Picture this — you are stuck in traffic, it’s hot and all you want to do is get home. You log on to Google Maps, and your worst fears have been confirmed…you are stuck! The next logical step is to switch on your radio and play your favourite playlist or tune in to your favourite station but…your stereo is in Japanese! Worse, imagine you are lost and you can’t use your GPS system because it is in an entirely different language!
Music plays an important role for drivers across the world, as their leading source of entertainment on the road. Without it, driving just isn’t the same. Having stereo and car systems in Japanese is a highly widespread problem for people who import cars locally. With Toyota, Nissan, Mazda and even Suzuki consuming huge shares of the current vehicle landscape in Kenya, many drivers have reached out to the Carhoot Team seeking help with changing their stereo language.
Step 1: Switch Off the Vehicle
The first thing you need to do is switch off your car. This will allow you to switch off your cars GPS as well.
Step 2: Browse Through the Menu
Once you start your car again, you must look for an option on the menu which says, “English.” Some Japanese cars have this option that pops up when the car is turned on.
Step 3: Locate the Language Button
In some cases, the language settings revert back to Japanese after each boot and this can be highly frustrating. The Carhoot Team suggests finding the Language or LANG button on the menu. Do this as soon as you’ve changed the language to English. This is important in making sure the language settings don’t change back to English by making it the default language.
Step 4: Check the Navigation System
You need to perform this extra step if you still can’t use the navigation system after changing the language to English. It is possible that the system is DVD-based. In this case, you need to buy a language disc in English to be able to use your car’s GPS.
The Ultimate Hacks for Every Driver Trying To Change Their Language Stereo Settings
Tip 1: Google Translate
This is crucial in determining just how much help you need. Some stereos come with English labels on the dashboard, but others come entirely in Japanese. So, if your stereo dashboard is mostly in Japanese…not to worry, we have an amazing life hack for you. Google Translate is a fantastic tool that obliterates language barriers in multiple forms. Honestly, it’s like having a personal translator on your smartphone! You can use Google Translate to scan the Japanese labels on your stereo dashboard and understand what each one means! You can also use Google Translate to translate the audio commands when you switch on your car.
PRO TIP: A handful of sticky notes might come in handy. You can use them to label the translated dashboard controls.
Tip 2: Install a new Car Stereo System
If you are on the verge of learning Japanese just to understand your car’s navigation system…take heart. All you have to do is download the Carhoot App, register your vehicle and select the radio installation service or make a service request and describe your needs to our team. We will assess your car and help you make the best decision for your car and your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Car’s Navigation System
How to change a car radio language from Japanese to English?
First and foremost you need to know that not all cars come with a GPS system. If your Japanese car has one, there is a big possibility that you will not be able to change the settings. This is because many Japanese built cars do not have the setup required to allow language changes in their basic settings. Your best bet would be to find a replacement or find a band expander. This will allow you to change frequencies and listen to local radio stations.
I have a Toyota car. How do I change the GPS language from Japanese to English?
This is highly dependent on the Toyota model you have, however, there are general similarities across the board, and the video below should help.
Thanks for reading, and do not forget to download the Carhoot App on the Apple Store or Google Play today!
