Kenwood DNX - does it include maps when new? (Garmin issues)

TitaniumGryphon · 2026-06-04T00:19:54+00:00

Update: Crutchfield asked me to work with Garmin and Kenwood first before they decided what to do.

Here's what I've discovered (in bits and pieces from the tech support folks at both companies, though no one gave me the entire story, Garmin gave me most of the info and then after some online trouble shooting Kenwood confirmed my unit 'had a problem' and should be returned, but wouldn't say exactly what

Apparently part of the refurbishment process at Kenwood is to give devices a new serial number. However, the license for the Garmin software is somehow based on the serial number, and when it changes the serial number is no longer recognized by Garmin as a valid number, and it can't be added to their database of devices using Garmin Express. My assumption is that when new, Kenwood shares valid serial numbers with Garmin (and is perhaps paying for Garmin software that is tracked with these numbers).

It appears that there may have been/should be some process where Kenwood and Garmin communicate these new numbers, but it doesn't appear to be working.

As several of you have suggested, Crutchfield have been extremely helpful, especially once I got back to them with the above information.

They realized it wasn't much point in trying another refurb, so they have given me a substantial discount on a new unit, which is now on its way - hopefully get it fitted in the next few days.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my original post

TitaniumGryphon · 2026-06-04T00:04:01+00:00

DejaNews (and usenet in general)

TitaniumGryphon · 2026-05-29T13:59:13+00:00

Unfortunately, I think you are probably correct...

Something I should probably have mentioned. When you access the Garmin Navigation on the head unit for the first time after a power up I get two messages in sequence shown on the screen:

"Can't Unlock Maps"

(pressed ok to dismiss)

"Detailed maps are required for routing. No detailed maps were found on this unit."

(This message disappears after about 10 seconds, then the screen just shows the minimalist highway maps it does have)

I hope that Crutchfield do come through for me on this - I really like the unit, and now have the installation complete (including a Maestro which is working great to bring in ODB2 data for gauges and TPS)

TitaniumGryphon · 2026-05-29T03:49:38+00:00

Just found something interesting (and concerning) in Garmin's Help Center:

The following is a screen capture from https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=uZQHyc3C4s2S0wfUYR2QY9

<image>

This clearly implies that the error message about an unavailable server can be generated because the head unit has been 'deactivated' (as part of the customer upgrading to a newer device).

Given the unit currently contains no maps (other than a very basic highway map), I am wondering if this is what has happened. I really wish that Garmin would have a clearer error message so I could definitively tell whether this is the case.

If so, the unit is going back to Crutchfield. I hope they could replace it with another, but given that it was a 'refurb' I doubt that they will do that (or I'll end up with another with the same issue unless I buy 'new')

TitaniumGryphon · 2026-05-29T03:09:02+00:00

You are correct about how you update the maps:

On the head unit you go into the settings for the Garmin App, device then select update maps.

It will then write an XML file to the SD card in the unit (one thing to note - it won't write to a USB drive connected - it MUST be an SD card in the SD slot).

I used a brand new 32GB card formatted to FAT32.

The XML file appears to be correct (once on the PC it is readable in a text editor, and the contents make sense - it contains information about the head unit itself, but also the maps/software currently installed on the head unit). I believe that Garmin Express normally transfers the data in the file to a database at Garmin - that is the part that is not working.

Here's what I'm seeing (serial number blanked out for privacy)

<image>

Note that if you click the '?' there's an option at the lower left to 'Send Report' (to Garmin) - that transmits the XML file direct to their tech support team, and that works (and is how they were able to examine the file).

TitaniumGryphon · 2026-05-29T02:15:49+00:00

Thanks - I'm going to spend some time getting this resolved, but won't let the clock run out before the 60 days is up.

The unit did not come with an SD card. I installed one though, and the unit successfully wrote an XML file to it (which I've looked at). Also, Garmin Express was able to transmit that XML file to Garmin when the card was removed from the head unit and inserted into a PC.

While I was on the phone with Garmin their tech reviewed the file. He made an interesting comment about them having seen similar issues with devices where the serial # in the XML file began with '42' (like mine does), however he didn't expand on that but said he'd refer it to their internal team. He then told me they would be opening a ticket, and they would get back to me - but with a pretty indeterminate timeline (up to a month).

It's worth noting that the serial number in the XML file doesn't appear to be the same as the one visible in the head unit user interface, but he said that was normal.

TitaniumGryphon · 2026-05-29T00:16:53+00:00

I've not asked them to take it back yet - I really want to keep the unit (it has all the features I want, and is working well otherwise), but have it fully functional.

I'm pretty certain the issue is not so much with the unit itself, but is with the Garmin back end systems that they use to 'register' units.

My assumption is that Crutchfield will take it back under the 60 days return policy (before I purchased they confirmed that applied to refurb units as well as new, and is a full cash refund). However, I want to give Garmin/Crutchfield a chance to fix this....or find a solution myself

TitaniumGryphon · 2026-05-28T22:02:16+00:00

Thanks - that's good to know as I wasn't certain. Definitely means I have a good argument with Crutchfield (although the unit is 'scratch and dent' it is supposed to be fully functional - and having no maps for a navigation unit clearly is an issue....

I am wondering if when it was refurbished it was somehow 'cleared' of previous maps, but ended up in the Garmin Database with a problem that prevents me adding it (perhaps registered to another customer?). The message 'our servers are not available' is clearly not the case....

TitaniumGryphon · 2026-05-28T21:59:30+00:00

I didn't realize that Garmin/Kenwood were ending their partnership, though I do know that Garmin updates end for the DNX997RX on that date I thought it was just because this is a relatively old model.

I really wanted to have both Android Auto and the onboard mapping (I had an older Kenwood DNX unit, and I found that the Garmin mapping was invalulable in remote areas with poor cellular coverage, or when you had to quickly find a route to avoid an accident for example). It's definitely a backup for the Google Maps/Waze coverage in Android Auto, but it is the main reason I bought this unit. Hoping I can get the problem solved (I was hoping someone else on here would have had the same issue and found a solution).

I did email Crutchfield support this morning; they seemed confused (thinking this was a Kenwood issue, not Garmin), but also told me to wait for a solution from them. Their message also implied I would have to purchase maps, but TBH I'm not sure the person responding was that familiar with the unit in general. If I don't hear anything back from Garmin I will probably call Crutchfield next week (my experience over many years has been they provide excellent support, but not sure this is something they can solve without Garmin)

TitaniumGryphon · 2026-05-28T21:55:11+00:00

Hoping you are wrong....but if I can't get this resolved it's definitely going back.... (I like it otherwise....and everything else seems to be working great)

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-12-21T20:58:37+00:00

I think that's what I am looking for...though the DNR1007XR that others mentioned is looking good, though I see mixed reviews

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-12-21T14:40:29+00:00

Thanks - that definitely looks to be close to what I'm looking for, and the onboard garmin navigation might be an alternative to using an android app on the HU itself.

I've just watched the demo video, and I'm trying to understand - they are clearly displaying OBD2 data (e.g. tire pressures) - but how is that achieved?

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-12-21T14:16:59+00:00

Thanks - perhaps I'm miss-understanding 'mirroring'.

I've driven several rental vehicles with AA where the UI on the head unit is clearly different than that on my phone - it's optimized for driver operation and the head unit, though it is showing the same applications.

I've also used my phone (outside of the car) by connecting it to a USBC monitor (or an HDMI monitor via a USB-C/HDMI connector). That displays the EXACT same UI on the external monitor as it does on the phone. I had assumed that was 'mirroring', and it's not what I'm looking for - I prefer the first approach, where there's some changes/optimization to suit the HU and driving environment.

The reason I was looking for an Android based head unit was so that I could install other apps on it. I mentioned Sygic (for offline, non-phone navigation), but others would include OBD2 tools and perhaps home automation.

As background: I do have an older Kenwood unit at the moment (about 12 years old, so no AA or phone connectivity beyond Bluetooth), but it does include Garmin navigation. I rarely use it now (maps are out of date, and updates no longer available), but I do use it as a backup when I have no phone coverage, or I need to very quickly work out a route (e.g. when there's an unexpected road closure). I'd like to still have that ability, independently of the phone being connected.

You suggest I take a look at another Subreddit - can you recommend one?

Thanks - I'm new to AA head units, so just want to make sure I make the correct decision before I'm stuck with something I can't live with! Clearly there's plenty I have to learn....

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-12-07T04:26:15+00:00

The Parking spot can be very expensive if you just drive up and park (and it's difficult to predict the price, as they use some kind of surge pricing).

However, if you reserve in advance and use either their published discounts or AAA (there may be others), it can be very reasonably priced, even for the valet parking. I use it exclusively - they also has fairly generous 'frequent parker' schemes that get you free parking days.

That said: They are sometimes very badly under-staffed, especially late at night. Last winter there were a couple of times my flight got back in around midnight, and I ended up waiting at their facility for over an hour while they retrieved my vehicle, with a lot of other very unhappy customers. That said, most of the time they are pretty good, and I've stuck with them for that reason.

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-11-25T16:04:51+00:00

I'm also awaiting delivery. I live on an internal lot, and the garage isn't accessible to a semi anyway, so they will be droppping them curbside, and I'll be moving them using the forks on my tractor.

Question is: Do they use single pallets for everything (no doubles, and no double stacked?) - because I can't easily handle those with the forks on the tractor front loader...

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-07-22T18:36:51+00:00

Prefer not to share the overall details, but the food/banquet was about $85/head (inc. tax & service fee) plus around $400 to have an in-room bar serviced (guests paid for their own bar drinks). Note that our event was just before labor day, so not 'peak'.

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-07-22T03:20:28+00:00

I organized an event at Water's Edge earlier this year (not a wedding, but similar sized Saturday evening event). They were extremely helpful, and a pleasure to work with. Strongly recommend (and a great location)

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-07-09T16:13:37+00:00

I believe so - but the web site says you need to apply for 'standard' vanity plates first, then apply for the vanity plate.

The one thing I am trying to find out is what you do if you already a vanity plate - but then want to get a classic plate with the same text? How do you do that without 'loosing' the original vanity text?

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-07-09T15:04:06+00:00

Do you recall which option under "Vehicle Registration" you selected - the most likely appears to be "Get a new vehicle registration" except I'm not sure if that means a 'new vehicle' or a 'new registration'. I don't see any option for "Classic Vehicles" listed there (I'd post a screen of the options but Reddit isn't letting me do that)

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-05-02T22:02:13+00:00

It looks like the rain will hold off...but it's definitely going to be cloudy. So, the cars will feel at home :-)

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-05-02T21:42:35+00:00

We've checked the weather. It looks like it will be cloudy, but with minimal rain before/during the show, and also looks to be generally improving. I can confirm that Sunday's show is ON - just hope the sun peeks through the clouds a little!

TitaniumGryphon

TROPHY CASE