Well I just got my new Vaistech SL3i and decided to install in my 06 GS430 with ML / NAV and boy what a frustrating experience.

Set it up and programmed as per the manual and you cannot control from the deck or steering wheel. I then re-did the programming and got a display of song track etc. but cannot change tracks -

Also would not work properly in simple mode.

Finally got some degree of music by programming to the wrong setup (MD changer) which allows me to control the ipod directly but stalls all the time.

Any input? Anyone else have issues?

 

you just have to redo the programming part until you get it right into the CD emulation mode. i have done no less than 60-70 installations and here are some tips i can share

1) with the unit connected now, turn off the car. without disconnecting main harness, set both switches to off (up) position. wait 10 secs, unplug the main harness. wait 10 seconds, connect it back. with it connected, now put both switches to on (down). now turn the car to acc (don't start the car), etc...

2) make sure you hear the beeps. if you don't hear the beeps, you are off already. going any further won't do anything. restart the process. also make sure you go into the nav settings and that the beeping is not OFF. if it's off, then for sure you don't hear anything. on the other hand, you can also rely on the LEDs (new on sl3i). but personally i find beeping easier

3) the very first time you plug in / program is crucial. i say 80-90% of the time i do it, it works no problem already. but if the first programming fails, then it can be a bit painful. my guess is it has to do with how you get the system to go back to "reset state" and then through the process again. just my guess

recently i did a ls460 with sl3i and it took me about 15 mins and maybe 7-8 tries before getting it into mp3 emulation mode.

don't give up

 

Thanks for the insight - but alas I have given up on the Vaistech unit -

Bought a USA-Spec unit today, plugged it in and it works flawlessly.

 

Did you buy the PA-20 or the PA-15? I had the 15 in my 03 LS 430 without nag and it worked great. No complaints. I have heard that the PA-20 is designed for cars with Nav. I am in the process of buying an 06 430 with Nav and ML so my set up would be identical to yours. Thanks in advance.