Gathers VXM-197VFEi Japanese import Fit Hybrid

[manicmike66]

Hi all,
My wife has just bought a 2019 Japanese model, and unfortunately the Gathers audio system seems to be a Japan only model, meaning that she can now use none of the features.
It's also in Japanese, with no option for selecting a language.
Is there a way to flash the hardware to use English and local maps, or a hidden option to change the language? I'm in Australia.
Cheers
Mike Williams

[ColinB]

Try searching Youtube for examples of how to change the language. I can't see one for your particular model, but they might help you interpret the script to know what the buttons do. For example:
https<colon>//www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E-6XTQKnBU
(NB Can't seem to post the link in a meaningful way, to find the video paste that string into your browser and replace "<colon>" with ":")

[jazzaro]

(NB Can't seem to post the link in a meaningful way, to find the video paste that string into your browser and replace "<colon>" with ":")

Click on the youtube button on the message option bar and paste the youtube url.

[langserve]

Are you sure the language can't be changed? Mine (also 2019) came with a VXM-194 VFi which can be switched to English. However, I believe it is only certain models that can be switched. I don't know about yours.

On mine it is:

MENU, Settings/Info, system, other, display language. Page 100 in the manual and then page 102.

https://www.honda.co.jp/manual-access/navi/vxm-194vfi/pdf/vxm-194vfi_ci-a-all.pdf

Of course that won't make the map or TV usable but at least the phone hands free and sound system will be useable. Google translate using the camera in your phone works fairly well for menus so you might be able to use that. It also works for setting up the options in the display panel on the right next to the speedo.

I don't think there is any way to flash or modify the system. it is all locked up and proprietary I believe. The only option is to fit a 3rd party unit. And then getting the  steering wheel controls to work can be an issue.

Edit to add: here's the manual for yours. https://www.honda.co.jp/manual-access/navi/vxm-197vfei/pdf/vxm-197vfni_vfei_vxu-197swi-a-all.pdf

The system setting start on p332. Unfortunately, I can see no mention of changing the display language. You can change the DVD menu settings on p317 but that is not a lot of use!

[TnTkr]

Unfortunately this is a common issue in Japan imports. In many cases there is no way to change the language. Even when the cars look similar, the japanese model may have totally different, region specific software and settings.

[jazzaro]

Unfortunately this is a common issue in Japan imports. In many cases there is no way to change the language. Even when the cars look similar, the japanese model may have totally different, region specific software and settings.

Yep.
Talking about radio units, it's the same issue in US imports.

[langserve]

Unfortunately this is a common issue in Japan imports. In many cases there is no way to change the language. Even when the cars look similar, the japanese model may have totally different, region specific software and settings.

Yes, very much the case. On the other hand, in the case of JDM GK3/4/5 Fits, you have a good chance of getting Adaptive Cruise Control which is a very useful thing for longer journeys. A car with millimeter wave radar is a cool thing IMO.

[TnTkr]

And with nowadays' smartphone photo translators it's rather doable to learn enough japanese characters to be able to use the systems.

[langserve]

And with nowadays' smartphone photo translators it's rather doable to learn enough japanese characters to be able to use the systems.

Yes and no. Well in my case. Finns are far better at languages than most and I am sure would do far better than me a member of the worst, or maybe second worst, group. I have learnt quite a few things useful for controls but Japanese software is pretty clunky and overcomplicated. To say the least.

[TnTkr]

You are right about the Japanese software and usability. I didn't think that when writing my comment. That makes it much harder to cope with.

[langserve]

You are right about the Japanese software and usability. I didn't think that when writing my comment. That makes it much harder to cope with.

On the other hand, once you have your phone paired for bluetooth you do not really need to do much more except change the volume or reset the correct input which you can easily do from the steering wheel. The camera translate in your phone should get that done. Or find yourself a Japanese student to set it up for you.

[manicmike66]

Okay now I'm quite certain there's no English option. I also can't change the stupid clock time. It's hard set for Japan, which is extremely annoying.
So is swapping the Gathers to a more cooperative version an option for me? This is really taking the shine off the car for us. The FM radio only goes up to 100MHz too, and our favourite stations are all well above this.
Thanks again
Mike

[jasonevans]

You should be able to change headunit to a decent andriod auto/carplay unit.