Car Stereos: 2003 Cadillac Navigation System, gps signal, signal reception

Question
I have an in dash GPS. When I turn it on the screen says to, "put the map dvd in", which it is already. This may stay on indefinately or move to the next phase, "reading the dvd". And then it will come on with no problems. The problem is that the, "put the map dvd in" stays on too long or may not go off at all. I live in New Orleans and thought that because we are in the bowl that I was not getting a signal. It also seems that if it is cloudy it won't come on either. What can you tell me about it. I do not have the manual.  

Answer
Hi Joseph,

I don't think the issue with the mapping DVD is related to the GPS signal reception.  It might signal a problem with the DVD reading mechanism in your player, or it might be something as simple as a dirty DVD.  With a DVD-based navigation system, the GPS signal reception shouldn't have any effect on the start-up time or the ability to read the disk; you should be able to start up and use the system even if you're indoors, with no GPS signal at all.  

Is this a factory navigation system, or an after-market replacement?  If it's an after-market unit, you should be able to download an owner's manual from the manufacturer's web site.

Hope this helps!

Brian