Bri-Guy

I've read all the threads and can't find anything helpful. I have the stock Pioneer unit for my 94 LS 400, what can I do to hook my Ipod directly up to it. I've tried FM transmitters and they stink. Isn't there a way to get the Ipod hooked up to the stero cables and then just have a plug to hook up my ipod when I'm in the car. I don't car about controlling the Ipod through the stero, directly using the IPOD is more than fine.

Side note: On average, how long can a 94 LS last... people tell me 300-500k's miles. Is that really true?

Thanks,
Bri-Guy

mmccutchin

What you probably should look into is a direct connection (i.e., plug) to your radio receiver. . .it will cost about $300-400 (labor/parts/tax) and the sound will be very near CD quality.

(Btw, the new generation IS models bosts an MP3 port. . .and the next generation LS is rumored to have specific iPod compatibility.)

There's a couple of companies here in the SF/Bay Area that do the procedure. . .I haven't done it yet but know of some folks who have.

You're in "GA" right? Check out Atlanta Craigslist. . .under Services click on "Automotive Services" see if you find what you're looking for. . .if not, then post your request. . .after the New Years Holiday. . .you should hear back from someone knowledgeable.

(Alternatively. . .ask your dealer service department. . .they may know someone who can do this credibly.)

How long will the first generation LS (1990-1994) last? I've been told the engine is designed to go at least 300-400K although at some point the cost of maintenance may not be feasible. . .I recently purchased a 1993 LS400 (164K) and expect to have the car well past 200K.

Happy New Year!

LILEVO

iTrader: (1)

I used a cassette adapter, plugs into the headphone jack of the ipod. Sounds fine.

damon

There was someone posting here at the start of the month that was trying to find a first generation solution using the Vaistech adapters. Waiting patiently to see how that goes.

I'm at 178,056 & think that I have lot more miles left in it. Don't know how the cost of maintenace can become non "feasible" since the alternative is a very expensive newer purchase to match the capability of a well maintained 400.

Bri-Guy

Yea, I tried the cassette adapter, but my tape player would just eject it. (weird since it plays tapes). Anyway, then I switched to the FM transmitters, but the periodic static is annoying. Any way, I talked to some guy at HI FI Buys who said that their is some wire that costs around $30 that would allow me to directly conntect my ipod to my stereo. Guess I'll explore that option, just curious if any one knew what he was talking about though?

Thanks

PVSLS400

Just be patient I am a dealer for VIAS Tech and will have vendor application complete for Club Lexus by the end of the week then I can fully explain how it works and what it takes to get it and cost

LILEVO

iTrader: (1)

What brand cassette adapter do you have? It might be finicky

Mine's been working great with an older Sony car kit. Might look into trying a different brand

rolfi

In the newspaper today there was an ad for a Kenwood Carstereo with USB in the front..
Dunno if this will work..

And btw. Look here
http://www.macworld.com/news/2004/09...pine/index.php

Check out a dealer that has Alpine..

Here is the demo-thing from Alpine (Also a link in the text at macworld)
http://www.alpine-usa.com/driveyouripod


EDIT:
And this one maybe?
http://www.carplayer.com/
Kindof the same as this one:
www.mp%3yourcar.com/
(Remove the % in the address!!!)

Rice

PVSLS400, did you figure this out?
I have a 97 LS400 and would like to find a way to hook up my MP3 player and/or my DVD changer to the factory pioneer stereo with out using FM modulator or cassette adaptor.

Kansas

If you have been watching VAIS's website since their beginning, you have noticed that they gave up on producing interfaces for pre-2001 Lexus and Toyotas quite a while ago. When they first started, their website said that they had products for Lexus and Toyotas beginning with the 1998 model year.

cartechpr

Up Up Up Up Up Up

dfkd

If anyone else remembers, there was a poster who tapped into the CD changer inputs at the head unit.

The BRILLIANT part of his Mp3 player mod is that he burned a cd that was 80 mins of SILENCE so that the changer would activate it's inputs. He would then put the silent cd on repeat and off you go. So disc 1 in the changer would be for mp3 in (silence) and the other discs were still fully functional. Absolutely BRILLIANT! (I'm not british but it is brilliant)

Anyone know where that thread is?? I've searched for 30 mins now and couldn't find it. It's a great solution tho.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

that threads in the audio forum.

theres a better way of doing it involving using a DPDT relay and SPST switch to just disconnect the cd changer and engage the aux input so theres no noise.

cartechpr

more details??????

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

my little plan should hopefully be done by the end of january at the latest so worry not.