Hi everyone, I am new to your forum and I really look forward to your advise and hopefully offering my experiences to you. I have traded in my old faithful and am purchasing a new Avida motorhome based on the Fiat Ducato. The dealer has advised me that the new vehicle will not have the built in GPS system activated as they claim that Fiat have a problem suppling the SD card with Australian maps on it. Has anyone out there got the Fiat Ducato and do you have Aussie maps in the built in system. thanks
jade46 said
04:42 PM Jun 15, 2015
Hi
I have a new Fiat/Jayco. Same story. Isn't it amazing they can build a computer controlled engine/gearbox but can't get Australian maps in a GPS. Jayco gave us a TomTom in the meantime
eric2011 said
04:50 PM Jun 15, 2015
jade46 wrote:
Hi I have a new Fiat/Jayco. Same story. Isn't it amazing they can build a computer controlled engine/gearbox but can't get Australian maps in a GPS. Jayco gave us a TomTom in the meantime
Yes Avida also give a TomTom and assure me that its only a temporary problem but something tells me different. Spend thousand of dollars and can't get a $10 SD card
Roostertales said
06:06 PM Jun 15, 2015
We have a 2014 Ducato - dealer advised not to get the Fiat GPS as being way too dear and recommended an after market one to us.
So far 40k on clock Arnold to Mossman and back ( about 8 .5 l /100k I seem to remember ) ours is the 2.3 litre quite powerful . Matter of fact driving today.
I have recently purchased a Scudo for personal use.
jade46 said
06:24 AM Jun 16, 2015
Its not an option on the 2015 they all have it built in unfortunately. Maybe one day it will workout
gregnshas said
06:41 AM Jun 16, 2015
I have a Auto Trail motor home on a Fiat Ducato from England, and it came with Aussie maps built in, no problem, however the built in entertainment system failed not long after delivery, and was replaced with a mongoose in dash system with Aussie maps. Very happy.
Cheers
Greg
jade46 said
08:40 AM Jun 16, 2015
If its the one in the avatar that's a 2013/2014 model. The post is for the new model Fiat 2015 Would like to know if anyone has one of those that works?
eric2011 said
03:07 PM Jun 16, 2015
jade46 wrote:
If its the one in the avatar that's a 2013/2014 model. The post is for the new model Fiat 2015 Would like to know if anyone has one of those that works?
Just got off the phone to Fiat dealer in Brisbane. They are well and truly aware of the problem and apparently the problem lies in the licensing of the software between TomTom and Garmin. He did say that they were hoping that the problem will be resolved very soon (maybe 1 or 2 months). It did all sound very positive, heres hoping
eric2011 said
04:00 PM Jun 18, 2015
For anyone interested, got off the phone from Fiat dealer in Brisbane and after my previous call a couple of days ago he has been in touch with Fiat Australia. They confirm the previous reason for the delay, but now advise that the problem will be fixed at some stage, it will not be in short term, rather it will occur in the long term. However they do say that if some pen pusher gets there act together it could be tomorrow. So anyone waiting for the GPS SD card, like me, need to be patient.
BJ Brisbane said
12:42 PM Dec 5, 2015
Hi, Have just viewed your post as part of my exercise of seeking out people who are in the same boat as I am, having a Fiat based motorhome with a provision of a 'temporary' GPS. I ordered my 2015 Avan Ovation Motorhome in June 2014. I was not told of the 'waiting' for the Australian Mapss for the Fiat GPS until well into the period while it was being built. I received delivery in August this year, and have since then waited patiently, using the Tom Tom that was provided as a 'temporary' measure. It seems from the posts from other customers of Fiat 2015 models, that Fiat Australia have now changed their 'when' to 'if' in their written and verbal advice regarding provision of Australian Maps through the built in console GPS. I am deciding whether the issue is worth approaching Fair Trading Australia at the moment. This must surely impact on all motorhomes with a Fiat Chassis.
dorian said
08:06 AM Dec 6, 2015
My brother has a Ford sedan with a built-in GPS. Unfortunately he is using an exernal GPS unit because Ford Australia want $1500 to activate the factory unit. Mongrels.
I would search the user forums for possible hacks. I've seen some very clever ones for other makes.
dave48 said
01:26 PM Dec 8, 2015
Hi all
We have a knaus skywave motorhome that we bought in March. Knew nothing about this problem until after we bought it. Was told it would be fixed very quickly and in the meantime to accept a Tom Tom stuck on our windscreen as a temporary measure. Didn't spend all that money to have wires dangling everywhere and after 8 months we are still no closer to getting it fixed. I believe that there are over 500 people in the same position and I for one are wondering if this will ever get fixed before the warranty runs out. I was thinking of approaching one of the legal firms that specialise in class actions. Does anybody else have thoughts on this.
Dave
Spydermann said
01:47 PM Dec 8, 2015
dorian wrote:
My brother has a Ford sedan with a built-in GPS. Unfortunately he is using an exernal GPS unit because Ford Australia want $1500 to activate the factory unit. Mongrels.
I would search the user forums for possible hacks. I've seen some very clever ones for other makes.
What Ford? Just got a new Ranger and all works well.
BJ Brisbane said
05:29 PM Dec 8, 2015
My husband has just submitted an enquiry with Fair Trading Australia. He has also made contact with Fiat Australia on a number of occasions regarding this issue. Perhaps if others do the same, this may give them more ammunition to put pressure on Fiat in Europe, as Fiat Australia are indicating that it is Europe that seems to be the problem.
dave48 said
05:41 PM Dec 8, 2015
I think it's absolutely disgraceful that a company as large as Chrysler ( they own Fiat ) can muck people around for so long and don't seem to care. Dave
dorian said
06:57 AM Dec 9, 2015
Spydermann wrote:
dorian wrote:
My brother has a Ford sedan with a built-in GPS. Unfortunately he is using an exernal GPS unit because Ford Australia want $1500 to activate the factory unit. Mongrels.
I would search the user forums for possible hacks. I've seen some very clever ones for other makes.
What Ford? Just got a new Ranger and all works well.
Sorry, I can't remember. I'm guessing it's probably 6 or more years old, and I think it's a 3.6L V6 turbo automatic.
dorian said
06:59 AM Dec 9, 2015
dave48 wrote:
I think it's absolutely disgraceful that a company as large as Chrysler ( they own Fiat ) can muck people around for so long and don't seem to care. Dave
ISTR a case where a European Jeep owner hacked his GPS to install his own maps, so the problem is not unique to Australia.
Bryan said
12:46 PM Dec 9, 2015
dorian wrote:
dave48 wrote:
I think it's absolutely disgraceful that a company as large as Chrysler ( they own Fiat ) can muck people around for so long and don't seem to care. Dave
ISTR a case where a European Jeep owner hacked his GPS to install his own maps, so the problem is not unique to Australia.
I wonder what his reasoning was. I've been told some owners have found ways to install Hema maps in the system and I'm trying to find more info to do the same but no luck so far.
Sorry for going off topic.
-- Edited by Bryan on Wednesday 9th of December 2015 12:47:29 PM
dave48 said
01:07 PM Dec 9, 2015
If you can find out how they installed the maps Bryan I'll give you my next born son as payment LOL
Dave
dorian said
07:39 PM Dec 9, 2015
Bryan wrote:
dorian wrote:
dave48 wrote:
I think it's absolutely disgraceful that a company as large as Chrysler ( they own Fiat ) can muck people around for so long and don't seem to care. Dave
ISTR a case where a European Jeep owner hacked his GPS to install his own maps, so the problem is not unique to Australia.
I wonder what his reasoning was. I've been told some owners have found ways to install Hema maps in the system and I'm trying to find more info to do the same but no luck so far.
Sorry for going off topic.
I'm not sure it was a Jeep, but it was definitely a US RV that was imported into Europe. The owner was left with the problem of replacing the North American maps with European ones. He did it by hacking the storage medium which was either a hard drive or a flash based device. The same principle might be applicable to the Ducato GPS. I'd be very surprised if nobody has already done this. It's not the same thing, but I hacked a cheap Aldi GPS that shipped with Route66 software and NAVTEQ maps. I turned it into a Windows CE device and was able to run Tom Tom software and maps, plus two other GPS software.
Spydermann said
11:33 AM Dec 10, 2015
dorian wrote:
Spydermann wrote:
dorian wrote:
My brother has a Ford sedan with a built-in GPS. Unfortunately he is using an exernal GPS unit because Ford Australia want $1500 to activate the factory unit. Mongrels.
I would search the user forums for possible hacks. I've seen some very clever ones for other makes.
What Ford? Just got a new Ranger and all works well.
Sorry, I can't remember. I'm guessing it's probably 6 or more years old, and I think it's a 3.6L V6 turbo automatic.
Not sure if Ford actually marketed a 3.6L V6 turbo automatic in Australia. I think GM did.
dorian said
04:45 PM Dec 10, 2015
Spydermann wrote:
dorian wrote:
Spydermann wrote:
dorian wrote:
My brother has a Ford sedan with a built-in GPS. Unfortunately he is using an exernal GPS unit because Ford Australia want $1500 to activate the factory unit. Mongrels.
I would search the user forums for possible hacks. I've seen some very clever ones for other makes.
What Ford? Just got a new Ranger and all works well.
Sorry, I can't remember. I'm guessing it's probably 6 or more years old, and I think it's a 3.6L V6 turbo automatic.
Not sure if Ford actually marketed a 3.6L V6 turbo automatic in Australia. I think GM did.
2008 Ford Falcon 4L straight 6 G6e Turbo
I was close ...
Spydermann said
07:56 PM Dec 10, 2015
I have two vehicles both with factory fitted GPS and I don't like them. Very costly to update. Not $1500 but more expensive than buying a new top-shelf Garmin from JB HiFi. God only knows what a total GPS replacement would cost. Probably cheaper to get a new car. My Ranger update comes on an SD card that I must buy. The Q3 gets upgraded if there is an upgrade available when vehicle is serviced. No idea what that would cost and neither does the dealer. They had never actually done one.
I have had Garmins in the past & still have one on my Spyder. The beauty is I can plug my Garmin in my PC and plan a trip from my PC and download it to the GPS. Not easily done on an in-car one.
I'm off the original topic now, but a portable GPS with a large screen and that you can set up at your desk is much better (IMHO) than the fitted one. And I believe that you can use the portable GPS as a display for a rear view camera.
dorian said
07:00 AM Dec 11, 2015
Another option, while you are waiting for Fiat, would be to use a 10" or 7" tablet. IIRC my brother was using his iPad as a GPS (IMO that's all it was good for). If you purchase a Tom Tom application, or similar, there should be a "lifetime" maps guarantee.
BJ Brisbane said
02:50 PM Dec 11, 2015
We have got an iPad. I'll explore getting a stand for that, and also check the lifetime maps guarantee for the Tom Tom. :)
dave48 said
03:00 PM Dec 11, 2015
Thanks everybody. Good suggestions. The only reason I'm so snakey with Fiat is the inbuilt Gps is not only voice activated but it is updated via satellite with your input. So it was a very useful thing to have. IF IT WORKED. Dave
BJ Brisbane said
06:22 PM Dec 11, 2015
Dave, We have a copy of a letter sent to Avan from Fiat Commercial Australia advising to expect a solution with the inbuilt GPS by the end of 2015. They do qualify this with mentioning that there is no guarantee though. Perhaps you could request a coy of that advice from the dealer you purchased your Knaus from?
dave48 said
07:34 PM Dec 11, 2015
Will do. Thanks
Dave
dave48 said
10:29 PM Dec 11, 2015
Just got an answer from my secret agent at Fiat. He said don't expect it to be fixed any time soon despite what they say to shut you up. Why is this such a problem. Got to be more in it than what we know.
Dave
Baz421 said
10:49 PM Dec 11, 2015
jade46 wrote:
Hi I have a new Fiat/Jayco. Same story. Isn't it amazing they can build a computer controlled engine/gearbox but can't get Australian maps in a GPS. Jayco gave us a TomTom in the meantime
I had the same problem with a Navman marine GPS about 12 years ago,,, very expensive colour job,,,,,, could buy maps on SD card at first,,, had boat down South,,, no cards available with southern states waters.
I think it was a licensing/cost issue as it's easy to copy the data to cards etc.
The money trail will normally provide the answer IMHO.
Hi everyone, I am new to your forum and I really look forward to your advise and hopefully offering my experiences to you. I have traded in my old faithful and am purchasing a new Avida motorhome based on the Fiat Ducato. The dealer has advised me that the new vehicle will not have the built in GPS system activated as they claim that Fiat have a problem suppling the SD card with Australian maps on it. Has anyone out there got the Fiat Ducato and do you have Aussie maps in the built in system. thanks
I have a new Fiat/Jayco. Same story. Isn't it amazing they can build a computer controlled engine/gearbox but can't get Australian maps in a GPS. Jayco gave us a TomTom in the meantime
Yes Avida also give a TomTom and assure me that its only a temporary problem but something tells me different. Spend thousand of dollars and can't get a $10 SD card
So far 40k on clock Arnold to Mossman and back ( about 8 .5 l /100k I seem to remember ) ours is the 2.3 litre quite powerful . Matter of fact driving today.
I have recently purchased a Scudo for personal use.
Cheers
Greg
Just got off the phone to Fiat dealer in Brisbane. They are well and truly aware of the problem and apparently the problem lies in the licensing of the software between TomTom and Garmin. He did say that they were hoping that the problem will be resolved very soon (maybe 1 or 2 months). It did all sound very positive, heres hoping
For anyone interested, got off the phone from Fiat dealer in Brisbane and after my previous call a couple of days ago he has been in touch with Fiat Australia. They confirm the previous reason for the delay, but now advise that the problem will be fixed at some stage, it will not be in short term, rather it will occur in the long term. However they do say that if some pen pusher gets there act together it could be tomorrow. So anyone waiting for the GPS SD card, like me, need to be patient.
Hi, Have just viewed your post as part of my exercise of seeking out people who are in the same boat as I am, having a Fiat based motorhome with a provision of a 'temporary' GPS. I ordered my 2015 Avan Ovation Motorhome in June 2014. I was not told of the 'waiting' for the Australian Mapss for the Fiat GPS until well into the period while it was being built. I received delivery in August this year, and have since then waited patiently, using the Tom Tom that was provided as a 'temporary' measure. It seems from the posts from other customers of Fiat 2015 models, that Fiat Australia have now changed their 'when' to 'if' in their written and verbal advice regarding provision of Australian Maps through the built in console GPS. I am deciding whether the issue is worth approaching Fair Trading Australia at the moment. This must surely impact on all motorhomes with a Fiat Chassis.
I would search the user forums for possible hacks. I've seen some very clever ones for other makes.
Hi all
We have a knaus skywave motorhome that we bought in March. Knew nothing about this problem until after we bought it. Was told it would be fixed very quickly and in the meantime to accept a Tom Tom stuck on our windscreen as a temporary measure. Didn't spend all that money to have wires dangling everywhere and after 8 months we are still no closer to getting it fixed. I believe that there are over 500 people in the same position and I for one are wondering if this will ever get fixed before the warranty runs out. I was thinking of approaching one of the legal firms that specialise in class actions. Does anybody else have thoughts on this.
Dave
What Ford? Just got a new Ranger and all works well.
My husband has just submitted an enquiry with Fair Trading Australia. He has also made contact with Fiat Australia on a number of occasions regarding this issue. Perhaps if others do the same, this may give them more ammunition to put pressure on Fiat in Europe, as Fiat Australia are indicating that it is Europe that seems to be the problem.
I think it's absolutely disgraceful that a company as large as Chrysler ( they own Fiat ) can muck people around for so long and don't seem to care. Dave
Sorry, I can't remember. I'm guessing it's probably 6 or more years old, and I think it's a 3.6L V6 turbo automatic.
ISTR a case where a European Jeep owner hacked his GPS to install his own maps, so the problem is not unique to Australia.
I wonder what his reasoning was. I've been told some owners have found ways to install Hema maps in the system and I'm trying to find more info to do the same but no luck so far.
Sorry for going off topic.
-- Edited by Bryan on Wednesday 9th of December 2015 12:47:29 PM
If you can find out how they installed the maps Bryan I'll give you my next born son as payment LOL
Dave
I'm not sure it was a Jeep, but it was definitely a US RV that was imported into Europe. The owner was left with the problem of replacing the North American maps with European ones. He did it by hacking the storage medium which was either a hard drive or a flash based device. The same principle might be applicable to the Ducato GPS. I'd be very surprised if nobody has already done this. It's not the same thing, but I hacked a cheap Aldi GPS that shipped with Route66 software and NAVTEQ maps. I turned it into a Windows CE device and was able to run Tom Tom software and maps, plus two other GPS software.
Not sure if Ford actually marketed a 3.6L V6 turbo automatic in Australia. I think GM did.
I was close ...
I have had Garmins in the past & still have one on my Spyder. The beauty is I can plug my Garmin in my PC and plan a trip from my PC and download it to the GPS. Not easily done on an in-car one.
I'm off the original topic now, but a portable GPS with a large screen and that you can set up at your desk is much better (IMHO) than the fitted one. And I believe that you can use the portable GPS as a display for a rear view camera.
Thanks everybody. Good suggestions. The only reason I'm so snakey with Fiat is the inbuilt Gps is not only voice activated but it is updated via satellite with your input. So it was a very useful thing to have. IF IT WORKED. Dave
Will do. Thanks
Dave
Just got an answer from my secret agent at Fiat. He said don't expect it to be fixed any time soon despite what they say to shut you up. Why is this such a problem. Got to be more in it than what we know.
Dave
I had the same problem with a Navman marine GPS about 12 years ago,,, very expensive colour job,,,,,, could buy maps on SD card at first,,, had boat down South,,, no cards available with southern states waters.
I think it was a licensing/cost issue as it's easy to copy the data to cards etc.
The money trail will normally provide the answer IMHO.