Enable features in your nuvi 12xx, 13xx and 14xx - JCV, LA, TTS

dvazg · 31st January 2011, 10:56 PM

ENABLE HIDDEN FEATURES IN YOUR NÜVI 12XX, 13XX AND 14XX. Lane assist, junctionview, speed limit indicator.

Preamble:
Garmin 1xxx series nuvi models have different features enabled, even within sub-series. For instance, 1100 has none of the features enabled in other models including TTS [Text to Speech] therefore it cannot speak street names ['Turn left on Elm Street']. 1200 and early issue 1300 have TTS, but do not display SLI [Speed Limit Indicator], LA [Lane Assist] or JCV [Junction View], although some later issue regional 'base' models such as 1300 may already have additional features enabled. This procedure will work on all 1xxx units regardless of their origin and localisation provided they use US/EU firmware. This Tutorial is not meant for Asian firmware units which have different HWID [hardware id numbers]. Senior models have all features enabled by default and this flash cannot benefit them. Check your Splash version by going to the Inventory Page. On the 'Where To?'/'Map' screen, hold the battery symbol in the top RH corner firmly for about 5-6 seconds, then press Next>Start Test>More. Look at the field beside 'Splash' to see the current number [D1340-xx]. If the last two digits [xx] are below 50 we can enable something. If it's already 50 or 65, go find something constructive to do, 'cos we can't enable any further features. This tut uses splash version D1340-50 from the senior US/EU models to enable features in junior models.

This tutorial explains how to turn your nuvi 11xx, 12xx, 13xx or 14xx into device with full support for TTS, JCV, LA & SLI. This tutorial is made for flashing units with 6.10, 6.20 or 6.30 unit software [firmware]. If you have different firmware, please update your nüvi first to V6.30 with GarminExpress or preferably use WebUpdater. Regardless of whether you flash with 6.10 or 6.20 kits you should then after the flash update to latest full 6.30 software anyway.

EDIT: See also base of post for easy SD method!.

This procedure tested working with WIN XP computers. If using Vista or Win7 and Updater.exe will not recognize the device to be flashed then set compatibility mode to XP and run it as administrator or find an older PC running XP in the unlikely event that a later OSs won't run it.

Hard reset or clear nonvol before flashing. Make a backup of your favourites if you intend to restore them later.

This tutorial is result of cooperation with lolypop000, credit goes to him!

Use this tutorial at your own risks! Use the same version as your current software, if unsure update first and use latest version of this flash. * Do not continue to flash if you are getting weird errors! *

Before flashing, you should check if you have MTK chipset in your device. In that case, use lower links (they are appropriately tagged).
How to check which chipset I have? Enter diagnostic menu by pressing battery icon for 5 seconds, press "next", then "start test" and "more". The first 3 entries show which chipset you have:
-regular chipsets in Europe and US: B0971 (for 12xx series) and B0972 (for 13xx/14xx series).
-MTK chipsets: B1104 (for 13xx/14xx series) and B1106 (for 12xx series).

Method:

Connect nüvi to computer, enter .System folder, and remove gupdate.gcd file if present. You should make a backup copy. This step is very important, if you skip it, it will not work! If you can't see the .System folder, enable "Show hidden and System files and folders" in Windows Folder Options. Safely disconnect the device.
Download update files + updater.exe for appropriate version of your nüvi (links are below). Rename the folder into short name (e.g. "updater" - see post 68). Desktop is a convenient place for updater folder. Open the folder, drag the *.rgn file onto Updater.exe to open the GUI. Click the radio button next to 'USB Device' and leave the GUI window visible on your desktop
Now enter the nüvi's pre-boot mode. Start with device fully OFF [not in standby], press and hold the upper left hand corner of screen then connect your nüvi to PC by USB [use a rear port rather than a front one, never an external hub], press 'OK' on Updater's GUI immediately the device details appear in the window adjacent to 'USB Device' [or hit the Enter key on your KB], and keep pressing the corner until Loader/Software Loader appears on screen. If unsure, just hold it for the entire process.

NOTE: If the flash isn't started within ~30 seconds of preboot, the device will default to the white 'Press dot' screen calibration. If that occurs, calibrate the screen using a soft pencil tip or stylus, allow it to boot, turn off and re-enter pre-boot mode.

Alternative method:

Do Step 1 above.
Enter the device's diagnostic mode by pressing battery icon on main screen for ~5 seconds, then connect USB cable to computer. Allow windows to recognize "new" hardware. In this approach, you can verify that your device is connected in Device Manager of computer - it will show a "Garmin device" connected, but it won't be detected as a hard disk (mass storage) in Disk Management. No need to press corner or hurry with this method, the unit will stay in pre-boot mode indefinitely awaiting the flash.
Drag rgn file onto Updater.exe, enable USB connection, click OK when device details appear and it will recognize your device and start update.

The process will take a short time to finish with either method you choose - Don't interrupt it.

Notes 1. The appropriate .rgn file should be in the same directory as updater.exe. 2. If during the process you see a message asking whether you really wish to update as the new version is the same as the old one, just click 'Yes'.

11xx will need to have TTS voice files added for spoken street names to work. Don't forget to put JCV files into appropriate directories. Hard reset the unit preferably both before and after the flash. This procedure need be used only once - afterwards, with regular firmware updates, these features remain functional.

Feedback & suggestions are welcome!

EDIT: See also base of post for easy SD method!.

Originally Posted by lolypop000

Nuvi 12xx FW 6.20 (971)

Spoiler: CLICK

Nuvi 12xx FW 6.20 MTK (1106)

Spoiler: CLICK

Nuvi 13xx/14xx FW 6.20 (972)

Spoiler: CLICK

Nuvi 13xx/14xx FW 6.20 MTK (1104)

Spoiler: CLICK

Enable future over SD (Full credits to acleite)

Spoiler: CLICK

Updates for FW v. 6.20 For both non-MTK & MTK chipsets, and acleite's SD method in lolypop000's post [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

NOTE:

Originally Posted by lolypop000

When this tutorial was writen,only some 14xx nuvi have JCV enabled but not all.

D1340-50 is default for US,EU

D1340-65 is defaiut for Asia

50 and 65 unlock JCV future in EU,US nuvi.

Easy method by Acleite with sd [V6.1] [V6.2 SD card files in lolypop000's post above]

Originally Posted by acleite

Hello friends!
To make easier to beginners I made one AIO (All in One) version for these firmwares to be installed via SD card.
Only one download, and works for all models of this topic, even with MTK chipset.

(all FW version 6.10, includes HWID 971, 972, 1104 and 1106)
He makes a backup of the original region 16 and then apply the modified one to gps.
Just extract the contents of this zip in the root of SD card and restart the gps.
That's it!

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
or attached.

LATEST VERSION 6.30 SD PACK IN [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]:

Originally Posted by lolypop000

Updated Acleite pack to version 6.30

*Remember to firstly remove gupdate.gcd file [if present] from .System folder whether you use pre-boot or SD card method*