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TMC not working

327 views 8 replies 2 participants last post by  pete.walls10  
#1 ·
Good afternoon. My wife has now got the new Scross and the infotainment system is new to us, compared to her previous model. Her previous Scross had TMC which worked all the time.

We've been trying to activate the new TMC screen now for the last four weeks after purchase but it doesn't show anything.

My Vitara is 2019, has TMC and works very well.

The Suzuki garage staff can't get the TMC's to work in the cars in the showroom.

How is this happening or what are we not doing right.

The new infotainment manual doesn't explain things very well.

Any help to point us in the right direction would be good 👍👍
 
#2 ·
#4 ·
Are you able to visually load the map onto the screen, as well as your location?? And if so, when you click on the TMC icon, what happens?
 
#5 ·
Hi Bex

Thanks for continuing to help.

Yes the Sat Nav, shows the map and where the vehicle is. On clicking on the TMC option the screen changes. No map or info on issues.

Hopefully the attached photos let's you see my 2019 Vitara TMC screen, albeit no route in Sat Nav, and what you see in the new Scross 🤞
 

Attachments

#6 ·
Do you know if your system is Bosch or Garmin?
I don’t have the answer to your query, so decided to ask Grok, just for the heck of it. This is the response I got:

The issue you're experiencing with the TMC (Traffic Message Channel) on your 2025 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross, where the screen displays "not able to show the map" and "no traffic info received," is likely related to the discontinuation of the TrafficMaster RDS-TMC service in the UK or a configuration issue with your vehicle's infotainment system. Below is a detailed explanation and potential solutions based on the available information:Understanding the Issue
  • TMC Service Discontinuation: In the UK, the TrafficMaster RDS-TMC service, which many vehicles rely on for real-time traffic information via FM radio, was discontinued around March 2023. This affects multiple car brands, including Suzuki, Volkswagen, SEAT, Skoda, and others, causing the TMC icon to show as inactive or display errors like the one you're seeing.
  • Alternative Provider (Inrix): Some vehicles can switch to an alternative TMC provider like Inrix, which is still operational and used by brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and the UK Highways Agency. However, this may require specific software updates, map data, or recoding of the navigation system, which Suzuki may not have implemented.
  • Suzuki-Specific System: Your Suzuki SX4 S-Cross likely uses a Bosch SLDA (Smart Link Display Audio) or Garmin-based navigation system, which relies on an SD card for map data and TMC functionality. The error suggests that the system is either not receiving a TMC signal or the map data lacks the necessary configuration to interpret it.
Potential SolutionsHere are steps you can take to try and resolve the issue:
  1. Check for Map and Software Updates:
    • Update the SD Card: Ensure your navigation system is using the latest map data. For Suzuki vehicles with Bosch SLDA systems, you can purchase an updated SD card from HERE Technologies (https://here.navigation.com/apac/) or third-party providers like www.satnavishop.co.uk or www.latestsatnav.co.uk. Verify compatibility by emailing the seller with your navigation unit’s part number or a photo of the system.
    • Garmin-Based Systems: If your vehicle uses a Garmin navigation unit, visit Garmin Product Updates to check for software and map updates. Follow the instructions to update the system using an SD card formatted as FAT32.
    • Software Version Check: For Bosch SLDA systems, ensure your software version is at least 1850 to support features like speed camera updates, which may also affect TMC compatibility. To check, go to radio mode, press and hold the Settings button for 30 seconds to view the software version.
  2. Verify TMC Settings:
    • Check if TMC is enabled in the navigation settings. Go to the infotainment system’s navigation menu, select settings, and ensure the "Receive Traffic Announcements" option is turned on.
    • If the TMC icon has a line through it or is greyed out, it may indicate that the system is not detecting a valid TMC signal. This could be due to the TrafficMaster shutdown or a regional issue with signal reception.
  3. Switch to Inrix TMC Provider:
    • Some vehicles allow switching from TrafficMaster to Inrix by changing the TMC provider ID in the navigation system. This typically requires diagnostic tools like OBDeleven, VCDS, or Carista to access the system’s adaptation settings (often under the 5F menu) and change the TMC ID from 15 (TrafficMaster) to 14 or 12 (Inrix).
    • Caveat: This solution has been tested on VW, SEAT, and Skoda vehicles with MIB2 systems, but there’s no confirmation it works on Suzuki’s Bosch SLDA system. You may need to consult a Suzuki dealer or a professional technician to check if this is possible. Additionally, the map data on your SD card must include Inrix configuration (TmcProviders.xml file), which older maps may not have.
    • If you’re comfortable with DIY solutions, forums like Briskoda (https://www.briskoda.net) have detailed discussions on recoding TMC for VAG vehicles, which may offer insights applicable to Suzuki systems.
  4. Use an Internet-Based Traffic Solution:
    • If your Suzuki SX4 S-Cross supports smartphone connectivity (e.g., Apple CarPlay or Android Auto), consider using navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, which provide real-time traffic data via your phone’s internet connection. Connect your phone via Bluetooth or USB, and enable the hotspot function to supply internet to the car’s infotainment system.
    • Note that this requires a data plan and a visible hotspot each time you use the navigation, but it bypasses the need for RDS-TMC.
  5. Contact Suzuki Support or Dealer:
    • Reach out to Suzuki’s official support through the Suzuki Display Audio Portal (https://www.infotainment-system.com) or your local dealer to confirm whether the TMC service is supported in your region and if a software update can enable Inrix or another provider.
    • Ask if your vehicle requires a subscription service (similar to VW’s We Connect) for online traffic data, as some manufacturers have shifted to subscription-based models after the TMC shutdown.
  6. Check Signal Reception:
    • Ensure your FM radio is functioning and RDS (Radio Data System) is enabled, as TMC data is transmitted over FM. Weak signal reception in your area could cause the issue. Try driving to a different location with better radio coverage to test if TMC data is received.
    • If the FM radio works but TMC doesn’t, the issue is likely with the provider or map data rather than the vehicle’s antenna.
  7. Consider Alternative Navigation:
    • If TMC cannot be restored, consider using a smartphone with a mount for navigation apps or purchasing a standalone GPS unit with built-in traffic capabilities. This is a cost-effective workaround if Suzuki does not provide a fix.
Additional Notes
  • Regional Context: The TrafficMaster shutdown primarily affects the UK, so if you’re located elsewhere, the issue might be related to a different TMC provider or signal availability. If you’re in the UK, Inrix is the primary alternative, but Suzuki may not have updated their systems to support it.
  • Map Data Limitations: Even with updated maps, some users report that the navigation system may not interpret Inrix TMC data correctly if the map data lacks the necessary configuration. You may need to use older map versions (e.g., V12) that support TrafficMaster, though this sacrifices newer road data.
  • Warranty and Dealer Support: If your 2025 SX4 S-Cross is new or under warranty, contact your dealer to inquire about a fix or compensation for the non-functional TMC feature, as it may be considered a defect if advertised as part of the vehicle’s features.
Recommended Next Steps
  1. Verify your navigation system type (Bosch SLDA or Garmin) and check for software/map updates via the official websites mentioned.
  2. Test TMC in different locations to rule out signal issues.
  3. Contact Suzuki support or your dealer to confirm if a software update or Inrix compatibility is available.
  4. If no fix is available, consider using smartphone-based navigation as a reliable alternative.
If you provide your location (e.g., UK or another country) and confirm whether your system is Bosch or Garmin, I can tailor the advice further. Additionally, if you’re comfortable with diagnostic tools, I can guide you through checking the TMC provider settings, though this may require professional assistance for Suzuki systems.
 
#8 ·
LOL…If you look at the end of the AI feed, it asks whether your system is Bosch or Garmin. Do you know which it is? If so, I can get further info that is system specific.