How to remove dash to access back of Nav unit?

[kcdude]

IPOD controller install for LC

Long time lurker....just purchased a 2006-100 series LC. I purchased an ipod interface from Vaistech and want to see if anyone has step-by-step directions and/or pictures on how to remove the dash bezels around the nav unit. I need to access the back of the nav unit to plug in the device. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[kcdude]

Found a file at techinfo.toyota.com


Never knew a this service existed...$10 for one days access and I got a full .PDF download of a Sirius install which includes the HU removal.

 

[r3run33]

hey there let me know how it works i have wanting to get that done myself but have not had the time b/c of the holidays and all. i still haver to take my lx in b/c of my sunroof rattle. btw how much was the vasitech thing???? i heard it will show up all the info on the screen and your wheel buttons work also. keep me posted thanks

 

[kcdude]

hey there let me know how it works i have wanting to get that done myself but have not had the time b/c of the holidays and all. i still haver to take my lx in b/c of my sunroof rattle. btw how much was the vasitech thing???? i heard it will show up all the info on the screen and your wheel buttons work also. keep me posted thanks

PM me with your email address and I can email you a .PDF of the instructions. I paid $299 plus shipping....should be well worth it with the readout on the screen and use of the steering wheel controls.

 

[r3run33]

i have been with this forum for a while but unfortunatly i dont know how to pm sorry. just let me know how difficult it was to install i have not purchased the unit yet thanks

 

[suv8]

Some pictures would be neat!

 

[CTapia]

Yes, keep us updated on the VaisTech module for the ipod. I recently bought the 30GB IPod video and went the cheap route of the cassette adapter.

 

[Desmond]

i was even cheaper with the FM transmitter

 

[kcdude]

I have a the Monster FM modulator/charger....it is cheap but annoying for many reasons. I just gave up a car with an integrated ipod controller and it didn't even display the track info...I loved the convenience of putting my Ipod in the console and never thinking about it...I will be in heaven with this unit with the track displayed and the steering wheel controls...I will post pics of the install and final product....2 week wait at this point for the unit to be delivered.

 

[CTapia]

I have a the Monster FM modulator/charger....it is cheap but annoying for many reasons. I just gave up a car with an integrated ipod controller and it didn't even display the track info...I loved the convenience of putting my Ipod in the console and never thinking about it...I will be in heaven with this unit with the track displayed and the steering wheel controls...I will post pics of the install and final product....2 week wait at this point for the unit to be delivered.

Awsome! Yes I tried the Monster FM modulator but was not happy with the occassional RF interferance (what else would I expect from a radio transmitter) , so I figured that the tape would be the next best option. While I'm at it, the first Monster (brand name BTW) sucked and I had to return it and bought a Sony. Everything works good, but what I really want is thevais tech box or the other brand that claims the same plus it provide an additional audio/video input.

 

[kcdude]

Here is a summary of my install and a few comments. First, I am doing the install on a LC and the install on a LX is a bit different harness. In the first pic you will see a harness that accepts the OEM feed to the HU, then the connector to the HU, the other end connects to the SLI controller. In the case of a LC, you use the 12 pin connector seen in the pic closest to the other connector (right side).... and then the 20 pin connector at the end of the cable (left side of the pic) goes to the SLI unit. This allows for a number of mounting options for the SLI unit which is about the size of two decks of cards stacked together.

 

[kcdude]

To access the HU, remove the airvent trim pieces on each side of the unit. I used a trim tool at the bottom and working my way to the top. Once you remove each side, there are 4 bolts holding in the unit. Remove all bolts, release the shift lever to its rearward position, and then rest the unit at the edge.

 

[kcdude]

The 12 pin connector is located on the bottom unit (casset deck), unplug it, and plug in the harness. I then ran the cables to the SLI unit to the glovebox area, reinstalled everything....but tested the unit first. I then put a small cut out on the side of the glovebox and then put the SLI controller and IPOD in the glove box. It does take up a bit of room but was a much better option than tearing out the entire center console. I plan on doing some wire cleanup and then velcro the unit to the inside of the glove box. I was suprised to see how tight all of the dash was and was challenged just to get the connector to the glove box area.....I could not find any place for an install of the box....other thing to consider....if you have to reset the unit, you don't want to have to pull the headunit.

How does it work???? Perfectly! Toggle from AM, FM1, FM2, CD Changer (ipod), DVD Changer....in CD Changer mode, press and hold the steering wheel controls to move up/down playlists, touch the up/down controls to move up/down songs. Total install time was about 1 hour and $299 smackers out of my pocket....sound is CD quallity, no wires, ipod hidden and charging in the glovebox!

 

[CTapia]

Kcdude,

Thanks for updating this thread with the install and your feedback. a couple questions if you don't mind...

1) Can you post some pics of what the Nav screen looks like in the CD Changer mode (IPOD)?

2) From what I recall the "box" has auxilary audio/video inputs, have you tried those and how do access or get to them from the Nav screen? Perhaps a screen shot would be good to.

 

[kcdude]

upload restrictions....here goes a few more.

Basically you can display in a few modes...this is the "title on" mode...disc 7 is playlist 7, track 4. It displays the playlist title and the song name.

Other pic is the install in the glovebox

 

[kcdude]

one more in the "title off" mode...allows direct access to playlists. I have the factory installed rear DVD that is FM modulated....it would be interesting to see if you could get a set of RCAs out, connect them to the AUX in on the SLI unit and then have rear DVD sound direct from the headunit versus FM modulated.....basically if it is not hooked up, it won't show on the HU....sorry no screen shots.

 

[CTapia]

KCdude,

Thanks again! one last question I promise when you say playlist, are you stating that you can only access the playlist that you created? Can you search (from the nav screen) by album or artist like on the IPOD?

 

[kcdude]

KCdude,

Thanks again! one last question I promise when you say playlist, are you stating that you can only access the playlist that you created? Can you search (from the nav screen) by album or artist like on the IPOD?

I have not tried it yet but the manual describes a "disc scan" mode that allows you to select the desired track title mode ( choice between song title, artist names, album names) I will give it a more complete test drive tomorrow and post an update. You cannot access the controls of the ipod while connected.

 

[Gene3x]

Is Vaistech the only one to manufacture these for the LC?

 

[CTapia]

Is Vaistech the only one to manufacture these for the LC?

Gene3x,

This MP3yourcar carries one to. I have no personal experience with either one, just another alternative.