HerveG

VIPNiSS, thanks to you, I did it....well almost. Just replaced Gen3 drive in my 2004 with a Gen4 from EBay (86841-50090). And it works! Just have to reinstall trunk panels. Bit worried about extra connectors but simply plugged in where fit and a-ok.
Thanks for your detailed write up and great pictures.

Rollaboy

iTrader: (1)

Hi guys.

Some info and pictures of the display before and after would be nice. I have a 2002 SC and the navi looks like something from an Commodore 64 ;-) is the never gen4 looking better? Better graphic? And is it really just plug and play to put in a newer box?

Thanks.

FlopTop04

Yes, the Gen 2/3 to Gen 4 DVD player upgrade is just a simple plug-n-play. Even the mounting screws match-up with the brackets. The only thing to remember is that you must also get the Gen 4 navigation DVD, as the Gen 2/3 maps DVD won't work in the new unit.

mandyfig

Good pick up on the DVD. They need to be compliant with the GEN #.

mandyfig

I used to see Sewell offering some of the older DVD's on clearance. Have not seen some lately.

HerveG

Was concerned that original drive in my 2004 also had a small box mounted on top. Not shown in the above photos. Turns out, the box is a Lexus Amplifier, Navigation (Part #86011-24011). Part of the bracket that I moved to new drive. Plugged wires back in and everything works fine.

I'll share photos of new screen and compare Gen3 w/Gen4 once had chance to use a bit.

SlvBullet

iTrader: (8)

Ditto. I was just about to ask that as well as a short list of the improvements in gen4. .?

ser67

The EU spec GEN4 is different from the US spec one - I'm led to believe - so unlike the ML Amp (that I bought on ebay from the US some 18 months ago) I won't be buying from the US with this one.

Not many SC's here in the UK and therefore not many in breakers yards - so is there a Toyota Navigation that would plug in instead ?

FlopTop04

For my U.S. spec 2004 SC430 I used a Gen 4 DVD out of a 2005 Toyota Prius. Same Gen 4 part number on the drive. I do get the Lexus start-up screen and am using a Lexus labeled Gen 4 navigation disc Ver 11.1.

SlvBullet

iTrader: (8)

Very nice. But what do you like now better than the oem? I also have the '04.

FlopTop04

Tough question. When I bought the car last summer, the original Gen 2/3 navigation had the standard problems. At first it did nothing and gave the "no disc" message. Took it apart and tried the stepper motor 9V battery fix and that got it a little further. The previous owner had a boot-leg Ver 6 DVD in it so I got the official Lexus Gen 2/3 Ver 11.1 DVD and then is would work for about 10 minutes before it would start resetting itself with the "no disc" message. Dealer said they could fix my Gen 2/3 system for $1800. I opted for the $400 DIY upgrade. Bottom line is I never had the chance to get familiar with the older Gen 2/3 system & screens before I upgraded to Gen 4. Sorry. I think this is a popular upgrade / fix so hopefully another forum member can provide the info you are looking for.

kjcole

Can someone who has seen both the Gen 2/3 screen and the Gen 4 screen comment on whether they think the conversion is worth the $$ and effort? (I know 'worth' is a perception that varies amongst us). I'm contemplating this upgrade as well.

HerveG

I plan to provide better comparison of Gen 3 vs 4 in a bit. Only did the $400 upgrade because original drive stopped working. Would not replace/upgrade otherwise. Have Gen 3 in 2003 ES300. Does the job - maps are clear, plenty of POIs, and gets to destination no problem - it works just fine. Also have current Garmin but doesn't do anything, as a GPS, than my 10-year-old Gen 3.

mtaalib3

I have an 08 SC. Personally I like the Nav screen appearance from the 2010 SC models better. They look more modern and just like the Nav screens from the newer LS and GS models. Has anyone tried a Gen 5 Nav unit upgrade? Is it even possible? Does the Nav screen along with the unit need to be replaced? Anybody?

chrisv78

Thanks for these directions. Just completed installing my upgrade from a gen 2 unit. The only changes I had to make were that the brackets were different, so I had to replace the brackets on the new unit, and I had 2 braces that had to be moved to access the brackets in the car. The whole job took about an hour (over lunch), and works like a charm! What a difference using 2012 maps rather than 2001 maps. Maybe I won't be driving off the end of the world anymore.

One thing I did notice was that it took maybe half a mile to calibrate the unit. Not sure where I was to start (except it was 1500 miles away).

Has anyone hooked up the Bluetooth?