Quick Start Guide for TN500 Series

Quick Start Guide for TN500 Series

Brand: Motorola

Category: Navigation Device

Document Type: Quick Start Guide

Language: EN

Uploaded: Nov. 21, 2025, 9:17 p.m.

Manual Publish Date: 2009-11-24

Warranty Information

Refer to the Legal & Safety section for warranty information.

HELLOMOTO

Your MOTONAV™ TN500 Series Personal Navigator helps you find the best route with Satellite Navigation accuracy and streaming traffic information.

  • Get clear directions, and spoken street names to eliminate second guessing.
  • Make hands-free calls and send text messages while paired with your Bluetooth® enabled phone.
  • Locate your favourite restaurant, nearest bank, fuel station, or see businesses and other locations along your route.
  • Save time and fuel, and leave getting lost in the past.
  • Use MotoExtras to check the weather, fuel prices (with purchased option), flight status, and to use Google® local search.

We've crammed all the main features of your device into this handy guide, and in a matter of minutes you'll see just how easy it is to use. So go on, check it out.

Symbols in this guide

This means a feature is network/subscription dependent, or that it depends on the handsfree profile support supported by your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. Refer to your mobile phone manual for more information.

This means a feature needs an optional accessory.

Your navigation device

The important buttons and connectors

  • Microphone
  • Map Button: Return to the map
  • Power Switch: Turn it on & off
  • Rear Buttons: Zoom In, Zoom Out, Customisable Button (Choose the function of this button)
  • MicroSD Memory Card Slot
  • Rear Buttons: Volume Up, Volume Down, Mute
  • Micro USB Port

Mount it - dashboard

Put your device in your vehicle...or you can carry it when you leave your wheels behind

  1. Attach the cradle to the dashboard mount.
  2. Attach the suction cup to the dashboard.
  3. Connect the cradle to the dashboard mount.
  4. Slide the device into the cradle.
  5. Align the posts on the cradle with the grooves on the back of the device. Listen for a small click when it attaches.

Mount it - windscreen (both top and bottom of the screen)

Before installing or using, check state and local laws regarding windscreen mounting or use of equipment. DO NOT MOUNT IN A LOCATION THAT OBSTRUCTS DRIVER'S VISION OR INTERFERES WITH OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE.

  1. Attach the cradle to the windscreen mount.
  2. Attach the suction cup to the windscreen.
  3. Connect the cradle to the windscreen mount.
  4. Slide the device into the cradle.
  5. Align the posts on the cradle with the grooves on the back of the device. Listen for a small click when it attaches.

Charge up

Plug in to power up

  1. Connect the car charger to your device.
  2. Plug the car charger into your vehicle's power outlet.

Going on foot?

To take your MOTONAV device with you, press the Release Button to remove it from the charging dock.

  1. Press the Release Button (on bottom) to remove device from charging dock.
  2. While holding the Release Button, lean the device forward.
  3. Lift the device up from the charging dock.

Note: When you take your MOTONAV device out of the charging dock, tap Enter Pedestrian Mode to keep your device turned on while you walk. (You have the option of continuing on battery power, switching to pedestrian mode, or turning the device off.) If you don't select an option, your device turns off after 30 seconds.

Set it up

Let's get you up and moving

Turn it on & off

The Power Switch is located on the top of the device.

  • Turn on/off: slide and release left (toward )
  • Lock: slide right (toward ) (lock screen and rear buttons, but device stays on)

Acquiring Satellites

To receive a strong signal, make sure your device has an unobstructed view of the sky. It may take a few minutes for your device to locate satellites the first time you turn the power on.

Setup Process

When you first turn on your device, you'll need to do a couple things to set it up. You know, answer a few questions. Get to know each other.

  1. Review or change the Language.
  2. Review or change the Time Zone, Distance Units, and Temperature Units.
  3. Optionally customise the buttons on the rear of the device.
  4. Read and accept the Safety Warning.
  5. Read and accept the End User License Agreement.
  6. Connect your Bluetooth® enabled mobile phone. (Or see "connect it" on page 9 to connect later.)
  7. Read the Traffic feature notice, if it appears.
  8. Use your connected mobile phone to try MotoExtras.
  9. Tap Yes for a tutorial or tap No to continue.
  10. Tap Done to start using your device.

Note: To change these settings later, see your User's Guide.

Connect it

Connect your MOTONAV device with your phone using Bluetooth® wireless technology to use your device to make hands-free calls, send text messages (if supported by your mobile phone), or use MotoExtras or voice prompted search features.

  1. Turn on your MOTONAV device.
  2. On your device, tap the map, then tap Main Menu > Settings > Bluetooth.
  3. Tap On to turn Bluetooth on and to put your device in discoverable mode.
  4. On your mobile phone, turn on the Bluetooth feature.
  5. On your mobile phone, search for nearby devices.
  6. Select the name of your MOTONAV device from the list of nearby devices found.
  7. Follow the directions on your mobile phone to connect. If prompted for a passcode, enter 0000.

Note: For more help connecting, visit www.motorola.com/Bluetoothconnect.

Sync your contacts

After you connect with your mobile phone, you can set your device to automatically download your contacts, text messages, and recent calls to your MOTONAV device.

Note: Downloading your phonebook and text messages depends on your phone's capabilities. To determine whether your phone supports these features, go to www.motorola.com/Bluetoothconnect.

  1. Your MOTONAV device downloads all of your contacts from the phone. There is no limit to the number of contacts you can download, however only the first 300 contacts are displayed in the Contact list.
  2. Tap the map, then tap Phone > Sync, then tap On to turn AutoSync on.
  3. Tap Phonebook, Messages, or Recent Calls.
  4. Tap Sync Now.

Change the volume

Adjust the volume during a call by pressing Volume Up or Volume Down on the back of the device (see page 3). To mute, press Mute (see page 3).

To customise these buttons, tap the map, then tap Main Menu > Settings > System > Customisable buttons.

Explore the map & Multiview

Your MOTONAV display has expandable left and right views. You can use these panels without ever leaving the map.

Map buttons

Tap the map to see these main features.

  • Search for an address or point of interest.
  • Go to your home address.
  • Enable Voice Recognition.

Right panel-main menu

Tap the map, then tap Main Menu to expand the right panel.

The main menu opens:

  • Calling
  • Contacts
  • Messaging
  • Trusted
  • Recent Trips
  • Favourites
  • Points of Interest
  • Fuel Prices
  • Flight Status
  • Weather
  • Help

Left panel-not in a route

Tap on the bar on the left side of the display to open the left panel and see information about your route. Tap the trip progress bar to close the left panel.

Left panel-in a route

Tap the left panel to see information about your route. To close the left panel, tap it.

  • Trip Info-destination, estimated time of arrival, distance remaining, time remaining, elapsed time
  • Nearby POIs-points of interest in your area
  • Dashboard-trip information (current location, GPS signal, heading, speed, altitude)
  • Traffic-current traffic situation & detour suggestions

Aerial View

  • Overview of your area

Turn by Turn

  • Steps of your route from end to end

Waypoints

  • Stops along a planned route

Speak & Go

Use your voice & keep your hands on the wheel

Tap, then say these voice commands:

Voice commands (say these when looking at the map screen)

  • "Dial Number"
  • "Call Contact"
  • "Call Information"
  • "Cancel Trip"
  • "Favourites"
  • "Go Home"
  • "Help"
  • "Main Menu"
  • "Messages"
  • "Back"
  • "Cancel"
  • "Page Up"
  • "Page Down"
  • "Mute"/"Unmute"
  • "Recent Calls"
  • "Recent Trips"
  • "Send Location"
  • "Voicemail"
  • "Volume Up"
  • "Volume Down"
  • "Where am I?"

Control commands (say these for moving through screens)

Global commands (say these at any time)

  • "Read Out"
  • "Repeat"
  • "Exit"

Note: If the Display Language setting on your device is set to a language different than the language of the country in which you are using the device, voice commands for Address Entry and Search will not be recognised. Please use the touchscreen to enter an address or perform a search.

Let's go

Hit the road, on wheels or on foot

Find an address with Easy Search

Before you start driving, say or use the keyboard to enter an address or part of one to create a route.

  1. Tap the map.
  2. Tap Enter Destination.
  3. To optimise your search results, specify the city or town you want to search within by tapping the box in the upper right and entering the city or town name. Alternatively you can enter your desired postcode in the same box. If you don't enter a city or town, the search will return results for your current location.
  4. Tap the display to enter a keyword or the street number and street name. A list of matching addresses and points of interest appears on the right side of the screen.
  5. Tap anywhere on the list to expand it.
  6. Tap the address in the list. An overview map appears along with options for the address your selected.
  7. Tap Go!

Tip: To go to an intersection, enter the two street names separated by +.

Set your home address

  1. Tap the map.
  2. Tap Main Menu.
  3. Tap Favourites > Set Home.
  4. Tap Current location if you are at home, or tap Enter location to enter your home address.

Tip: The next time you want to go home, tap the map, then tap the home icon, and you're as good as there.

Set favourite addresses

After you select an address or point of interest, tap the name, then tap Make Favourite (at the bottom of the overview map). To see your saved addresses and points of interest, tap the map, then Main Menu > Favourites.

Traffic

The MOTONAV TN500 Series are able to provide traffic information via the Traffic Upgrade Kit. The Traffic service provides streaming traffic updates. When using the traffic service, your device calculates routes that minimise or avoid traffic delays. If traffic is detected on your route, your device offers you alternate routes to save you time. You can preview detours before accepting them.

Routes are updated automatically or you can preview detours before accepting them. (Tap Settings > Traffic > Automatic Avoid.) An icon appears next to progress bar showing the new route time. Tap the icon to learn more about the alternate route.

Traffic information is included with MOTONAV device models numbers that end in "t" or with the purchase of a charging dock with built-in traffic receiver. Visit www.motorola.com/motoextras for more information or to purchase a charging dock with built-in traffic receiver for your device.

Note: You receive traffic information only if your device supports this feature. Your device must be in the charging cradle and plugged in to the car charger to receive traffic information.

The traffic feature is only available for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The service is not available for the Republic of Ireland or outside the UK at this stage.

MotoExtras

Stay up on weather, flight status, and fuel prices. Your device includes 3 months free of MotoExtras, which you can renew online after your 3 months are up. Visit www.motorola.com/motoextras to purchase MotoExtras for your device.

Note: These MotoExtra features are available only for the UK.

MotoExtras gives you these updates and features:

  • weather
  • fuel prices
  • flight status
  • Google® local search

Note: Your device must be connected to a Bluetooth® enabled mobile phone to receive information.

  1. Tap the map.
  2. Tap Main Menu.
  3. Select Weather, Flight Status, or Fuel Prices.

Google® local search

You can use Google to search for an address or point of interest. Your device must be connected to your mobile phone via Bluetooth to use this feature.

  1. Tap Search or Enter Destination.
  2. Enter what you want to search for.
  3. Tap Google > Search.

Send addresses from the Web

MotoExtras also lets you send addresses from the internet to your device so you can navigate to them easily without entering the address. To use this feature, make sure your mobile phone is connected to your device via Bluetooth.

  1. On your PC or mobile phone browser, navigate to www.google.co.uk/maps.
  2. Search for an address or business.
  3. After you find what you're looking for, click Send.
  4. Click GPS, then click Motorola.
  5. Enter your mobile phone number, then click Send. A text message is sent to your phone. The text message will include the options to Call or Go to this location.

Safety cameras

Your MOTONAV can warn you when approaching a speed camera, red light camera, or hazard area. Cameras appear as icons on the map.

You can:

  • Set your MOTONAV to give you either audio or visual warnings, or both.
  • Set the audio warning to be either a tone or a voice.
  • Select warnings for speed cameras, red light cameras, or hazard areas.

Your device includes 3 months of free Safety Camera alerts, which you can renew online after your 3 months are up. Visit www.motorola.com/motoextras to purchase the safety camera feature or to get software updates for your device.

Note: The Safety camera feature is only available for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The service is not available for the Republic of Ireland or outside the UK at this stage.

Calls

Drive Safe, Call Smart

First, connect your MOTONAV with your mobile phone (see page 9).

Note: Using a mobile device while driving may cause distraction. End a call if you can't concentrate on driving. Also, using a mobile device or accessory may be prohibited or restricted in certain areas. Always obey the laws and regulations on the use of these products.

Receive calls

When you receive a call, your device plays a ringtone and says, "Incoming call. Answer or ignore?"

  • To answer, say "Answer" or tap Answer on the display.
  • To ignore the call, say or tap Ignore.
  • To hang up, say or tap End.

Make calls

To make a call using Speak & Go, tap, then say "Dial Number," and follow the prompts.

Or, you can touch the screen to make a call:

  1. Tap the map.
  2. Tap Calling > Dial Pad.
  3. Enter the number and tap Call.

Make calls using contacts

  1. Tap the map.
  2. Tap Main Menu > Contacts.
  3. Select a contact and tap the phone number to call.

While on a call

While on a call, you can tap the menu to minimise the phone controls.

Tip: Good at multitasking? You can use any feature other than Bluetooth® features while on a call. To return to the phone controls, tap the phone bar.

Here's what else you can do while you're on a call. But remember to keep your eyes on the road.

  • Mute - Mute.
  • Talk on Phone - Switch the conversation to your mobile phone so you can talk in private.
  • Talk on MOTONAV - Switch your call to your navigation device.
  • Dial Pad - Dial another number.
  • Recents - View your call history.
  • Contacts - Look up a contact.
  • End - Hang up.

Messages

Drive Safe, Text Smart

If your mobile phone supports Bluetooth® messaging, you can use your MOTONAV device to send and receive messages. For more information about texting, see your phone User's Guide.

Note: Downloading your phonebook and text messages depends on your phone's capabilities. To determine whether your phone supports these features, go to www.motorola.com/Bluetoothconnect

Send text messages

  1. Tap the map, then tap Main Menu > Messaging > Create Message.
  2. Select Custom Message to type a message, My Location to send your current location, or any of the pre-written text messages.
  3. Tap Send To.
  4. Select a contact.
  5. Tap Send.

Receiving text messages

When you receive a new text message, your device shows a new message notification. Tap Open to read the message or say "open" to hear the message read out loud. You can reply to or call the sender.

Tap anywhere on this bar to hear the text message aloud.

Tip: No time right now? To read your messages later, tap Main Menu > Messaging.

Trusted contacts

There are some people who always want to know where you are. With trusted contacts, you can let them know automatically.

  1. Tap the map, then tap Main Menu > Trusted Contacts.
  2. Tap Location Share.
  3. Select a contact.
  4. Tap Always Ask if you want the contact to know your location just this one time or Always Allow if it's OK to share your location with the contact always.

If your MOTONAV is connected with your mobile phone, you can automatically share your current location with a trusted contact when they text "motonav" to you. When you're not in a route, your current location is shared with your trusted contact. When in a route, you share your location, destination, and your estimated time of arrival (ETA).

Tips & Tricks

A few things to make you a pro

To... pick a destination from the map

Press and hold the location on the map.

To... repeat the last instruction

Tap the arrow in the top left.

To... find out what a map icon means

Press and hold the icon.

To... access Multiview panels

Tap the left & right panels.

To... zoom in or out

Press the Zoom rear buttons (see page 3) or tap + or on the map.

To... access ads

Tap the right panel, then tap Main Menu > Offer Inbox.

To... start voice recognition

Tap .

To... switch between 2D & 3D view

Tap .

To... reset your device

Press and hold the Reset button (see page 3).

Power & Charging tips

Stay powered up

Note: You can find the battery level indicator by expanding the left panel and looking on the dashboard.

Car charger

Power your device by using the included car charger.

  • When you insert your device into the charging dock, it turns on automatically if the charger is plugged in, has power, and the power switch is not in the locked position.
  • When you remove your device from the charging dock or disconnect the power, it gives you the option of continuing on battery power, switching to pedestrian mode, or turning the device off. If you don't select an option, your device turns off after 15 seconds.
  • If you leave the device off for more than four days, it enters a power saving mode and will take a few moments longer to start up next time.
  • When operating on battery power, the power light flashes red when the battery is low.
  • The included car charger will not power Motorola mobile phones.

Travel charger

A micro USB wall charger is available as an optional accessory which you can use it to charge your device.

  • Turn off your navigation device before using the travel charger. (Your navigation device consumes more power when turned on than the wall charger can provide.)
  • You can also connect your navigation device to a computer using a micro USB cable to charge it. Turn your device off before charging it via a USB connection.
  • You can use the travel charger to charge any mobile phone that has a micro USB port.

Troubleshooting

Support

To download new software, update your maps, purchase additional accessories, or get help, visit www.motorola.com/motoextras. To register your device, visit www.motorola.com/motonav.

Bluetooth Support

If you need more help, visit www.motorola.com/Bluetoothconnect.

Check for new maps

Within the first 60 days of use, get a free map update by visiting www.motorola.com/motoextras. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Visit the Web site for details.

Reset your MOTONAV

If your MOTONAV stops working, you can reset it by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds. Or, press and hold the Reset button. See page 3 for button locations.

New views, panels, & maps

Because we're always working to make things better, some of your MOTONAV displays may be changed or updated. Visit www.motorola.com/motonav for the latest information.

European Union Directives Conformance Statement

Hereby, Motorola declares that this product is in compliance with: The essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. All other relevant EU Directives.

Caring for the Environment by Recycling

When you see this symbol on a Motorola product, do not dispose of the product with household waste.

Recycling Mobile Phones and Accessories

Do not dispose of mobile phones or electrical accessories, such as chargers or headsets, with your household waste. In some countries or regions, collection systems are set up to handle electrical and electronic waste items. Contact your regional authorities for more details. If collection systems aren't available, return unwanted mobile phones or electrical accessories to any Motorola Approved Service Centre in your region.

FCC Notice to Users

The following statement applies to all products that have received FCC approval. Applicable products bear the FCC logo, and/or an FCC ID in the format FCC-ID:xxxxxx on the product label. Motorola has not approved any changes or modifications to this device by the user. Any changes or modifications could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. See 47 CFR Sec. 15.21. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. See 47 CFR Sec. 15.19(3). This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver. Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Approved Accessories

Use of accessories not approved by Motorola, including but not limited to batteries, antennas, and convertible covers, may cause your mobile device to exceed RF energy exposure guidelines and may void your mobile device's warranty. Motorola recommends that you always use Motorola-branded chargers. Motorola devices are designed to work with Motorola chargers. For approved Motorola accessories, visit our Web site at: www.motorola.com

Use & safety for battery-powered accessories

Your battery is designed to last the life of the product. It should only be removed by a recycling facility. ANY ATTEMPT TO REMOVE OR REPLACE YOUR BATTERY WILL DAMAGE THE PRODUCT.

  • Battery life may temporarily shorten in low-temperature conditions (-10°C for storage/use below O°C for recharge) or permanently reduce in high temperature conditions (above 60°C for storage/use or above 45°C for recharge).
  • Do not let your mobile device get wet.
  • Do not store your accessory in a parked car or direct sunlight.

WARNING: MAY EXPLODE IF DISPOSED OF IN FIRE.

Driving Precautions

Check and obey the laws and regulations on the use of mobile devices in the area where you drive. The use of wireless devices and their accessories in your area may be prohibited or restricted. The use of wireless phones while driving may cause distraction. Discontinue a call if you can't concentrate on driving. When using your mobile device while driving, please:

  • Give full attention to driving and to the road.
  • Use your hands-free solution to perform hands-free calls.
  • Pull off the road and park before making or answering a call if driving conditions so require.

Troubleshooting and error codes

Issue Solution
Device not responding Reset the device by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds, or press and hold the Reset button.
Unable to connect to Bluetooth device Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. Try unpairing and re-pairing the devices. Consult www.motorola.com/Bluetoothconnect for help.
No GPS signal Ensure the device has an unobstructed view of the sky. It may take a few minutes to acquire satellites.
Traffic information not available Ensure the device is in the charging cradle and plugged into the car charger. Verify that your device model supports the traffic feature or that you have purchased the necessary upgrade kit. Check availability in your region (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland).
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