Over the past couple of weeks, all of the components have been coming in, and I will be embarking on my SC430 sound upgrade adventure shortly. I am going to change out all the speakers, replace the ML amp, and of course switch out the head unit.

I am pretty sure I've read every thread on it multiple times, but there are a few questions I could not find a definitive answer to, so here goes. Does anyone know if...

1. For the nav and stereo cover doors to remain functional, is it absolutely necessary to keep the motherboard of the original head unit connected, or is there another way to wire it?

2. Is it possible to use the mic from the stock bluetooth system for the aftermarket stereo? If yes, what is the path of the wire, and a good place to get to it?

3. This one's a long shot: Is it possible to use the antenna from the stock nav system for the aftermarket nav? If yes, what is the path of the wire, and a good place to get to it?

Thanks for any input!
-Dan

 

Well Dan. I can input a little on question 3. I know that there have been some schematics for the nav antenna posted before. The antenna itself is VERY difficult to access, short of removing the dash. When mine failed, I resorted to replacing it with an after-market antenna and placing it under the rear shelf after trimming the connector to fit. You can access it at the nav unit in the trunk. The reason I mentioned the schematics is that there are several connection points between the nav unit and the antenna, and one is near the glovebox in front. I ASSUME you can use the stock antenna as my aftermarket unit works fine on the stock nav system. Your results may vary .

 

Thanks Chris, I appreciate the info! I will post an update with my findings.

 

I have a 2007 460LS with only 67,000 miles and my Levinson radio amp failed one-day for no reason. The dealership has been helpful, and feels for my position, they suggested I call Lexus
consumer relations. I called and spoke with Colleen who has done a good job at "running everybody around". I am angry with her actions. When I initially went to the dealership they looked at my car and said there is no reason they can see the radio amp failed the car was clean and well cared for. At this point I called Colleen, she demanded I go back to the dealership and get a "formal
inspection". I said, if I do return to Lexus and the report supports the same thing they did on my first visit will you pay the $2,000.00 to repair my radio? She said she cant make any promises. Then why are you running me around? I told her if I go through all this and what you already know proves to be true and Lexus does not cover it, I will be very unhappy. She basically agreed.
Yet a month or so later she called me; the report supported what had been known for months, yet she denied any coverage. LEXUS IS ALL SHOW..............NO QUALITY ANYMORE OR CONSUMER CARE. REMEMBER, LEVISON IS THEIR TOP OF THE LINE STEREO.
i HAVE BEEN RUNNING AROUND WITH A BOOM-BOX ON MY PASSENGER SEAT FOR TWO MONTHS NOW, NICE!!!!!!!!! I WILL NEVER SPEAK WELL OF LEXUS AGAIN.
I WILL GO OUT OF MY WAY TO SPEAK POORLY OF MY EXPERIENCE AND SUGGEST CUSTOMERS NOT BUY A LEXUS. IT IS CLEAR THEY ARE ALL SHOW AND NO SUPPORT.

 

Lexus appears to caring, they will talk your ear off but when it comes down to it
they are not there for you. Beware. They will leave you hanging.

 

I feel your pain. But what I don't understand is that what do you want Lexus do for you? Replace your amp at goodwill and no charge to you? Or have some sort of goodwill to lessen your replacement charge? Do you have any extended warranty that cover this item? I guess you don't or else Lexus dealer would have done the replacement for you already.
You do have a car that's 8 years old and out of warranty.
If anything, your dealer should help you get the goodwill from Lexus and talk to them on your behalf. Then again, did you purchase this car from this dealer? Have regular maintenance done by them regularly? All these are factors that your dealer would or wouldn't help you.
Best of luck.

 

Go to the LS460 forum here. There is a company that will repair the Levinson Amp for reasonable cost. It's easy to remove yourself.

JR

 

Danaversa, I'm sorry to read the bad experience you had with your car and with the Lexus Dealership. I happen to agree with what bb430 stated. All these factors play a role or a means to an end. I purchased my coupe from the dealer and I don't allow just any mechanic to work on my car. Yes I will pay a little more for the service, but I also get a free loaner as long as they work on my car, quality work and profession treatment. I also get to choose whatever model they have available to drive as a loaner for days, and most of all, they're responsible for my car. If it's not repaired correctly the first time, the dealership has proven consistently to make me happy and complete the service to my satisfaction. I also bring to their attention issues that relate to weak or poor customer service. Ten out of ten times I have received a courtesy phone call to ensure I'm satisfied with the quality of the workmanship and customer service. I guess it would be safe to say that not all Lexus Dealerships are the same, and it would be in accurate to state that Lexus in general does not support their customers. I'm sorry for the bad experience you had with your local dealership. Sometimes you have to speak to the right person to make things happen for you. Best of luck.

 

I'm going to answer my own question here, hopefully this information can help someone else in the future.

The GPS antenna wire is actually really easily traceable. It is bundled with the radio antenna wire and runs under the center console to the GPS unit in the trunk. The antenna itself is mounted behind the nav screen under the dash. Unfortunately, the antenna's connector is not compatible with my aftermarket GPS (Pioneer Avic 8000nex). But since I'm ripping everything out anyways, I'm simply going to mount the Pioneer's GPS antenna where the OEM antenna was.

 

You should be able to get an adapter to make the new antenna work.

 

Did you ever work out an answer to the mic question? I am about to replace my head unit and would prefer to use the factory mic rather than have to find a place for the mic that comes with the stereo.