Paolo9

Hey all, I have an 02 with the two coin holders and blank switch cover to the left of the steering wheel. Behind the blank switch cover is a 6-wire harness just sitting there. The 04 has a memory seat switch in that space... So... I'm thinking the wiring might already be there? Might just have to add an ECU? Maybe? Bueller? Bueller?

I called Metra, and here's what they told me: The stock radio and amp communicate via two wires in the harness; a red and a red/orange. This 2.4 volt line is actually a communication bus that the Metra interface sends a software code to in order to turn on the amp. You can't just simply put a voltage on this line and get the amp to work. (Yeah, but I tried anyway) If you cut one of the lines, the amp stays on, but you can no longer change the volume on the radio. I even tried reversing the two signal lines just to see what happens, but the amp doesn't even turn on. Looks like it's bypass time...

OK, so I'm replacing the stock head unit with the Pioneer AVIC, but I can't find a Metra TYTO01 anywhere. Is there a way to use the stock amp WITHOUT the Metra? All the searches I've done show that the amp turn-on is not 12v, thus the aftermarket unit won't turn on the amp. There's GOT to be another way... Has anyone done this? Paul 2002 IS300

Ha! I got charged the same price by an independant mechanic in Sommerville, MA. I thought it was quite high, until I found aftermarket links for like, 1/3 the price. Oh well... they only charged me $500 for the water pump and timing belt, though. BUT I STILL HAVE A RATTLE when I go over small bumps at speeds <30mph. I can't figure it out and it's driving me nuts... Paul

That was it! Leather World Technologies. I bought the dye and some cleaner product that was a waste of time and money. Just get the dye that matches your car, and use anything, even Windex, to clean the seats first. It only patially fills in the cracks, but it does a good enough job that they are not really that visible when you're done. Remember, a little goes a long way, I did my whole Volvo with 1/3 bottle. When it first goes on, it doesn't look like it matches at all, but let it dry and it's perfect (can only speak for my particular application) Good luck! Paul

I had the same problem with my 1996 Volvo 960. There is a leather dye company that specializes in auto leather. It was about $50 for a huge bottle of dye that is enough to do all the seats. The color was such an exact match it kinda blew me away. However, you have to buff it out to get that nice OEM shine as when the car was new. I never buffed the seats, but they looked SO much better once the dye was dry. (a couple hours) Search online for "auto leather dye" That's what I did, but right now I can't remember the name of the company.

OK, I know some of you have done this before, but I can't seem to find the pinouts for the leveling motor on the 2001 ES HID headlights. Help? Thanks! Paul 1997 ES300

I have a black & wood steering wheel from a 2000 ES300, but I need it in TAN. Anybody want to trade? Or, is there a way to dye the leather? Paul