I have a 2000 GS 300 with a defective stock radio. Almost all of the pixels on the LCD display have gone out, rendering the radio completely unusable. The radio is the Pioneer unit (not the Mark Levinson unit).

I found a few posts that explain how to replace the LCD display itself, but to be honest I am not very happy with the radio and would much rather buy a new unit that is expandable -- bluetooth, ipod, etc.

Is there a way to interface a new Pioneer aftermarket stereo with the stock Pioneer cd changer? The model I am looking at is the Pioneer Premier DEH-P980BT.

Thx...Doug

 

Nope. Lots of threads early on about trying to interface. Mostly people trying to plug aftermaket CD changers into the factory head unit due to the unit's skipping and whatnot. I think the effort died as no one was really able to figure out an interface translating the signals. Don't think you'll find much info going the other way around.

 

What's up fellow Arizona GS owner?

What you are looking for is here:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...nger+stock+bus

Read post #3.

Come out to the next meet when we have it. Are you interested in going to the end of summer meet (EOS) this year in northern CA? a few of us are already planning on driving to LA to meet up with the socal gang and we're all heading up together.

 

Thanks for the information. Are you running an aftermarket stereo in your GS? If so, which one? Do you recommend any hi-fi shops in AZ that know how to install stereos in Lexus cars? I am worried about getting a hack job from one of the chains (Audio Express, Chronic Audio, etc).

Thx...Doug

 

Hey Doug,

Yes, the whole stereo is aftermarket now. I am running an Avic N1 to an RF amp for cabin speakers and a JL amp to 2 Infinity 10.1 subs in the trunk. Sounds ok.

About recommending local shops... I unfortunately can't. I took my car to a shop where they do Hummers, BMWs, Mercedes, etc... but they did a crap job. Plastic tabs were broken all over, missing, bent to crap from the trunk. ugh... I redid some stuff but I still need to redo it to make it look like a 4th grader didn't install it. (I was in a rush)

Here's the shop and the web site I threw together about the job they did...Soundwerks They actually didn't cut into the dash - THANK GOD but still - they did a crap job.

If you find a shop, please let me know because I'd like to go check them out...

 

Speaking about good audio shops in AZ, I've had a couple friends go to Chronic out on the east side. I personally went in for a quote, and the guy was more than excited to hook me up with a good deal. I had another guy that works there show me the install on his car. Just chat whoever you speak with up a bit, and they should hook you up. Everyone I know that's gotten stuff installed there is satisfied.

Another good shop is Sounds Good To Me in Tempe. When I had my POS Volvo, they did a monster job installing everything and making a POS car on the outside sound great on the inside. Everything looked great and no rattles. I've recommended them to a couple of my friends and they've all been satisfied with their work as well.

Chronic seems to have a younger workforce and seems to cater to a younger crowd. SGTM has a couple guys that have been doing stereos for a loooong time, so they're pretty knowledgeable. I'd say go to either one, check them out, talk to them, see some of their installs, and choose whichever one you're most comfortable with.

P.S. Whaddup Cliff?


-Nirvana

 

the least expensive way to go is to upgrade to a 2001 to 2005 gs factory radio. the lcds dont go out and you can add factory xm radio and ipods with vaistech adapter. the 98 to 2000 factory radio cannot do that. you will need to use adapters to connect the 20 pin 2001 radio to your 6 and 10 pin 98 gs. the 20 pin radio plug is 15,.00 and the 6 and 10 pin speaker power adapter connectors go for around 10.00 a 2001 gs radio go for around 125.00 in average condition. no amp changes or speaker changes are required if you upgrade to the 2001 gs. . the gs is the only lexus that didnt change dash configuation from 1998 to 2005 so even the 2001 factory dvd navigation made by denso can be installed in a 98 gs. denso is the best navigation system maker in the world.