GX - 2nd Gen (2010-2023) Discussion topics related to the 2010 + GX460 models

Discussions about Hamilton Motor Co Lexus GX Upgrades for CarPlay® and Android Auto™

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Old Jun 27, 2025 | 06:55 PM
  #46  
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Default Finally!!!

I purchased my 2020 GX460 in 2023. My only hesitation? The terrible stock infotainment system — basically the same one that was in my 2008 Lexus GS350! I remember seeing a YouTube video titled "Finally a solution for my Lexus Stock GPS"... and the guy had literally duct-taped a Garmin to the screen!

So why did I still go with the 2020? I saved about $20k compared to a 2022 model that had the upgraded system, and I figured eventually someone would come up with a good upgrade. I tried a CarPlay add-on — it worked okay. I looked into CarLink but decided to wait.

Then about six weeks ago, I saw GXBob’s YouTube review of the Hamilton unit (https://www.hamiltonmotorcompany.com...-auto%E2%84%A2). Finally! I ordered it right away, even though there was a short backlog.

Hamilton’s customer service was excellent from the start. I needed to update my delivery address — no problem. When I asked if the delivery date was still on track, they quickly confirmed. I received tracking updates at every step.

The unit itself? AWESOME. After living with that outdated system in both my GS and GX, this upgrade feels like stepping into the future. It connects seamlessly every time I start the car. My installer wasn’t on Hamilton’s recommended list and didn’t help much with setup, but Hamilton's support team was always quick to respond by email or phone.

Now everything runs perfectly. There’s no echo (which some reviews mentioned), and the new widescreen display is beautiful. I had to manually set the time zone since the auto setting requires a Wi-Fi connection — very easy to do. At first, I had to reconnect my phone each time I started the car, but Hamilton guided me through enabling auto-connect, and it’s been flawless since.

A quick note: if you want to use apps like YouTube directly from the Hamilton home screen (not just streaming from your phone via CarPlay), the unit needs to be connected to Wi-Fi separately. So if you're on the road, you might use a friend’s hotspot or another connection — something to clarify with Hamilton if needed.

Overall, I love my GX even more now. I’m fully ready (and excited) for my cross-country drive this August with my new Hamilton kit!


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Old Jul 15, 2025 | 03:51 AM
  #47  
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i have a 2014 with 130K on it. Considering the screen replacement version but note that it will not be available until sometime in Aug. Any idea on when available?
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Old Jul 23, 2025 | 02:00 PM
  #48  
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Just installed the navigation last weekend and I LOVE it. I have a sim installed and it's been working great!
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Old Jul 24, 2025 | 02:14 PM
  #49  
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Arrived today! Super stoked to install it…as soon as my MTS module arrives from Bell. Was packed well - double boxed and everything is cleanly laid out and well packed. Only potential issue I see is the back mounting tabs have begun to break through the second Hamilton Box. My unit appears fine though. You can see it in the second pic.



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Old Jul 30, 2025 | 10:51 AM
  #50  
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Hey there Hamilton team, there wouldn't be a way to be able to set one of the physical buttons to get to the factory climate control would there? I'm enjoying the new headunit so far, it's amazing.
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Old Aug 11, 2025 | 07:40 AM
  #51  
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Received my unit last week and installed it on Saturday. Just bought my GX 3 weeks ago, and going without CarPlay was rough. Glad I survived!



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Old Aug 11, 2025 | 12:13 PM
  #52  
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Do the buttons in the highlighted area illuminate at night?
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Old Aug 11, 2025 | 12:54 PM
  #53  
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Originally Posted by NemesisGX

Do the buttons in the highlighted area illuminate at night?


Yes they do.
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Old Aug 11, 2025 | 01:03 PM
  #54  
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Thank you for your quick response.
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Old Aug 11, 2025 | 01:06 PM
  #55  
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Originally Posted by AceDeprave
Received my unit last week and installed it on Saturday. Just bought my GX 3 weeks ago, and going without CarPlay was rough. Glad I survived!


got mine installed within a hour of picking up my ‘21

couldn’t be anymore happier
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Old Aug 12, 2025 | 02:50 PM
  #56  
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I installed mine last week and wanted to share a few observations. Hopefully, @hamiltonmotorco can work with us to address these issues:
  1. Original system display cut-off – It seems like 2–3 pixels are cut off from the bottom of the original Lexus display. On my unit, the new screen goes all the way down, slightly trimming the bottom edge of the original interface.
  2. Missing climate control features – The Android temperature screen is missing controls for the rear climate system (on Luxury Package models) and some front climate features, such as the smog sensor and front windshield heater.
  3. Bluetooth audio routing – When operating in Bluetooth mode, audio from YouTube and other apps still routes through AUX. This means you have to manually switch the audio source back to AUX to hear it.
  4. Google Voice exit issue – After giving certain random google voice commands (either saying hey google, or using the voice button), the system unexpectedly switches back to the original Lexus OS, exiting Android Auto. (This one is especially frustrating.)
  5. Temperature control delay on startup – On boot, the temperature controls don’t switch to the driver’s settings until 20–30 seconds later. In the original Lexus system, these settings were recalled instantly based on the key used to unlock the car. You also can not change temperate, or adjust with any buttons until the system boots up.
  6. Yellow tint - does anyone know why the screen has a yellowish tint to it?
Cool Features
1. Advanced Settings -> Right Logo -> Select Lexus 16GS (it will display a picture of a 2020+ Lexus GX)
2. Press either temperature dials and it will bring up the Android Climate Screen, press it again and it will go back to Android Auto
3. When in Original Lexus screen, press the temperature dial and it will bring up the original Climate screen

Overall, the system is a huge improvement over the original, and I’m very happy with it so far. Just hoping these tweaks can make it even better. Attention to Details is amazing, and I love that about the team and the product.


Last edited by obadea; Aug 15, 2025 at 04:31 AM.
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Old Aug 19, 2025 | 03:36 AM
  #57  
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Had mine installed last week, 2014 GX. Two issues

While driving the climate control screen randomly pops up on the right half the of the screen. It just bothers me.
Is there a way to get to the 2nd row climate controls without going back to the lexus climate control screen? Need to change the temp once in a while
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Old Aug 19, 2025 | 03:41 AM
  #58  
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For the climate control popup in "Hamilton mode" I've noticed it pops up whenever the fan speed adjusts when set to Auto. I think this mimics the behavior with the OEM screen - it was just a banner at the top though.
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Old Sep 12, 2025 | 04:22 AM
  #59  
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Originally Posted by obadea
I installed mine last week and wanted to share a few observations. Hopefully, @hamiltonmotorco can work with us to address these issues:
  1. Original system display cut-off – It seems like 2–3 pixels are cut off from the bottom of the original Lexus display. On my unit, the new screen goes all the way down, slightly trimming the bottom edge of the original interface.
  2. Missing climate control features – The Android temperature screen is missing controls for the rear climate system (on Luxury Package models) and some front climate features, such as the smog sensor and front windshield heater.
  3. Bluetooth audio routing – When operating in Bluetooth mode, audio from YouTube and other apps still routes through AUX. This means you have to manually switch the audio source back to AUX to hear it.
  4. Google Voice exit issue – After giving certain random google voice commands (either saying hey google, or using the voice button), the system unexpectedly switches back to the original Lexus OS, exiting Android Auto. (This one is especially frustrating.)
  5. Temperature control delay on startup – On boot, the temperature controls don’t switch to the driver’s settings until 20–30 seconds later. In the original Lexus system, these settings were recalled instantly based on the key used to unlock the car. You also can not change temperate, or adjust with any buttons until the system boots up. [2025-09-12] This was FIXED in MCU v148.
  6. Yellow tint - does anyone know why the screen has a yellowish tint to it?
Cool Features
1. Advanced Settings -> Right Logo -> Select Lexus 16GS (it will display a picture of a 2020+ Lexus GX)
2. Press either temperature dials and it will bring up the Android Climate Screen, press it again and it will go back to Android Auto
3. When in Original Lexus screen, press the temperature dial and it will bring up the original Climate screen

Overall, the system is a huge improvement over the original, and I’m very happy with it so far. Just hoping these tweaks can make it even better. Attention to Details is amazing, and I love that about the team and the product.

Temperature control delay on startup: [2025-09-12] This was FIXED in MCU v148.
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Old Sep 12, 2025 | 06:41 AM
  #60  
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Is it possible to set the LCD clock to 24 hour time?
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