Ipod integration USA Spec PA15-TOY -- CAS-TLC cable needed for install?

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Bismarck

Bismarck

10 Year
Joined
Feb 12, 2011
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Denver & Avon, CO
I've searched, called Crutchfield, and USA SPEC, and still can't find the answer I'm looking for.

I've just purchased their PA-15-TOY adapter kit, hoping to get it installed tomorrow. Will it work without the CAS-TLC cable? Do I lose just the 'track +/-' controls on the steering wheel without it? Will the display and controls on the stereo function properly?

This is on a '03 LC with nav and factory CD/DVD changer. Trying to connect to a iPhone 4S if it matters.

Thanks!
 
Just installed the same on my '03 with Nav and the center console mounted DVD changer. After replacing a bad cable (the one going to my iPhone), the system works as advertised. No need for the TLC cable.

The steering wheel controls still work as does the DVD changer.
 
Not the question being asked, but I recently installed the USA Spec Bluetooth module. It was easy to install and works VERY WELL. I use it for streaming Pandora, iTunes, etc. And it makes for an excellent hands free phone set up. Everyone thinks it is stock.

It did require the CAS-LEX cable on my 2002 Lexus LX470.
 
Hey, does that VAIS system also work on the 03-07 LX's with ML sound system?
 
perrobravo said:
Just installed the same on my '03 with Nav and the center console mounted DVD changer. After replacing a bad cable (the one going to my iPhone), the system works as advertised. No need for the TLC cable.

The steering wheel controls still work as does the DVD changer.
Click to expand...

Great to hear, thank you. Fingers crossed for tomorrow morning then sans the cable.
 
perrobravo:

I am in San Diego and looking to add this for my iPhone in my 2004 with Nav. Who did your install?
 
I installed myself. Installation should be quick, 30 minutes tops.

1. Vents in dash on each side of the nav/stereo pop out with a bit of a tug and some faith (held in by clips).

2. 4 bolts release the nav/stereo itself. The cables plug into the bottom right of the nav/stereo (toward your feet if sitting in the passenger seat). It'll be obvious which to plug where...you're essentially adding the USA-SPEC device between the harness and the nav/stereo and DVD changer.

3. Run the cable down to the left (behind the ashtray) and under the center console (assuming like me, you're mounting the unit in the center console, essentially in front of the cup holders).

4. A couple strategic tugs on the center console (with the car in neutral) and you'll be able to lift enough to get at the cable you pushed through and can place the unit behind the shifter. Be careful to leave room for the seat warmer buttons/wires.

5. Route the iPhone cable and if you installed it, the RCA cable (which you'll have to go buy but will give other passengers the chance to play music through their device). I chose to pull mine through in front of the parking brake lever.

6. Test first, then put everything back in reverse order.

Good luck!
 
monkeycruiser said:
perrobravo:

I am in San Diego and looking to add this for my iPhone in my 2004 with Nav. Who did your install?
Click to expand...

Installed mine myself. Very easy. Should take 45 minutes tops.

1. Pull the dash pieces that include the air conditioning vents on each side of the nav/stereo unit. They pull straight out with a bit of a tug and some faith. There's no magic to it, just pull evenly and straight out. Use a credit card or screw driver or fingernails or whatever to pry...being somewhat careful.

2. 4 bolts hold the nav/stereo unit in place. Another tug and it'll be hanging out. Don't go crazy or your antenna cable will fall out...which isn't the worst thing in the world, but if you don't notice will make you mad later.

3. Pull the 2 cables on the lower right of the nav/stereo (as in closest to your feet if you're sitting in the passenger seat) and plug in the USA-SPEC cable. Can't go wrong here...the only cables that fit are the right ones to plug in.

4. Run the USA-SPEC cable down just above and behind the ash tray, aiming for the center console area.

5. With the car in neutral, tug on the center console pulling it up enough to grab that cable and pull it through. In neutral you'll be able to lift the whole thing up enough to get your hand under and grab the cable.

6. I installed the USA-SPEC device right behind the shifter and in front of the cup holders, under the bracket that runs side to side, and ran the cable to the iPhone 4S out near the parking brake. Be sure to leave room for the seat heater switches and wires.

7. Test before putting everything back in place in reverse order.

Good luck!
 
Thanks perrobrave! This may be beyond the capabilities of my limited expertise but I will give it a shot.

My next post will undoubtedly be entitled "Fire engulfs '04 Land Cruiser in stereo installation mishap."

Dan
 
monkeycruiser said:
Thanks perrobrave! This may be beyond the capabilities of my limited expertise but I will give it a shot.

My next post will undoubtedly be entitled "Fire engulfs '04 Land Cruiser in stereo installation mishap."

Dan
Click to expand...

Lol... I'm attempting mine in the morning. We have a state wide fire ban, must keep flames to a minimum.
 
perrobravo said:
Installed mine myself. Very easy. Should take 45 minutes tops.

1. Pull the dash pieces that include the air conditioning vents on each side of the nav/stereo unit. They pull straight out with a bit of a tug and some faith. There's no magic to it, just pull evenly and straight out. Use a credit card or screw driver or fingernails or whatever to pry...being somewhat careful.

2. 4 bolts hold the nav/stereo unit in place. Another tug and it'll be hanging out. Don't go crazy or your antenna cable will fall out...which isn't the worst thing in the world, but if you don't notice will make you mad later.

3. Pull the 2 cables on the lower right of the nav/stereo (as in closest to your feet if you're sitting in the passenger seat) and plug in the USA-SPEC cable. Can't go wrong here...the only cables that fit are the right ones to plug in.

4. Run the USA-SPEC cable down just above and behind the ash tray, aiming for the center console area.

5. With the car in neutral, tug on the center console pulling it up enough to grab that cable and pull it through. In neutral you'll be able to lift the whole thing up enough to get your hand under and grab the cable.

6. I installed the USA-SPEC device right behind the shifter and in front of the cup holders, under the bracket that runs side to side, and ran the cable to the iPhone 4S out near the parking brake. Be sure to leave room for the seat heater switches and wires.

7. Test before putting everything back in place in reverse order.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Great writeup! Like a half a banana job. No CAS cable needed, steering wheel controls work as designed.

The console pops right out around the shifters. Zip tied the unit under the cup holder bracket. One hole in the bottom of the console between the seats, and ran the iPod cable through it. So now I can leave the phone either under the armrest, or leave it in the cup holder as the cable won't pinch under the lid.

Literally 20 minutes of work and 30 minutes to figure out where to put the unit.
 
Some pics for reference...
image-2510492570.webp
image-1609935994.webp
image-1969383037.webp
image-506830055.webp
 
Arbetrader,

The VAIS SLI2-up works just fine in my 2004 LX with ML and an iPhone 4s. I am using the MD changer mode (CD changer mode is also an option). IIRC i posted pictures of the install on a thread here somewhere. Wish the 04 had a better interface but it works well for what it is and also charges the phone; quite handy for long trips. I manufactured a simple aluminum bracket to mount the phone to the left of the nav screen as well.

J
 
i installed my USAspec w/ TLC cable- looks like it was not really needed....


regarding unit placement, i robbed another member's model of placing the SPEC unit above the driver's side duct work since i planned to mount a sat radio on the driver's side center vent anyway.

not the most elegant solution, but required less panel removal and therefore easier access for further modification....
 
Are all of you who've purchased this adapter been satisfied with it? I never knew there was an adapter that would work with factory NAV until now. If y'all are happy with it, then I guess it's time for me to upgrade on my 02 Hundy! I was gonna order it from Amazon.

from that pic of the NAV display - can I assume that you can control the device from the NAV? or do I still have to touch the ipod to change music? does it just "trick" the head unit into thinking the input is coming form the disc changer?
 
I just ordered the USA Spec BT35-TOY from Crutchfield today. Should be able to install it this weekend. Will see how I like it.

I however have not ordered the CAS-LEX cable as the tech at Crutchfield said it was not needed. Will have to see if I can do without it on my 03 LX470..
 
highonpottery said:
Are all of you who've purchased this adapter been satisfied with it? I never knew there was an adapter that would work with factory NAV until now. If y'all are happy with it, then I guess it's time for me to upgrade on my 02 Hundy! I was gonna order it from Amazon.

from that pic of the NAV display - can I assume that you can control the device from the NAV? or do I still have to touch the ipod to change music? does it just "trick" the head unit into thinking the input is coming form the disc changer?
Click to expand...

I'm happy with mine. My goal was simply to play audio from the phone while charging with only one cable. If your goals are different, YMMV.

Through the nav/stereo, you won't get any better control or interaction than you do with say a CD (artist, album, track info displayed as pictured earlier in this string), but the device does let you flip through specified and limited playlists (4 I think). I tend to use mine in manual mode where track selection is through the phone/iPod itself. Even in this mode you still have basic controls using the nav/stereo over forward and reverse, volume, etc.

If you buy through Amazon, note that the warranty seems to only apply if you buy from Amazon directly as opposed to through one of their fulfillment partners. I bought from Amazon and the USA-SPEC people replaced a cable for me, but only after confirming I bought direct.
 
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