Lexus: modifying navigation system

Mike,

I've looked for an answer to this question for years, and have never found
one. If you come up with anything, PLEASE post it to the group, or reply
privately to me directly! I'm with you -- this "socialized safety" has got
to go. There are simply too many lawyers out there.

Carl
"Michael D. Henderson" <com> wrote in message
news:uBvld.502377$.. 

You are SOL. I have both the Garmin StreetPilot and the Lexus units and the
Garmin is better in a number of ways. Yes, having to be stopped is ANNOYING.
No fix, from what I hear. SOL

"Michael D. Henderson" <com> wrote in message
news:uBvld.502377$.. 

"Michael D. Henderson" <com> wrote in message
news:uBvld.502377$..
 

There's a guy on ebay who goes by the username "doctorbypass" who sells
what appears to be a cable with instructions for about $150.
Unfortunately, it only works for the LX470, GX470, and LS430. This
modification allows you to play a DVD while the car is moving. See:
http://motors.search.ebay.com/_W0QQgotopageZ1QQsassZdoctorbypassQQsoreco
rdsperpageZ50QQsosortorderZ1QQsosortpropertyZ1

I emailed him and he said he doesn't have anything for the ES. I have a
2004 ES330 and I'm looking for the same thing you are -- to be able to
use all navigation features while moving including POI search,
destination input, etc..

"Michael D. Henderson" <com> wrote in message
news:uBvld.502377$.. 

Michael,

A hardware hack is available for the 04-05 Toyota Prius Navigation system,
which is likely the same as what's in your Lexus (the screens, at least, are
identical). With the Prius, you find the purple colored wire that carries
the vehicle speed data to the navigation system, clip it, and insert a
toggle switch (available for a couple of bucks at places like Radio Shack).
There's no guarantee that the Lexus uses the same color coding for wires,
but my guess is that it does -- there would be no reason not to have
standard wiring harnesses for all vehicles' Navigation systems.

Here's the link for do-it-yourselfers who want to modify the Prius
Navigation system.

http://www.vfaq.net/mods/NAVswitch.html

Note that for the 05 ES330, the Navigation system is integrated into the
dash head unit that has the LCD display, whereas for the Prius, the system
is under the driver's seat. So, you'll need to open up the dash to get at
the Lexus navigation system. Here's how:

1. Apply the parking brake, and put the car in neutral.
2. Grasp the rear portion of the horizontal piece of the center console that
surrounds the gear shifter and gently lift up. (This is the piece that has
wood trim.) Carefully lift it off, being sure not to scratch the shifter
knob, heater buttons, or wood. Set it aside.
3. Grasp the bottom of the black/silver plastic panel that has the heater
buttons and display. (You can reach around the back of it and get a good
grip once you complete step 2 above.) Firmly pull outward. The entire HVAC
module will come out. Position it out of the way. It's not necessary to
unplug the connectors on it.
4. Next, you will need to get at the navigation system; I have not done the
following steps myself -- they are based on conjecture. First, remove the
black/silver dash trim that is around the navigation screen. My guess is
that it pulls out. The best way to do this without damaging anything is to
use the proper tools:

* Hook tool
* Dash trim removal tool
Get them here: http://www.pro-fit-intl.com/dealers/specialtytools.html

To use the hook, gently wiggle it between the edge of the plastic dash panel
and the adjacent vinyl panel. Once inserted, twist the hook 45 degrees so
that the hook goes behind the plastic panel. Then, firmly pull. Repeat on
all edges of the dash panel. You can put some masking tape over the vinyl
area in the vicinity where you put the hook to protect it against smudges.

5. Once the panel surrounding the navigation screen is out, remove the
screws securing the navigation system. Check the wiring on the back to see
if it is similar to the Prius' wiring that is described on the vfaq web page
mentioned above. If so, you're in business: Just follow the instruction on
the vfaq site. If, however, the wiring is totally different, you can buy
the electrical wiring service manuals for your car from Toyota (or download
them from Toyota's technical website). Look over the diagrams, find the
speed sensor wire, clip it, and wire in a switch!

Toyota tech info site: http://techinfo.toyota.com/

[Legal disclaimer: Do the above at your own risk. Fiddling with the
navigation system while driving might cause injury, death, property damage,
headache, or irregular heartbeat. Check with physician or legal advisor
before proceeding.]

-Doug in VA

Doug in VA wrote: 


*** snip ***


Thanks much for the info. Due to my schedule it'll probably be
several weeks before I am able to try it, but I'll let you know if it
works. Meanwhile, if anyone else tries it please post your results here.

mdh