Navigation in non-Navigation LS 430?
Reason I didn't go with this is because I read a lot of complaints on here about the HVAC functions, especially on an Ultra trim with rear A/C, air purifier, etc. Something about things not working right and temps being in Celcius, etc. Maybe it's the luck of "which Chinese" branded head unit you get, but it's a crapshoot. Then you have the quality of the actual bezel, vent trim, etc.
I also had big problems installing a Chinese Android head unit like this on a 2005 CRV. The microphone was useless, both internal and external. No one could hear you and there was no internal mic gain adjustments, even in the developer mode or factory settings. I had to custom solder in a new 3.5mm port to the circuit board for a new external mic.
I also had big problems installing a Chinese Android head unit like this on a 2005 CRV. The microphone was useless, both internal and external. No one could hear you and there was no internal mic gain adjustments, even in the developer mode or factory settings. I had to custom solder in a new 3.5mm port to the circuit board for a new external mic.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 380
From: ESSEX, UK
I use the NAV screen for all the other functions except navigation.
For navigation I have a separate TomTom that is mounted on the windshield just to the right of the steering wheel (right-hand drive car).
It's powered off of dual USB power module I fitted below the transmission shifter that also powers my phone charger, like this one.
Works well and the maps get updated whenever I can be bothered to take the unit indoors to do an Update over WiFi.
For navigation I have a separate TomTom that is mounted on the windshield just to the right of the steering wheel (right-hand drive car).
It's powered off of dual USB power module I fitted below the transmission shifter that also powers my phone charger, like this one.
Works well and the maps get updated whenever I can be bothered to take the unit indoors to do an Update over WiFi.
Rookie
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 46
Likes: 13
From: Ontario
Are you still using the ML sound system in this setup? I was just thinking last night that it would be cool to have this type of setup where the 2 din unit above provides NAV, sound system, Bluetooth and then you replace the ML with a stock climate control unit. Now that would be ideal because now you have all the components in a better position. Please somebody figure this out lol
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 456
From: North Carolina
The ML system works and have choice of ML tuner or radio tuner on unit as I use because interface is much better. Rear AC controls work through menu and temp is in C but the number does not change when adjusting. Adjust can still be done by side buttons or menu and menu has all the functions including swing vent. Installing is much easier than you would think because most is just pulling apart. It came with external mic also but did not install because mic on unit works fine. CD player and tape deck still work . Any android app can be installed without restrictions. Bluetooth or usb devices can be used and wireless android auto or carplay supported but don't use because everything is already there.
Driver
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 93
Likes: 28
From: MA
Heavens, man! Just install a bluetooth dongle (Grom makes one; a couple other companies do too) and use your phone!! Google and Apple Maps simply run circles around just about any nav system. They are constantly looking at traffic congestion and can even flag speed traps. Why would you mess with such a nice-looking interior (the non-NAV LS430s are timeless; the NAV ones look as hopelessly outdated as they are!) and/or go back to a 20-year old DVD system? That's crazy talk. Consider yourserlf lucky that you have actual buttons for the HVAC system, and you don't have to worry about whether the screen works in order to access 'em!
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 854
Likes: 70
From: State
I had non nav for 8 years, thought the pioneer was pretty good
now have Marc Levenworth and it is so much better
last nav update was 2015 sold in 2016 I believe so pretty worthless
biggest drawback is standard def. which looks like 1900's
now have Marc Levenworth and it is so much better
last nav update was 2015 sold in 2016 I believe so pretty worthless
biggest drawback is standard def. which looks like 1900's
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,085
Likes: 401
From: Nor CA
The ‘01 has NAV but never updated it…. A non-NAV model would have been okay but this had the color we preferred.
Instead, I use the WAZE app on a mounted iPhone 7+ tied into the FM radio via a BT to FM transmitter (all of $20) which works good enough. 😁
Instead, I use the WAZE app on a mounted iPhone 7+ tied into the FM radio via a BT to FM transmitter (all of $20) which works good enough. 😁
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 456
From: North Carolina
I used my phone also before I did the upgrade. I wanted a bigger screen and this was available to bring an antiquated system in an old car up to date and actually looks like a factory install but better because Lexus would never give us for free what android does.
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