Don't be scared of the length. I couldn't have installed my unit without this Video. It answered so many questions, some, I didn't even know I had! Thanks so much for putting this together....
Just bought a used RX330 (2005) and this video will save my life. I say save my life because I'll be able to install my wife's stereo LOL. Thank you so much for making this.
I just completed an installation in my 2008 RX350 and I could not have done it without your video. Thank you very much for your hard work putting this together!
Just got an used one for my son. Scratching our heads on how to deal with the outdated stereo unit until we found this video. Thanks for saving us so much time.
For Lexus RX 330, Incase you are in doubt to have two dash screens on at the same time Remember you can always turn off the screen on your factory navigation screen [ when you press display ] select “screen off” and boom, only one screen displayed. Thanks Vicki for the demonstration video.
Great video,replaced the stereo on Toyota Harrier 2004 /rx300 ,had multiple cameras on the steering,you don't need the steering harness just the tyto-1,put the resister between the brown and yellow wires on the small plug,middle plug earth number 6,7and 8 to key 1 and key 2 works a treat,can answer phone from steering,radio,3 factory cameras integrated,they said it couldn't be done,so now I have bluetooth and Navi etc thanks Vicki.
Thank you so much for helping me with my 2006 rx 400 h. I used a boss audio system with a axxess steering wheel control and added a backup camera routed through the roof as well as replacing my speakers. This video helped and inspired all of this, thank you.
Vicky i thank you so much for this video, i would never had upgraded my Lexus RX400H WITH Out YOU ..... Specially for the 68 ohm resistor that made all the difference and everything started to work.... Even the seller that i bought the unit didn't know about it.... Thanks again.
This was invaluable. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this instructional video. Listen to her when she says use a magnetic 10mm to remove the 4 main head unit screws - it is good advice!
Normally I don't comment on videos because I watch on my TV but I just had to tell you that you are by far the best and most detailed, complete and concise install video I've ever watched! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! And what makes it so much more special is that I just brought this very car yesterday and the radio is all screwed up 🤦♂️ But you just showed me how to change that! Now I just gotta find a video of how to change dash speakers. Cuz I'm upgrading all the sound and adding subs in the next few weeks. .
Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment. Good luck with your upgrades. I still have my RX330 and it's still running great for being a 17 year old car. And my upgraded stereo system still works perfectly. :)
@@vickip Hi Vicki. Curious if you have ever had any issues with your dash (as in cracking or melting)? We just recently bought an '07 RX350 that has a 'dash cover/skin' to cover up the awful melted dash underneath. We knew this when we bought it, but after seeing a neighbor's replacement dash of his '08 RX400h, I'd absolutely prefer a new dash over this 'skin'. : ( I almost forgot to mention... my local dealer is quoting me around $1400 to have new one installed. What a rip off! Anyway... evidently, there was a voluntary service bulletin for many Lexus models built in the 2000s that experienced these dash issues. And sadly, rhe previous owner of our RX350 never took it in for the free dash replacement while under this 'extended warranty', unfortunately. *Was just curious about yours. Sorry for rambling. ✓ BTW, thanks for the helpful video. 👍*
@@andyroid5028 Hi Andy, I do have two 9-inch hairline cracks at the passenger's side of the dash (near the passenger airbag), and two 2-inch hairline cracks on the driver's side of the dash at the lower left. The driver's side is out of sight since my steering wheel blocks that view. The 1st hairline crack started in the passenger side when my car was about 10 years old. I didn't think anything of it, since...well, the car was 10 years old at the time, and I thought it was just part of wear and tear...since it is...plastic. I've owned my 2004 RX330 since it was 5 miles old, did not purchase any extended warranty since I know Lexus is a reliable brand...and I still have it after well over 17 years. I always keep it garaged, maintain it and keep it clean/waxed. As you can see from my video. My RX is pristine, no dents, other than a small door ding that one of my co-workers was so thoughtless to leave me. I've never held onto a car for more than 5 years prior to this car, and I've never owned a car that's over 10 years old or over 100K miles. So I just never thought about addressing the hairline cracks with the dealer. And ACUTUALLY...I've only had my RX330 serviced by the Lexus dealer and still do to this day. They've never made me aware of the voluntary dash recall, but they always managed to have my service invoice total at least $1K, even when I just bring it in for an oil change. LOL!! Anyway...no melting issues with my dash, and I don't stare at the hairline cracks. I just look at it as a proud wrinkle to my aging RX. 😊 I just placed my order for my new 2022 Tesla and will soon be selling my precious RX. Good luck with your 2008 RX, I personally wouldn't spend $1400 for a new dash for a 13 year old car. A new dash is purely cosmetic and doesn't provide improved functionality or value. I'm sure there are aftermarket solutions for the dash issue that may look nicer than your existing skin...such as maybe a carbon fiber wrap/trim (to cover up the cracks/melt) or a full custom wrap to the dash from a reputable car detailer can do. Or, check with a body shop to see if they can locate a used RX dash that's in great condition, and see how much they will charge for the install/part.
I've been thinking about putting something in with Bluetooth but Lexus makes aftermarket upgrades such a pain in the ass. Your video is a huge help. Thank you.
Amazing job. Takes courage to pull apart the interior trim on a nice Lexus, and extreme confidence and skill to rewire the control harnesses, and to top it off get phone video going, and new USB's and a nicely concealed mic. Well done! Great result. Where'd you get those skills!!!
You're my hero. Trying to do basically the same thing in a 2006 RX330 with a Pioneer MVH-2400NEX. I think you've solved all my problems and answered all my questions, including some questions I didn't even realize I had. THANK YOU!
I've now successfully completed this project. This video is the reason why it was successful. The instructions that came wtih the iDatalink Maestro SW and the Metra bezel and Climate-enabling resistor were confusing at best, and flat-out wrong at worst. This video laid it all out plainly, the full screen view of the wiring chart was invaulable, and I didn't know the micro-bypass even existed. The only downside is that getting this Pioneer deck installed really reveals how crappy the stock speakers are -- but speaker replacement, I can do. Thanks again!
Thank you so much for making this video. I just finished putting a Kenwood in my 2004 RX330. Your video was very helpful. Such detail was great. The only problem I had was in running the rear camera, was wishing you had to do that on yours so it would have been included. Lol. People could take some direction on how to make a very informative video. Great job.
Thank you!! LOL, I have the nav system on mine, so it already had the rear camera installed. I'm happy to hear my video helped with your install. Enjoy your new system. Look at it this way...you could make a how to video for installing the rear camera. :)
Great job! even after watching this and I have installed many radios and other electronic aux in vehicles I would not still be confident on what you did here. You are awesome.
About to swap out the stereo on my wife's '04 due to more frequent error 4's. I want to say thank you for taking the time to create the video. I was wanting to add the usb ports in the 12v near the shifter like you did, which is how I came across your video. Very helpful and much appreciated. You're saving people time and $ because of your efforts! :)
Had such a hard time getting the Nav/climate control to work... I had no idea it came with a little resistor....plugged it in and now my wife has a nice Pioneer Head unit with ability to use the heater/AC and the Navigation. Fantastic vid! Thanks for the help!
Outstanding video in every way Vicki P! Continues to be reference information. I installed Pioneers AVIC-8100 and 8400 NEX units along with the TYTO-1, and Maestro SW ADS-MSW. However my 2004 and 2005 Lexus RX 330's weren't the models with the original navigation, but I did run into a grounding issue that I'd like to share. When I installed my unit my GPS maps would flip up and down. So I had to go in and separate the grounds: - Parking Brake on radio harness to body junction on right side kick panel - TYTO-1 Black, and Black/White with radio harness Black to metal body on right side - Maestro SW ADS-MSW Black ground to body junction left side kick panel Problem solved! Hope this helps someone that might run into this problem.
Thanks so much for this tutorial! Professional installers should take notes from this video. Very descriptive, concise and conclusive. You did your research and it paid off big time! My only (selfish) gripe is that you didn’t connect the upper navigation screen to the video output of the Pioneer headunit for dual video, Waze, Google Maps capability. This video tied everything together for my planned project. Stay safe!
You're very welcome!! I'm happy to hear my video helped you with your upcoming project. As for your gripe...I didn't want two screens to show the same exact thing (I don't even know or think its possible with the stock nav unit). I have my phone mounted just below my Pioneer head unit. And my Pioneer defaults into bluetooth mode for music and such. So when I want to use Google maps (or Waze), I would just set it from my phone. I would still be able to see directions, the map, etc from my phone and hear it trough my car speakers. If I wanted to actually mirror or display the Google maps or what ever is on my screen (such as TH-cam), then I would go into HDMI mode and use the Belkin cast I've already installed. If I didn't need the extras Google maps or Waze provides, or if my phone is on the fritz where it looses GPS signal due to the latest bogus phone operating system update, then I'd just use my stock navigation screen to get me where I need to go and display my music on my Pioneer screen.
Amazing job at explaining and showing everything in detail - it came out great! I'm planning to buy a 2nd gen RX 350 soon, and this video will help tremendously - thank you!!
Mad respect Vicki! This is honestly very impressive!! I planned on doing this myself and just now realized how complicated the whole process was. Thank you for informative video, will have to complete this as a project for next summer. Thank you!
Thank you so much for the complement. It's actually not too complicated...maybe just the wiring part, but I tried to lay it all out so it'll be pretty easy. I know you can do it and will enjoy your new upgrade. It's been over a year since my upgrade, and it still works great!!! Good luck with your project.
I watched all of this after recently buying an RX350, i will definatley give this a go, as the model i bought didn't come with NAV screen. So not only can i now have a SAT NAV that will be easy to update, i will also get DAB, bluetooth and reversing camera. Thank you very much for spending the time to do a video with such detail, kudos! I'm in the UK, so hopefully the wiring behind the unit is the same :)
I'm looking to buy a used RX330 for my daughter, but one of her wishes is to have a good stereo/bluetooth etc... this video gives me the confidence to give it a go myself after I buy it. I've installed one on a 2002 4runner before, assumed that this would be more involved given the integrated electronics. Thank you Vicki :)
This has been a great car and it's still running after 16 years. I've had my RX since it had only 5 miles. Your daughter will love it. Good luck on your install project.
This video is an amazing help and extremely detailed, I'm going to install the same kind of car audio on my 2005 RX300 this weekend. Thanks Vicki for all the tips, and you answered a question I had for a long time, about how to reset the windows control after a battery disconnection... I thought at the beginning the button from the driver's door wasn't working anymore :D Great video, and thanks again !
Good luck with your install. I'm so happy to hear my video helped you. Please post your results after your install to inspire others. And make sure you don't loose the resistor that comes with the Metra dash kit. That's what allows the climate, navigation and nav audio to work.
Fantastic job¦ i was watching there out a lot videos for upgrade my lexus audio system and you was the best, also because you show how to upgrade the USB conections between other thing, really nice that you show it to us, Thank you 1+
Vicky P., I have just about wrapped up the installation of an Alpine iLX-W650 into my 2006 RX 330. I ordered it through Crutchfield and opted for their pre-wired harness. Your excellent video has been invaluable to getting this job done. I know how much time it takes to put these videos together and you did an excellent job of displaying all the critical areas. The only extra thing that I did, that wasn't in your video, was installing a backup camera, but since you already showed how to thread wire alongside the door seals, I was able to complete the task. At first I wasn't going to install the parking brake bypass, but on my car I found the parking brake wires are about impossible to get at, so now the bypass is on order. The only issue I seem to be having at the moment is the fidelity of the microphone in the place that you located it. I'm trying to see if there is maybe a better quality microphone available than what came with the Alpine unit. But again, thank you very much for a terrific video. I hope you enjoy your Tesla. Boom!
I just finished this install Alpine W650 in Lexus RX330, however I notice the fader doesn't work properly, most sound coming from the dash speakers and very little from the others. Spoke with the tech support and they said the fader doesn't work on the Lexus because it is a digital amplifier, do you find that to be true? Great video by the way!
Wow, i’am very impressed with all your work to it. But i’m pretty much lost. Lol i thought i knew how to install stereos. But when you have all those connections that you have. I was lost a little.
Holy Smokes! As of today, five years after you published this great video, that head unit is listing at $1,500! I'll have to poke around for something else.
Wowzers very thorough!! Thank you for your contributions to the agreement community 😊. Also it's great to see a lady don't these upgrades to give other gals the confidence to tackle fun vehicle upgrades 💪
You made my Day!! Thx a lot for your detailed Video. Saved a lot of money, because here in Switzerland LEXUS would have charged 3000 US for the same. So i did it on two days. Great work!!
Very informative , you did a great job , I have 3 Lexus SC430 , LS400 , RX350 , I want to keep them stock so I won't installing different head units but i couldn't help watching your video to the end to see how it turned out , well done
Great video, thanks for going through the whole process. I think when people say you "lose voice" it means you can't do the voice commands on the systems that have that button. It was useless anyway, at least on my '06 RX400h, so I'm glad to have it remapped. Tip: If your install requires you to put the resistor on the 9-pin connector, there's a little tab on the side of the connector that you can pull out with a small screwdriver. Then you can stick the resistor leads into the back of the connector, and snap the tab back into place. The resistor stays firmly in place. I really didn't want to splice!
Thanks Dale!! I appreciate your feedback. I've learned, I'm not going to be able to please everyone. There's always going to be a critic and maybe the video is too long and boring for them...and that's why I included time stamps in my video description for those with ADD.
Thank you for the awesome video! I am always a critic of myself of fit and finish on an aftermarket radio install especially on a Lexus. I ended up doing the flush mount usb ports you showed which is a fantastic idea! I also routed the microphone the same way but instead of mounting it inside the overhead console I clipped it on the rear view mirror wire cover. Also on the 12 pin connector for the climate controls I just depinned it, twisted the resistor leads around the pins so I didn't have to cut into the wires, added heatshrink tubing, and taped the plug to the harness so I wouldn't lose it.
@@peterhancock8011 Hello. No i haven't done it yet. My air suspension packed up so i have i had to do that first but now it's all sorted and got a new M.O.T. I'm looking at it again.
Excellent Video Vicki always hated the built in audio from lexus. The Pioneer head unit is much better sounding. And Android Auto is the future. Great Video thank you.
Thank you for this. Just installed a Kenwood DNX693S with steering wheel control, SiriusXM and backup camera in my wife's 2007 RX350. Would have been much more difficult without your help. Cheers!
Hello, Thank you for the excellent video. I have a question about installing the Metra kit. I want to install a Pioneer head unit ( DMX706S) with dimensions 178 × 100 × 75 mm. Will it be a challenge to get a proper fit or do I need to dremel the Metra faceplate? How many millimeters do I need to shave off? Shouldn’t the head unit be flush with the faceplate after installation? The top portion of my head unit is recessed a few millimeters. Do I have to dremel out a lot of the top side of the faceplate to make it flush with the head unit?
Much appreciated. I have a Toyota mark x and couldn't find anything about the resistor for my climate control, ect with my car thanks alot. Now I ha e a idea what I'm looking for
Great Video. The dash kit I had to get (because amazon didn't have yours in stock) didn't come with a resistor so do you know what type of resistor is it or maybe have a link to one I can buy?
The resistor is a 68 OHM. Read page 3 of the Metra Dash kit manual. It has specific instructions for each year and model of the Lexus. I have a close-up of the Dash kit instruction manual in my video...Refer to the 37th minute of my video.
Hi, great to see such a dedicated video, can you show me how to connect the 68 ohm resistor? (Is his function to activate the air conditioner display?) My car does not display the air conditioner information after modification
My steering wheel control doesn't work. I wired the maestro according to your guide and the buttons don't seem to do what they're supposed to. And my harness has like 6 or 7 wires and not four like yours and also has buttons on the right of the steering wheel for the call button and the speak button
Just bought today my RX300 from 2005, I was pleased to learn for the stereo and USB, also I need to upgrade de GPS: somebody knows, because I'm searching and I don't find
Hi I have a question about where the resistor goes,does that 12 pin plug in anywhere or it is left unplugged and hidden in the back if anyone knows that would be great thanks??
Hi.. Do you know what the "cover" like thingy is in the dash to the left of the driver (just beneath the vent grill? I was wondering if that space can be used to put a tray to keep a cell phone plugged in? It is just above your fingers at 4:29. Thank you very much for the tutorial. Our car does not have the nav, we want to upgrade the radio with one that contains a nav and cd player. When you were looking for your unit, did you find any that caught your fancy? Thanks again.
Hello Dhruba...the item you are referring to directly under the left air vent is a pull out cup holder. You may be able to use that to hold your cell phone if your phone is the right size and it doesn't fall through the hole of the cup holder. But realistically, there are MUCH better and safer ways to hold your cell phone. Dropped cell phones are often the cause of collisions...and I'm sure you don't want that to happen. You should check out my video regarding the Pitaka magnetic wireless charger. Once you go wireless charging coupled with a magnetic mount...you will never go back. Here's the video if you're interested: th-cam.com/video/3uoux483bj4/w-d-xo.html As for you question about a nave and CD player, you can't really go wrong with Pioneer or Kenwood. Those two brands are the best in my opinion. The only thing is...if you look for a unit with a Nav...you will also have to mount a GPS disc onto your dash. If you're ok with that...then no worries. If you don't like having the GPS disc mounted on your dash, then I'd suggest going with a head unit that just has a CD/DVD player, HD radio, and Bluetooth. As an added bonus, you can also look for units with Pandora or Spotify...or if you like to mirror your phone and watch TH-cam videos and such...get something with a HDMI also. There's lots to choose from now in head units as this video is a few years old now. For me, when I want to use nav, such as Google Maps...I just keep my head unit on bluetooth mode. I play my music and Google Maps from my phone...and it all comes out in the car's speakers. My head unit also displays what song I'm playing, allows me to stop, fast forward, etc. Now a days, you can probably even find voice controlled head units that has Alexa or something. Good luck in your search and your install.
@@vickip Thank you very much for the detailed reply. That cupholder is stuck in our car. We had forgotten what it was for. I will explore your tips. Thanks again.
@@DhrubaYT , I actually completely forgot it was there until you asked about it. LOL!! But to get the left cupholder out, you have to push it like a button, and it pops out.
@@vickip Our cupholder does not budge. I found this suggestion. www.justanswer.com/lexus/4k3kw-lexus-rx350-2008-lexus-rx-350-pop-cupholder-the-pop.html
Totally blown away by your video! I thought it was cute when you confused the stereo name "Kenwood" with Sears brand "Kenmore!" You are all that plus a bag of chips! I actually have a similar vehicle..2007 rx350. The head unit has been dead for years, errors, etc. I'm still not entirely confident in my skills vs yours!lol! I'll have to mull this over vs taking it to a shop that does this daily. My patience in removing the unit i profess was a chore in itself. I didn't research it (stupid me)...just started tugging n pulling (yup..some scrapes, scratches); lost my nuts/bolts...BUT i jeery rigged a strong magnet on a clothes wire..ha!... careless oaf! Tons of cursing...now i drive in silence and with a hole in the dash:(
@!32:53, the black and white wire tap into which color on the steering wheel side, and the other two colors tap into which ones on the steering wheel end?
So JBL is the standard sound system? That means I need to buy the Axxess wiring harness? What about the steering wheel control thing? There's a wiring harness for sale that's for steering wheel control, so I'm confused which one I need. I appreciate anyone who chimes in. 2009 RX 350 base, no nav
Hi Vicki, thanks again for the great tutorial video. I was wondering if you or anyone else could recommend a kit or what I would need for adding an auxiliary input in a 2008 Lexus RX 350? The vehicle has navigation and a tape deck. Please let me know. Thanks Tony
I used your video as my go to for my 2005 lexus rx330 install. Everything works as expected but the sound just sounds horrible. Wonder if you or anyone else experience worse audio quality with after market stereos and can this be fixed?
Don't be scared of the length. I couldn't have installed my unit without this Video. It answered so many questions, some, I didn't even know I had! Thanks so much for putting this together....
I'm happy to hear your install was a success and the video helped you. :)
Just bought a used RX330 (2005) and this video will save my life. I say save my life because I'll be able to install my wife's stereo LOL. Thank you so much for making this.
Fantastic job Vicki... You are the only woman author on this subject so far, and I gotta tell you... You are the best!!
I wish my Wife can work on Cars.. i'm getting tired maintaining 3 cars in my family... Vicki your the best! Keep up the awesomeness
I just completed an installation in my 2008 RX350 and I could not have done it without your video. Thank you very much for your hard work putting this together!
Congrats on your new upgrade!! Thank you for the feedback. :)
@vickip thank you Vicki this is one of the best tutorials I have seen on youtube and I been using this platform since it's inception 🙏
Just got an used one for my son. Scratching our heads on how to deal with the outdated stereo unit until we found this video. Thanks for saving us so much time.
I could never have done my stereo upgrade without this video. Thank you for the excellent walkthrough!!!
You are very welcome!!! I'm happy to hear my video helped you with a successful install. Enjoy your new system and thanks for the feedback.
For Lexus RX 330, Incase you are in doubt to have two dash screens on at the same time
Remember you can always turn off the screen on your factory navigation screen [ when you press display ] select “screen off” and boom, only one screen displayed.
Thanks Vicki for the demonstration video.
what the heck !! someonelike you should have atleast 1 million subscribers... very helpful woman thank you for taking all your time to explain it ..
Installed similar stereo today in my Rx400h and your video was of big help. Thanks:)
Hello
Great video,replaced the stereo on Toyota Harrier 2004 /rx300 ,had multiple cameras on the steering,you don't need the steering harness just the tyto-1,put the resister between the brown and yellow wires on the small plug,middle plug earth number 6,7and 8 to key 1 and key 2 works a treat,can answer phone from steering,radio,3 factory cameras integrated,they said it couldn't be done,so now I have bluetooth and Navi etc thanks Vicki.
Thank you so much for helping me with my 2006 rx 400 h. I used a boss audio system with a axxess steering wheel control and added a backup camera routed through the roof as well as replacing my speakers. This video helped and inspired all of this, thank you.
I'm happy to hear my video helped with your install. Thank you very much for the feedback and enjoy your new system!! :)
Vicky i thank you so much for this video, i would never had upgraded my Lexus RX400H WITH Out YOU ..... Specially for the 68 ohm resistor that made all the difference and everything started to work.... Even the seller that i bought the unit didn't know about it.... Thanks again.
YOU ARE MY HERO, I have a 2008 RX350 and looking forward on doing this DIY!!!
This was invaluable. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this instructional video. Listen to her when she says use a magnetic 10mm to remove the 4 main head unit screws - it is good advice!
Normally I don't comment on videos because I watch on my TV but I just had to tell you that you are by far the best and most detailed, complete and concise install video I've ever watched! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
And what makes it so much more special is that I just brought this very car yesterday and the radio is all screwed up 🤦♂️
But you just showed me how to change that! Now I just gotta find a video of how to change dash speakers. Cuz I'm upgrading all the sound and adding subs in the next few weeks. .
Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment. Good luck with your upgrades. I still have my RX330 and it's still running great for being a 17 year old car. And my upgraded stereo system still works perfectly. :)
@@vickip Hi Vicki. Curious if you have ever had any issues with your dash (as in cracking or melting)?
We just recently bought an '07 RX350 that has a 'dash cover/skin' to cover up the awful melted dash underneath. We knew this when we bought it, but after seeing a neighbor's replacement dash of his '08 RX400h, I'd absolutely prefer a new dash over this 'skin'. : (
I almost forgot to mention... my local dealer is quoting me around $1400 to have new one installed. What a rip off!
Anyway... evidently, there was a voluntary service bulletin for many Lexus models built in the 2000s that experienced these dash issues. And sadly, rhe previous owner of our RX350 never took it in for the free dash replacement while under this 'extended warranty', unfortunately.
*Was just curious about yours. Sorry for rambling. ✓ BTW, thanks for the helpful video. 👍*
@@andyroid5028 Hi Andy, I do have two 9-inch hairline cracks at the passenger's side of the dash (near the passenger airbag), and two 2-inch hairline cracks on the driver's side of the dash at the lower left. The driver's side is out of sight since my steering wheel blocks that view. The 1st hairline crack started in the passenger side when my car was about 10 years old. I didn't think anything of it, since...well, the car was 10 years old at the time, and I thought it was just part of wear and tear...since it is...plastic. I've owned my 2004 RX330 since it was 5 miles old, did not purchase any extended warranty since I know Lexus is a reliable brand...and I still have it after well over 17 years. I always keep it garaged, maintain it and keep it clean/waxed. As you can see from my video. My RX is pristine, no dents, other than a small door ding that one of my co-workers was so thoughtless to leave me.
I've never held onto a car for more than 5 years prior to this car, and I've never owned a car that's over 10 years old or over 100K miles.
So I just never thought about addressing the hairline cracks with the dealer. And ACUTUALLY...I've only had my RX330 serviced by the Lexus dealer and still do to this day. They've never made me aware of the voluntary dash recall, but they always managed to have my service invoice total at least $1K, even when I just bring it in for an oil change. LOL!! Anyway...no melting issues with my dash, and I don't stare at the hairline cracks. I just look at it as a proud wrinkle to my aging RX. 😊
I just placed my order for my new 2022 Tesla and will soon be selling my precious RX.
Good luck with your 2008 RX, I personally wouldn't spend $1400 for a new dash for a 13 year old car. A new dash is purely cosmetic and doesn't provide improved functionality or value. I'm sure there are aftermarket solutions for the dash issue that may look nicer than your existing skin...such as maybe a carbon fiber wrap/trim (to cover up the cracks/melt) or a full custom wrap to the dash from a reputable car detailer can do. Or, check with a body shop to see if they can locate a used RX dash that's in great condition, and see how much they will charge for the install/part.
I've been thinking about putting something in with Bluetooth but Lexus makes aftermarket upgrades such a pain in the ass. Your video is a huge help. Thank you.
Amazing job. Takes courage to pull apart the interior trim on a nice Lexus, and extreme confidence and skill to rewire the control harnesses, and to top it off get phone video going, and new USB's and a nicely concealed mic. Well done! Great result. Where'd you get those skills!!!
This video has been the best installation tool. Thanks!
Amazingly thorough and well explained. Very impressive!
You're my hero. Trying to do basically the same thing in a 2006 RX330 with a Pioneer MVH-2400NEX. I think you've solved all my problems and answered all my questions, including some questions I didn't even realize I had. THANK YOU!
I've now successfully completed this project. This video is the reason why it was successful. The instructions that came wtih the iDatalink Maestro SW and the Metra bezel and Climate-enabling resistor were confusing at best, and flat-out wrong at worst. This video laid it all out plainly, the full screen view of the wiring chart was invaulable, and I didn't know the micro-bypass even existed. The only downside is that getting this Pioneer deck installed really reveals how crappy the stock speakers are -- but speaker replacement, I can do. Thanks again!
Thank you so much for making this video. I just finished putting a Kenwood in my 2004 RX330. Your video was very helpful. Such detail was great. The only problem I had was in running the rear camera, was wishing you had to do that on yours so it would have been included. Lol. People could take some direction on how to make a very informative video. Great job.
Thank you!! LOL, I have the nav system on mine, so it already had the rear camera installed. I'm happy to hear my video helped with your install. Enjoy your new system. Look at it this way...you could make a how to video for installing the rear camera. :)
You are awesome. Unbelievable. Without even soldering things.
This is a very informative video. I have the same RX and this really helps with upgrading the audio. I wish all videos were this in depth. Thank u!!
You're welcome, happy the video helped you and your project was a success.
Great job! even after watching this and I have installed many radios and other electronic aux in vehicles I would not still be confident on what you did here. You are awesome.
About to swap out the stereo on my wife's '04 due to more frequent error 4's. I want to say thank you for taking the time to create the video. I was wanting to add the usb ports in the 12v near the shifter like you did, which is how I came across your video. Very helpful and much appreciated. You're saving people time and $ because of your efforts! :)
Thank you for the kind words Ultrabob. Your wifey is going to be so happy. Post your results after your install.
Had such a hard time getting the Nav/climate control to work... I had no idea it came with a little resistor....plugged it in and now my wife has a nice Pioneer Head unit with ability to use the heater/AC and the Navigation. Fantastic vid! Thanks for the help!
I'm so happy to hear my video helped you!! And CONGRATS on your upgrade!! I'm sure wifey will love it!
Outstanding video in every way Vicki P! Continues to be reference information.
I installed Pioneers AVIC-8100 and 8400 NEX units along with the TYTO-1, and Maestro SW ADS-MSW. However my 2004 and 2005 Lexus RX 330's weren't the models with the original navigation, but I did run into a grounding issue that I'd like to share.
When I installed my unit my GPS maps would flip up and down. So I had to go in and separate the grounds:
- Parking Brake on radio harness to body junction on right side kick panel
- TYTO-1 Black, and Black/White with radio harness Black to metal body on right side
- Maestro SW ADS-MSW Black ground to body junction left side kick panel
Problem solved! Hope this helps someone that might run into this problem.
Thanks so much for this tutorial! Professional installers should take notes from this video. Very descriptive, concise and conclusive. You did your research and it paid off big time! My only (selfish) gripe is that you didn’t connect the upper navigation screen to the video output of the Pioneer headunit for dual video, Waze, Google Maps capability. This video tied everything together for my planned project. Stay safe!
You're very welcome!! I'm happy to hear my video helped you with your upcoming project. As for your gripe...I didn't want two screens to show the same exact thing (I don't even know or think its possible with the stock nav unit). I have my phone mounted just below my Pioneer head unit. And my Pioneer defaults into bluetooth mode for music and such. So when I want to use Google maps (or Waze), I would just set it from my phone. I would still be able to see directions, the map, etc from my phone and hear it trough my car speakers. If I wanted to actually mirror or display the Google maps or what ever is on my screen (such as TH-cam), then I would go into HDMI mode and use the Belkin cast I've already installed. If I didn't need the extras Google maps or Waze provides, or if my phone is on the fritz where it looses GPS signal due to the latest bogus phone operating system update, then I'd just use my stock navigation screen to get me where I need to go and display my music on my Pioneer screen.
Amazing job at explaining and showing everything in detail - it came out great! I'm planning to buy a 2nd gen RX 350 soon, and this video will help tremendously - thank you!!
I'll be trying this on my RX330 '05 too, amazing video, would not try to make it on my own without watching this first 👌💯
Thanks for the feedback!! :) Good luck with your install and please leave a comment on your results afterwards.
Awesome video so stoked you were confident enough to go ahead and knock it out yourself with finesse and solid preparation/research.
Mad respect Vicki! This is honestly very impressive!! I planned on doing this myself and just now realized how complicated the whole process was. Thank you for informative video, will have to complete this as a project for next summer. Thank you!
Thank you so much for the complement. It's actually not too complicated...maybe just the wiring part, but I tried to lay it all out so it'll be pretty easy. I know you can do it and will enjoy your new upgrade. It's been over a year since my upgrade, and it still works great!!! Good luck with your project.
I would hire you to change my stereo. Great job lady!
I watched all of this after recently buying an RX350, i will definatley give this a go, as the model i bought didn't come with NAV screen. So not only can i now have a SAT NAV that will be easy to update, i will also get DAB, bluetooth and reversing camera.
Thank you very much for spending the time to do a video with such detail, kudos!
I'm in the UK, so hopefully the wiring behind the unit is the same :)
Good luck on your install project Jimmy!
I'm looking to buy a used RX330 for my daughter, but one of her wishes is to have a good stereo/bluetooth etc... this video gives me the confidence to give it a go myself after I buy it. I've installed one on a 2002 4runner before, assumed that this would be more involved given the integrated electronics. Thank you Vicki :)
This has been a great car and it's still running after 16 years. I've had my RX since it had only 5 miles. Your daughter will love it. Good luck on your install project.
One of the best explanation ever
Couldn’t have done it without it
Thanks
Vicki, i love your voice. Even if the install your doing was bad (your awesome at car audio!) i'd still listen just to hear your soothing voice!
This video is an amazing help and extremely detailed, I'm going to install the same kind of car audio on my 2005 RX300 this weekend. Thanks Vicki for all the tips, and you answered a question I had for a long time, about how to reset the windows control after a battery disconnection... I thought at the beginning the button from the driver's door wasn't working anymore :D Great video, and thanks again !
Good luck with your install. I'm so happy to hear my video helped you. Please post your results after your install to inspire others. And make sure you don't loose the resistor that comes with the Metra dash kit. That's what allows the climate, navigation and nav audio to work.
Fantastic job¦ i was watching there out a lot videos for upgrade my lexus audio system and you was the best, also because you show how to upgrade the USB conections between other thing, really nice that you show it to us, Thank you 1+
Vicky P., I have just about wrapped up the installation of an Alpine iLX-W650 into my 2006 RX 330. I ordered it through Crutchfield and opted for their pre-wired harness. Your excellent video has been invaluable to getting this job done. I know how much time it takes to put these videos together and you did an excellent job of displaying all the critical areas. The only extra thing that I did, that wasn't in your video, was installing a backup camera, but since you already showed how to thread wire alongside the door seals, I was able to complete the task. At first I wasn't going to install the parking brake bypass, but on my car I found the parking brake wires are about impossible to get at, so now the bypass is on order.
The only issue I seem to be having at the moment is the fidelity of the microphone in the place that you located it. I'm trying to see if there is maybe a better quality microphone available than what came with the Alpine unit.
But again, thank you very much for a terrific video. I hope you enjoy your Tesla.
Boom!
I just finished this install Alpine W650 in Lexus RX330, however I notice the fader doesn't work properly, most sound coming from the dash speakers and very little from the others. Spoke with the tech support and they said the fader doesn't work on the Lexus because it is a digital amplifier, do you find that to be true? Great video by the way!
Wow, i’am very impressed with all your work to it. But i’m pretty much lost. Lol i thought i knew how to install stereos. But when you have all those connections that you have. I was lost a little.
Great job. It gives me a better idea how to do same job on my RX330 I just bought, same year but without navigation. Thank you so much.
Holy Smokes! As of today, five years after you published this great video, that head unit is listing at $1,500! I'll have to poke around for something else.
LOL!! No need to get this exact head unit. I'm sure technology has improved. Good luck with your install. :)
@@vickip I have a nice Alpine iLX-W650 on the way.
Wowzers very thorough!! Thank you for your contributions to the agreement community 😊. Also it's great to see a lady don't these upgrades to give other gals the confidence to tackle fun vehicle upgrades 💪
@@alphacool7967 I used a metro aftermarket panel kit
You made my Day!! Thx a lot for your detailed Video. Saved a lot of money, because here in Switzerland LEXUS would have charged 3000 US for the same. So i did it on two days. Great work!!
Thanks for the positive feedback Herwig!! I'm glad this video helped you and you are now enjoying current stereo technology in your beautiful Lexus.
Very informative , you did a great job , I have 3 Lexus SC430 , LS400 , RX350 , I want to keep them stock so I won't installing different head units but i couldn't help watching your video to the end to see how it turned out , well done
Well done Vicki P. I appreciate the way you explain your actions and the materials used.
Great video, thanks for going through the whole process. I think when people say you "lose voice" it means you can't do the voice commands on the systems that have that button. It was useless anyway, at least on my '06 RX400h, so I'm glad to have it remapped.
Tip: If your install requires you to put the resistor on the 9-pin connector, there's a little tab on the side of the connector that you can pull out with a small screwdriver. Then you can stick the resistor leads into the back of the connector, and snap the tab back into place. The resistor stays firmly in place. I really didn't want to splice!
@@alphacool7967 I got it as part of a kit called Metra 99-8159S Dash Kit.
Awesome video with complete instructions, was able install Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX on my 2008 Rx400h
Thank you for the instructions
Whooohooo!!! Congrats on the install and thanks for the feedback. :)
Great job don't understand how ppl could dislike this video keep up the good work
Thanks Dale!! I appreciate your feedback. I've learned, I'm not going to be able to please everyone. There's always going to be a critic and maybe the video is too long and boring for them...and that's why I included time stamps in my video description for those with ADD.
Gotta say it made me kinda happy to hear Tears for Fears when you were testing 🙂
I love tears for fears the was my time
Thank you for the awesome video! I am always a critic of myself of fit and finish on an aftermarket radio install especially on a Lexus. I ended up doing the flush mount usb ports you showed which is a fantastic idea! I also routed the microphone the same way but instead of mounting it inside the overhead console I clipped it on the rear view mirror wire cover. Also on the 12 pin connector for the climate controls I just depinned it, twisted the resistor leads around the pins so I didn't have to cut into the wires, added heatshrink tubing, and taped the plug to the harness so I wouldn't lose it.
Thanks so much for this video. Very helpful as I also have a RX and will be doing this upgrade soon. Thanks again!!!
Thanks Abe for the feedback!! Good luck with your upgrade. :)
Thank you so much for making this video, I couldn't have done it without yoy!
Greetings from the UK, awesome video, clear and concise. I'm off shopping now for a new head unit. Many thanks.
Greetings Marc, thanks for the compliment and good luck with your install.
Hi Marc, did you source all the parts in the UK easily?
@@peterhancock8011 Hello. No i haven't done it yet. My air suspension packed up so i have i had to do that first but now it's all sorted and got a new M.O.T. I'm looking at it again.
Outstanding video. So detailed
Wt is capacity of resistor should I use pls help me
Just got my Pioneer and about to install it. Good video. Thank you for sharing
Good luck on your install. Please reply with your results.
You rock all the way. Great video, cool setup, good, good job!!
Fantastic video..just installed a jvc in my rx..your video answered a ton of questions I had about the factory harness
Congrats on your new install. Thanks for the feedback. Enjoy your new and improved RX. :)
Amazing, I have a toyota harrier & this video helps me find how to open of the housing & panels I wasn't sure of. Thanks & great video.
Excellent video, very informative and extremely thorough.
Excellent Video Vicki always hated the built in audio from lexus. The Pioneer head unit is much better sounding. And Android Auto is the future. Great Video thank you.
Slick install. Well done👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This was way more complicated than I initially thought it would be
Great job I know that would've been intimidating for a lot of guys I Very Proud of You 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Great detail and explanation 👌
OMG, you are super smart! Thank you for this video.
Vicki, you are one very talented lady.
Thank you so much for this I recently bought a 330 and wanted to install a screen but wasn’t able to this was super helpful thanks
FINALLY an installer knows that the console slides back.
Quality on the mic?
Thank you very much for the video. saved me a lot of nerves and money. You are a super person.
Incredible video! Thank you so much. I am going to do this install and hope it goes as well as yours did. Would not try it without this video though.
Good luck on your install Chris!!! Post your results afterwards. Have fun!!
Great job. And great video
I bought my 06 Rx-330 in 2009 and I never knew the console could be moved with the push of a button until I saw this vid😝.
Thank you for this. Just installed a Kenwood DNX693S with steering wheel control, SiriusXM and backup camera in my wife's 2007 RX350. Would have been much more difficult without your help. Cheers!
AWESOME STEVE!!! I'm so glad it worked out. I'm sure wifey is now super happy with the new setup. :)
Tks my wife needs one also they told her they didn’t make them for this same model and year now I can make it happen for her
It would be a great surprise gift for her. Good luck on the install.
Hello, Thank you for the excellent video. I have a question about installing the Metra kit. I want to install a Pioneer head unit ( DMX706S) with dimensions 178 × 100 × 75 mm. Will it be a challenge to get a proper fit or do I need to dremel the Metra faceplate? How many millimeters do I need to shave off? Shouldn’t the head unit be flush with the faceplate after installation? The top portion of my head unit is recessed a few millimeters. Do I have to dremel out a lot of the top side of the faceplate to make it flush with the head unit?
Much appreciated. I have a Toyota mark x and couldn't find anything about the resistor for my climate control, ect with my car thanks alot. Now I ha e a idea what I'm looking for
Vickie your inspiring, I'm going to give it a shot, I've got the same exact SUV.....Thanks for make the tectorial....
Thank you so much your detailed information it helped me with my 07 350👍🏽
Was her wiring diagram exactly the same for your 07 350? I am considering upgrading my daughters 350. Thx.
@@johngunn4573 Yes it was the exact same for my 07
Great Video. The dash kit I had to get (because amazon didn't have yours in stock) didn't come with a resistor so do you know what type of resistor is it or maybe have a link to one I can buy?
The resistor is a 68 OHM. Read page 3 of the Metra Dash kit manual. It has specific instructions for each year and model of the Lexus. I have a close-up of the Dash kit instruction manual in my video...Refer to the 37th minute of my video.
@@vickip thanks! I did exactly that and they’re really cheap on Amazon. Worked great and everything works.
I’ve been looking for this for 3 days now, thank you guys 🙏🏽.
Very helpful, thanks for posting!
0:33-8:35 intro
8:36-19:33 removal of factory radio
19:34-42:11 wire harnesses
42:12-48:41 microphone instalation
48:42-1:04:37 usb port instalation
1:04:38-1:10:56 new head unit
1:10:56-1:17:48 conclusion
Hi, great to see such a dedicated video, can you show me how to connect the 68 ohm resistor? (Is his function to activate the air conditioner display?) My car does not display the air conditioner information after modification
Any update?
Fantastic and detail demo. Thanks very much for sharing.
My steering wheel control doesn't work. I wired the maestro according to your guide and the buttons don't seem to do what they're supposed to. And my harness has like 6 or 7 wires and not four like yours and also has buttons on the right of the steering wheel for the call button and the speak button
Just bought today my RX300 from 2005, I was pleased to learn for the stereo and USB, also I need to upgrade de GPS: somebody knows, because I'm searching and I don't find
Hi I have a question about where the resistor goes,does that 12 pin plug in anywhere or it is left unplugged and hidden in the back if anyone knows that would be great thanks??
Hi.. Do you know what the "cover" like thingy is in the dash to the left of the driver (just beneath the vent grill? I was wondering if that space can be used to put a tray to keep a cell phone plugged in? It is just above your fingers at 4:29. Thank you very much for the tutorial. Our car does not have the nav, we want to upgrade the radio with one that contains a nav and cd player. When you were looking for your unit, did you find any that caught your fancy? Thanks again.
Hello Dhruba...the item you are referring to directly under the left air vent is a pull out cup holder. You may be able to use that to hold your cell phone if your phone is the right size and it doesn't fall through the hole of the cup holder. But realistically, there are MUCH better and safer ways to hold your cell phone. Dropped cell phones are often the cause of collisions...and I'm sure you don't want that to happen. You should check out my video regarding the Pitaka magnetic wireless charger. Once you go wireless charging coupled with a magnetic mount...you will never go back. Here's the video if you're interested: th-cam.com/video/3uoux483bj4/w-d-xo.html
As for you question about a nave and CD player, you can't really go wrong with Pioneer or Kenwood. Those two brands are the best in my opinion. The only thing is...if you look for a unit with a Nav...you will also have to mount a GPS disc onto your dash. If you're ok with that...then no worries. If you don't like having the GPS disc mounted on your dash, then I'd suggest going with a head unit that just has a CD/DVD player, HD radio, and Bluetooth. As an added bonus, you can also look for units with Pandora or Spotify...or if you like to mirror your phone and watch TH-cam videos and such...get something with a HDMI also. There's lots to choose from now in head units as this video is a few years old now. For me, when I want to use nav, such as Google Maps...I just keep my head unit on bluetooth mode. I play my music and Google Maps from my phone...and it all comes out in the car's speakers. My head unit also displays what song I'm playing, allows me to stop, fast forward, etc. Now a days, you can probably even find voice controlled head units that has Alexa or something. Good luck in your search and your install.
@@vickip Thank you very much for the detailed reply. That cupholder is stuck in our car. We had forgotten what it was for. I will explore your tips. Thanks again.
@@DhrubaYT , I actually completely forgot it was there until you asked about it. LOL!! But to get the left cupholder out, you have to push it like a button, and it pops out.
@@vickip Our cupholder does not budge. I found this suggestion. www.justanswer.com/lexus/4k3kw-lexus-rx350-2008-lexus-rx-350-pop-cupholder-the-pop.html
Totally blown away by your video! I thought it was cute when you confused the stereo name "Kenwood" with Sears brand "Kenmore!"
You are all that plus a bag of chips!
I actually have a similar vehicle..2007 rx350. The head unit has been dead for years, errors, etc.
I'm still not entirely confident in my skills vs yours!lol!
I'll have to mull this over vs taking it to a shop that does this daily. My patience in removing the unit i profess was a chore in itself. I didn't research it (stupid me)...just started tugging n pulling (yup..some scrapes, scratches); lost my nuts/bolts...BUT i jeery rigged a strong magnet on a clothes wire..ha!... careless oaf! Tons of cursing...now i drive in silence and with a hole in the dash:(
@!32:53, the black and white wire tap into which color on the steering wheel side, and the other two colors tap into which ones on the steering wheel end?
See 19:53 for wiring diagram and pause or take a picture/screen shot.
So JBL is the standard sound system? That means I need to buy the Axxess wiring harness? What about the steering wheel control thing? There's a wiring harness for sale that's for steering wheel control, so I'm confused which one I need. I appreciate anyone who chimes in.
2009 RX 350 base, no nav
Thanks a lot for the video. Can you help me with wiring, if I choose not to use Maestro and micro bypass. Thanks in advance.
Hi Vicki, thanks again for the great tutorial video. I was wondering if you or anyone else could recommend a kit or what I would need for adding an auxiliary input in a 2008 Lexus RX 350? The vehicle has navigation and a tape deck. Please let me know. Thanks Tony
My RX330 navigation Map,Dest,Menu not working, but all other buttons working fine. Any idea? Thanks
I used your video as my go to for my 2005 lexus rx330 install. Everything works as expected but the sound just sounds horrible. Wonder if you or anyone else experience worse audio quality with after market stereos and can this be fixed?
Hey so the links in your description don’t work and I’m really lost on what to buy