The 2005 SC430 I just purchased has a Pioneer 500 ex radio. The previous owner had the stock unit replace with the Pioneer unit. I can pair my iPhone with the unit, but the unit is an older model that does not have NAV -- sadly they installer disconnected the entire upper NAV display.
So, I'm looking for a replacement for the Pioneer head unit. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
-gene

 

The built in Nav units are always behind.

I have the same set up Upgrade you mention. Close the cover on the old Nav unit. Use your phone for Navigation.

 

Yes, the 2004 I bought had a Pioneer head unit with Carplay.. and that is where the nav comes in. Connect to your phone and use the navigation there. Unfortunately my upper door will no longer open and I which I could figure out how to get it to work again.

 

Thanks for the replies.
Decided to keep the existing unit and use my iPhone for navigation. Was doing that in my Miata MX-5 and it worked just fine. I can use Waze, Google Maps or Apple Maps as desired. That just saved my a ton of money

 

I installed a Pioneer unit and use the upper screen for the backup camera.
Also, the little motor in the NAV unit probably went bad.

 

I bought my car with the pioneer/backup already installed, sure would like to have my backup cam in the old nav position but there is so much wiring in there I don't think I have the skill set to do it. I'd like the upper screen usable!

 

When the previous owner had the Pioneer head unit installed (years ago) the installer disabled the upper screen entirely. Like you, I don't have the skill set to get in there and see what they did. I just use my iPhone and Waze. Linking the phone via Bluetooth works well enough -- it even lowers the volume of the stereo when directions are given.
My next project (mentioned in another post) is to replace the antenna with a static one -- no more up and down -- which I hate! One poster suggested that I simply remove the power supply to the mast and leave it down all the time -- what a great idea. Apparently, the mast is only needed for AM since the FM antenna is in the front windshield.
I'm learning a ton from you guys!
Thanks,
-gene

 

Maybe we had the same installer? My upper screen has been disabled as well, and then again maybe not, I'm not sure, my upper door does not function, so I do not know what is really behind it. I can hook up my phone with the Bluetooth or there is a USB port in the center console lower compartment I can plug my phone into, and it will do everything. Ingoing/outgoing phone calls, answer texts by voice, nav and all the other usual stuff. I like the set up, but I'd also like to see what's behind that upper door! Not sure if I'm going to do anything with the antenna unless it breaks or fails, I guess. And I too am learning a ton from this place.

 

You only disconnect one plug to disable the antenna, the plug is next to the antenna motor.
My car still receives AM/FM stations just fine although i only listen to XM radio.
Tell you what, give it a try and if you have issues with your current stations after you disable the antenna, then install the stubby antenna.
BTW, are you near Cocoa Beach?
i could show you.

 

i just did this recently after pondering it
for years. if i can do it, it’s definitely doable.

there’s a vid at the end of this thread showing which trunk panels to remove to access the antenna motor. i didn’t pull the last panel all the way off. i just folded it out of the way so i could reach in and unplug the connector.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...isable-it.html


here’s a pic of the plugs location and where i just strapped it out of the way after unplugging.

all in all, very happy with the result!




hope this helps.

 

Good to know, and nice pics! Thanks.

 

Now here is my thought... I don't know if there is a fuse that runs only that powered antenna or not, but if so, could it just be removed so the antenna no longer goes up? And or maybe a toggle switch put in that power line to turn it off or on at will. Right now, mine is working but it's pretty noisy so I don't know if that is normal, or if it's on its way out.

 

the owners manual should have a list of fuses you could experiment with.
then antenna moves with radio frequency, lower frequencies require a longer antenna.

 

So, you are saying the antenna adjusts its height depending on channel that the radio is on? I'm not sure how much radio I listen to anyway, I get that Amazon music free with prime and I'm usually listening to that or the Sirius off the wife's phone.

 

Wow -- I never expected so much great help. Thanks for the pics and excellent recommendations.
I did order a static antenna from Amazon. My plan was to take off the retaining nut and power up the radio and pull the antenna out completely.
Then insert the stationary one and secure it with the retaining nut.
Now, with all the great suggestions, I may just remove the power supply to the antenna and return the purchased one to Amazon!
I'll keep you guys posted -- as if anyone really cares
If I install the one from Amazon, I'll take a pic and post it here so you can see the final solution.

• BTW, I have a VSC light on. Been reading about the reason it's on and how to turn it off. I checked the gas cap today -- cleaned the neck and cap. Will drive a bit and see if the light goes out. Some have had success doing that. Gonna take the simple steps first before getting too aggressive.

To Bgw70 -- I'm located near Crystal River, FL, on the Gulf Coast and just West of Ocala, FL