Options20002001

We bought our 2006 GX loaded with NAV, ML, RSES and KDSS a couple of months ago. Excellent SUV, very well built and rides like a dream...so far. However, couldn't help but notice a few shortcomings in the audio/video system. List includes lack of MP3 capability, poor sound (low volume) when DVD player is played through the main audio system and lack of headrest screens integrated with the drop down screen. Thus, went on the search to possibly resolve/fix these issues. Here is what I found: Add MP3 capability by installing the VAISTECH SLI adaptor/interface for the IPOD. This has already been discussed here. The sound from the DVD player can possibly be improved by tapping into the sound signal out and feeding it into the AUX connection in the SLI. I believe that the multi display ECU (somehow) reduces the volume of the signal before feeding it to the radio receiver. Hence, tapping this signal and feeding it directly to the AUX connectors in the SLI may help. The sound circuit diagram for the DVD player and the entire audio/video system are attached. The pins are 6 (R+, black),7 (R-, white),8 (L+, red) and 9 (L-, green) on the D6 (20 pins) connector (page 12 in the attached). The video signal (NTSC) can be tapped from the DVD player and then fed to the headscreens after passing through a signal booster. Pin 3 (green) is the NTSC signal and Pin 2 (red) is the SGND for the signal. Attached pdf shows the video circuit and also on page 12 of the entire circuit pdf. This is possibly the cheapest method to install a couple of screens which can be bought for less than $500. I don't know how many here have experienced the above mentioned audio/video shortcomings/issues of the DVD player. If yes, how did you go about resolving? Next, I will try to do these mods when I install the SLI interface and post the findings. Options AS_RSE_dvd_player_wiring.pdf Sound_Signal_Circuit_for_DVD_Player.pdf Video_Signal_Circuit_for_DVD_Player.pdf

We recently purchased a 2006 GX. Great SUV in all aspects but does need some upgrades/mods. First, we need headrest screens to compliment the rear entertainment system for the kids. Is there a way to connect a set of headrest screens to the OEM dvd player? Has anyone here done that and can provide instructions. Also, how is the sound from the DVD player "fed" to the ML system? Is it hard wired or there is some sort of IR transmitter? The reason I ask is because the sound quality from a DVD (5.1 DD) is not of the same quality as from a CD played in the changer. is there a menu where SQ for the DVD can be tweaked/improved? This is a great forum. Helped me immensely in getting the "right" GX. Wouldn't have known about the KDSS without this forum Thanks. Options

Thanks...and thank you LScott. I did end up buying the 06 GX with KDSS, NAV and DVD. Now I have to get it shipped from CA to TX. Any recommendations about a transporter. Do you guys recommend open or an enclosed container. Options

I have read here that there is a TSB to get the "clunk" fixed. How about the "vibration" issue, if present? Is there a cure for it. I would still like to know if MP3 can be played (and touch controlled on the NAV screen) in the ML changer? Thanks

I have settled on a 06 GX, fulled loaded with KDSS. Thanks to this forum....I looked for KDSS. Now I need help before the purchase. Any issues that I should watch out for before signing on the dotted line? Any reports of "vibration at 65 mph" and "clunk" with this model. Anything else? One more question....Can one play MP3 songs on the ML CD changer? If yes, can you choose songs on the NAV touchscreen? Thanks. Options

O.K. I did find one with tan interior (and blizzard blue exterior). However, the dash is still dark with dark wood trim! I have found a "charcoal" exterior (must be Ash Blue Mica?) with gray interior....fully loaded, including KDSS. It's 06 with about 26K miles. What's a fair price? Is $43K too much? Thanks for help. Options

I am in the market for a 05 or 06 GX with KDSS. I have found that sometimes a complete description is not available on the internet. Is it fair to assume that if there is dark wood trim in the pictures then there is a high probability that the car has sports package with KDSS. This is for a first screen....to be verified later on through a VIN check. Can KDSS be found on in 05 or 06 with tan interior. I really want tan interior but so far I have only found gray interior. :cries: Finally, what do you think is a fair price for a 05 with NAV/Rear Entertainment/KDSS and <40 K miles. What is a fair price for a 06 with the same options and <20 K miles? Thanks. Options

Thanks for both of the responses. Good to know about the added horses. Does 05 take premium only or can regular (or plus) be used without a significant loss of performance or mileage? Is it true that KDSS is rare of a feature on GXs? Which package type includes KDSS? Thanks.

I have had enough with my 05 ES. Almost got in a wreck trying to change lanes the other day as the car just wouldn't accelerate. My 93 ES was such a dream. Anyway, I am now considering filing a complaint with Lexus. Did you go through your dealer? Which dealer in Houston services your car? Thanks.

I have (almost) decided to trade in my 2005 ES for a GX after wrestling with the transmission issue for a year. I own a 97 LX 450 and have owned a ES 300 (which I recently sold) and am really happy with the overall performance. However, the 2005 ES 330 is a real disappointment.....can't believe that Lexus would leave this issue unattended from 02 till 07. I did not do my research before buying this car....trusted Lexus. Well, I don't want to repeat the same mistake. So, how do you guys like your GX. Any issues that I should watch for? I am leaning towards a 04 or a 05. Thanks.

Thanks dcfish. This is exactly what I had in mind. However, I was wondering if this could be done without the dc light, i.e, find a specific paint that would pick up enough light during the night from the cluster itself. I figured that I could just use regular paint for the daytime illumination. What do you think? Any idea where I can find the method (outlined by Jim Walker) to pull the cluster out? Yes, I owe you a beer (probably several) Thanks. Options

All four needles in my 93 ES300 cluster are burnt out. Is there an easy fix to illuminate these needles? Has anyone here tried painting the needles with fluorescent paint? Will this work? How to remove the instrument cluster? Can someone please point to the link that shows the procedure...hopefully with pictures. Thanks. Options

Thanks. What are your thoughts on adding a carputer instead to add both bluetooth as well as MP3 capability? Can the NAV screen be used for the carputer? Is there an adaptor that will allow video feed to the NAV screen? Your write-up on adding bluetooth is awesome! Options

Perhaps, I should now consider a carputer to add the bluetooth, MP3 and DVD (if needed) capability. Anyone here done that before...any pointers? Can a carputer be added to the NAV screen? Thanks. I love the car so far. Its black with light interior, ventilated leather, heated seats and dark tinted windows. It has 24K miles on the clock and runs like a dream....was a corporate lease in the previous life and still has the new car smell! Any pointers on that carputer idea? Do you think it can be done? Options

I recently bought a 05 ES330 with Nav (without ML). Love the car but miss MP3 capability and ML sound! I read several threads going over the aftermarket adaptors (VAIS, Denison DICE) that can be installed to connect an IPOD. Can the IPOD be controlled by the NAV touch screen? I installed a Pioneer AVIC-D2 in my LX450 a few years ago and I can access the folders and the songs by touching the NAV screen....sweet! Can you do the same with either the VAISTECH or the DICE adaptor? Specifically, can you scan through different playlists and choose songs by touch screen? If the above two adaptors cannot do this then is there any other adaptor that allows this functionallity? Alternatively, is there an aftermarket or OEM CD changer that has the MP3 capability? Is there a way to upgrade to the "ML sound" quality? Has anyone tried it....different amp, additional speaker? I am reasonally good with auto electronics and am willing to try to improve the sound quality. Is there an easy way to find out if the car is blue tooth capable? One last question...read here about the 02-05 transmission hesitation issue. What is it? Thanks for help. Options.