VaisTech Question
VaisTech Question
Hey folks, so I've given a lot of thought to my current stereo setup and got an idea. I know there are tons of threads on this subject matter, but my question is a little different. I know that VaisTech makes very few products for our vehicles. I currently have the SL3U unit which allows only an AUX input for the 2002-2005 models. But then they also offer a SL3B for 2005+ models. The SL3B allows Bluetooth, track info, and steering wheel control so I was thinking about a situation and hoping someone can shed some light on my propsed scenario.
IF I was to purchase a used OEM radio from a 2005+, would it work in my 2002 without issues? Secondly, would the SL3B work with the newer radio? I called VaisTech and they said they can neither confirm nor deny whether it will work, but if the headunit works, then it should. Anyway, so I guess the bigger question is do you all think a 2005+ OEM radio would be backward compatible for my 2002? Thanks for any insight and/or comments.
IF I was to purchase a used OEM radio from a 2005+, would it work in my 2002 without issues? Secondly, would the SL3B work with the newer radio? I called VaisTech and they said they can neither confirm nor deny whether it will work, but if the headunit works, then it should. Anyway, so I guess the bigger question is do you all think a 2005+ OEM radio would be backward compatible for my 2002? Thanks for any insight and/or comments.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,637
Likes: 60
From: DC
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 769
Likes: 79
From: Florida
Hey folks, so I've given a lot of thought to my current stereo setup and got an idea. I know there are tons of threads on this subject matter, but my question is a little different. I know that VaisTech makes very few products for our vehicles. I currently have the SL3U unit which allows only an AUX input for the 2002-2005 models. But then they also offer a SL3B for 2005+ models. The SL3B allows Bluetooth, track info, and steering wheel control so I was thinking about a situation and hoping someone can shed some light on my propsed scenario.
IF I was to purchase a used OEM radio from a 2005+, would it work in my 2002 without issues? Secondly, would the SL3B work with the newer radio? I called VaisTech and they said they can neither confirm nor deny whether it will work, but if the headunit works, then it should. Anyway, so I guess the bigger question is do you all think a 2005+ OEM radio would be backward compatible for my 2002? Thanks for any insight and/or comments.
IF I was to purchase a used OEM radio from a 2005+, would it work in my 2002 without issues? Secondly, would the SL3B work with the newer radio? I called VaisTech and they said they can neither confirm nor deny whether it will work, but if the headunit works, then it should. Anyway, so I guess the bigger question is do you all think a 2005+ OEM radio would be backward compatible for my 2002? Thanks for any insight and/or comments.
I have actually been keeping my eye on either the same thing you are thinking or a Toyota radio. They all use the IEBus if I recall and have the same address (190), so it should integrate into the system as long as it physically fits and either has the same connectors or the ability to splice in connectors.
Get a part number for the 2005+ stereos and I bet we can find the service manual for it. I located the one for the 2003 pretty easily and have seen several others while poking around.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 769
Likes: 79
From: Florida
Hmm... ebay is not the ultimate source, but according to this listing for a 2005-2009 radio the mounting brackets, tabs, and even the connectors on the back are identical.
I wonder why they always claim that AM equipment made for 2005+ won't work?
I wonder why they always claim that AM equipment made for 2005+ won't work?
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,759
Likes: 416
From: Texas
I think it has to do with the later radios have some controls on the NAV screen (or maybe it is the climate control?). I'm not sure but it seems like I remember reading about that somewhere. (I own a 2002, so I don't have one to compare against.)
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 769
Likes: 79
From: Florida
I've seen that on the 2010 model, but the 2002 to 2009 stereos look identical to me.
I dug a little more. The Lexus PN for a 2006 ML radio is 86120-24370, the Pioneer PN is FX-MG9147ZT. The Service manual publication is PN CRT3296
I have not yet been able to find a free downloadable copy of it, but there are a few sites that will sell it to you. Finding the 2003 manual was pretty easy (CRT2584 FX-MG8127)
Anyway, they are different part numbers even though they look identical. If we can find a copy of the service manual for the 2006, we could easily confirm if there is really any issue with swapping them.
Retro, Thanks so much for looking into this. I'm sorry, I haven't replied recently. I've been really busy this past week. I will read up and follow some of the leads you've suggested and get back to this thread. Thanks again, You are sure burning a trail in this forum. Moving right up the ranks! Way to go!
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Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 769
Likes: 79
From: Florida
Retro, Thanks so much for looking into this. I'm sorry, I haven't replied recently. I've been really busy this past week. I will read up and follow some of the leads you've suggested and get back to this thread. Thanks again, You are sure burning a trail in this forum. Moving right up the ranks! Way to go!
When you do, you'll find that I gave some inaccurate info. It appears the 24370 is for RH drive (EUR). I managed to get my hands on the Lexus Electronic Parts Catalog.
86120-24390 is the main radio in our SC430s up to 2008. It does appear that around 2005, there were a couple of other models that may have been used:
86120-24150
86120-24450
86120-24431
Honestly, though, from my digging the only difference I have been able to find are the available color combinations for the door. Still having a hard time finding service manuals for any of the other models. But the real question is that if the 24390 was used in the car from 2001 to 2008, how could these gadget manufacturers say something will only work with 2005-2008 radios when there is a possibility the car would have the exact same model as a 2003? All of the models I have found have the 6 disc changer and all have the same connectors on the back (no external changer port.)
Loosely related, in my ventures looking at this, I stumbled on the Prius stereo and have become inspired. The Prius radio is all blacked out and looks very cool IMO. So the wheels have been turning.
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