Principles of Operation: Navigation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Ford Mustang. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The navigation module is integrated in the ACM and controls the operation and the interface between the user, the vehicle subsystems, and the external components. The navigation module communicates with other vehicle systems via the MS-CAN and can be diagnosed with a scan tool. When installing a new ACM, programmable module installation (PMI) is required.

The vehicle navigation system guides the user to a pre-entered destination. A navigation map DVD stored in the navigation module sends route calculation data to the ACM. The ACM audibly and visually instructs the user of the maneuvers required to arrive at the destination entered.

In order to calculate the initial vehicle position, the global positioning system (GPS) antenna is used to track several available satellites simultaneously. The GPS antenna only receives data and does not communicate with the satellites. A gyroscope, integral to the navigation module, monitors the pitch and yaw of the vehicle created during cornering or turning. Vehicle speed and reverse signals received through the MS-CAN are also used to detect vehicle speed and direction changes.