I was wanting to buy an 02 LS430 with ultra. I like the 2004 features about the navigation. i was wondering if you make the 02 like an 04 navigation with a software upgrade, or do i have to replace the whole navigation unit.

thanxs

 

You can upgrade an '02 Nav to the 4th-gen 2004 version. It's simple. Cost will be in the $300 range, and you can do it yourself too.

 

Ummm, a little clarification is in order here. The only "upgrade" you will see is more geographical data and POIs. You will *not* see the added interface features of the '04. Getting the '04 features in your '02 would cost you over 10,000 dollars because not only would you have to replace the nav unit but also the radio receiver and Mark Levinson Amp plus some wiring harnesses.

Do a search for the user "VideoNavi" and the word "navigation" and you should find a a good write up by that user on the updates the new DVD will give you. (The interface will not change, however, to the '04)

 

Yeah, there was conversations on upgrading a non-navigation LS430 dash to a navigation model. Also a question on upgrading the hardware to the new Generation 4 (2004) in this thread. .

In short the 2004 navigation ECU in the trunk would need to be pin compatible with the existing wire harness and functional with the Gen 3 front display unit and other ECUs for the stereo and telephone/Lexus Link. Still the new 04 navigation ECU would cost ~$5000 direct from Lexus. So would it be worth it even if it was 100% compatible?

As noted by jp82729 he did swap on a test vehicle. Here where his results:
Don't know any pricing info, I did the ECU swap on a test vehicle. The ECU connectors were completely compatible; it's basically a 10-minute swap out. However, the gen4 ECU I installed into a '03 LS had a slightly different part number than an actual '04 LS ECU, but I am 99% sure that the navigation function would work if you used a '04 LS ECU. I stress only navigation, because it may affect other areas of the vehicle that communicate with the navi.

 

SO WITH THE SOFTWARE I CANT GET THE PHONE # FEATURE IN AN 02

 

I'm not familiar with the PHONE # FEATURE in the 04. If you are talking about the ability to dial from a phone number in points of interest (POI) database, for example calling a restaurant from the navigation system. This would be a feature of the Bluetooth interface for the navigation system and the 01-03 does not have Bluetooth phone support. The 01-03 navigation system will provide phone numbers for POI's, but won't be able to call them unless you have the Lexus hands free phone kit (now discontinued and not supported by Lexus or cell phone providers).

Can anyone with a 2004 describe the PHONE # FEATURE ?

 

its when you type in the number and it finds the address with the phone #

 

Oh, IMHO I find this feature the least desirable way to input a destination on systems I've used including the Pioneer, Alpine, Honda/Acura and Kenwood. I'd much rather input a store or business name. I'd wish manufactures would focus more sorting the POI names into logical categories and increasing the amount of POI's than allowing input of phone #'s to select destination.

 

Have an '01 LS w/ Nav with original software. Thinking it might be time for an update (tired of driving off roads in certain areas and hearing "turn by turn guidance is not available . . ."). Has anyone updated, and is the coverage better in the newer discs? (Even with the slight glitches, I still think that the Lexus nav system is head and shoulders above any other manufacturer's system, and I've seen a lot of others.)

 

I did a review of the 03' (DATA 2003 ver.1) navigation DVD in the Electronics Forum. See https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hreadid=97455.

After having the new version for almost 3 months, I can tell you the coverage is much better. IMHO, it's worth the money for the upgrade.

 

FYI. Not only do you need to have the 4th generation nav, but you cannot dial while driving, much like you cannot enter new addresses into the nav while driving.

 

Great Post. Thanks!