dreyfus

Here are the steps for accessing the back of your nav/audio unit. These are your first steps if you want to install a manual nav hack switch or a VaisTech unit for your iPod.

It's scary the first time you do this, but it really is quite easy.

Unscrew the shift **** and lift up on the rear end of the shifter console. It just snaps up. Lift up to about 30 degrees and pull backwards to unsnap the front. Be careful not to pinch the vertical trim on the bottom of the head unit.

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Pull the unit up over the shifter, disconnect the wiring harness, and set aside.

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Tape the side of your dash and use a flat screwdriver or 1" putty knife to loosen the bottom left corner of the vents, being careful not to mar the plastic. Pull forward with your fingers (takes some oomph).

Actually, you can just pull on the bottom left corner and the bottom of the center plastic (between the vents) with your fingers without any tools. Just pull it straight out with some force (scary, I know) and the whole unit will pop out.

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Disconnect the security wiring and set aside.

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Pull out the left triangle trim piece from the bottom rear (of the car) corner. It pops out. Set aside.

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Pull out the right triangle trim piece from the bottom rear (of the car) corner. It pops out. Set aside.

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Remove the four 10 mm bolts that hold the head unit in place. The unit will not move after the bolts are out so don’t worry about it falling. There are two bolts on top and two on the bottom sides under the triangle trim you removed. The photo shows the top right bolt.

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This is the bottom left bolt.

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Move the passenger seat all the way forward and use pillows and/or blankets to keep the unit upright and to protect the seat and center console plastic from the bottom of the head unit. Pull the entire head unit straight out and set it on the cushions. Be careful, it’s heavy.

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This is the back of the head unit. The light blue wire just inboard of the outer yellow wire in the top right harness is the speed sensor wire. This is the wire that you would cut and connect to a manual override switch. I pulled back the black vinyl tube and made my connection underneath so that afterwards I could slide the vinyl tube forward over the connection. This protects the connection and is much neater.

The audio connections for the VaisTech iPod controller are just below this photo. Follow the directions in the VaisTech installation manual and route the cables behind the head unit and under the dashboard to wherever you’re installing the VaisTech control unit and your iPod. The correct configuration for the VaisTech control unit on the ES350 is CD-MP3.

Reassembly is simply the reverse of the steps above. Most pieces just snap back together. Remember to test your changes before reassembly. You can safely drive with the head unit sitting in place held by a single top bolt. Feed or coil the wiring behind the head unit as you slide it back into place. Use cable ties on any new wiring.

Be careful when reinstalling the shifter console (ash tray) unit. Push it forward and down at a 30 degree angle while being careful not to pinch the vertical trim on the bottom of the head unit.

Good luck to all.

tnfan

Nice write up but don't think I will be trying this anytime soon!

yksork

I just installed the VaisTech Ipod adapter. Thanks to dreyfus's excellent instructions it took me less than 30 min (very easy).Works like a champ. Next, nav hack

yksork

I also wanted to say the look on my wifes face when she came into the garage half way thru instalation was priceless.LOL

LexFather

Lol, I can only imagine!

autiger71

Is the radio a HD radio?