100 Series NAV Delete – True Standalone HVAC Solution (OEM+)

Enthusiast Level vs. OEM Level

  • Enthusiast

    Votes: 21 21.0%
  • OEM

    Votes: 79 79.0%

  • Total voters
    100
  • Poll closed .

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I would buy one also. And if a much improved production model were to be released at a later time, I would probably buy that one also.
Same here!
 
If this were available today as a plug-and-play solution, how many here would realistically be interested in purchasing one? Trying to get a feel for what an initial batch might look like.


Definitely interested, but as always, price matters. Any SWAG on that yet?

On the "two knob/three knob/screen/no screen*" question, I default to robust and intuitive, no matter the knobs or screens. That said, I do enjoy some digitally small amount of displayed information, just because.

*There has to be a Dr. Seuss poem int here somewhere.
 
Successful command injection with the HVAC command set mapped and confirmed under controlled testing.
Now validating full standalone operation without the OEM NAV/MFD connected, including startup behavior and power-cycle stability.

The goal remains:
OEM-style physical controls
No screen
Plug-and-play

Curious to hear from those following the development:

- If you could completely remove the factory NAV screen, run any head unit you want, and relocate HVAC to OEM-style physical controls in the lower dash - would you choose that over current Teyes/Grom/Android options?
- And honestly, what would make you NOT buy something like this?

Appreciate the feedback. This community has been a big part of shaping the direction.

Successful command injection with the HVAC command set mapped and confirmed under controlled testing.
Now validating full standalone operation without the OEM NAV/MFD connected, including startup behavior and power-cycle stability.

The goal remains:
OEM-style physical controls
No screen
Plug-and-play

Curious to hear from those following the development:

- If you could completely remove the factory NAV screen, run any head unit you want, and relocate HVAC to OEM-style physical controls in the lower dash - would you choose that over current Teyes/Grom/Android options?
- And honestly, what would make you NOT buy something like this?

Appreciate the feedback. This community has been a big part of shaping the direction.
I just found this thread, and YES, this is exactly what I want to do to my '06 (12/05)! I have a non-nav GX470, and the aftermarket head unit and separate HVAC controls is ideal. The new head unit made an unbelievable difference, and it brought the tech level of that 22 year old truck into semi-modern times....not to mention how much better it sounds, the maps, etc.

I'm following now, and I hope this is a project that will become a reality. As many have said so far, we REALLY appreciate your effort in making this happen!
 
Definitely interested, but as always, price matters. Any SWAG on that yet?

On the "two knob/three knob/screen/no screen*" question, I default to robust and intuitive, no matter the knobs or screens. That said, I do enjoy some digitally small amount of displayed information, just because.

*There has to be a Dr. Seuss poem int here somewhere.
Yes, this.

I enjoy the fact that the 03+ LC/LX interiors, gauge clusters, and center console stack look relatively timeless (but still elegant, unlike a lot of truly 'new' vehicles) & I'd like the new HVAC controls to blend into with that.

The 98-02 LC/LX controls just scream 'old clunky Toyota' to me. That's cool in an 80 Series, but they'd stand out in stark contrast to the rest of an 03+ 100. A small LCD would allow a user interface that doesn't look like it came out of a 747 with individual switches and lights for every option.
 
Can we discuss briefly what the impact/result of having this installed is? I thought about sending this via DM, but thought perhaps it might help others as well.

I'm guessing, with this, we are then able to source a double din head unit of our choosing for replacement of the existing, yes?
Then, what about the amp and the cd player? Will the amp work? Or just replace it when the head unit is changed? And toss the cd player, yes?
And I guess I better hurry up and get the foam replaced in my door speakers for starters.

If there is a stereo guru out there, help a brotha out with what to do next. I had an Alpine I509 in the Jeep JK I had briefly (huge error buying that rig, but the stereo was killer!) so I'm leaning to another Alpine ILX series unit. Will a double din unit need additional trim bits, or will it fit in the existing spot with minimal effort.

Just trying to wrap my head around to total path here. And I have a birthday coming up and the family is asking for gift ideas...I need to strike while I can! :rofl:
 
First off, thank you to everyone contributing here and through PMs. The level of engagement has been insane with the reddit/facebook traffic.

I am expanding the bench setup into a more complete OEM reference environment, so development can continue off-vehicle while also supporting prototype and product design decisions.

To support that, I’ve been building out a more complete setup:
  • LX470 Mark Levinson cassette unit (fitment)
  • Dash harness (82136-60B40) for proper prototype breakout and connector strategy
  • A/C amplifier (88650-60B60) for full bench testing
  • Land Cruiser JBL cassette unit (fitment)
A big part of this is getting the OEM connectors in hand early, so the prototype interface matches what the final install will look like, whether that ends up being a variant/universal plug-and-play harness or a clean breakout solution.

On the fitment side, the goal is to determine whether we can support both LX470 and Land Cruiser with a shared core design and minimal faceplate differences.

Up to this point, I’ve intentionally allowed the community to help shape direction but as we move into product development, decisions have to be driven primarily by engineering and manufacturing reality.

We’ve received a wide range of requests, including:
  • Screen vs. non-screen
  • Two-knob vs. three-knob (including input types: fixed-position rotary, continuous rotary/encoder, push-switch combinations, etc.)
  • Audio Knob
  • OEM-style vs. more modern UI
  • Auto Function
  • Smog Function
I’ve evaluated all of these. Some conflict with each other or add complexity without meaningful benefit.

As the project has progressed, I’ve now brought in additional support where it makes sense (firmware depth, and upcoming PCB + industrial design).
That does increase the burn rate, but it’s intentional, I’d rather move quickly and do this correctly than cut corners and have to redo things later.
Current development burn is roughly the equivalent of a 4 figure monthly car payment but on a weekly basis and will increase further as PCB design and industrial design are added.

I’ve had a few people reach out about buying one as soon as this is ready.
I’m usually not the type to support development-stage products myself. I prefer something that’s tested and ready to ship, and that’s still the standard I’m holding this to. That said, as development progresses (custom PCB, components like the MCU, supporting ICs, power regulation, communication transceivers, input handling, custom harnesses/connectors, enclosure/faceplate, etc.), costs ramp up extremely quickly.

I’m considering whether it makes sense to offer a small early batch / early access units possibly at a discount to help offset development and move faster into production, no decisions made yet just thinking out loud. If this were available today as a plug-and-play solution, how many here would realistically be interested in purchasing one? Trying to get a feel for what an initial batch might look like.



Shout-out @marshcat & @Hautsauce for the support
To follow up on my earlier enthusiasm, I'm itching to buy one!
 
I've used nothing but auto in my LX for the past few years! Set it at 68 and forget it. It blasts to get to the right temp and then transitions to whisper quiet, all on its own.

Working on this for you @marshcat - actively testing the AUTO function and trying to extract the temperature data the system uses to maintain setpoint while dynamically adjusting fan speed.
Not 100% guaranteed for Version 1, but it’s definitely something that needs to be included.
 
I'd buy one also.

(probably 2 - for the planned LX470 I'm saving up for)

Whatever backlighting setup is decided upon, would be good to have it adjustable for night driving - the ability to turn off the lights/screens/displays completely would be nice.

Re the "knob" question... 2 work all in most cars I've used.
ALSO, nothing light/flimsy feeling - a machined bit of metal with a weighty mechanism behind would be great (like the old Yamaha audio setups from 30 years back).

Thanks for putting so much effort into this!
 
@Anarchy I have an 02 Land Cruiser with nav and JBL. Not sure how much it will help, but I live in Athens. Truck isn’t a DD so if u need to use it let me know. I did not know there was a Huntsville Club. Joined on FB.
 
This might be a dumb question or I may have missed it but is there any impact to the immobilizer or security light on the dash? Can that whole thing just be removed or does it need to be addressed with this? I’m not familiar enough with its function except for when I was programming keys when I first got this car.
 
Appreciate all the input seriously.

I’m taking a two-phase approach to keep this moving and not turn it into a never-ending project.

V1:
  • Bare bones, Toyota-level reliability
  • Fully functional HVAC control
  • Clean fitment
  • Plug & play
Goal is working prototype in ~30–45 days and a production unit inside ~6 months.

V2:
  • Additional features / expanded functionality
  • Adjustable lighting, blackout modes, etc.
  • Higher-end finishing (machined knobs, materials, etc.)
There’s also a ton of data on the system we haven’t even tapped yet (fuel economy, smog, etc.) that can be leveraged later.

I think ya’ll would rather get a solid product in your hands first, then build on top of it, instead of dragging this out another 6+ months chasing every feature upfront.

Keep the ideas coming, they’re not being ignored, just prioritized.

Can we discuss briefly what the impact/result of having this installed is? I thought about sending this via DM, but thought perhaps it might help others as well.

I'm guessing, with this, we are then able to source a double din head unit of our choosing for replacement of the existing, yes?
Then, what about the amp and the cd player? Will the amp work? Or just replace it when the head unit is changed? And toss the cd player, yes?
And I guess I better hurry up and get the foam replaced in my door speakers for starters.

If there is a stereo guru out there, help a brotha out with what to do next. I had an Alpine I509 in the Jeep JK I had briefly (huge error buying that rig, but the stereo was killer!) so I'm leaning to another Alpine ILX series unit. Will a double din unit need additional trim bits, or will it fit in the existing spot with minimal effort.

Just trying to wrap my head around to total path here. And I have a birthday coming up and the family is asking for gift ideas...I need to strike while I can! :rofl:

Exactly, you’re no longer tied to the factory NAV/MFD & can run any head unit you want.

This might be a dumb question or I may have missed it but is there any impact to the immobilizer or security light on the dash? Can that whole thing just be removed or does it need to be addressed with this? I’m not familiar enough with its function except for when I was programming keys when I first got this car.
No impact, separate system
 
Last edited:
OK. I just realized I'm probably not drawing the changes to the middle dash area correctly in my head. I'm unclear what goes and what stays. Referring to the figure:

1. These are mostly NAV and other controls. Do they stay?
2. All HVAC controls. I assume they go?
3. Clock and temp and probably other stuff I forget.
4. HVAC, but rear and mirror. Stay or go?
5. Does the screen stay, go, or get replaced?
6. People talk about replacing the stereo, but the size appears to be between single and double DIN to me. Is replacing the stereo a must because new controls go in there? (I would love to replace the stereo.)

I don't use NAV, but I do like the backup camera and the Trip Info. I like to see estimate of miles of "cruising" and mpg estimates.

Supplemental question: any idea what someone might have put on the switch in the yellow box? Doesn't seem to do anything, and I haven't tried to trace it yet. Maybe some standard mod?

Edit to add: I did see your rendering on the first page, but it seems like the discussion has evolved since then. I'm trying to get up to date.:p

LC100dash_boxed.webp
 
I think the real move would be to fit the AC controls in the little cutout that the radio controls sit in since we won’t be needing the radio controls anymore . That way all of the other buttons (rear air, rear window defrost, and side mirror defrost) can stay where they are. Not sure of the complexity of designing something that would fit in there, but I feel like it’d be a clean option.
 
First off, thank you to everyone contributing here and through PMs. The level of engagement has been insane with the reddit/facebook traffic.

I am expanding the bench setup into a more complete OEM reference environment, so development can continue off-vehicle while also supporting prototype and product design decisions.

To support that, I’ve been building out a more complete setup:
  • LX470 Mark Levinson cassette unit (fitment)
  • Dash harness (82136-60B40) for proper prototype breakout and connector strategy
  • A/C amplifier (88650-60B60) for full bench testing
  • Land Cruiser JBL cassette unit (fitment)
A big part of this is getting the OEM connectors in hand early, so the prototype interface matches what the final install will look like, whether that ends up being a variant/universal plug-and-play harness or a clean breakout solution.

On the fitment side, the goal is to determine whether we can support both LX470 and Land Cruiser with a shared core design and minimal faceplate differences.

Up to this point, I’ve intentionally allowed the community to help shape direction but as we move into product development, decisions have to be driven primarily by engineering and manufacturing reality.

We’ve received a wide range of requests, including:
  • Screen vs. non-screen
  • Two-knob vs. three-knob (including input types: fixed-position rotary, continuous rotary/encoder, push-switch combinations, etc.)
  • Audio Knob
  • OEM-style vs. more modern UI
  • Auto Function
  • Smog Function
I’ve evaluated all of these. Some conflict with each other or add complexity without meaningful benefit.

As the project has progressed, I’ve now brought in additional support where it makes sense (firmware depth, and upcoming PCB + industrial design).
That does increase the burn rate, but it’s intentional, I’d rather move quickly and do this correctly than cut corners and have to redo things later.
Current development burn is roughly the equivalent of a 4 figure monthly car payment but on a weekly basis and will increase further as PCB design and industrial design are added.

I’ve had a few people reach out about buying one as soon as this is ready.
I’m usually not the type to support development-stage products myself. I prefer something that’s tested and ready to ship, and that’s still the standard I’m holding this to. That said, as development progresses (custom PCB, components like the MCU, supporting ICs, power regulation, communication transceivers, input handling, custom harnesses/connectors, enclosure/faceplate, etc.), costs ramp up extremely quickly.

I’m considering whether it makes sense to offer a small early batch / early access units possibly at a discount to help offset development and move faster into production, no decisions made yet just thinking out loud. If this were available today as a plug-and-play solution, how many here would realistically be interested in purchasing one? Trying to get a feel for what an initial batch might look like.



Shout-out @marshcat & @Hautsauce for the support


I would 100% by an early access unit!
 
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