Stock Stereo Hardwire Upgrade (3 Viewers)

[mjulaw]

Just picked up a very clean '96 LX450 with low miles. I already have one (DD for 15 years) sitting at my mechanic's, so getting behind the wheel feels like coming home

Anyway, these models have a great stock stereo with good sound. I'm not trying to be heard down the block and I much prefer the clean look of stock.

At this point, I'm not considering an aftermarket stereo. There's a Sony I like that I actually installed in another car and it's great. But if I move on from stock, that would be a different post.

I also am not interested in a bluetooth that plugs into the cigarette lighter. Been there, done that, in the other one. Also not interested in the cassette thing with a cord coming out of it (see below).

So my very narrow question is this:

Has anyone pulled the head unit and installed a USB to run an AUX cord directly from the head unit. For example the tape function (which doesn't work anyway) seems to this layman with minimal electronics skills would seem to be a possibility to hardwire a USB / AUX setup.

I have an 07 Mercedes that had an 'ipod' cord attached to the stereo and I love it, because it's the best of both worlds, stock look with music from my phone.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Marvelicious]

I'm not sure how easy I can make it, since I don't have an LX, but... I assume a CD changer was an option for this system? If so, a low level input for the changer is part of the factory harness, but you may need to do some homework to find it. My Tundra has what I assume to be a similar deck: CD/Tape, and a changer was optional. I have an "Amazon special" bluetooth interface wired to the changer input, so I can play from my phone... This isn't one of those "tune to radio channel xxxx options, it's hardwired.

The factory stereos from a few years later started getting AUX inputs and not much later Bluetooth. I wound up adapting a ~2015 Scion deck into my 80 series and it literally plugged into the factory harness, though making the oversized screen fit the dash took a little finesse. I have heard rumors that some of the wiring on the Lexus version might be different, but I'd be surprised if the differences were very numerous.

Anyway, I've probably given you more questions than answers, but maybe it'll help some.

 

[mjulaw]

yea, it has a cd changer but no dedicated cd slot. i'd rather not give up on cd's altogether (i'm sure everyone of a certain age has a ton of them ha) but then again it may end up being my only option. thanks for the info!

 

[Malleus]

Yes, you can the use the audio input from either the tape or CD section to power a USB/Aux output. Search for it; someone's memorialized it already so you don't have to figure it out...or, you can ask @Engineer8000 if he's interested in doing it for you. I'm sure his 40 isn't taking up all his time

 

[mjulaw]

Ok, I tried a search before posting but it probably wasn't narrow enough. Will try again. Thanks!

 

[Malleus]

Try a generic Google search; this isn't a Land Cruiser problem.

 

[60 toy ota]

C

Thread 'Converting LX450 6 disc changer input to auxiliary port for ipod?'

Dec 26, 2011

TOY-AUX2 | TSS-Radio

Saw this from google but it says only 1998+. Mine is a '97. I like the stock look of the dash and will probably never play CDs in my car. Is there an adapter that will allow me to plug my ipod into the disc changer input?

I know I could put a Scion unit in but not really wanting to.

• Conundrum
• Replies: 29
• Forum: 80-Series Tech

 

[Malleus]

Just picked up a very clean '96 LX450 with low miles. I already have one (DD for 15 years) sitting at my mechanic's, so getting behind the wheel feels like coming home

Anyway, these models have a great stock stereo with good sound. I'm not trying to be heard down the block and I much prefer the clean look of stock.

At this point, I'm not considering an aftermarket stereo. There's a Sony I like that I actually installed in another car and it's great. But if I move on from stock, that would be a different post.

I also am not interested in a bluetooth that plugs into the cigarette lighter. Been there, done that, in the other one. Also not interested in the cassette thing with a cord coming out of it (see below).

So my very narrow question is this:

Has anyone pulled the head unit and installed a USB to run an AUX cord directly from the head unit. For example the tape function (which doesn't work anyway) seems to this layman with minimal electronics skills would seem to be a possibility to hardwire a USB / AUX setup.

I have an 07 Mercedes that had an 'ipod' cord attached to the stereo and I love it, because it's the best of both worlds, stock look with music from my phone.

Thanks in advance!

This took me 5 minutes, while I was waiting on my coffee:

Add Bluetooth to Old School Car Stereo, detailed instructions. (Bluetooth)​

How to Add Bluetooth to Any Car Stereo for​

 

[jpoole]

This may be a redundant suggestion, as I didn't read all responses above, but I've run one of the following in my '97 with stock stereo and upgraded speakers for years:

iSimple ISFM2351 TranzIt BLU HF Bluetooth Enabled FM Transmitter

Looks like that model is discontinued but that the following may be equivalent, or likely an upgrade:

iSIMPLE BLUECONNECT ISFM2381 BLUETOOTH® HANDS-FREE CAR KIT w/ AUDIO STREAMING | eBay

It is designed to connect to your existing car radio either by a 3.5mm aux-audio connection or through a wired FM antenna connection. This versatility enables the BlueConnect to install in virtually any vehicle.

www.ebay.com

iSIMPLE BLUECONNECT ISFM2381 BLUETOOTH® HANDS-FREE CAR KIT w/ AUDIO STREAMING

This unit connects inline with the antenna and mounts behind the dash. I expose the microphone for calls in the wallet tray above the stereo, the button for phone control is mounted in an empty space below the stereo and power for the unit is switched via a rocker switch in place of one of the coin trays on the center console. If I want to connect my phone, which I typically do, I power the bluetooth unit up and dial in the fm station which is preset #1. I typically leave the unit on and the radio tuned to the proper channel (with the antenna retracted) then I can listen to audio and make calls from my phone whenever I'm driving.

For my preferences I'm not aware of a better setup as I really like the stock headset and even listen to cassettes and cds periodically. With newer door speakers and a powered sub in the passenger rear quarter panel the sound quality is acceptable. Phone calls work pretty well via the hands free setup and my kids tablet can also connect if they want to watch a movie on a longer trip, etc.

 

[Malleus]

spiffy