I'm so excited for this project. I want to be the very first buyer for my '07 LX!
100 Series NAV Delete – True Standalone HVAC Solution (OEM+)
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- Thread starter
- #62
Update 3/29/2026:
Out of the “prove it can talk” phase and into the “prove it’s stable and repeatable” phase.
Over the last stretch, did a full pass on state behavior so we understand what the system expects over time (not just a single button press), and built a replay/regression harness so we can run changes against known-good captures and catch regressions early. This is the unsexy part, but it’s separates a real solution from something that only works on a bench.
Power-interface testing/startup behavior is also being treated as a hard requirement (clean wake, clean power-cycle, no boot delays that leave you without HVAC for 30 seconds, etc).
Where this is headed next:
AI Generated for visualization:
Out of the “prove it can talk” phase and into the “prove it’s stable and repeatable” phase.
Over the last stretch, did a full pass on state behavior so we understand what the system expects over time (not just a single button press), and built a replay/regression harness so we can run changes against known-good captures and catch regressions early. This is the unsexy part, but it’s separates a real solution from something that only works on a bench.
Power-interface testing/startup behavior is also being treated as a hard requirement (clean wake, clean power-cycle, no boot delays that leave you without HVAC for 30 seconds, etc).
Where this is headed next:
- tighten state tracking (fan/mode/recirc/defrost interactions)
- bind that into the physical control strategy
- keep validating OEM “feel” items (defrost logic, compressor behavior, fault/indicator behavior)
AI Generated for visualization:
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After the software aspect of this undertaking is completed, what hardware components will be needed to create a functioning Hvac & Stereo setup?
Assuming a standard head unit can be utalized, will there be manufacturing needed for new bezels, brackets, and the physical Hvac interface?
Is the aim to use available hardware components from existing sources? or license the software to an electronics manufacturer to be fabricate new hardware?
Assuming a standard head unit can be utalized, will there be manufacturing needed for new bezels, brackets, and the physical Hvac interface?
Is the aim to use available hardware components from existing sources? or license the software to an electronics manufacturer to be fabricate new hardware?
I’m hopeful that a tiny basic custom made control can be made that can maybe be mounted to the side of the console, or maybe where the ashtray is. This way you could install a Tesla screen for navigation and audio, and not worry about its reliability.
I would buy a standard double din radio and put that in. The touch screen feedback with OEM screen is still laggy
Hopefully this will be available for the 02 Land Cruiser with HVAC, NAV, and Stereo built into one unit.
The place where volume sales will happen is the GX470 community. Those units are aging and will need to be replaced.
The place where volume sales will happen is the GX470 community. Those units are aging and will need to be replaced.
Wow! Seriously impressive work so far. For hardware, you might look at ESP32 based devices. They are cheap and readily available. The M5Stack Dial is pretty popular in the home automation space for thermostat controls. Has a dial and LCD integrated into a single unit, supports a wide range of power input and would be the right size. Definitely going to be following this project.
Super excited to see the progress on this! Following with email notification now so I don't miss anything!
I stand ready to be a customer, Guinea Pig, beta tester, or whatever.......really excited for a solution!
I stand ready to be a customer, Guinea Pig, beta tester, or whatever.......really excited for a solution!
Will someone 3D print the appropriate buttons to fit the HVAC controls in place of the cassette deck and head unit?
Watching your progress with a high level of optimism!
Bought an '03 LX470 in Dec with 105k miles on it, and have been baselining since.
Getting to acceptable separate entertainment and HVAC suites has cost me hours at Google U, with nothing but
disappointment in the current offerings.
Was thinking Grom or T'Eyes, but if I could purchase a solid NAV delete, I would go Kenwood or Sony, Alpine for the head unit in a heartbeat!
The only things that come to mind to prevent a purchase, of course cost (at some dollar point I accept what is there or inferior alternatives)
and maybe uncertain supply/support.
imperium
SILVER Star
I just put a Sony XAV-AX6000 in my daily and I love it. A little on the pricey side, but works really well and has the ability to turn the screen completely off with a push of a physical button which is a must for me.
If (when) this nav delete kit is available, I'm getting another one of those Sony units for the 100.
- Thread starter
- #75
Update 4/1/2026:
I know there’s a lot of questions but I'm going to avoid those for now.
The focus has moved into making the system behave correctly, consistently, and predictably across all operating conditions.
Current work is centered around:
Validating full HVAC state behavior across the network
Implementing command retry logic and queuing for stability
Transitioning from raw protocol work into defined hardware architecture
We’re moving from software -> hardware design.
That means locking in:
MCU selection
Pin mapping
Interfaces (MPX, power, IO, etc.)
Also separating critical functions properly:
Dedicated UART (runtime comms / logging)
Dedicated JTAG/SWD (debug / programming)
Architecture decisions are now being locked in... this is where mistakes get expensive later, so it’s being done carefully.
There’s also a decision being made on what this ultimately becomes:
OPTION A - Enthusiast Product
Small batch
Slight imperfections acceptable
Faster to market
Lower cost
OPTION B — OEM-Level Product (direction this is heading)
High polish
Bulletproof reliability
Clean hardware architecture
The path forward is:
1. PCB Design + Prototyping
Schematic → PCB layout
First prototype boards
Iteration / revisions
2. Hardware Validation
Real vehicle testing
Electrical noise, voltage spikes, edge cases
3. Enclosure + Physical Controls
Buttons, knobs, fitment
Achieving OEM-level feel
4. Manufacturing Strategy
Low volume vs mass production
Assembly decisions
Supply chain
This is the part of the project that’s less visible, but far more important than the earlier stages.
I added a poll; Curious how many people would actually choose OEM-level over fast-to-market.
More to come.
I know there’s a lot of questions but I'm going to avoid those for now.
The focus has moved into making the system behave correctly, consistently, and predictably across all operating conditions.
Current work is centered around:
Validating full HVAC state behavior across the network
Implementing command retry logic and queuing for stability
Transitioning from raw protocol work into defined hardware architecture
We’re moving from software -> hardware design.
That means locking in:
MCU selection
Pin mapping
Interfaces (MPX, power, IO, etc.)
Also separating critical functions properly:
Dedicated UART (runtime comms / logging)
Dedicated JTAG/SWD (debug / programming)
Architecture decisions are now being locked in... this is where mistakes get expensive later, so it’s being done carefully.
There’s also a decision being made on what this ultimately becomes:
OPTION A - Enthusiast Product
Small batch
Slight imperfections acceptable
Faster to market
Lower cost
OPTION B — OEM-Level Product (direction this is heading)
High polish
Bulletproof reliability
Clean hardware architecture
The path forward is:
1. PCB Design + Prototyping
Schematic → PCB layout
First prototype boards
Iteration / revisions
2. Hardware Validation
Real vehicle testing
Electrical noise, voltage spikes, edge cases
3. Enclosure + Physical Controls
Buttons, knobs, fitment
Achieving OEM-level feel
4. Manufacturing Strategy
Low volume vs mass production
Assembly decisions
Supply chain
This is the part of the project that’s less visible, but far more important than the earlier stages.
I added a poll; Curious how many people would actually choose OEM-level over fast-to-market.
More to come.
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So I think cost is gonna be a big factor here. When I think OEM quality I think thousands of dollars on par with purchasing the nav delete hardware. I’ve got a Teyes unit right now that’s inelegant for AC control but I’m not sure it’s $1000 inelegant. But if a better solution were in the range of $200-$400 then I’d be more tempted.
It is good to see this type of planning. One you cross the Chasm it moves to becoming an industry standard solution.
Crossing the Chasm: The Ultimate Guide For PMs
Mastering the Journey from Early Adopters to the Mainstream Market
www.productcompass.pm
Voted for OEM-level! Imagining both the price and speed to market being no more than 2x the enthusiest level.
For example, if the enthusiest product were $600 and ready in 3 months, I'd definitely take a $1000 OEM product ready in 5 months. Not sure how that aligns with R&D realities, but just my initial reaction.
I voted in the poll, for the OEM level. I will not suggest a price point, that's on you. Fundamentally however, I am "comfortable" with this solution costing up to the area of what used Pakistan sourced Non-Nav bits might have cost. This is the ONLY area of 100 ownership that is a disappointment to me. Fixing this in a way that brings the rig forward 2 plus decades is borderline priceless to me!!!! I put my full trust in where you are headed and how you are getting there!
HburgEagle
SILVER Star
I screwed up my vote and meant to vote OEM!
I'm not a programmer, but I appreciate and somewhat understand the work and time that goes into making something like this work and be reliable and this is very impressive. Bravo!
How to deal with the nav system in my 07 when it inevitably bites the dust is the only worry I have with keeping it as a permanent hobby/project/camping/off-road truck after its life as a daily.
I'm not a programmer, but I appreciate and somewhat understand the work and time that goes into making something like this work and be reliable and this is very impressive. Bravo!
How to deal with the nav system in my 07 when it inevitably bites the dust is the only worry I have with keeping it as a permanent hobby/project/camping/off-road truck after its life as a daily.