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Steering Wheel
So, I'm brand new to this Lexus game, help me out here. I'll be asking a plethora of questions that I hope you all can help me with. Firstly, my steering wheel doesn't have the down buttons. 1) wth? 2) can I switch it for ones with the buttons without an issue? 3) has there been an updated solution to solve radio controls on these models?
Help a noob out if you can |
Assuming you either have a 98-00 GS300 or 01+ GS430. No, you can't just retrofit the steering wheel and have the buttons work. There are differences in the transmissions that allow the feature to work - shift solenoids primarily, I believe. Someone else may be able to comment on whether or not you could replace these solenoids and gain the functionality.
The 98-00 GS300 didn't have the e-shift capability I assume because the GS400 was considered the 'sporty' offering. I believe the GS430 lost the feature due to the car being certified as ULEV. At least the 430 got steering wheel audio controls that can't easily be added to any other model. |
Originally Posted by RVAGS400
(Post 10408908)
Assuming you either have a 98-00 GS300 or 01+ GS430. No, you can't just retrofit the steering wheel and have the buttons work. There are differences in the transmissions that allow the feature to work - shift solenoids primarily, I believe. Someone else may be able to comment on whether or not you could replace these solenoids and gain the functionality.
The 98-00 GS300 didn't have the e-shift capability I assume because the GS400 was considered the 'sporty' offering. I believe the GS430 lost the feature due to the car being certified as ULEV. At least the 430 got steering wheel audio controls that can't easily be added to any other model. If anybody has a thread about making the buttons work, pls lmk. Also, what about button controls for car audio? I think there are kits out there that attach to the OEM steering wheel, anybody done this? |
Originally Posted by Bassysingh
(Post 10409867)
Oh man, I didn't even state what I had. So yeah, I grabbed a 00 GS300.
If anybody has a thread about making the buttons work, pls lmk. Also, what about button controls for car audio? I think there are kits out there that attach to the OEM steering wheel, anybody done this? https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...998cc14f25.png Here is one thread where someone used a PAC module with an aftermarket stereo to get things to work. I haven't seen a way to make them work with any stock stereo, 98-2000 or 01+. There was never a stock GS that had both audio controls and e-shift. I was able however to put an 01+ stereo in my 2000 GS400 by making a pigtail harness. The extra features like RDS and a display that won't burn out made that worth it. |
Originally Posted by RVAGS400
(Post 10410021)
The GS430 had audio controls:
Here is one thread where someone used a PAC module with an aftermarket stereo to get things to work. I haven't seen a way to make them work with any stock stereo, 98-2000 or 01+. There was never a stock GS that had both audio controls and e-shift. I was able however to put an 01+ stereo in my 2000 GS400 by making a pigtail harness. The extra features like RDS and a display that won't burn out made that worth it. |
Originally Posted by rossmer
(Post 10411160)
Can you provide details on this pigtail harness to attach an 01+ stereo into a 98-00 GS3? Does the 01+ have different connector(s) on the back? I recall reading this a while back but can't find any details now.
I had to make several changes from his instructions based on my FSM set and the FSM wiring diagrams for the 01+ cars - can't recall what they were. I have PDFs on my computer at home that I can give if needed, but it was mostly straight forward. I intend to add a Grom unit to my car for aux and bluetooth streaming. Cannot stand the way aftermarket stereos look in the 2GS cars. |
Originally Posted by RVAGS400
(Post 10411168)
Here is an excellent DIY from iToaster.
I had to make several changes from his instructions based on my FSM set and the FSM wiring diagrams for the 01+ cars - can't recall what they were. I have PDFs on my computer at home that I can give if needed, but it was mostly straight forward. I intend to add a Grom unit to my car for aux and bluetooth streaming. Cannot stand the way aftermarket stereos look in the 2GS cars. |
Are you referring to the steering wheel with the e-shift "up/down" buttons? The 98-00GS300 never had the steering wheel shifting feature. I know the GS400 did but not sure about the GS430. I just bought a steering wheel with the shift features that I plan on putting into my 98 GS300. I pulled it out of a 2004 GS300. The reason I plan on using it in my 98 is because I have a complete Aristo swap. The transmission is an A341E. The "E" indicates that it was the capability to shift with the e-shift steering wheel. So l like previously mentioned, it is only worth doing on a transmission that has the "E" at the end of its name. In addition to upgrading the steering wheel, you also have to swap out the clock spring behind it. If you buy a newer year steering wheel like me, you also have to get the appropriate air bag. You have to consider two things when upgrading these with a newer year, the air bags are not the same size and they are dual stage not single. My solution for that is to source a 2003 RX300 with a clean interior and pull the bag off of that. The size fits perfectly and it was the last year for the single stage air bags on the RX. Perfect match for the GS and for what I am trying to accomplish.
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Originally Posted by RVAGS400
(Post 10408908)
Assuming you either have a 98-00 GS300 or 01+ GS430. No, you can't just retrofit the steering wheel and have the buttons work. There are differences in the transmissions that allow the feature to work - shift solenoids primarily, I believe. Someone else may be able to comment on whether or not you could replace these solenoids and gain the functionality.
The 98-00 GS300 didn't have the e-shift capability I assume because the GS400 was considered the 'sporty' offering. I believe the GS430 lost the feature due to the car being certified as ULEV. At least the 430 got steering wheel audio controls that can't easily be added to any other model. It's possible to retrofit the steering shift capability but there's alot involved in the cost. You'll need a new ECU that is compatible with the 99-00 engine harness and have the e-shift capability to control 5 speed auto. Steering wheel 01+ GS300 or 98-00 GS400 Clock spring. Wiring from steering to ECU It's been done, as far as I know, I'm the only one that has retrofitted this system. |
Originally Posted by VIP161
(Post 10415151)
Are you referring to the steering wheel with the e-shift "up/down" buttons? The 98-00GS300 never had the steering wheel shifting feature. I know the GS400 did but not sure about the GS430. I just bought a steering wheel with the shift features that I plan on putting into my 98 GS300. I pulled it out of a 2004 GS300. The reason I plan on using it in my 98 is because I have a complete Aristo swap. The transmission is an A341E. The "E" indicates that it was the capability to shift with the e-shift steering wheel. So l like previously mentioned, it is only worth doing on a transmission that has the "E" at the end of its name. In addition to upgrading the steering wheel, you also have to swap out the clock spring behind it. If you buy a newer year steering wheel like me, you also have to get the appropriate air bag. You have to consider two things when upgrading these with a newer year, the air bags are not the same size and they are dual stage not single. My solution for that is to source a 2003 RX300 with a clean interior and pull the bag off of that. The size fits perfectly and it was the last year for the single stage air bags on the RX. Perfect match for the GS and for what I am trying to accomplish.
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Originally Posted by RVAGS400
(Post 10411168)
Here is an excellent DIY from iToaster.
I had to make several changes from his instructions based on my FSM set and the FSM wiring diagrams for the 01+ cars - can't recall what they were. I have PDFs on my computer at home that I can give if needed, but it was mostly straight forward. I intend to add a Grom unit to my car for aux and bluetooth streaming. Cannot stand the way aftermarket stereos look in the 2GS cars. |
You can use both the factory changer and a Grom unit in the 01+.
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Originally Posted by RVAGS400
(Post 10411168)
Here is an excellent DIY from iToaster.
I had to make several changes from his instructions based on my FSM set and the FSM wiring diagrams for the 01+ cars - can't recall what they were. I have PDFs on my computer at home that I can give if needed, but it was mostly straight forward. I intend to add a Grom unit to my car for aux and bluetooth streaming. Cannot stand the way aftermarket stereos look in the 2GS cars. |
2 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by firelizard
(Post 10424433)
You can use both the factory changer and a Grom unit in the 01+.
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My apologies on not getting you the PDFs, but it appears you figured out the wiring harness situation. Those are indeed the same PDFs that I used.
It looks like the GROM units do require disabling the CD changer. Which, to me isn't a big deal but I can understand wanting to retain all functions in the car. I am reconsidering and might just use their AUX function as A2DP tends to have fairly weak music quality anyways. As for the 12 pin connector, I believe the Gateway ECU communicates with the steering wheel controls on the GS430s. |
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