Successfully installed a Tesla Style headunit into a 2005 LX470. (1 Viewer)

[LX470MK]

Hi fellow mudders,

So it all started when I saw THIS THREAD... I was all excited and started researching the possibilities and options. I originally wanted to install the smaller headunit where you replace only the MFD and includes "transplanting" some logic board. I dropped the idea when I came across the tesla style head unit. After many weeks of research and checking with local audio installers in Dubai, I pulled the trigger.
Had the unit installed early this week.

Short video posted by the installer on his Instagram page:
Video.

During installation:

Canbus:

Not sure what this wire does... it was not connected,

 

[LX470MK]

At first, the unit did not power up... because the AC controller box was not transferred to the new headunit.

Once it was transferred the unit powered up.

I will be updating this thread... at work now.

Google Maps...

The search bar is not properly aligned.

 

[LX470MK]

So getting the back up camera to work with the headunit required either:
1) installing an after market camera.
2) splicing into the wires of the factory camera and pulling a wire to the headunit.

I decided I wanted to stick with the factory camera as the angle and coverage is almost perfect. We spliced into the video wires from near the camera (tail gate latch area); positive wire from the reverse lights; connected to the headunit and voila!

Factory camera working with the headunit:

The OEM MFD & head unit with the A/C box removed...

 

[LX470MK]

The unit came with the side panels and I had to transfer the A/C vents, hazard, CDL, Antenna control buttons and the passenger airbag warning light to the new panels.

Old panels with the mentioned items removed.

The provided side panels are not a perfect fit... needs some trimming and new clips to fit properly.

 

[LX470MK]

The only labels on the shipping box:

Option to connect 2 USBs.

Harness for adding an aftermarket amplifier.

This guy will be missed... NOT!

 

[LX470MK]

Edit: 20th October 2019:

Alright... so after 5 months of using the unit on a daily basis I want to point out a few issues that I have experienced.
1. Rear View Camera takes about 2 seconds to start displaying. There is a lag.
2. By default the AC is letting fresh (read hot) air come into the car. It has to be put into Circulate mode each time I start the car.
3. 5 out of 10 times when I start the car the sound output increases 3 folds while the sound level is at the same place where it was left e.g. 8. Pressing the volume down brings things back to normal.
4. Over the past 5 months I have had 3 instances of the device freezing up for no reason. Solution was to switch off the car and start again. This would reboot the device and it functions again.
5. The values for MPG and Cruising Range are displayed in Miles even if you convert it to Kilometers.
6. Twice in the past 5 months I lost AC controls. The display worked fine and I could tap the buttons but nothing happened. Restarting the car solved it.

That's all I can say for now. Will add later I'd I come across other concerns.

 

[ChuckB]

 

[kpecks]

In for the win.

 

[nukegoat]

Looks nice

 

[bentonrover]

I will eat my words. Looks great

 

[loeky]

Looks great - glad you got it fitted.

Sound works I presume? This is still the issue with US trucks it seems... I see you're in UAE, so doubtful you have a US spec truck to compare to?

I'm about to pull the trigger and go around the OEM amplifier with an aftermarket one and get this install wrapped up.

 

[LX470MK]

Looks great - glad you got it fitted.

Sound works I presume? This is still the issue with US trucks it seems... I see you're in UAE, so doubtful you have a US spec truck to compare to?

I'm about to pull the trigger and go around the OEM amplifier with an aftermarket one and get this install wrapped up.

I am in Dubai, but my vehicle is US specs... sound works just fine... actually, i feel it sounds better now.
Installing an aftermarket amp will work but i think the manufacturer has ironed out the issues with the LX. Just make sure you buy the unit specific to LX470 (the one with side pieces).

 

[LXstatic]

Can you change settings to show a 100 series on the altimeter/long-lat screen? Also, does this thing have CarPlay?

 

[LX470MK]

Can you change settings to show a 100 series on the altimeter/long-lat screen? Also, does this thing have CarPlay?

I need to play around with the settings to find out... it should be possible.
There is a menu called PhoneLink and it has android auto and CarPlay options. I have tried Android Auto only so far. It required me to enable developer mode, USB debugging and to install an app called Easy Connection.
The phone (Samsung Note 8) connects and displays the phone screen on the headunit but sound continues playing on the mobile. Still need to try Apple CarPlay.

Android Auto mirroring while taking the photo.

 

[corboto]

What do you think about the performance of the unit? The processing speed, touch response, etc?? I have the VLine (VL1) and it works....but it lags so much. Very frustrating for the amount of $$ spent on it.

 

[LX470MK]

What do you think about the performance of the unit? The processing speed, touch response, etc?? I have the VLine (VL1) and it works....but it lags so much. Very frustrating for the amount of $$ spent on it.

The performance is great... no lags while watching videos, listening to audio, etc. Google maps peformance is above acceptable and is responsive.

 

[nukegoat]

Can you put google earth on it and report how it works

 

[sharkCamo]

Can you post a link for where you bought yours from?

 

[customcruiser]

Thanks for this write-up

 

[LX470MK]

Can you put google earth on it and report how it works

I dont use google earth... but i can give it a try.