Successful Nav to Non-Nav Conversion - *Paging Cloudsurfin*

[ZiaMan]

Hi all,
Was doing my seemingly yearly google check on if anyone has successfully converted a Navigation GX470 to a Non-Nav. First Google result is a SUCCESSFUL write up!! This confirms it is possible and gives all of us a roadmap to complete this.

Hoping that Cloudsurfin is a member here under a different name.

Post is here:
2006 Lexus GX470: Convert navigation model to non-navigation?
Full thread is here:
2006 Lexus GX470: Convert navigation model to non-navigation?

Pics:

 

[DRRichey]

***Spoiler Alert*** The HVAC replacement controller costs $1300 according to this guys write-up.

Looks like ill stick with the Y2K Nav

 

[Formations]

It's very funny that you posted this, I just started looking into this yesterday and came across the same thread. Wow, what a pain it sounds like!! I like that one of the steps is "convince yourself it's worth it"

 

[James C]

Climate controls!

• James C
• May 17, 2019

Oh boy, I got one! It's allegedly from a 2003 and mines a 2004, but I know those years share a lot and I'm hoping this is one. I didn't have any serious plans for this swap but I couldn't pass up the price for this sucker on eBay.

If I fail or give up this will be up for grabs.

 

[estoddart]

I have an ‘08 with Nav plus the GROM VLine2. For us it’s amazing. Google maps, iheartradio app, Amazon music app, TorquePro...
I’m sure others have a longer wishlist for their infotainment system than us but I don’t understand the time/money/hassle of swapping out to none Nav.

*edit: I understand the pre-2007 Nav units have a far inferior screen. I would understand wanting to upgrade that.

 

[JLee]

I have an ‘08 with Nav plus the GROM VLine2. For us it’s amazing. Google maps, iheartradio app, Amazon music app, TorquePro...
I’m sure others have a longer wishlist for their infotainment system than us but I don’t understand the time/money/hassle of swapping out to none Nav.

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The quality of the display in 07+ models is vastly superior to the 03-04 and 05-06 versions. In addition, the display on my 05 is dim for a while when it first turns on - takes a while to warm up and become a proper brightness level.

The Vline v2 is also a relatively recent development. If I had an 07+ and the Vline2 had proper Android Auto support (which I think is coming), I would've likely gone that route. However, my display is so far behind an 07+ that it's not worth it.

 

[Kelevra]

***Spoiler Alert*** The HVAC replacement controller costs $1300 according to this guys write-up.

Looks like ill stick with the Y2K Nav

Yes, correct for a new one. I purchased a used unit on Ebay with a warranty for less than $200.00 delivered. The conversion is fairly straightforward and well worth it, in my opinion.

 

[James C]

Yeah I'd heard the v-line wasn't great on the earlier models. Hopefully I can plug this thing in down by the kick panel to see if it works first.

 

[dcg141]

Will screens from 07 and later fit earlier versions?

 

[Tak555]

Your '08 has a noticeably sharper screen than my '06, so on yours the GROM looks okay. From what I've seen of '06 and earlier GX's running the GROM, it's not good....

I'm currently in the process of converting my nav to non-nav... For me, the conversion has been a fun but sometimes tedious process. Hopefully worth it in the end!

I have an ‘08 with Nav plus the GROM VLine2. For us it’s amazing. Google maps, iheartradio app, Amazon music app, TorquePro...
I’m sure others have a longer wishlist for their infotainment system than us but I don’t understand the time/money/hassle of swapping out to none Nav.

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[James C]

Well take pictures and post them here... to make it easier for me

Just kidding, good luck with the install!

But not kidding, post all the info you can

 

[theferg]

I converted to non-nav in my 2005 and the only thing I would do differently is _not_ get the Alibaba Chinese 9" Prado unit. I would just go with a standard double-din head unit. The angle of the screen on this unit really makes for some awful reflection and glare from the windows. I believe a more vertical screen, and a slightly more set-back-into-the-dash screen (similar to what a factory Prado Nav screen uses) would do much better. I'm contemplating swapping mine out.

 

[James C]

Pretty great advice! I also just realized you have your swap documented in your build thread - also super helpful

 

[Tak555]

interesting! i have the alibaba android headunit, so that will be going into my GX... i figure, the alibaba unit isn't too expensive, so as long as i do the heavy lifting on the climate control conversion, swapping to a different HU in the future should be pretty easy...

so going with the alibaba is a pretty low cost risk for me...

I converted to non-nav in my 2005 and the only thing I would do differently is _not_ get the Alibaba Chinese 9" Prado unit. I would just go with a standard double-din head unit. The angle of the screen on this unit really makes for some awful reflection and glare from the windows. I believe a more vertical screen, and a slightly more set-back-into-the-dash screen (similar to what a factory Prado Nav screen uses) would do much better. I'm contemplating swapping mine out.

 

[Kelevra]

I converted to non-nav in my 2005 and the only thing I would do differently is _not_ get the Alibaba Chinese 9" Prado unit. I would just go with a standard double-din head unit. The angle of the screen on this unit really makes for some awful reflection and glare from the windows. I believe a more vertical screen, and a slightly more set-back-into-the-dash screen (similar to what a factory Prado Nav screen uses) would do much better. I'm contemplating swapping mine out.

We added an anti glare film to ours. While not 100% it is much better!

 

[GoHerd]

OK, are you all finding anything new or different from the original write-up over a year ago, is this the gist of it?

1. After gathering all your parts, move the three AC control connectors from the right side, over to the middle.
2. Extend 6 or so of the wires that wont reach.
3. Then locate illumination wires and splice them into the A13/14/15 harnesses.

I dont see why a wiring harness for the stereo/tape deck cant be used for a new head-unit.

I have a 2004 with Nav. I am about to pull trigger on a 2004 non-nav climate control unit from an online junkyard for $150.
If anyone has the wiring diagrams for a 2004 non and non-nav, please PM me. I'll buy you a beer, or send you a PayPay tip for your time.

Please post up your own updated write-up, or update this post. Thank in advance.

 

[theferg]

1- yep
2- I needed to extend 8 wires. To only do 6 wires, somebody must have really stretched their wires or done some extra pulling out of harnesses that I didn't do (and couldn't see/figure out). Also heard most folks saying it's actually 7... but then when I did it, I did those 7 and then found it was still super tight on one more and really made sense to go ahead and do that 8th wire.
3- this has actually slightly changed... there's a "better way" with an extra connection or something I believe. If you have FB, here's a link to the newer doc and a link to the discussion on the old and new docs. I've attached the docs as well. They are NOT MINE. The FB group user Adonis San Jaun is one of the guys behind this info and these docs.

HVAC wiring doc

GX470 HVAC conversion wiring docs discussion

 

[GoHerd]

Excellent Ferg! Thanks for the information. This will be a great resource here, for those of us who detest fb.
Did you use a wiring harness for your stereo unit?

 

[Tak555]

hey guys... i know people on here, like ferg, have successfully done this conversion, and have been dropping helpful tips in this thread... but this thread is a little jumps around a little bit. i'm going to start another thread where i walk through what i did (which was 100% driven by the help of adonis san juan)

 

[theferg]

Excellent Ferg! Thanks for the information. This will be a great resource here, for those of us who detest fb.
Did you use a wiring harness for your stereo unit?

Yeah.... I'm this || close to ditching fb (and all social media.... :-/ )

As far as stereo adapter, so for this specific 9" android from Alibaba, for the GX (and I think also the Prado 120), you need to also order the optional CAN-BUS adapter. With that adapter, it just plugs right in to the existing oem harnesses.