The Navigation Data SD cards for infotainment systems with embedded navigation (RPOs IOT, IOU) (Fig. 18) that are available on 2018-2019 Regal, ATS, CTS, XTS, Terrain; and 2019 CT6, XT4, Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Malibu, Silverado 1500, Volt, Canyon and Sierra 1500 models should not be removed from the original vehicle or swapped between vehicles.
Fig. 18
Do not remove the Navigation SD card from any new vehicle unless instructed to do so in a service procedure. It should not be removed prior to vehicle delivery. The card should remain in the SD card slot (Fig. 19) of the vehicle for proper operation of the navigation system.
Fig. 19
Cards Cannot be Swapped
The Navigation SD cards cannot be swapped from one vehicle to another for any purpose. The cards are equipped with a VIN-binding feature that permanently binds the card to the VIN of the first vehicle it is placed into. Once a card is bound to a vehicle, navigation system operation is blocked within five ignition cycles and an SD card error message is displayed if the VIN on the card does not match the VIN of the vehicle.
The dealership cannot identify the VIN on the Navigation SD card. Any attempt to identify the VIN on the card can corrupt the card data, causing difficult system diagnosis and potential future repairs.
When a Navigation SD card has been separated from its VIN-bound vehicle and the correct vehicle is unknown, the only solution is to replace the card. The new vehicle warranty does not cover Navigation SD cards replaced for an incorrect VIN. If the VIN on the card does not match the warranty claim submission, it can be subject to debit.
– Thanks to Jeremy Richardson
There would not be any issues from removing and reinserting the same SD card. VIN binding is just comparing the stored VIN in the SD card to the VIN of the vehicle.
I am a DMA for Buick-GMC. I am looking for some clarification on this article. I understand the swapping of SD Cards would cause a “VIN binding” issue. If the SD card is removed and then later replaced into the same vehicle that it was “bound” to would it function properly.