Help with radio install on 2007 RX350
 

So I am new to Lexus vehicles and have recently purchased a Kenwood DDX770 double din radio. My question is in regard to installation. I have the kit and steering wheel adapter. I purchased a Scosche TA07SRC wiring harness adapter with the intention of using the factory amp to power the speakers, as advertised on the adapter.

After installation, I have power but no sound. I contacted Scosche tech support and was told that their adapter only works on JBL and JBL synthesis systems. So, I contact Lexus' national hotline and gave them my VIN to verify the type of sound system installed in my vehicle. They told me that it was the standard Premium Sound, 8 speaker (NON-ML, NON-NAV, and NON-DVD). I asked them if the Premium Sound system considered a "JBL" and they said no.

Now, it is my understanding that the Scosche adapter will not work. Back to square one.

I go online to Crutchfield and input my vehicle data and it tells me to use the Axxess TYTO-01 adapter (same purpose as the Scosche adapter). The Axxess adapter also states that it is for the JBL and JBL Synthesis:


QUESTIONS:
1. Has anyone installed the Axxess TYTO-01 on a 2007 RX350 without ML system?
2. Is the Premium Sound system considered "JBL"?
3. What is this "data cable" that I have read about in other threads but I have not been able to find an independent (non-forum related) discussion of it on the internet otherwise?
4. Is this a persistent problem for 2007 NON-ML models only? It appears that other years have fewer install problems.

If I am missing something here, please let me know. Thanks.

Your feedback will be appreciated. Thank you all!

Welcome to Club Lexus, jixxer74.

The base stereo in the RX is from Pioneer.

You might find the following writeup from Carver to be of some use:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...a-dnx6960.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...o-install.html

Is it Pioneer? I thought base was Panasonic.

No, as I indicated in a previous posting here at CL the images provided clearly denote the base system as from Pioneer.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2009-LEXUS-RX350-STEREO-MP3-PLAYER-/271270722622?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f28febc3e&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEXUS-RX350-AMP-AMPLIFIER-2006-2007-2008-2009-RADIO-AUDIO-PIONEER-RX400H-RX330-/181017947870?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a2582aede&vxp=mtr

Thank you for the replies and the warm welcome. I did review the threads suggested by RX330inFL and unfortunately I did not find anything there that was responsive to my specific inquiries. Again, thanks for trying. If anyone else can lend a hand, that would be greatly appreciated.

Perhaps you missed that most are using the Metra double-din kit and cable kit, SLA-82A from Beat-Sonic. These folks will assist you after the purchase as well should you have any questions.

http://www.beatsonicusa.com/beat-sonic-sla-82a.html

Few if any RX owners with the ML system feel the need to upgrade, so it is mainly the base system folks you will see posting. As stated previous, the system is from Pioneer and not JBL. That answers why your first cable kit from Scosche did not work. As for the Axxess TYTO-01, it is also designed for JBL but may work:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...nt-option.html

Though, if you have a problem have a look at this:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/7437882-post4.html

Another reason to consider the Beat-Sonic kit.

Please note that there are different kits available depending on whether you have ML or not and whether you have NAV or not. Not all vendors are clear about what fits what. Being that you have the base system without NAV you should be fine.

Not sure what you are specifically asking for regarding the data cable. Lexus did sell an iPod connection kit for the back of the OEM stereo. Many replacement stereo units have a USB connection on the back to allow you to plug-in a cable for your iPod, etc. If you want to do such you just need the appropriate cable and route it to a proper location such as your glove box. Your unit has Bluetooth, so that would one way to go if your music device supports it. You will want to consider the kit to allow you to use the steering wheel controls, which is also available from Axxess, namely the ASWC-1.

http://www.axxessinterface.com/docs/...2_BROCHURE.pdf

No install problems of major note have been discussed of late. More about what to purchase and who to purchase from. You just need the appropriate pieces to make it all work. Some use a professional sound shop to do the job, such as in the case of Carver. Some DIY. If you get all the right pieces it just works the first time.

If you have specific questions, let us know. It is all there in the info provided, and much more if you use the search features here at CL, and you should be good to go with the possible exception of the kit for the steering wheel controls.

Have a look at the video(s) and details here:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...uestion-4.html

Axxess TYTO-01 will work for sure unless you got a bad one. You have to connect your Kenwood amp power on cable ( I think it is the blue one) to the TYTO-01 amp turn on . The rest of the connectors are easy.

Finished install a while ago and just now uploading pics. Thanks to the guys and gals for their input and support. A great forum!

So, how does it sound? As much of an improvement as you had hoped? I see you also drilled a hole for a USB port. Besides the cable problem, anything else of note for the masses who might follow in your footsteps?

Thanks for coming back and posting pictures.

The sound is much improved in my opinion. I think the factory amp is not bad. One day I will replace it with a better one in addition to a real sub and quality speakers.

As far as advice. I bought and installed the following without complication for my NON-ML equipped RX350.

I installed the following at the prices listed (approx):

Kenwood DDX770: $480.00 (Best Buy)
Metra TYTO-01 JBL Amplifier Interface Harness: $80.00 (DFW Audio in Grapevine, Texas)
Metra 99-8159S Double DIN Dash Kit for Select Lexus RX Vehicles: $21.99 (Amazon.com)
Axxess Metra ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface with New Micro B Connector (Black): $49.00 (Amazon.com)
Metra 70-8114 Steering Wheel Control Wire Harness with RCA for 2003-Up Select Toyota/Scion/Lexus Vehicles: $10.00 (Amazon.com)
PAC Usbcbl 6' USB Cable with Mounting Bracket:$11.74 (Amazon.com)

Have you figured out a route. Im breaking my head and dont know which way to go.