My next project, retrofitting 2016+ Nav into a 2013 GS.
I have a couple junk yard leads were I can potentially get all the parts for under $800, not including the profit from flipping a display unit I scored on eBay for $52, or what I would get reselling my original parts if this mod works out. Potentially only costing me a couple hundred dollars at the most.

I currently have a 2015 head unit I retrofitted, below is the link to that thread.
Frankenstein 2015 GS Head Unit into a 2013 GSh

Left image is the back of the 2013-2014 Radio/head unit
Right Image is the back of a 2015 Radio/head unit
boxed in red are the changes to the plugs.


Here is the back of a 2017+ Radio/head unit unit looks like, exact same plugs as 2015:


For some reason 2016 has an extra brown plug the 2017+ don't have, I think it's a separate video/information output for the instrument cluster, I won't need that since I plan on keeping my 2013 cluster:


Since I already figured out video output and antenna connections from 2015, I won't have to mess with any wiring, I think...
For this mod I would need a 2016+ 12.3" display screen, a 2016+ Radio/head unit, and 2016+ console nav controls. Based on my current setup that should all be plug and play.
Some Russian guy has done this already.

I'll post updates when I get the parts together, might be a while.

 

Love it! I hope you find what you need.
I enjoy following your wacky projects

 

Subscribed to thread and ordered popcorn!

 

You know, I sometimes wonder if a Lexus/Toyota development engineer in Japan gets a nice chuckle out of reading these reverse engineering/hack attempts where they know the answer("splice this and that wire") but aren't allowed to say it publicly.

 

I don’t see the GPS connection on the 17. The 15 and 16 have this connection (Bottom Right)

 

They all have it. It bolts onto the bottom of the radio. Usually when they resell the units they remove it and sell it separately. The picture of the 2017 just happens to not have it bolted on. The antenna splitter from 2013 is exactly the same as the one on a 2019.

 

For those that don't know these are all the multimedia changes for the 4GS over the years.

2016 GS. There hasn't been any changes since.

• 12.3-inch screen gains full-screen map capability
• Enhanced voice recognition to help user when command not understood
• Updated graphics
• New side “enter” buttons on the Remote Touch Interface controller
• Shortcut menu on the side of the screen make it even easier to operate climate control, audio, phone, navigation and more.

2015 GS

• Home screen divided into three sections (customizable for HVAC, audio, traffic, MID)
• SD Card based Navigation instead of 4200 RPM HDD
• Navigation equipped vehicles
  • 3D maps; with bird’s eye view mode
  • 3D buildings; key buildings/landmarks
  • My traffic routes; preset frequently used routes, ETA for routes
  • Speed limit display on road traveled
  • ETA calculation improved (speed limit, current traffic, predictive traffic data)
  • Traffic detour preview; alternate route options offered when traffic becomes heavy
  • Predictive traffic; provides view of traffic ahead based on Clear Channel Total Traffic Network (15 minute increments)
• MID data sharing; content from headunit displayed in MID (e.g. song information, NAV direction, call info.)
  • Voice Recognition
  • One-shot address entry
  • Steering wheel control of onboard/offboard voice recognition
• Voice Recognition Guidance Level; ability to choose voice prompt level (High/Low/Off)
• Hint screens
• Cache Radio; ability to pause live AM/FM radio and HD Radio (15 minutes later)
  • Hybrid Data Service
  • Traffic and Weather data provided via HD Radio (free to all users while in HD Radio range)
    • Display Audio has basic traffic map and weather forecast
    • NAV-equipped vehicles have up to date and predictive traffic, Doppler weather and weather forecast
      • NAV-equipped vehicles w/Lexus Enform App Suite can continue to receive data outside of HD Radio range (switches to cellular connectivity when outside of HD Radio range

2014 GS

• Enhanced Bluetooth capability with automatic phonebook download and streaming audio.
• MP3 sound enhancement, 5.1 simulated surround-sound from normal two channel sources such as MP3 files and CDs
• HD Radio™ with iTunes tagging and a three-month all-access trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio are standard.
• Siri® Eyes Free mode

I have literary upgraded from stock 2013 head unit to 2014 head unit, and now currently 2015 head unit. Next 2016+

 

You may as well just keep the radio and center console torn apart while waiting for the 2020 Head Unit. I am happy that I may be able to replace those door projector LED lights so that they say Lexus when opened. Peasodos, you are my hero for attempting this stuff. You obviously are not a football fan

 

Wow my 2014 stereo seems so limited now. Had no idea they made so many upgrades

 

Keep up the work! Will consider this project along with the auto mirror fold some time in the future for my low mileage 2013.

 

Oh my goodness, best of luck!

 

Parts Acquired!
2016 Lexus GS 12.3" Display
2016 Lexus GS radio/head unit
I got a great deal on the parts $600 total, junkyard just got the car and I bought the parts as fast as I could before they realize how much they could have gotten for it. Honestly If this works I could sell my radio and 12.3" display for at least $500, heck I might even make money doing this mod.





The one part I don't have is the 2016+ navigation controller on the center console. The one from the junkyard the other parts came from was pretty messed up.
My existing 2013 mouse pad and buttons will probably work, but eventually I'll find a 2016+ one.

 

Success!

 

Whoa whoa whoa. Don't tease us.

How did you achieve this since so many plugs for the 2013 radio are different?
What other parts and cables did you need, and are there things that do not work?

I would love a complete list of what you needed to make this go. Antenna cable adapters, etc.

 

The plugs are exactly the same as the 2015 Lexus GS. The only plug not used on the back of the 2016 is the brown plug, I think that goes to the 2016 instrument cluster, but not 100% sure.
See my previous thread:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...-2013-gsh.html

Also the 2013 mouse pad/navigation controls work, no need to get the 2016+ ones.

I'm going to swap my 2013 Face plate over so I retain the Mark Levinson Logo and I like the passenger airbag indicator light on the 2013, 2016 is more obnoxious.