My better half was fooling with the navigation SIM/memory card and managed to pop it out for no apparent reason, it then fell through the hole in the cupholders down into the abyss. I searched and searched and even removed the cupholders & center console, (which I discovered is relatively easy to remove. The vinyl covered panels over the transmission hump just pull straight out from the front of them, which reveals the 10mm Philips head fastener that secures the cupholder). Could not find the SD-SIM card with the navigation data, it's as good as gone now, (ARGG)




(The SD card goes into the nav system in the dash, and it's hidden behind a small panel that drops open when you press the button on the right side. The SD card in the image I paid $100 for. It did not work.)

My question is, where to find a replacement SD card that won't make me go broke? The lowest price I've seen for OEM is over $700...

 

Last time I needed navigation update (end of last year) I ordered this card from my local Lexus dealer. You need to contact PARTS (not the service) department, give them your VIN and they will order it for you. This card comes with the latest available nav database, therefore dealers don't have them in stock and it needs to be ordered. Once your dealer receives the card (probably in a week or so) you would have to make an appointment with the SERVICE folks to get it installed in your car because parts people not allowed to release it to you. It is silly and they will charge you 30 minutes of labor (or so) but that is the only way they operate. In my case it was something like $200-$300 or so. Not like it is dirt cheap but no way in heaven it is $700 either. LOL.

 

Currently $184.80 for the one that goes in my 2016. Normally $210 from Bell Lexus in AZ. Was considering buying it since it is on sale as I thought it would be nice to update the maps but decided the money is better spent elsewhere.

Latest item # is PT219GEN0822 for my year but yours might be different. I think this came out in 2022 and I would have thought they would have a 2023 revision out by now.

 

Thanks so much for this! Now I can search and do the pricing and not have to pay $1000 for a replacement...

 

I got the Nav/Maps update for my 2014 in October at Mungenast Lexus in St. Louis. The part PT219-HDD07-19 GEN7 V19.1 was 182.08 (169 plus taxes). $75 for installation. They honored a previously quoted estimate although the service advisor said labor was supposed to be $205. So, the total update cost could be between $250-400 depending on the dealership.

I requested the latest update. Apparently, for the 2014 MY, there were no updates after 2019. The nav head unit is different for the 2016-2017 MYs, so a 2022 update sounds great. But it may be the last one for your MY.

 

Seems odd that they would only provide 5 years of updates. I doubt many people buy it so not much of an incentive to keep offering it but at the same time, it can't be that hard to create the different versions once you have the map info.

 

Thanks for the suggestions everybody, I finally called up the dealer. Parts guy explained why you don't want to buy a used SIM card is because once inserted the card programs to that particular car and won't work in another. Finally I got them down to $201.00 for the memory card. I ordered and had it sent to the dealership, that way there's somebody there who knows how to do it if it doesn't work right off. The moral of the story, just epoxy the cover shut for the spot on the dash where the sim card goes into so nobody can get at it to screw it up when its working perfectly.
I'm just kidding, barely... accessories like your navigation system should not be this much of a hassle -

 

$210 is a good deal!

I call BS on programing the card to a particular vehicle though. My understanding is Lexus ships storage devices unlocked, once a storage device gets inserted into a compatible vehicle, the vehicle locks the storage device with a password. However, the password is not unique the car but rather to the part number.

 

$210 is the MSRP. Could have saved more by ordering from Bell Lexus in AZ. Tax and shipping is currently free as well.

Here is a youtube video for the steps to install it on an ES350. Should help you through the process although the menu steps may be a little different for an LS as the guy doing it said the GS350 was a little different from the ES,

 

I got the card at the dealership today and installed, I had to use a pen to push it in until it clicked into place. I chose to pickup at the dealership in case there were issues but it worked instantly like new, nothing to program even.
Thanks for everybody that gave me all those very helpful replies!

I got it from Lexus of Oxnard, California

 

Ouch, that’s a tough one those SD/SIM navigation cards are ridiculously overpriced for what they are. Unfortunately, the OEM versions are usually locked to specific systems, which is why the $100 one you tried didn’t work. The safest bet is either to source a genuine replacement through your dealer (though pricey) or look on reputable sites like eBay, where people often sell their unused cards for much less. Just be careful with region coding and version compatibility.

Some owners have also had success contacting navigation update service providers who can supply a working card at a fraction of the OEM price — definitely worth checking before spending $700+.

Funny enough, this whole hassle reminds me of the mobile side of things in the Philippines, where Glob SIM Registration PH is mandatory just to keep your SIM active. Whether it’s cars or phones, it seems like companies love to lock us into official systems that make simple replacements way harder (and more expensive) than they should be.

 

It is NOT BS. Once inserted the SIM card will not work in any other vehicle. All those used ones on Ebay are a scam job, they won't work. What is BS is the dealer insisting on installing it. Open door, put SIM card in slot, presto, done. There is no programming, it is all on the SIM card.

 

So did you manage to find a SIM card for a reasonable price, and if so where? Thanks.