands. With control of all these items, the navigation unit makes the navigation picture signal, then it

transmits the signal to the display unit and audio driving instructions to the audio unit.

Calculation of Vehicle Position

The navigation unit calculates the vehicle position (the driving direction and the current position) by receiving the direc-

tional change signals from the yaw rate sensor and the travel distance signals from the vehicle speed pulse (VSP) sensor.

Map Matching Tuning

The map matching tuning is accomplished by indicating the vehicle position on the roads on the map. The map data

transmitted from the DVD-ROM is checked against the vehicle position data, and the vehicle position is indicated on the

nearest road. Map matching tuning does not occur when the vehicle travels on a road not shown on the map, or when the

vehicle position is far away from a road on the map.

GPS Tuning

The GPS tuning is accomplished by indicating the vehicle position as the GPS's vehicle position. The navigation unit com-

pares its calculated vehicle position data with the GPS vehicle position data. If there is a large difference between the two,

the indicated vehicle position is adjusted to the GPS vehicle position.

Distance Tuning

The distance tuning reduces the difference between the travel distance signal from the VSP and the distance data on the

map. The navigation unit compares its calculated vehicle position data with the GPS vehicle position data. The navigation

unit then decreases the tuning value when the vehicle position is always ahead of the GPS vehicle position, and it increas-

es the tuning value when the vehicle position is always behind the GPS vehicle position.

Route Guidance

The navigation unit can calculate different routes to a selected destination. You have five options:

• Direct Route - Calculate a route that is the most direct and will take the least tome.

• Easy Route - Calcute a route that minimizes the number of turns needed.

• Minimize Freeways - Calculate a route that avoids freeway travel. If that is not possible, keep the amount of freeway

travel to a minimum.

• Minimize Toll Roads - Calculate a route that avoids, or minimizes travel on toll roads.

• Maximize Freeways - Calculate a route that uses freeways as much as possible.

Audio Guidance

The navigation unit transmits audio driving instructions before entering an intersection or passing a junction.

The audio instructions come through the audio unit and the front speakers.

The front speakers are muted whenever the navigation system is giving guidance commands, and all of the speakers

when the voice control system is being used. When using OnStar, both the audio system and the navigation system are

muted, and the voice control switch (TALK and BACK buttons) is disabled.

DVD-ROM

The map data (including all scale rates) is stored in the DVD-ROM. The map date includes:

• Road distances, road widths, speed limits, traffic regulations, passing time at junction, distances to junctions, and the

driving instructions for audio guidance.

• Latitude and longitude GPS.ProCarManuals.com

Navigation System

System Description (cont'd)

Audio Unit

The audio unit receives the audio driving instructions from the navigation unit and transmits the instructions through the

front speakers even when the audio system is in use.

Display Unit

The display unit uses liquid crystal display (LCD). The LCD is a 7-inch-diagonal, thin film transistor (TFT), stripe type with

280,800 picture elements. The color film and fluorescent light are laid out on the back of the liquid crystal film. The touch

sensor on the front of the LCD is an infrared type with 20 vertical and 9 horizontal infrared rays to produce 180 sensing

points. The display unit transmits the signal from each operation key and the touch switches to the navigation unit.

Infrared rays

Microphone (Mic)

Receives voice commands and transmits them to the navigation unit for interpretation.

Talk Button (Voice Control Switch)

Activates the voice control system in the navigation unit to accept voice commands.

Back Button (Voice Control Switch)

Returns the display to the previous screen.ProCarManuals.com

Glossary

The following is a glossary of terms pertaining to the Voice Recognition Navigation System.

Item

Breadcrumbs

CPU

Database

DCA

DTC

Dead Reckoning

Digitized Road

Disclaimer Screen

DVD or DVD-ROM

ECM

FAQ

GA-Net bus

GPS

HDS

H/U

Initialization

LCD

Map Matching

Mic
Definition

Off road tracking dots that can be followed on the map to retrace your route back to a

mapped (digitized) road. This function can be turned on/off in Setup screen 1.

Central Processing Unit. The main device within the navigation unit that coordinates the

rest of the electronic functions.

This consists of the Map data, and the POI (Points Of Interest) data stored on the DVD.

Detailed Coverage Area. Main metropolitan areas in the Lower 48 states, and Canada are

mapped to this level. See the Navigation Owner's manual for a list of these areas.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes. Use the HDS tablet to obtain, and troubleshoot the cause of

these codes.

The use of the speed signal, and yaw rate sensor to position the vehicle on the map even

when the GPS signal is obscured by tall buildings, or while driving in a tunnel.

A road that appears on the navigation screen. The road name will appear at the bottom of

the navigation screen. If the user drives "off road" the navigation system will display

"Not on a digitized road", and if 1/2 mile, then "breadcrumbs" will appear.

Screen containing cautionary information. It is meant to read carefully and acknowledged

by the customer when using the navigation system.

Digital Versatile Disk. The navigation program and database resides on this disk. See the

Navigation Owner's Manual for information on how to order a replacement or update

DVD.

Engine Control Module. Typically referred to as the PCM

Frequency Asked Question. See the Navigation Owner's Manual for a list of the customer

FAQs, and troubleshooting information

Proprietary communication bus. This serial bus connects the audio unit, navigation unit,

display unit, and XM receiver. Signals passed on this bus include audio muting requests,

navigation and display unit buttons, control commands, and XM control sequences.

Global Positioning System. A network of 24 satellites in orbit around the earth. The navi-

gation system can simultaneously receive signals from up to 12 satellites to accurately

positioning the vehicle on the map.

Honda Diagnostic System. A hand held tablet PC for use in diagnosing vehicle problems.

This device can be used to obtain DTC codes for diagnosis of navigation system CAN

related problems.

Head Unit. The navigation system display unit assembly in the dash.

This refers to the period needed to re-acquire the GPS satellite orbital information when-

ever the navigation system power has been disconnected. This can take from 10 to 45

minutes.

Liquid Crystal Display (the navigation screen)

The received GPS information allows the navigation system to position the vehicle on the

map. Map matching has occurred if the map screen is displaying the current street name

in the bottom-shaded area.

Abbreviation for the microphone used for receiving voice commands. It is located near

the map light in the ceiling

(cont'd)ProCarManuals.com

Item
Verifie d Street s
VP
V R
VS P
VS S
Yaw Senso r
Definitio n
These street s consis t o f th e detaile d metropolita n coverag e areas , an d al l othe r intertow n
connectio n roads . Thes e road s ar e show n i n blac k o n th e map .
Vehicl e Position . Whe n in ma p mode , thi s circula r ico n show s th e vehicl e positio n o n th e
map . Touc h thi s ico n t o sho w th e latitude , longitude , an d elevatio n o f you r curren t posi -
tion.
Voic e Recognition . Thi s allow s voic e contro l o f man y o f th e navigatio n functions . Th e
hardwar e consist s o f th e microphone , steerin g whee l (Talk/Back ) buttons , an d th e fron t
speakers . Se e th e overvie w fo r mor e information .
Vehicle Spee d Pulse . Thi s puls e signa l comin g fro m th e PC M is use d t o updat e th e
Vehicl e positio n o n th e map . Thes e pulse s d o no t indicat e directio n (forwar d o r back -
ward) . Whe n i n reverse , th e navigatio n receive s a signa l fro m th e revers e rela y an d
direct s th e V P to mov e backward s o n th e map .
Vehicl e Spee d Sensor . Thi s senso r read s th e outpu t shaf t spee d a t th e transmissio n and ,
provide s a spee d puls e to th e PCM . Th e PC M send s thi s puls e to th e navigatio n syste m
and speedometer .
This devic e is locate d in th e navigatio n syste m contro l uni t an d sense s th e side-to-sid e
twisting forc e generate d whe n th e vehicl e turns . Se e a detaile d descriptio n o f ho w thi s
senso r work s in thi s manua l (se e pag e 23-17 ).
ProCarManuals.com

Voice contro l doe s no t wor k
Diagnosti c Test : Navigatio n Syste m Lin k an d
Functiona l Setu p
NOTE :
• Alway s chec k th e connector s fo r poo r connection s o r
loos e terminals .
• Befor e troubleshooting , writ e dow n th e customer' s
radi o statio n presets , an d ge t th e radi o an d naviga -
tio n syste m anti-thef t codes .
• Afte r troubleshooting , ente r th e radi o an d navigatio n
syste m anti-thef t codes , an d th e radi o statio n presets .
Befor e assumin g tha t a voic e contro l complain t i s
hardwar e related , ensur e tha t th e voic e contro l syste m
i s bein g operate d correctly .
• Mak e sur e yo u ar e o n th e correc t scree n whe n tryin g
t o issu e a voic e command . Fo r instance , th e com -
man d "Fin d th e neares t Italia n Restaurant " onl y
work s o n a Ma p screen . (Se e th e Navigatio n Owner' s
manua l fo r a complet e lis t o f allowe d voic e com -
mand s fo r th e informatio n bein g displayed) .
• Clos e th e window s an d sunroof .
• Se t th e fa n spee d t o lo w (1 o r 2) .
• Adjus t th e ai r flo w fro m th e dashboar d vent s s o tha t
they d o no t blo w agains t th e microphon e o n th e
celling .
• Paus e afte r pressin g th e TAL K button , the n giv e a
voic e comman d in a clear , natura l speakin g voice .
I f th e syste m canno t recogniz e you r command , spea k
louder .
• I f th e microphon e pick s u p voice s othe r tha n yours ,
th e syste m ma y no t interpre t you r voic e command s
correctly .
• I f yo u spea k a comman d wit h somethin g in you r
mouth , o r you r voic e is eithe r to o hig h o r to o husky ,
th e syste m ma y misinterpre t you r command .
1 . G o int o th e Diagnosti c mod e an d us e th e "Mi c Level "
diagnosti c th e unde r Functiona l Setu p (se e pag e 23 -48
t o chec k th e operatio n o f th e TAL K an d BAC K but -
tons.
Are the TALK and BACK buttons operational?
YES—G o to ste p 2 .
NO—Chec k fo r a n ope n o r shor t t o groun d o n naviga -
tio n uni t connecto r B (14P ) termina l No . 10 . 2
. Us e th e "Mi c Level " diagnosti c unde r Functiona l
Setu p (se e pag e 23-48 ) t o chec k th e operatio n o f th e
microphone .
Is the microphone operational?
YES—Chec k th e operatio n o f th e voic e contro l sys -
te m (Se e th e Navigatio n Syste m Owner' s Manual) .
NO—Chec k fo r a loos e o r missin g microphon e assembly .
I f OK , chec k fo r a n ope n o r shor t t o groun d o n navigatio n
uni t connecto r B (14P ) terminal s No . 6 an d No . 14 .
Curso r constantl y leave s roa d
Diagnosti c Test : Ya w Rat e an d Ca r Statu s
1 . Chec k th e GP S ico n o n th e navigatio n picture .
Is the GPS icon white?
YES—D o th e troubleshootin g fo r GP S ico n i s whit e
(see page 23-32)
NO—G o t o ste p 2 .
2 . G o int o th e Diagnosti c mod e an d us e th e "Ya w Rate "
diagnosti c (se e pag e 23-47 ) t o chec k th e ya w rat e
sensor .
3. G o int o th e Diagnosti c mod e an d us e th e "Ca r
Status " diagnosti c (se e pag e 23-45 ) t o chec k th e vehi -
cl e spee d pulse .
Are the yaw rate sensor and vehicle speed pulse OK?
YES—Th e proble m ma y b e normal . Chec k t o se e if
th e proble m occur s i n th e sam e place . I f i t does , th e
proble m coul d b e in th e database . G o to ste p 4 .
NO—I f th e proble m is th e ya w rat e sensor , replac e
the navigatio n uni t (se e pag e 23-53 ). I f th e proble m is
th e vehicl e spee d pulse , troubleshoo t th e vehicl e
spee d signa l circuit .
4 . Substitut e a known-goo d navigatio n uni t an d chec k
t o se e if th e proble m occur s i n th e sam e place .
Doe s the problem occur in the same place?
YES—Th e proble m is in th e database . Repor t th e
proble m accordin g t o th e Navigatio n Syste m
Owner' s Manua l unde r "Reportin g Errors" .
NO—Replac e th e navigatio n uni t
(se e pag e 53 ).
ProCarManuals.com

Unit Check

Touch the item you want to check and the check starts.
Display

This diagnostic performs additional checks on the com-

munication bus between the control unit and the dis-

play. In addition, the internal electronics and touch

screen functionality are confirmed.

• When the connection is NG, first check for loose ter-

minals at the navigation unit and the display unit

connections. Next check for an open or short in the

communication line between the navigation unit and

the display unit. If the line is found to have an open

or short, replace the affected shielded harness.

• If the ROM or RAM is NG, replace the display unit.

• If the touch sensor is NG, then check for zeros in the

"X", or "Y" values below.

• The version represents the software version in the

display.

• The "1" following the X, indicate the 20 working ver-

tical infrared beams/receptors (from left to right).

The "Is" following the Y, indicate the 9 working hori-

zontal beams (from top to bottom). If any one of the

"1s" is a zero, this indicates that these is a problem

with one of the beams or receptors. Check all around

the inside rim of the navigation screen for dirt or any-

thing that may be blocking a beam. If nothing is

found, replace the display unit. See the display unit

diagram in the "System Description" showing the

infrared beam layout. Individual touch positions can

be verified by running the "Touch Panel" diagnostic

under the Monitor Check menu choice.

NOTE: When selecting this diagnostic from "Unit

Check," quickly remove your fingers from the touch-

screen to avoid a false detection of the infrared sen-

sors.ProCarManuals.com

Yaw Rate

This diagnostic checks the yaw rate sensor in the control

unit. This device detects when the vehicle turns, and

repositions the vehicle posion icon on the map screen.

For more detailed information, see the yaw rate sensor

theory of operation under "System Description"

• "Sensor" indicates the voltage output from the yaw

rate sensor. It should indicate about 2.500 volts when

stopped.

• "Offset" is the reference voltage or standard within

the yaw rate sensor. It also should indicate about

2.500 volts when stopped.

• A "sensor" output voltage HIGHER than the "Offset"

voltage indicates that the vehicle is turning to the

right.

A "sensor" output voltage LOWER than the "Offset"

voltage indicates that the vehicle is turning to the left.

• The yaw rate offset, and sensor should both indicate

about 2.500 volts when stopped. If either reads zero,

or 5.000 volts, replace the navigation unit.
• The yaw rate offset and sensor should be within

0.01 V of each other when stopped. The sensor value

should change relative to the offset as the car is

turned while driving. If not, replace the navigation

unit.

• Auto tuning should always be on. If it is off, turn it

on.

• "Sensitivity study" represents the status of the inter-

nal tuning function. At initialization, this status of the

internal tuning function. At initialization, this value

starts at 6 and increases to # 10 as the internal correc-

tion values become more accurate.

• The settings "CCW Cal Factor", "CW Cal Factor", and

"Set" are for factory use only. THIS SHOULD NEVER

BE USED.ProCarManuals.com

Log Data

This screen allows factory to collect log data to trou-

bleshoot navigation system issues.

• Normally there is no card in the "PC Card slot", and

the PC slot door should always be closed. The screen

should look like below.

• However, if the factory instructs you to insert a PC

Card, insert it into the card slot (label side up), and

then slide the PC Card door shut. If instructed by the

factory, touch the "Gyro. Sensor Logs ON" button on

the screen. Follow the factory procedure for gather-

ing test data, and properly ending the test.ProCarManuals.com