GPS error after CarPlay upgrade (2018 Mazda3)

[psychotoad]

I recently updated the firmware to the latest version in my 2018 Mazda 3 (which went well, no problems) and then fitted the Carplay/Android Auto USB hub that is readily available on eBay, AliExpress etc. The hub works and I can use wired Android Auto no problem. But I went back into my Mazda navigation and it said I was about 30 miles from my actual location. I thought I'd reset things so turned the car off, factory reset the infotainment and then the GPS moved me to the road outside a Moscow Opera House approx 1800 miles away. I disconnected the battery, disconnected and reconnected the cables at the back of the infotainment unit and I'm still in Moscow City centre. Has anyone encountered this when doing the Carplay hub install?

 

[SoulRedCX-5]

That sucks about the GPS going crazy after installing the new hub. This happened to a friend of mine. You need to try work out the source of the error

First, double check all the connections you made when putting in the hub. Make sure everything is plugged in securely and no wires are getting pinched or crimped. Loose connections can definitely mess with the GPS.

It's also a bit strange that this started happening right after you updated the firmware. There's a chance the update and the new hub aren't playing nicely together. If you're up for it, try rolling back to the previous firmware version and see if the GPS starts working normally again.

If the connections are all good and the firmware rollback doesn't do the trick, the GPS antenna itself might have gotten bumped or dislodged while you were installing the hub. The antenna is usually located under the dash near the windshield. Give it a look and make sure it's not damaged.

As a last resort, you could always remove the aftermarket hub and reinstall the original Mazda USB port. If the GPS starts working fine after that, then you know the hub was causing the issue.