This firmware update (version 1.06) applies only to the following model of Pioneer products sold in the United States and Canada.
AVIC-5201NEXImportant Information
Please download and print these firmware update instructions before downloading and installing the firmware update. It is important that you complete all steps correctly and in the order described below. Be aware that this update requires a two-part update.
If you have any questions, please contact Pioneer Customer Service toll free at 1-800-421-1404, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM (Pacific Time), excluding holidays, or by email through parts.pioneerelectronics.com/contact.
Requirements
In order to perform this update, the following items are needed:
- Pioneer AVIC-5201NEX In-Dash Navigation AV Receiver.
- Blank (does not contain any files) USB storage device 2 GB or larger in capacity, formatted to FAT32.
Cautions and Important Notes
CAUTION
- DO NOT turn your unit off or disconnect the USB storage device while the firmware is being updated.
- You can only update the firmware when the vehicle is stopped and the parking brake is engaged.
IMPORTANT
- When this firmware update is installed, all navigation function settings will be reset and saved data will no longer be available. Once the update has finished, you will need to reconfigure the settings.
- Any content purchased and added through Naviextras will also need to be re-installed. Note that no charges will be incurred to download previously purchased content.
Checking the Firmware Version on Your Unit
Check whether the firmware of your unit needs to be updated by checking the version number of the firmware.
Procedure:
- Press the HOME button to display the Top menu screen.
- Touch the following keys in the following order:
[settings-icon]
➡️ [system-icon]
. The "System" screen appears. - Scroll down the list on the "System" screen.
- Touch
[System Information]
. - Touch
[Firmware Information]
. - After the "Firmware Information" screen appears, check the firmware version number.
- Verify that the firmware version on your unit is not already 1.06.
Checking the Bluetooth Software Version
Check whether the firmware of your unit needs to be updated by checking the version number of the firmware.
Procedure:
- Press the HOME button to display the Top menu screen.
- Touch the following keys in the following order:
[settings-icon]
➡️ [bluetooth-icon]
. The "Bluetooth" screen appears. - Touch
[Bluetooth Version Information]
. - The version of this product's Bluetooth device appears. Verify that the version of Bluetooth device is not already 03.41.13.
Downloading the Firmware Update Files
Download the firmware update files by clicking on the following link and finding your product:
pioneerelectronics.com/firmware
Extract the downloaded zip file. The decompressed file will contain a subfolder named "AVICAVH16". This is the folder that needs to be transferred to your USB drive.
Updating the Firmware on Your Unit
Part 1: Updating the System Firmware
IMPORTANT:
- DO NOT perform this firmware update if the model number of your Pioneer product is anything other than "AVIC-5201NEX".
- Ensure that the update file is located within the root (top) folder of your USB storage device. There should be no other files on the USB storage device.
- While your unit is being updated, DO NOT turn off the system's power and DO NOT touch the unit's touchscreen, as this may result in severe damage to your unit.
- DO NOT remove the USB storage device during the firmware update process.
- Performing the firmware update will restore all settings to their default values.
- Disconnect any external mobile devices that are currently connected to your unit before starting the update.
Procedure:
- Connect a blank (formatted) USB storage device to your computer, then locate the correct update file and copy it onto the USB storage device.
- Connect the USB storage device to the USB port on your unit.
- Turn the source off on your unit.
- Press the HOME button to display the Top menu screen.
- Touch the following keys in the following order:
[settings-icon]
➡️ [system-icon]
. The "System" screen appears. - Scroll down the list on the "System" screen.
- Touch
[System Information]
. - Touch
[Firmware Update]
. The "Firmware Update" screen appears. - Touch
[Continue]
to display the data transfer mode. The screen will prompt: "Please connect a USB flash drive or SD card containing ONLY the correct update file, then press 'Continue' to begin." - Wait for the file check to complete. The screen will display "Reading... Please wait for a while."
- Touch
[Start]
. A WARNING screen will appear detailing important precautions:- DO NOT DISCONNECT USB DURING UPDATE
- DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR DURING UPDATE
- DO NOT TURN OFF THE ENGINE DURING UPDATE
- DO NOT RESET THE PRODUCT DURING UPDATE
- The progress status will be shown on the screen (e.g., "Updating. 41% Version: 1.03 -> 1.03"). If the update is aborted by power failure, repower the product and wait for its auto recovery. Do not disconnect USB memory, drive the car, turn off the engine, or reset the product during recovery.
- Wait until the update process is complete. The unit will display the "Update Complete!" screen, showing the version change (e.g., "Version: x.XX -> X.XX"). It will instruct to "Press 'HOME' to reset the product."
- Press the HOME button.
- Remove the USB storage device.
- The firmware update is complete.
Part 2: Updating Bluetooth Software
Use the same update file with firmware update on unit.
Procedure:
- Press the HOME button to display the Top menu screen.
- Touch the following keys in the following order:
[settings-icon]
➡️ [bluetooth-icon]
. - Touch
[BT Software Update]
. - Touch
[Start]
. A note will appear: "NOTE: Bluetooth memory will be cleared after updating the Bluetooth software. Press start to begin the update." - The data transfer screen is displayed. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish updating the Bluetooth software.
Verify and Support
Verify that the firmware and Bluetooth software have been updated. Please refer to “Checking the firmware version” and “Checking the Bluetooth software version” to check if the firmware has been updated.
If you have any questions, please contact Pioneer Customer Service toll free at 1-800-421-1404, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM (Pacific Time), excluding holidays, or online through parts.pioneerelectronics.com/contact.