Questions about the update process seem to crop up from time to time. I thought it would be a good idea to consolidate all of the relevant information in one place.
What the upgrade does:-
The CD70 unit, like most other electronic equipment these days, contains software which may be updated by the manufacturer to add new functions or improve reliability of the system.
The latest software for the CD70 makes the following changes:-
1. Can now zoom into 60yards on the map scale
2. When low fuel it tries to find nearest petrol garage.
3. (Not so much a new feature) - spelling mistake corrected when Navi is active (Was 'Menue', now 'Menu'!)
4. When showing the map you had to select a different view if you wanted to see the junctions closer up. With the new one when approaching a turn off you need it automatically shows the direction until the turn made and then goes back to the map view
5. Display of the title of MP3 tracks is longer
6. Option of Aux In on the Volume Settings now
7. Motorway Navigation prompts have changed. The junction number is now given when advising to take an exit from a motorway.
Do I need to update the firmware?
Updating the firmware on any piece of equipment can be risky, and can lead to the device becoming inoperative if something goes wrong. If the CD70 is working OK for you, then an update may not be necessary.
Others have reported problems (here) whilst updating, but this is often due to using a copy of the update disc downloaded from the web. ALWAYS use an original disc from Vx to perform the update. The CD70 contains a 'bootloader' (a small piece of the operating software that does not get overwritten) which allows the unit to read an update CD and recover itself even if the rest of the memory gets corrupted or wiped. Recovery of dead CD70's with an original update CD has been reported, but it is best not to find yourself in this situation to begin with.
How do I check which software version I currently have?
You need to enter the display 'testmode' to bring up information about the current version of software in the CD70. Do this by switching on the head unit, then pressing and holding the 'Settings' button for about 10 seconds until a bong is heard over the speakers. The display will confirm that testmode is active. Now press the 'Audio' key to the bottom left of the central control knob until the screen titled 'Software' appears.
![Image]()
The date that I have highlighted with the red box (top left corner) is the date of the firmware currently loaded into the CD70 (I took this picture after I had performed an update - it is the most up-to-date version of the software that is available) My update disc is release 10/2007, and was ordered from Vx last week.
Note:- All colour display screenshots were from a Signum. The Astra should be the same, if not very similar.
What do I need to carry out the update?
First of all, you will need a firmware update disc from Vauxhall. This is available for about £5.50+VAT. The part number is 13294646.
This disc is NOT the same as the map discs. It will not give you the latest maps for your CD70. For this you require a Navteq map disc - they are much more expensive from Vauxhall. Cheaper, genuine discs are often available on eBay.
Oh, and a little patience - the update can take 15 inutes or so.
How do I carry out the update?
Once you have got hold of an ORIGINAL update CD (have I mentioned before to only use an original disc? ), remove all other discs from the CD70 (Navi and audio CD's). Switch on the ignition (dash lights come on, but do not start the engine). Insert the update disc into the 'NAVI' (lower) slot on the head unit.
![Image]()
After a few seconds, a screen will appear which confirms the current version of software loaded on the CD70, and the version of the software on the CD.
![Image]()
Use the central control knob to select start if you wish to progress with the update. From this point on, it is imperative that the ignition is not switched on or off, or the head unit is not disturbed in any way.
![Image]()
After a few seconds and a bit of whirring from the CD player, the update process starts.
![Image]()
The progress indicator counts up (slowly).
![Image]()
Once it reaches 100%, you should see this message.
![Image]()
It will eject the update CD - remove it before the unit restarts, or it will pull the CD back in and start the update process again. Don't panic if this does happen, just wait until the software version screen appears (which should now show the same date on the CD and in the head unit) then select 'Cancel'. The disc will be ejected again.
If all went well, your head unit should be functioning normally again. Radio stations will have to be tuned in again, but all sat nav memories such as recent addresses and stored favourites should remain.
If the update was not successful (head unit did not restart after getting to 100% on the progress indicator), try reinserting the update CD and try the update process again.
If the update failed part-way through, leave the system alone for as long as possible just in case the update is being slow for some reason. If after an hour or so the progress indicator has not advanced, remove power to the head unit to reset it, then power up again to see if the update process will re-commence.
If the head unit will still not respond, try going into test mode as described above, keep pressing 'Audio' until the 'Bootloader' screen appears on the display. Select 'Reset Radio EEPROM', then retry the update procedure.
** Be aware that I have not had to try this part of the process. If you have a bricked CD70 that is otherwise beyond help, then it may well get it going again. Conversely, it could cause very bad things to happen :twisted: **
![Image]()
I hope this clears up some of the questions that are commonly asked about this process. If anyone has any more information that they feel should be added, please let me know and I will update the post accordingly.
Happy updating! :thumbs:
What the upgrade does:-
The CD70 unit, like most other electronic equipment these days, contains software which may be updated by the manufacturer to add new functions or improve reliability of the system.
The latest software for the CD70 makes the following changes:-
1. Can now zoom into 60yards on the map scale
2. When low fuel it tries to find nearest petrol garage.
3. (Not so much a new feature) - spelling mistake corrected when Navi is active (Was 'Menue', now 'Menu'!)
4. When showing the map you had to select a different view if you wanted to see the junctions closer up. With the new one when approaching a turn off you need it automatically shows the direction until the turn made and then goes back to the map view
5. Display of the title of MP3 tracks is longer
6. Option of Aux In on the Volume Settings now
7. Motorway Navigation prompts have changed. The junction number is now given when advising to take an exit from a motorway.
Do I need to update the firmware?
Updating the firmware on any piece of equipment can be risky, and can lead to the device becoming inoperative if something goes wrong. If the CD70 is working OK for you, then an update may not be necessary.
Others have reported problems (here) whilst updating, but this is often due to using a copy of the update disc downloaded from the web. ALWAYS use an original disc from Vx to perform the update. The CD70 contains a 'bootloader' (a small piece of the operating software that does not get overwritten) which allows the unit to read an update CD and recover itself even if the rest of the memory gets corrupted or wiped. Recovery of dead CD70's with an original update CD has been reported, but it is best not to find yourself in this situation to begin with.
How do I check which software version I currently have?
You need to enter the display 'testmode' to bring up information about the current version of software in the CD70. Do this by switching on the head unit, then pressing and holding the 'Settings' button for about 10 seconds until a bong is heard over the speakers. The display will confirm that testmode is active. Now press the 'Audio' key to the bottom left of the central control knob until the screen titled 'Software' appears.
The date that I have highlighted with the red box (top left corner) is the date of the firmware currently loaded into the CD70 (I took this picture after I had performed an update - it is the most up-to-date version of the software that is available) My update disc is release 10/2007, and was ordered from Vx last week.
Note:- All colour display screenshots were from a Signum. The Astra should be the same, if not very similar.
What do I need to carry out the update?
First of all, you will need a firmware update disc from Vauxhall. This is available for about £5.50+VAT. The part number is 13294646.
This disc is NOT the same as the map discs. It will not give you the latest maps for your CD70. For this you require a Navteq map disc - they are much more expensive from Vauxhall. Cheaper, genuine discs are often available on eBay.
Oh, and a little patience - the update can take 15 inutes or so.
How do I carry out the update?
Once you have got hold of an ORIGINAL update CD (have I mentioned before to only use an original disc?
), remove all other discs from the CD70 (Navi and audio CD's). Switch on the ignition (dash lights come on, but do not start the engine). Insert the update disc into the 'NAVI' (lower) slot on the head unit.
After a few seconds, a screen will appear which confirms the current version of software loaded on the CD70, and the version of the software on the CD.
Use the central control knob to select start if you wish to progress with the update. From this point on, it is imperative that the ignition is not switched on or off, or the head unit is not disturbed in any way.
After a few seconds and a bit of whirring from the CD player, the update process starts.
The progress indicator counts up (slowly).
Once it reaches 100%, you should see this message.
It will eject the update CD - remove it before the unit restarts, or it will pull the CD back in and start the update process again. Don't panic if this does happen, just wait until the software version screen appears (which should now show the same date on the CD and in the head unit) then select 'Cancel'. The disc will be ejected again.
If all went well, your head unit should be functioning normally again. Radio stations will have to be tuned in again, but all sat nav memories such as recent addresses and stored favourites should remain.
If the update was not successful (head unit did not restart after getting to 100% on the progress indicator), try reinserting the update CD and try the update process again.
If the update failed part-way through, leave the system alone for as long as possible just in case the update is being slow for some reason. If after an hour or so the progress indicator has not advanced, remove power to the head unit to reset it, then power up again to see if the update process will re-commence.
If the head unit will still not respond, try going into test mode as described above, keep pressing 'Audio' until the 'Bootloader' screen appears on the display. Select 'Reset Radio EEPROM', then retry the update procedure.
** Be aware that I have not had to try this part of the process. If you have a bricked CD70 that is otherwise beyond help, then it may well get it going again. Conversely, it could cause very bad things to happen :twisted: **
I hope this clears up some of the questions that are commonly asked about this process. If anyone has any more information that they feel should be added, please let me know and I will update the post accordingly.
Happy updating! :thumbs:
