Yeah definitely no CDREC function for us here in the states with 2010+. I was really disappointed when I learned this lol. I actually considered finding a 2007-2009 head unit, and ML amp and swapping everything as this would give me CDREC, full time backup camera access, and would also address the attenuation of the 2010-2012 ML amp vs the 07-09 but cost + wasn't sure how involved the process would be. Settled with plugging in my DAP and a USB DAC/AMP.

 

sometimes work arounds are the smartest way to go. No car does it all.

 

The cloning method should work for various Lexus models made in 2010-11 (probably before 2010 as well): ES 350, GX 460, IS 250, IS 350, IS F, LS 460, LS 600 and LX570.

 

Hi everyone - has anyone does this for a 2015 RCF/do they know if it would work? I have a suspected issue with the hard drive where it's stuck in a boot loop. Any insight into steps + what type of drive is in there?

 

Being 2015, it should have a SATA drive which is more common, the method should work. However, this method only works with the original drive (given that you can unlock it) because you need a source for cloning.

 

Thanks for writing this up! What an accomplishment, I've actually been searching for info about whether anyone had figured out how to do this. You may be the first, or at least the first to document it.

Do you have any idea if the dealer would still be able to perform an update to the SSD? Or may it not proceed due to the drive mismatch or health not being reported.

Where were you able to source the Silicon Power SSD-I20 64GB? I've looked and only see them as sold out.
For PATA I see Amazon offering a random brand (KingSpec) in 64GB and also Transcend 32GB and 64GB which is likely a bit more reputable.
How were you able to determine the PATA SSD would accept an ATA password? Trial and error?

Did you notice if there is any performance difference either with startup time or responsiveness? I'm actually not clear if the HDD is only for Nav data or also runs other functions on the display but I suspect it is only for Nav data.

 

The original drive, Hitachi Endurastar HEJ425... J4K model is rated for -30 to 85C and 300,000 Hours MTTF and high shock resistance (Op 250Gs / 2ms - Non Op: 800Gs / 1ms (half sine wave).

The Transcend appears to be rated for 0-70C Operating and 1,000,000 hours MTBF and even higher shock resistance (1500G, 0.5ms).
The Silicon Power is also 0-70C operating but 2,000,000 hr MTBF.

I'd expect with no moving parts the SSD will generally last much longer but I am surprised the operating temp range is not larger. This range seems consistent across the three brands I see here:
https://www.memoryc.com/storage/ssd/pata-ide.html

 

I doubt, dealers usually will not work with anything aftermarket, however, I don't know for sure.

I got mine off Ebay but it is not available anymore. 32GB version will work as well too but it needs to be resized properly during cloning. I took a calculated risk, SSD-I20 is an enterprise disk and usually those support extended ATA features, such as, ATA passwords. I believe, I checked its spec sheet before purchasing. Kingspec will not work, I tried.

I have not seen any performance difference. I believe, the HDD/SSD only stores data not programs. However, if the drive goes out, you can't use the HU at all, at least, I was not able.

 

Dang, it appears the last Silicon Power drives sold around the time you did this writeup. I would gladly buy one for $60 or even $100.

I would very much like to perform the SSD swap but that requires a compatible drive.
Thanks for confirming the Kingspec does not support ATA passwords.

I wonder if the Transcend would work. They do specify industrial-grade and "Security Command" as a feature but I did not find anything written about ATA password.
https://www.transcend-info.com/embed...lutions/psd330

How did you verify the Kingspec did not support? Did you clone to it and try installing in the vehicle? Or is there SMART data to indicate?

 

I actually bought one (Kingspec) and tried. I also noticed that I couldn't active ATA password via BIOS.

 

Drives that support "Security Command" should support ATA password due to requirements of ATA SECURE ERASE. But I can't guarantee that as SECURE ERASE implementation can be manufacturer dependent.

 

Ok, sounds like there is a chance the Transcend drive would work.

I know this is a big ask, but could I send you a Transcend drive and have you test for an ATA password to see if it would work? Since there aren't currently any other identified options that are available. In the mean time I sent a note to Transcend support.

I have not been able to confirm ATA password support in any of the computers I have. I have an older Intel S1200BTS server that I expected would but don't see anything in the documentation thus far.

 

I got one off Ebay, I am not going to plug it in my HU but I can check if it supports ATA password. I will update this thread when I have an answer.

 

Yes that's what I meant, just to check if it would support ATA password with your computer. Thanks, really appreciate your work!

I may need to buy a Optiplex 990 just for this purpose.

Would a cloned drive work in any head unit from the same year/model or is there some VIN specific programming involved?

 

FWIW, Transcend customer service replied back to me and said yes the PSD330 is compatible with ATA Password. So hopefully your testing confirms!