2003 LX w/Android Auto (or apple car play if that's your thing)! (1 Viewer)

[xplorre]

I have a 2003 LX, which came with the original nav system. Previous owner to me had a shop install a new head unit where the tape deck used to be. It was an okay setup functionally, but looked awful. I tore into it this week and ended up with what you see in the photo.

The only functionality I lost is the ability to fine tune AC controls. I exclusively use it on auto anyway, so it's no big deal to me. If it is to you though, you may not like this!

I'm planning on doing a full ride up, I took lots of pictures, but I'm not sure when I can get around to it. In the meantime, I'm happy to answer questions.

Pioneer DMH-WT5700NEX
RadioPRO RP4.2-TY11

 

[AEC]

Very interesting, have not seen this solution yet... How exactly do you control the AC now? Set the temp and press auto? Anyway to control defrost or circulation?

Also how did you mount the pioneer in the old nav spot?

Anyway to use a backup camera?

This hooks up to the mark levinson amp and everything just fine? How have I never seen this RadioPro thing used before... I can also wait for you full write up, no rush.

 

[xplorre]

I am the second owner of my 2003 LX470. When I received it, the PO had installed the setup you see below. Whatever shop did the work had used the RadioPRO, deleted the underseat nav dvd, installed new speakers and amp. so full disclosure, I did none of that work and so can only be of so much help on it.

As you can see, the results were functional but UGLY. The rear AC controls were accessible but only by feel, my hand would hit the screen when shifting to park, it was a mess. The original LCD worked on Climate and Info. The Sony unit used the DIN space that the tape deck used to inhabit.

I looked around for a long while and found a set of Pioneer units that have displays that are remotely mountable. The one I settled on is the Pioneer DMH-WT5700NEX. It's display is basically the same size as OEM, and it's affordable while still having wireless carplay and AA. I removed the Sony unit and set to work on the new one.

This is the new DIN unit installed where the tape deck once sat, and the original LCD removed. (Before this step, I wired up the new unit, unplugged the original LCD and ran a functional test, all good.) At this point, I removed the original LCD circuit board and started to mount the new display in front of it.

I modified the brackets supplied with the Pioneer unit for this.

 

[xplorre]

I mounted the new display to the circuit board via the original screws and holes.

At this point I was ready to install the display/circuit board into the cradle. I had to play with the aluminum on the back of the cradle a little bit to get it to clear the white connectors.

Afterwards, in order to get the unit to sit as far back in the cradle as I could, I installed it behind the original. This is hard to explain but seeing the photo will help. I used the original screws in the original holes as basically set-screws.

At this point, it was time to mount the unit in place with the DIN. Routing the cable that runs between the DIN and display required some trimming and routing so that it will clear the bezel and frame.

 

[xplorre]

It's at this point that things got ugly.

The plastic bezel would still not sit down flush against the new display. I decided to trim the bezel. If I could do it again, I'd take the extra time and energy to modify the display and cradle to try to get unit to sit about 1/4" deeper into the assembly so as to avoid modifying the bezel. If anybody else attempts this install, let me know how it works out. I'd buy a used bezel and redo if it's possible (which I bet it is).

Regardless, I used some blocks and such to scribe a line 1/4" deep around the inside of the bezel and then set to work with a dremmel.

The results are clearly disgusting. I trimmed the hole out with some fabric wire loom tape and the results are acceptable (at least for me).

Down where the DIN is, I used some screen, hopefully temporarily, to cover the old opening. Where the knobs were I installed two USB plugs. The one on the left is connected to the unit as a hardwired USB connection. The one on the right is tapped into the 12v below as a charger.

 

[xplorre]

The following shows the wiring situation. I hope through Q&A to be able to provide as much detail as possible to anybody attempting this.

This is the completed wiring as best I could lay it out. You'll notice the speakers are run off the amp via RCAs, not the aftermarket unit speaker output wiring. The sub woofer has a mono input so I used a stereo to mono RCA adapter. I don't have the aux in connected to anything but could do in the future.

 

[xplorre]

Very interesting, have not seen this solution yet... How exactly do you control the AC now? Set the temp and press auto? Anyway to control defrost or circulation?

Also how did you mount the pioneer in the old nav spot?

Anyway to use a backup camera?

This hooks up to the mark levinson amp and everything just fine? How have I never seen this RadioPro thing used before... I can also wait for you full write up, no rush.

For AC operation, I hit Auto and then adjust the temp. Circulation and Defrost buttons are retained. The whole AC control set of physical buttons work properly. What I lost control of is being able to toggle the AC compressor on and off while running the fan, and selecting air outlet and fan speed. I admit this could be a deal breaker for some. I live in socal, basically always running the AC, if not because it's hot, it's because the truck needs to dry out inside.

Backup cam is aftermarket, mounted above the license plate, controlled via new head unit.