- Joined
- Dec 2, 2014
- Threads
- 17
- Messages
- 4,004
Installed Vaistech SL3b on 05 LC
- Thread starter studawg
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Thank you sir!
Sent from my iPhone
2005 Lexus LX470
Sent from my iPhone
2005 Lexus LX470
Sounds like people have had good luck with the SL3B but it seems like everyone who is using it is on a few year newer vehicle than mine. Has anyone gotten this working on an 01 with the integrated nav or could you confirm that it will work for me?
Just installed the SL3B in my '05 LX470 and a few questions for others.
- Did everyone use the MD emulation as recommended by VAIS? I'm not a big fan of the interface and don't ind he on screen functions useful at all
- Is there any way to pause / resume sound other than on the device?
- Does everyone else's VAIS send the 'play' command as soon as it gets paired and is on MD? Super annoying... it pre-empts my podcasts and starts playing the top of my playlist.
These will all be grounds to ditch this thing unless I find out I am doing something wrong.
- Did everyone use the MD emulation as recommended by VAIS? I'm not a big fan of the interface and don't ind he on screen functions useful at all
- Is there any way to pause / resume sound other than on the device?
- Does everyone else's VAIS send the 'play' command as soon as it gets paired and is on MD? Super annoying... it pre-empts my podcasts and starts playing the top of my playlist.
These will all be grounds to ditch this thing unless I find out I am doing something wrong.
Watching this forum. I just purchased this unit, waiting for delivery next week. I originally bought the USA Spec BT-45 but that unit forced me to use their bluetooth for calls instead of the factory, which I wanted.
Here is how I did mine recently.
It was easy and I have had good success with it. After a couple of weeks with it, I only have 2 negatives about mine.
1. It doesn't pick up on bluetooth every time. I have to manually go into settings and push the connect button to start the music.
2. There's an issue where it defaults back to my primary playlist when using Spotify. I don't listen to the radio a lot, so I haven't worked it out yet. But something is up with defaulting to the playlist.
If I had to do it over again, I would have gotten the wired version. Overall I'm happy with the ability to play music from my phone.
Also, it will play audio from anything you have pulled up while it's connected. Boom Beach, my wife tested YouTube, text message tones... (fwiw, I don't play Boom Beach and drive, that's only when parked lol)
It was easy and I have had good success with it. After a couple of weeks with it, I only have 2 negatives about mine.
1. It doesn't pick up on bluetooth every time. I have to manually go into settings and push the connect button to start the music.
2. There's an issue where it defaults back to my primary playlist when using Spotify. I don't listen to the radio a lot, so I haven't worked it out yet. But something is up with defaulting to the playlist.
If I had to do it over again, I would have gotten the wired version. Overall I'm happy with the ability to play music from my phone.
Also, it will play audio from anything you have pulled up while it's connected. Boom Beach, my wife tested YouTube, text message tones... (fwiw, I don't play Boom Beach and drive, that's only when parked lol)
As soon as mine pairs, it plays Rick James-Super Freak everytime. Doesn't bother me much. Kinda funny when it happens sometimes, slightly embarrassing others. I have no idea why it picks that song. I don't have any playlists set. I had read, before I got it, that I would need to make playlists . So far, I've been able to play albums just fine. I usually use it to listen to the radio, since I'm a little too far from Dallas to pick up most stations. I always use my phone to control things. Haven't even tried the on screen buttons I don't think, so can't really help you with the first 2 questions. I also have the VAIS satellite radio adapter. Really happy with both of them.
I would suggest you call Vais Tech. They were extremely helpful with a couple questions I had with my install.
Hmm, ok thanks. I think if I am going to be controlling things from my phone anyway, and because I switch between radio and player often I'm going to pocket $215 bucks and spend $5 on a tape deck adapter.
Great write-up! Just installed this into the 2004 LX.
Going to install this weekend. Primarily because of this good write up.
As an aside i thought the packaging looked slightly annoyed with me for not installing immediately
As an aside i thought the packaging looked slightly annoyed with me for not installing immediately
LOL, it's still sitting on my kitchen island...my kids and I have made numerous comments about the face.
Ok. After inspecting the unit there is a USB port on the back. I know it a BT unit so I'm wondering is this for firmware updates? Also wondering can this be used to charge a phone? If so I will probably snake a 6' apple charging cable through the console to pop out somewhere ok n the drivers side. Maybe up by the AC vent where I want to put a ProClip mount. Thanks in advance
Never mind, I'm an idiot that apparently can't do pictures well.
Yes to charge 
Look at their website for what mode you need to put it in http://www.vaistech.com/newsite/wp-...ionguides/SL3b_SL3U_MML_Application-Guide.pdf
If you have a factory NAV, there is also a sequence on how to auto accept the NAV Agree button 5 seconds after startup. You can't have a phone connected to bluetooth when doing this (not in the manual).
Look at their website for what mode you need to put it in http://www.vaistech.com/newsite/wp-...ionguides/SL3b_SL3U_MML_Application-Guide.pdf
If you have a factory NAV, there is also a sequence on how to auto accept the NAV Agree button 5 seconds after startup. You can't have a phone connected to bluetooth when doing this (not in the manual).
Mine came today and I was able to get it installed. Went easy enough and I'm sure the wife and kid will enjoy it on our trip we're taking in a week. I told my wife we were in luck because the Euro Cup and Copa Centenario were both going on and with XM we'd get plenty of games to listen to. She gave me "the look..."
I don't really have any music on my phone since I typically listen to pandora or podcasts. With pandora playing I wasn't getting track and artist names on the screen. The volume buttons worked but the other two didn't on the steering wheel while in MD mode. I'll have to try the other modes to see if they work. I've got my tape deck and cd changer unplugged so I ought to have plenty of options.
I don't really have any music on my phone since I typically listen to pandora or podcasts. With pandora playing I wasn't getting track and artist names on the screen. The volume buttons worked but the other two didn't on the steering wheel while in MD mode. I'll have to try the other modes to see if they work. I've got my tape deck and cd changer unplugged so I ought to have plenty of options.
Well that was easy, VIAS works perfect. Ran a long iPhone charging cable down the back of the glove box and through the console to about where the cupholders are. No more cig lighter USB chargers.
Total time was about 30 min
Total time was about 30 min
Last edited:
Since installing this unit my radio has been cutting out. It doesn't matter what tuner I'm on they all do it. At first I thought my Sat was getting bad reception because it started on our trip in the Redwoods and other than being annoyed didn't think anything else of it. When we got home it continued and seems like the issue has gotten worse. Now I'm certain that its due to this module. I need to pull the dash apart and unplug it for a few days to confirm my suspicion but I'm at 90% right now.
I set it up based on the manual so I'm pretty sure configuration isn't the problem. I bought it off amazon and just checked on the ability to return it and it looks like my window has closed (30 days lapsed on the 10th...) which stinks. I guess I can try and contact the manufacturer to see what they say about it.
I set it up based on the manual so I'm pretty sure configuration isn't the problem. I bought it off amazon and just checked on the ability to return it and it looks like my window has closed (30 days lapsed on the 10th...) which stinks. I guess I can try and contact the manufacturer to see what they say about it.
i Used the USA-Spec Unit. toy45 i believe from a local dealer for about $130. i chose that because it's smaller and fit right next to the drivers side vent behind the trim. the whole thing took 15 minutes. one of the best upgrades i've done.
For those installing the SL3B, is there space to stash it behind the NAV screen? I'd rather not have to empty out the glovebox and put it in there.
Leaning towards this over a Grom right now, but will wait for an answer before ordering, thanks in advance.
Leaning towards this over a Grom right now, but will wait for an answer before ordering, thanks in advance.
Why not put it where @JohnnyUtah did earlier in this thread? That's where I put mine.
Specifically Installed Vaistech SL3b on 05 LC
Specifically Installed Vaistech SL3b on 05 LC