I now have Bluetooth Audio Streaming and Handsfree Calling on my Stock Radio

[Texas993]

While looking for solutions to hook up my iPhone to my stock stereo for listening to Pandora or iTunes, I came across the following product:

USA Spec BT35-TOY

USA SPEC: Products

You can go their website or Crutchfield, Amazon, etc to learn more about it.

It is a plug and play module that connects to your factory stereo system. My 100 is a 2002 LX470 with Navigation. I purchased the device (approx $130) and a necessary CAS-LEX cable ($30). Plugged it in per the instructions and it works!

I was able to mount the phone microphone overhead near the sunroof controls and mounted the module inside the dash to the left of the head unit. There is plenty of space back there. Total time was less than an hour.

The device works well so far. Audio is clear (not perfect because BT audio streaming isn't) and the phone seems to work well too. I'll road test it later.

This brings my 100 up to date in technology! I bought the device from Amazon, then realized the need for the CAS-LEX cable. Amazon did not sell those, so I ordered that from Crutchfield. If I had to do it again, I would order it all from Crutchfield.

I didn't do a DIY, because it was so easy to do. Pull the trim around the head unit, unscrew 4 screws holding the head unit in, pull the head unit out, unplug the bottom right connector, plug in the BT device into the that same plug, plug the factory plug into the BT device, stuff it all back in there, mount the device wherever you want behind the dash, run the microphone wire, and put everything back together. Easy!

 

[Liam]

i almost pulled the trigger on this, but didn't because of the BT streaming audio. I figured if i was spending some decent cash on amps, sub and speakers i wanted it to sound clean.

 

[timdgsr]

Currently using a VAIStech VML - MultiMediaLinQ in my 04.

It works with iphone for itunes, but not additional apps/audio

I would be curious to know the difference, and if it works with my 04(factory bluetooth but only on one speaker?) the same way it does with an 02.

 

[re_guderian]

cool!

 

[EdsCruisin]

I have had the DICE adapter for my iPod for years now and it works fine (doesn't like the cold), and I have an old Parrot for the phone, but I wish I could do audio streaming as well, or USB. I put a new Parrot in my Highlander and it takes BT audio, USB, iPod, and headphone jack. The BT audio sounds fine. I also have a Pioneer system with USB and the addon BT module in the 4R and it plays back audio beautifully and controlls the audio from the remote or radio face controls. I really like that.

The only hang up is that you have to manually turn on the audio on the phone every time you get in the vehicle, which is not the case with USB or iPod. The new Parrot is a good value for audio choices.

 

[arbetrader]

Does this USA SPEC item work through the FM cable in the back of the headunit or does it plug into another outlet (CD/Changer)? Just curious because this still wouldn't help any of the Nak LX's with the in-dash changers... Any thoughts?

 

[Texas993]

Does this USA SPEC item work through the FM cable in the back of the headunit or does it plug into another outlet (CD/Changer)? Just curious because this still wouldn't help any of the Nak LX's with the in-dash changers... Any thoughts?

Neither.

You unplug one of the main plugs on the back of the radio, plug this BT unit into the radio, and plug the main plug wiring harness into the BT unit.

Go to the website to see if it fits your LX year model. The website instructions are clear.

 

[3D FJ]

Where did you start to remove the dash panels to remove the radio? I was looking at the fsm, and i can't seem to figure out where to start. I haven't done it, but i'm now thinking that the best place is to start at the bottom where the ash tray is removed.

 

[EdsCruisin]

Where did you start to remove the dash panels to remove the radio? I was looking at the fsm, and i can't seem to figure out where to start. I haven't done it, but i'm now thinking that the best place is to start at the bottom where the ash tray is removed.

The bezel around the radio and a/c controls pops straight out. No special tools or tricks. It takes a whopping 15 seconds max to steal a stereo from one of these trucks.

 

[Texas993]

Where did you start to remove the dash panels to remove the radio? I was looking at the fsm, and i can't seem to figure out where to start. I haven't done it, but i'm now thinking that the best place is to start at the bottom where the ash tray is removed.

I found that the best place to start was on the sides near the a/c vents. It was the strongest part of the trim section. Use some plastic tools. I actually used some bike tire tools.

 

[rove_mcanus]

i almost pulled the trigger on this, but didn't because of the BT streaming audio. I figured if i was spending some decent cash on amps, sub and speakers i wanted it to sound clean.

I have BT audio streaming and it sounds fine. You aren't thinking of FM transmitters are you? They can be very low quality.

 

[213_dan]

Reviving old thread

How well will this work for a 99 model setup? No nav, but I do have a cassette player!

 

[Cruising76]

i installed the BT35 in my sisters 03 last night, ordered the CAS-TOY but couldn't find where to install it? I hooked up the BT35 and it works great, steering wheel controls and all. there is no information on the screen for blue tooth though, should there be? have i done it right? CAS-TOY???