rominl

iTrader: (4)

agreed, seems like car battery was changed before and buttons not initialized. make sure to do the moonroof too

ChimpanZed

You guys rock! Cycling the rear windows did the trick.

burny

What can we help you with next? LOL

ChimpanZed

I'm going to change the oil and filter this weekend. I'm fond of using the vacuum method for draining the old oil via the dipstick tube. Is there any reason I shouldn't do it that way e.g. is the spot where the dipstick goes not the lowest point in the pan? It usually is.

The factory/dealer installer iPod adapter only pulls up iPod playlists as "folders". It won't sort via artist > album > song. Is it me or is that 2008 technology?

The shift **** is a bit gnarly and worn. I'd like the replace it with an OEM unit or an aftermarket one that looks decent. I found the Lexus F-Sport ***** on Sewell but it doesn't look like a good match with the tan interior.

I'd also like to replace the console "barn door" lids. I can't seem to find those lids/doors separate from the whole box mechanism. Any idea where I can get them?

Should any auto care place be able to do an alignment on a GX? I get my Jetta SportWagen aligned every 10K as I paid for a lifetime alignment service at Firestone (worth it).

Thanks again, all.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

the factory ipod unit is a pretty primitive one imho, it is very limited, it's not a factory option and it's just a dealer installed option. to be honest i think the vaistech unit is a far superior one and now they even have BT streaming, or you can go high end like me on iphone integration too

burny

Do you use a mityvac to pull the oil through the dipstick tube? I don't see a problem with it and you may even get to the filter without having to undo the skid plate. A lot of folks have had issues with broken bolts when removing the skid plate. I'd recommend you have a few 10 & 12MM bolts handy when you do remove it. I replaced all of mine with new bolts the first oil change I did.

ChimpanZed

Similar idea. I use an which gets great reviews. I've only used it once but it really seems to work great.

Thanks for the tip on the broken bolts.

burny

I would suggest you remove the skid plate on your first oil change just to look everything over from the front.. There is a great DIY on flushing your power steering fluid. Also one for the front and rear differential fluid and transfer case. I have an 09 and when I bought it, I found a lot of sand in my coolant overflow tank. I understand this probably came from a poorly rinsed engine block after sand casting it.

ChimpanZed

I just installed a new OEM antenna and it's an exact match for the antenna that was on the vehicle when I bought it. The antenna wire routes under the tailgate weatherstrip and then into the cavity behind the left taillight. it then connects to the receiver unit in the trunk's left storage compartment.

I was able to get a complete NIB OEM XM Mounting Kit (86100-0W230) for ~$80 on eBay (dealer wanted $180). All I needed was the antenna so the rest is probably going to get tossed.