My 05 LX470 Journey (4 Viewers)

[VR6GURU]

Hello members,

Just acquired this 05 LX with 193k miles. It has a few bumps and bruises but it has zero rust as it's been a California car all its life. Mechanically the car seems solid but it does need a few things to get it back to a solid baseline. The AHC works as it should, the low range box engages and so does the center diff lock. I have been reading a lot on these boards and I am glad that there is a wealth of information on here.

Below are the things / concerns I have with it.

• The gauge cluster is acting up. I have read that many owners experience this issue and it seems like the only solution is to send it out to Tanin or it looks like another member had luck with a shop local to me in Whittier CA. Any other solutions that I may have missed?
• This truck is missing the drop down entertainment screen that also acts as the dome lights on the headliner. This means I currently have a gaping hole on the headliner. Is there a solution to this aside from sourcing another screen on the used market? Is there an option to just have a dome light? I don't care for the screen as it's very dated.
• I got two keys for the truck but they are just keys with no remote to lock / unlock the doors. Is the dealer the only option or is there an aftermarket solution that works?

My plans for this rig are

• Keep the AHC till it goes out, buy some 17" wheels with a nice set of AT tires for some mild to moderate off roading. I already this all my research on offset and tire size.
• Add a AppleCar Play solution. Seen many threads on the Grom unit but I am intrigued by the Phoenix screen. I just want something that is reliable and not super slow.
• Upgrade the speakers for better sound quality.
• Respray the bumpers and get the dents out for the most part.

If any of you have any recommendations on good suppliers for oem parts but also aftermarket parts and accessories that would be great. Any LA area mechanic shops would be great too.

Cheers!

 

[SHIfTHEAD]

Hardly broken in!

 

[VR6GURU]

Hardly broken in!

Thats what they keep telling me. I'm taking it in tomorrow to have the cluster looked at. Fingers crossed

 

[SHIfTHEAD]

FWIW my speedo has been flakey since I bought mine about 10 years ago. I also get a CEL periodically because of a P0420 code (catalytic convertor efficiency). And since I want to watch the actual coolant temps I run an old android phone in mine that has OBD and GPS speed as well as several other data points, and Torque will reset the error codes periodically too.

 

[VR6GURU]

FWIW my speedo has been flakey since I bought mine about 10 years ago. I also get a CEL periodically because of a P0420 code (catalytic convertor efficiency). And since I want to watch the actual coolant temps I run an old android phone in mine that has OBD and GPS speed as well as several other data points, and Torque will reset the error codes periodically too.

Luckily for me the coolant temp is the only gauge that works at the moment. The selling dealer agreed to fix the cluster so I am going to take advantage of that.

 

[VR6GURU]

**update. Selling dealer had his mechanic look at it and on Monday they are sending it out to a local shop to get the cluster rebuilt. I will report back if it was successful.

 

[SmoothLC]

Nice find, looks like it's in pretty good shape.

 

[VR6GURU]

**Update**

The selling dealer just gave me a check for what Tanin charges to rebuild the cluster so I sent out to them.

In the meantime I have changed the hood and rear glass struts, put on a less damaged bumper skin, sourced a dome light to replace the dealer installed DVD navigation.

Still researching my options for CarPlay and replacement speakers to improve the sound quality.

 

[VR6GURU]

Got the cluster back from Tanin and it works perfectly. They changed all the motors and lights.

Installed the second row dome light but the light stays on. From what I have read it's a bad ground, so that will be a project for another day.

Today I noticed the subwoofer emits no sound. I am researching a replacement at the moment.

 

[VR6GURU]

Just documenting my journey with this rig.

After the cluster repair. I ordered a Skar Audio 6.5" subwoofer. Wired it in sequence to make it 8 ohm. The fit was basically plug and play, I only needed to modify the sub enclosure by shaving down the ridges inside. The sound is so much better now. The trade off is I have a bit of rattle on songs with heavy bass so I will investigate to see what I can tighten down to minimize the rattle.
Also while I was at it I finally got around to tracing the cable of the aftermarket microphone. I found a bluetooth module behind the glovebox. I was able to look it up and figure out how to pair it with my phone after some trial and error. This was a pleasant surprise and now I am able to stream my music and the sound quality of the calls are much better.

 

[krispykritter]

• This truck is missing the drop down entertainment screen that also acts as the dome lights on the headliner. This means I currently have a gaping hole on the headliner. Is there a solution to this aside from sourcing another screen on the used market? Is there an option to just have a dome light? I don't care for the screen as it's very dated.
• I got two keys for the truck but they are just keys with no remote to lock / unlock the doors. Is the dealer the only option or is there an aftermarket solution that works?

My plans for this rig are

• Keep the AHC till it goes out, buy some 17" wheels with a nice set of AT tires for some mild to moderate off roading. I already this all my research on offset and tire size.

FYI my 06 LX has a standard dome light, so that is a possibility for you. I have no idea what that would cost or the effort involved in fitting those parts.

I believe you can use techstream to add new remotes and keys to the immobilizer system. I seem to recall doing this quite a long time ago. The issue, if I recall correctly, is that a "master" ignition key is needed. I think the only way to know if your key is the master is to check with techstream.

As for wheels - is there a particular reason you want to go to 17s? The stock 18s work fine offroad, particularly with some like a 275/70R18 on them. Tons of sidewall there.

 

[VR6GURU]

FYI my 06 LX has a standard dome light, so that is a possibility for you. I have no idea what that would cost or the effort involved in fitting those parts.

I believe you can use techstream to add new remotes and keys to the immobilizer system. I seem to recall doing this quite a long time ago. The issue, if I recall correctly, is that a "master" ignition key is needed. I think the only way to know if your key is the master is to check with techstream.

As for wheels - is there a particular reason you want to go to 17s? The stock 18s work fine offroad, particularly with some like a 275/70R18 on them. Tons of sidewall there.

Thanks I ended up sourcing a dome light from lexusparts and it fit like a glove. Unfortunately there seems to be a bad ground as the light stays on when on the door setting. Not a surprise at all considering the DVD player up there.

I stopped by one of those independent locksmiths and he pointed out to me that my drivers door the lock actuator does not work. So I will need to address that before I look into programming a fob.

As far as the wheels I like the idea of just a little more sidewall, but also I like the look of a custom rig to add some personal flare.

 

[Girl Dad of 3]

Truck looks great. Congrats!

 

[VR6GURU]

Finally got around to getting rid of the side steps.

 

[VR6GURU]

Also can someone shed some light on this.
I had upgraded the headlights (low and high beam) and fog lights to LED, and for whatever reason the drivers side fog light does not come on. When I put the the old incandescent bulb it works. I know it's not the LED bulb as it works on the passenger side.
Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

 

[VR6GURU]

Got around to getting rid of the driveshaft "clunk"

Greased the U joints and the slip yokes. The driveline is much smoother now.

 

[shane431]

Also can someone shed some light on this.
I had upgraded the headlights (low and high beam) and fog lights to LED, and for whatever reason the drivers side fog light does not come on. When I put the the old incandescent bulb it works. I know it's not the LED bulb as it works on the passenger side.
Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

I think LED’s have to go in a certain way to work. So try flipping the bulb 180 and try it again.

 

[VR6GURU]

It's been a little while since I have given an update. I have been able to do some upgrades.

1. Got the Fumoto valve on for easier oil changes in the future.
2. Installed the @CruiserDM large cupholders. I can now fit my 40oz hydroflask in there.
3. Just yesterday I got my wheels and tires mounted. I went with @fifteen52 Analogs machined finish in 17x8 +25. After extensive research I ended up getting the Kenda Klever AT2 in LT285/70/17. The price and positive reviews out there really sealed the deal. I was able to order the center cap spacers from @CruiserDM.
   
   
   
   

 

[VR6GURU]

Got to install the subwoofer cover made by Ben3D. While I was at it I put sound deadening tape throughout the sub area. The new cover gives the sub space to move therefore eliminating any rattle I had.

 

[delz05]

How about a link to that sub cover.... looks nice!