TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the use of our report dated January 28, 1997 in this Annual Report(Form 10-K) of Trimble Navigation Limited for the year ended December 31, 1996. We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 Nos. 33-37384, 33-39647, 33-45167, 33-45604, 33-46719, 33-50944, 33-57522, 33-62078, 33-78502, 33-84362, 33-91858 and 333-04670) pertaining to the 1983 Stock Option Plan, the Trimble Navigation Savings and Retirement Plan, the 1990 Director Stock Option Plan, the "Position for Us for Progress" 1992 Employee Stock Bonus Plan, the 1992 Management Discount Stock Option Plan, and the 1993 Stock Option Plan, and the related Prospectuses, of our report dated January 28, 1997 with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Trimble Navigation Limited included in the Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1996 (Form 10-K). /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Palo Alto, California March 21, 1997 69