itsZep

Do these work well?



SoundLinQ
2004 Lexus GX470

The SoundLinQ is the most advanced technology in Lexus iPod
integration and is fully compatible with the factory stereo or
navigation system in a 2004 Lexus GX470. The SoundLinQ
connects your iPod directly to the factory stereo system
providing you with CD Quality Sound, Song and Artist information
on the radio or navigation display,as well as iPod navigation using
the factory radio and steering wheel controls.

The SoundLinQ connects directly to the back of the factory stereo
system in your vehicle. The SoundLinQ gives you the CD Quality
Sound you have been looking for from your iPod in the car. No
FM Transmitter solutions can compare the crystal clear audio f
rom a direct connection adapter.

The SoundLinQ will display all of your iPod Text information on
the factory radio or navigation display. You can browse between
songs, playlists, artists, albums, and genres all from the factory
radio and steering wheel controls. This means that you can stow
the iPod out of sight, such as in the glove box, and do all of the
iPod controlling on the factory radio / navigation system. With the
SoundLinQ the iPod display and controls will also remain fully functional
for those who would prefer to use the controls on the iPod itself.
There is no safer or easier way to use an iPod in the car.

In addition the sound quality and advanced browsing features, the
SoundLinQ will power and charge any iPod it connected to. It will
also pause the iPod and shut it off when you turn off the vehicle.
You never have to worry about charging your iPod before using it
in the car, or shutting it off when you leave.

$299

http://www.icarkits.com/product_info.php?products_id=31

troymm

I hope so....I ordered the SLI from VAIS on monday.

itsZep

Troy..... can ya let me know how it works out?

Also are you going to install it yourself?

Let me know how the install goes.

Thanks.

troymm

I've searched and found some previous post on the dash removal with some pretty good pictures. I'll let you know how it turns out.

itsZep

Troy....

I just called a stereo store here in Dallas
and they said installed it is $500.

I guess on-line the equipment is $299.

$200 to install it seems a bit much?

ADVocate

I have installed this item, and would HIGHLY recommend it if you desire IPOD integration with the Nav. The sound is better than any other adapter you could use. They have built in noise isolation filters, so that you don't get any kind of ignition interference or excessive loading of the audio circuit. And you can change tunes and playlists from the steering wheel controls. I have had mine for about 1 1/2 years. They upgraded the software for me at one point. Occasionally you will get a lockup of controls, but that can be usually resolved by cycling the Disc -> FM -> Disc buttons on the radio. I have a 3rd Gen Ipod that I don't want to carry around anymore, and it works well stuck in the glove box. Good Luck in your decision ...

db6

The only real issue I have with it is that you can only cycle through playlists by using the buttons on the steering whel. I've set up my Ipod to have just about everything on playlists and now have 86 playlists. It takes a lot of button pushinh to get to playlist number 63. The first 12 are accessable through the NAV screen, but after that it's push push push. It wasn't hard to install, but I did have to return it about a year ago because it was messing up the GPS. They said thay had a fautly bunch of components and fixed the unit. I did not receive any software updates. Sound is fine, this seems to be the best IPOD solution out there.

rj4510

I've had mine for six months with no issues. I used this link http://www.emba42.com/lexus/as a guide for disassembling the dash, but be careful with step 14. This step tells you to pry the top part of the trim, which greatly increases the chance of breaking the clip or the entire piece. Pry from the bottom up, enough to get your other fingers under the trim and all should go well.

The other thing I did was use my fingers to pry off all parts instead of the putty knife. The Vais unit will fit nicely under the glove box, so don't install it in the location described in step 21, or you'll have to repeat the removal steps to receive any updates to the unit.

troymm

$200.00 is way too much for the install. It took me less than 1 hour to install it and I did the DVD override while I had the dash apart . For now, I'm just going to velcro it under the passengers side dash and run the connection into the glove box, just in case there are any problems with the unit.

llcc1975

Where exactly did you put it under the glovebox? Did you have to secure it with anything. Is it in plain view or still hidden? I put mine on top of the incabin filter like the install guide showed (but never secured it with a screw). Have had it for about 3 months and absolutely love this thing.

Anyway, if there is a better place to put it with easy access, would be good to know. Thanks.

rj4510

I installed mine directly under the glovebox. Just remove the cover under the glove box and there's a perfect spot to rest the Vais unit without having to mount it. The insulation provides enough pressure to keep the unit from moving around or rattling.

llcc1975

I'll have to try that. Thanks.

itsZep

Thanks everyone....

My unit just arrived yesterday and I will report back
how the install goes.

A friend is going to install it.

The install guy asked me if he is going to
"have to pull the dash?" and I told him I did not know.

Any other install tips would be greatly appreciated.

troymm

Just make sure he pulls the panels straight off. If he pulls from the top or bottom, it might crack the panel or clips on the back.

llcc1975

The entire dash will not have to be pulled. Just the trim above and surrounding the glove box, the trim around and including the navigation/stereo/HVAC controls cluster, and the trim leading down to the shifter that is connected with the stereo/HVAC cluster.

You'll see if you use the step-by-step disassembly guide that I've seen floating around these forums.