rojo412

So I have looked through the audio "how-to" and have been less than successful in finding a simple fix for adding an aux-in. So here's the proposal:

I hate CDs because of iPods, Satellite radio, etc. The LS400 has a CD changer that hooks directly to the stereo.

My proposal: I want to hack into the signal that comes from the CD changer and goes into the radio, swap its L+R for a spliced in jack to plug an iPod/Sat into and give a big F-U to the changer.
This way, the radio would THINK it's playing a CD, but would just be playing my Aux signal. No need to make anything more than a few cuts and solders.

Has this been done? If not, I will do it, but just need to know what to look for when it comes to finding that signal.

fourthmeal

What year is the car? I'll dig through wiring diagrams and see if there is a signal being sent. Then you can measure those wires and see what voltages it outputs, and how it does.

Schnitz

iTrader: (5)

I did just that. I bought an Ipod to RCA cable off Ebay and cut off the RCA plugs and tapped those into the CD changer harness.
You just have to find the CD changer harness diagram for your year.
I created a silent CD and set it to repeat.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

i did it about 2+ years ago....
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/lex...em-stereo.html

rojo412

I just wanted to go simpler than that. It's a 90 with the Pioneer.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

again, read the thread. people with broken changers and the like that still turn on skip using the relay setup and just hardwire the aux cable into the signal feed.. as long as your headunit switches to the CD input without any problems and you dont cut any of the data or power lines to the charger, you wont have any problems.

rojo412

Thanks, I will check that again. One thing that didn't dawn on me was that your post probably had that info right in front of me.
Ooops, sorry man!

Zoidberg

Do any of you know where to procure a high quality rebuilt Pioneer head unit? The one in my 93 looks great, but it's 90% crapped out and does not have a cd button.

I have seen them on eBay, car-parts.com etc. I just can't cough up $450+ without knowing EXACTLY what I'm getting.

Also, should I put in a rebuilt factory amp at this time?

If this has been covered previously, please direct me to the thread.

j three

zoidberg, you should just upgrade to aftermarket for the head unit since it is toast. However, if you want to stay stock you can keep tabs on the Club Lexus classifieds section to see if any members are selling something you need.

rojo412

Zoidberg, eventually I will be replacing the head unit, removing the changer and probably bypassing (if I can) the amp and will remove that as well. If you are interested in that stuff, I would gladly get rid of it cheap. But mine is a 1990, so that's up to you. It's the Pioneer one.

rojo412

One stupid question while I'm at it...

I checked on lexls and it appears that the head unit powers the all of the speakers, except for the sub. So basically, if I have a powered, other sub and could give less of a crap about the factory one, I can slap a headunit in of any type and it will work the factory stuff (minus sub). Then new sub gets powered as a normal aftermarket sub would, correct?

Zoidberg

My brother owned one of these cars for about a year in 1996. I put about 300 miles on it. I know from experience that the Pioneer stereo CAN sound fantastic.

I have scoped out aftermarket systems that offer excellent sound at a reasonable price, they're fine if need be. I plan to install aftermarket speakers, sub+amp.

This car had one previous owner, the interior is nearly perfect. I want the dash to look original AND have great sound. I may have to sell it someday.