GPS - but how?

[imallcrawl]

This is exactly why built-in navigation isn’t as great as people make it seem. Google or Apple Maps will always be up to date. Your jeep won’t.

True. Google maps on my android has never let me down, although sometimes the directions are kinda stupid.

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[imallcrawl]

I was able to select OnX through my Apple Car Play and have it shown on my dash unit just like Maps on my phone nav,

Did you just use bluetooth to connect or USB and if USB, did you have to leave it plugged in?

 

[MT1]

"But hey, that still leaves me wondering why did my other vehicles with GPS require internet? Without it the dang thing would've even turn on."

Huh? That sounds like their "GPS" was really A-GPS (assisted GPS), the same as you have on your iPhone or Android standard maps. That flavor of GPS relied on location services and cell tower locations to figure out the location, rather entirely the GPS satellites. There were apps to install that would use the GPS satellites.

The GPS in our Mazda is a discrete GPS, the same as our stand-alone Garmin and the unit in the JTR. There are semi-annual updates for the Garmin and Mazda, purchased 2015 and 2016.

Hmm, I should check if there is an update for the JTR.

Edit - Wow! Only $99 to update to the 2024 maps, when we are halfway through 2025.

 

[DBravo]

The GPS maps are saved on an internal hard drive. There's a GPS receiver somewhere (maybe embedded in the windshield but not sure) that receives a signal and relays that to the map. I'm about 90% sure this is how it works.

As for the hotspot, I'm pretty sure they stopped this service a few yrs ago. I got my JT in 2021 and they stopped shortly thereafter.

GPS Receiver is on top of the crossbar above the speaker sound bar. You can see it if/when you remove the roof.

 

[jav_eee]

But when you are lost somewhere in the boonies with no cell service, the phone has no maps and no directions while the built-in nav does. Been there. That is about the only time I use the nav system in any of my vehicles, though.

I have actual AAA printed maps for some areas as a second backup, for nostalgia, and to see the whole map on a much larger "screen" than a phone or the UConnect (only when parked, of course).

Except he was talking about city streets, not being in the boonies.

 

[jav_eee]

Is that true of the 24s and 25s using TomTom?

It’s usually only true of mapping systems that update once a year by means of an SD card or file download that you have to purchase.

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

The GPS receivers built into late model vehicles, like the JT: Make Garmins GPS such as the old ETrex and current watches a mild joke.
GPS tracking does not need internet.
Some current GPS receivers could possibly upload new maps into your data dashboard for new maps.

Thieves cut the battery and disable the GPS before taking the stolen vehicle into Mexico or a loading dock towards Somalia.

 

[jav_eee]

Thieves cut the battery and disable the GPS before taking the stolen vehicle into Mexico or a loading dock towards Somalia.

Weird fantasy to have…

I live on the border and at some point, just recently, cartels decided they wanted gladiators. Some days there were 15 in one month in just one city. As seen here https://www.krgv.com/news/brownsville-police-department-warns-of-string-of-jeep-gladiator-thefts/

They are not disabling the GPS before driving into Mexico. As seen here https://myrgv.com/featured/2025/04/...app-tracks-stolen-vehicle-to-progreso-bridge/

 

[ShadowsPapa]

It’s usually only true of mapping systems that update once a year by means of an SD card or file download that you have to purchase.

I wonder if this is for 24/25 model years. I know those are a lot different than prior years, easier and even OTA for some. (or if it applies to the JT)

https://jeep.welcome.naviextras.com/how-to-update.php

 

[RubiAR]

I also have the full NAV 8.4 in my 22 and wish I could install OnX Offroad into it.

I had it it briefly as a trial subscription on my phone and it linked thru Android Auto on my '23. If I paid for the subscription I pretty sure I could use it again. As far as installing it, I didn't there would be a need to. I was under the impression with it used thru Android Auto, it just piggy backs off of the GPS on the truck as an overlay, since on most BOH trails, you will not have cell service (I didn't at Hot Springs). Maybe I'm wrong... I might pay for it right before I go back to the trails next time and see how it does.

 

[Jteakus]

Did you just use bluetooth to connect or USB and if USB, did you have to leave it plugged in?

USB, plugged in
Let me know if you can't figure it out and I'll walk you through it.

 

[MikeNH]

But when you are lost somewhere in the boonies with no cell service, the phone has no maps and no directions while the built-in nav does. Been there. That is about the only time I use the nav system in any of my vehicles, though.

I have actual AAA printed maps for some areas as a second backup, for nostalgia, and to see the whole map on a much larger "screen" than a phone or the UConnect (only when parked, of course).

I have the entire northeast saved to my phone for this reason on Apple Maps. Google allows the same. Even brand new factory nav is hopelessly outdated.

 

[Verne]

Correct me if I'm wrong but real time traffic data comes from open sources via your radio signal.

 

[rj74]

can't believe that was a serious question, I know that sounds rude, but for decades cars have had GPs that did not require any internet signal.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

can't believe that was a serious question, I know that sounds rude, but for decades cars have had GPs that did not require any internet signal.

That "aquiring satellites" message on my old Chevy meant something?

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