I have a 2003 SC430 where the radio is limited in its ability to add satellite radio features. Later model radios (from 2005 up to the ones with computer interface starting in 2009) have more capabilities. Can I install a radio from after 2005 but before 2009 in my 2003?

 

this is a good question and the only person that i know that might be able to figure it out is an old buddy of mine Gus. his user name on here is lexusaudio but I dont know if he is active on the fourms anymore. His email is:

egusman@woh.rr.com

Tell him Robert Rios sent you and make sure you subject to the email says something like "Lexus SC430 03 to 09 retro". If it can be done he would know and he can even make custom wiring harnesses for certain applications. For instance I turned my RX300 with no nav into an RX300 with NAV with his assitance.

Good luck and share what you find out!

 

I asked this question of an engineer who works for Toyota (I sell to Toyota Corp for a living):

Q: I have a 2002 SC430 which I love. I want to buy a late model SC430 radio that is XM READY and also has an input for AUX. Can a late model radio be installed in a 2002? Very little changed over the life of the SC.... the radio was one of the changes.

A:I discussed the question with the QA Electrical audio engineer and he feels that the desired change to get an XM capable radio would be possible. The XM capable radios that are compatible with the 2002 SC430 are 2006 through 2009 SC radios. These radios are XM ready and would also require the installation of the XM kit to add the XM tuner. These radios should plug directly into the 2002 SC.

Regarding the Aux capability, he says this input was not added until 2010 for this Lexus audio system and the 2010 system is not compatible so getting the Aux via a change in the audio head for the 2002 SC is not possible.

Note: I bought am aftermarket gizmo (SLU from VAIS Technology) which added 2 aux connections to my 2002 radio. I use one for XM (mounted very cleanly on a goose neck) and the other for my iPhone which is hard wired to the SLU. If I ever find a 06-09 radio for a decent price I will add it and use the SLU for my iPhone.

Hope this helps. Wayne

 

Hi Wayne, I thought that might have been the answer since the 2010 unit might be digital...i dont have XM though so I havent looked into it so much. The Gen 6 unit would be awesome for NAV though and of course it might allow capability to use the Media LinQ which is awesome! Gus might be able to make a custom harness...maybe something to look into.

 

Where can I find the XM kit that is required for my 2007, without getting a complete VAIS unit, etc.

 

I thought that the later model stereo heads require the NAV screen for some of the controls. If that is true, the stereos are not likely to be compatible.

 

I emailed him right away but to-date no reply. Thanks for the lead anyway.

 

takes awhile sometimes he is a dr so he is a pretty busy dude

 

The SLU product which adds 2 aux inputs to you stock Lexus SC430 head unit is from Vaistech. For my 2002 I bought a MODEL NO. 00051 which sells for 219.99. They say it fits 1998-2009. I then bought an XM unit from BestBuy and connected to Aux-1. I used a floor mounted gooseneck for the XM unit. For my iPod connection I used the iTrip Connect from Amazon which allows the iPod to be charged and audio output through the iPod connector (avoids using the mini jack on the top of the iPod for audio). This was connected to Aux-2. BestBuy installed everything.

Vaistech info here: http://www.vaistech.com/dev/slu.php

Phone: 720-733-2348, info@vaistech.com.

Griffin iTrip here: http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Techno.../dp/B004BO2H20

 

Harold:

I think you are right..I have XM radio in my 2010, and it works thru the NAV screen.

Katy

 

Hello Gents... new to the site. I have a 2002 SC and I have a CD stuck, I've tried all the suggestions but cannot get it out. So if figure I would just replace the entire radio. Looking for suggestions... is there a place I can buy the same radio or a later model? I would like to have the AUX ports for my IPod/IPhone. I do want to keep the same look. Any help would be appreciated.

 

If you still have a warranty, the dealer will do it for free. They will remove your current radio unit and replace it with another used one and then mail you the CDs back.

Be sure to try bopping it on the top and the side during ejection. If it makes it far enough for you to see it, grab it with some rubber covered tweezers or something similar.

 

I know this is old but I wonder if it would work if you swapped the radio and the nav screen to the MY10 if it would work...it would be expensive as hell...but I wonder if it would work.

 

Anything will work with enough $$ thorwn at it...LOL!

 

True but for instance when I did my Nav retro with the help of member Lexusaudio it only worked because the AMP and everything was analog and the new systems are now digital which would me different AMP and wiring....I guess I answered my own question!