I have thought about getting the iPod integration kit from VAIS technologies, however, being the screwdriver idiot that I am, there is no way that I would be able to install it myself. Has anyone had any experience with getting their dealer to install this product, and if so, how much did they charge you? If not, do you think the dealer would take on such a project and what would be an estimate for installation?

Here is a link to the product for those interested
http://www.vaistech.com/aic100i.html

Thanks

 

To do the installation yourself, it really helps to have the Lexus shop manual for the portion on the center console. There it explains how to remove the radio. You can download a PDF version by visiting the Toyota technical web site for $10/day. I installed this kit in my RX330 and it took a couple of hours of going slow, careful not to scratch anything, routing wires, etc. I ended up putting the iPod kit such that the iPod sits in the glove box. Keeps it hidden.

Performance of the unit is another topic. There are a number of problems with my unit "acting properly". It does not like for you to switch between it and FM and back. Also, song titles sometimes appear and sometimes don't. Seems like after 20 minutes of playing it just freezes up. Yes, I have a new iPod with the latest firmware. I emailed their service group and they said for me to stop pestering them with questions, that they would get back to me. It is almost like the unit is more in the beta stage, and not ready for the masses. Either that or my 6-CD changer system has incompatible firmware.

I'll reserve final judgment until I hear back from VAIS to see if they make the unit work properly. Naturally, your mileage may vary.

 

FYI, it doesn't work with the Nakamichi radio. I tried to buy one but they told me it wouldn't work.

 

I have one installed in my GS. Installation was very simple. Just involved removing the Head Unit and plugging in some cables. The first couple of units I had were buggy, the latest version seems to work well.

 

My partner just installed this for me as a birthday present, so I wasn't around to actually see how difficult the install was, but he was able to find instructions for dis-assembling the center console on the internet, and was able to do it in a few hours.

It's running in an '04 RX330 with the Navigation, so the only visual interface is the CD player-style interface. He ran the cable/jack into the glove box.

I have had the unit in operation for a few days now, and it seems to work fairly well. The mode where you control the iPod with the CD player controls is really focused around changing between and selecting tracks within playlists. I'm not sure there's a way to remotely access a specific album/artist/genre. Additionally, there's some 99 song limit for a playlist--its behavior handling longer playlists is "unpredictable."

In my situation, there's no text feed from the iPod to the center console... just that the "Disc number" displayed corresponds to the playlist, and the track number corresponds to the track number in the playlist.

I'm still trying to decide if I want a mount for the iPod nearer to the driver, so I can use the iPod controls directly--seems like the options would be a bracket that uses the powerpoint near the gear shift (and possibly get in the way of shifting) or a bracket that mounts in the A/C vent near the steering wheel.

Based on experience with having other stereo gear installed in other vehicles, I would say that this seems like a fairly simple install -- so certainly don't pay anything more than you would have to pay for a basic stereo head unit install, for instance.

 

Before you go to the trouble of relocating your iPod, you should test the operation first. I.e., you'll notice once you switch to iPod mode via the VAIS unit, the iPod controls are locked and don't work. So you might as well leave it tucked in the glove box. Wouldn't you have been frustrated if you had gone to the trouble of moving it all for naught?

If your VAIS unit is set to the MD-changer, set it back to the default of CD-changer (or vice-versa). Even though I have the 6-CD changer, the MD mode does not work. See the instruction booklet for instructions. Once you have the correct mode (you have a 50-50 chance), the you can press the TEXT button to switch from track number, to playlist name, to song title. But this feature works poorly on my unit. If I switch from one playlist to another, then it works better....

 

[QUOTE=RatherPlay]Before you go to the trouble of relocating your iPod, you should test the operation first. I.e., you'll notice once you switch to iPod mode via the VAIS unit, the iPod controls are locked and don't work. So you might as well leave it tucked in the glove box. QUOTE]

Actually, there are TWO modes... one where you control the iPod with the steering wheel or head unit controls (which pretty much just allows you to advance through playlists and tracks, and the iPod's controls are locked out), and another one where the iPod's controls are active, and the audio just plays through the head unit. I have been able to do both of these.

So, moving the iPod to where I could see it would possibly be beneficial.

 

I stand corrected. Of course, looking at little iPod screen while driving may be distracting. :-)

 

Here's a good mount if you want to move your ipod closer to the driver

http://www.ipodlounge.com/index.php/...od-photo-ipod/

Where did you find the center console removal instructions? I haven't seen them on the net anywhere.

 

just pay the $10 and use techinfo.toyota.com to find the removal instructions

 

Guess I need to read the instructions better.
How do you switch between these 2 modes?

 

If I remember correctly, it has to do with pressing the "scan" button like eight times within two seconds or something, until it beeps, while you are in the iPod mode (with "CDI" showing on the display while the iPod input is active).

I'll have to check the instructions again myself.

--Mark

 

How to remove the factory stereo.

http://www.carstereohelp.com/stereor...usRX330Str.htm

 

I did a little write-up, but not with the nice photos like that site. Those photos will really help.
Look here
It's funny, but when the installer had to get the car in D he left the keys in the ignition and the radio is on as he is pulling it out. Don't have to turn on the car, just pop the cap and push the button. Hopefully the radio chasis isn't the main ground.

 

I am still researching which one would be better. There are two products available and also you would need the Lexus specific harness converter.


40002 - Neo iOn SP
Lexus: RX 330 : 2004 - 2006
You can now listen to and control your iPod™ through the Lexus RX 330's head unit. If you have steering wheel audio controls, those will work too! No more fussing with cassette adapters, FM transmitters, or cigarette lighter chargers. Enjoy clear, genuine high quality sound through your factory audio system. The Neo provides direct Plug-and-Play connection to RX 330 OEM audio system and supports vehicles with and without Navigation system. Seamless iPod™ integration for your RX 330 vehicle.
The Neo iPod adapter also provides you with an additional auxiliary port, allowing the connection of a satellite radio, laptop or any other source.
$329.99 USD

10018 - Neo iOn
Lexus: RX 330 : 2004 - 2005
The Neo iOn connects the iPod (3rd/4th/5th gen, mini, Photo, HP, U2, video and nano – ALL iPods with a dock connector on the bottom) to the Lexus RX 330's factory radio. Full quality audio and controls - easy installation!
$189.99 USD

20001 - Lexus Harness Converter
Price: $19.99
The Lexus Converting Y-Harness allows items with standard Lexus plugs to connect to the new style connector (smaller size).
The Lexus Converting Y-Harness accepts the factory connector and plugs into the radio, leaving the CD changer port open for proper protocol converter to interface with an aftermarket CD changer. An auxiliary converter may be used to access auxiliary devices: DVD player Digital Satellite Receiver VCR/VCP PlayStation MP3 player portable MiniDisc portable CD portable DVD w/built-in monitor. The harness will connect devices to the Lexus in-dash radio and maintain all factory audio settings.

http://********************

website is www dot mp3yourcar dot com
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Lexus vehicles 2003 and newer require this item and you must add it to your cart seperately. Vehicles from 1998-2002 in most cases will not require use of this harness.