ShawnOklahoma

So basically, anyone that wants a reverse camera HAS to install some type of video integration unit (mine was called NAVIKS).

Yes the NAVIKS video integration unit is installed in the trunk right near the DVD player. I can give directions for that if requested. But, the licence plate frame with camera had it's own built in circuit board. All I had to run was the wires for it. I didn't want to use a wireless camera b'c I know there can be lots of interference. I ran hard wires for the plate camera through an existing hole in the trunk that leads to the licence plate. I will outline some basic steps for the install of the wires for the camera (from memory, so don't sue me if not 100% accurate), but the NAVIKS will be a different install all together. They actually provide pictured, detailed directions with their product. Very helpful and very easy. For anyone that's interested in my full installation, PM me and ill send you the link to the thread that I created for the NAVIKS install (it's on another site and therefore not allowed here). 1. Remove the trunk carpet that usually says "Lexus", the cardboard backed mat, and spare tire if one exists. 2. Remove all the tire jack accessories. Then remove the four black plastic hex cover bolts that hold the black plastic jack panel in place. 3. Remove the three white trim clips on the left and the right along the edge of the black jack panel. 4. Remove the Left and Right white trunk organizers. Just lift them up slowly and with increasing force and they will pop out of the side wall. 5. Now you should be able to pull the entire black jack mount panel up and out. 6. Remove the Lexus Trunk Contact Plate that surrounds where the locking mechanism is. It is a cream color and says "Lexus" on it. Just use your hands to pry it upwards with slightly increasing force. It will pop off fairly easily. 7. Remove about 4-5 more white trim clips and two metal D hooks that are vertically holding the carpeted wall onto the sidewall. 8. Remove the entire carpeted wall that would normally sit against the spare tire. 9. Now if you are standing over the locking mechanism looking down into the trunk where you've just removed the carpeted spare wall, you will find a wire that runs through a grommet just to the right of the midline of the car. Mine had a blue plastic jacket around it. I pulled the grommet out, and cut it off so I would have room to run new wires. It was a tight squeeze but if you push each wire one at a time through the hole, all the wires will get through just fine. (I had three wires for my camera: a power, a yellow RCA, and White RCA (that doesn't connect to anything)). 10. Then I removed the licence plate and found that there was styrofoam behind it. If you look up and to the right, you will see the hole that had the grommet. 11. Luckily my camera had a connection right at the licence plate, so I ran the end of long extension wire from inside the trunk through that hole and then connected the plate wires to those wires. I then electrical taped them to make sure no damage from water will occur. I then left the "joined" connections in that area near the styrofoam. 12. I then ran the wire along the sidewall of the trunk to my NAVIKS and connected the video input to video 2, which is designed to instantly trigger when I put the gear into reverse. I left all the excess extension wire in the space under the Right Trunk organizer area which is hidden once the organizer is put back. 13. I then piggybacked off the DVDNAV harness using wire taps for my power trigger and ground for the camera. I knew which wires these were thanks to the NAVIKS install directions. I hope these instructions are fairly clear. I'm sorry I don't have any photos, but it really was an easy install all around. The Licence Plate camera was about a 30 minute install total. The Naviks was about an hour install but the most of that time was trying to find a comfortable position to sit inside the trunk to do the wiring work. If there are any more questions, let me know. Hope this helps.

Hey Joe, I'm def interested. I even check your YouTube videos pretty often. It's gonna be awesome!

I installed a Crimestopper CMOS 170 degree license plate mounted reverse camera, as well as an Asus O!play media player and an Arion Bluetooth remote/receiver/speaker phone unit that all runs though the stock DVDNAV screen and factory radio head unit. I used something called NAVIKS to allow easy plug and play video incorporation. Specifically, all the work for the camera was done in the trunk. Didn't have to alter the NAV screen at all. The NAVIKS has two video inputs so you could easily use it for both cameras. Only hiccup is to use a special switch when you want to activate the front camera. Reverse automatically kicks on when you shift into reverse. If you want more info on my install, PM me since it's my project thread is on another site.

I have the same wheels. The TRD Chrome and I don't know what you mean by "pinhole," but I am having problems with one specific wheel chipping and flaking chrome around the center cap. I called TRD and Lexus and they are not willing to work with me in regards to rechroming it or replacing it (since it's now discontinued and out of warranty), but they do admit that it is 100% manufacturer defect. So I'm afraid the other will start to do it with time. If I had a choice, like you do at the moment, I would upgrade to 19" or 20" at some point but don't have the money right now. If you decide to head down the new wheels path and you're interested in selling your rims, please let me know. I'm not interested in the whole set, but I am interested in one, possibly two of them. Let me know. Thanks.

Dcfish, even though I sense a condescending tone in your previous posts, I will say that the high end CAI's have a port for the Mass Air Flow Sensor. The MAF sensor supplies info to the ECU which calculates the air/fuel mixture ratio in combination with information from the O2 sensor. Therefore a CAI that allows more airflow into the intake does supply information to change the ECU (which you stated must occur for a performance increase). So theoretically (and logically) as long as the pressure remains constant, any intake that has a greater amount of cold air entering the engine when compared to our OEM intake would lead to a change in performance, all be it probably a minimal change. And more specifically in my personal opinion, I would enjoy the more aggressive sound from the V8 Powerhouse that is common with the addition of the CAI (as indicated by many owners who've added the CAI).

Also, as a sidenote, I found this while doing my research for updating the software... some people might find it more useful than installing true hardware for an override. In my personal situation, I only use the NAV on long travels, and allowing my passenger to type in address while in motion could be helpful, so I didn't see the need to install hardware or switches to do it. This plan of attack makes more sense for me to use occasionally and when needed. Should work on all Gen2/3 players running all versions, and on other Generations running older version software. http://www.wikihow.com/Override-Lexus-Navigation-Motion-Lock

So I recently updated my software on my 2002 Gen2/3 from v2.1 to v7.1 and then to v10.1. Generation can be considered synonymous to model. So different cars have different models of DVD players. After lots of research I learned quite a bit about these systems. Specifically when you put in a newer version DVD, the player actually updates it's firmware. This is indicated by a screen that loads on the initial startup once a new disc is inserted that says "Updating." So once you use a newer disc the firmware is upgraded and now it won't recognize old version discs unless they were written using same firmware version. There is a way to restore the DVD to original firmware, but I didn't have the problem and therefore didn't follow up on this procedure. It is also important to make sure you're using the proper disc with the proper version of DVD player. For example, this Lexus website has the part number (which appears on every CD), for the most current software, http://lexusnavigation.com/what_to_order.php. If you are able to locate a CD, I would do a search of the PTR number to make sure it is compatible with your DVD player generation (I used Ebay for the most part). Although the version may be an upgrade, the part number may indicate that the CD is not made for your DVD Generation and therefore you would have a compatibility issue. Hope this info helps.

The only bulbs that were CREE were the reverse 7440 CREE. All the other bulbs were LED SMD bulbs from iJDMtoy. Great store, great service. I highly recommend them. Ask for Kevin or Thura and feel free to mention ShawnOklahoma with the SC430 directed you to them. ;-) If anyone needs the bulb numbers, I can provide them at request.

After lots of research, I feel like it's a rip off. So many more complaints on the product then praise. I chose to steer clear.

Hey everyone, I'm pretty new on this forum and thought I'd start out with my latest project. I changed nearly all my OEM Halogen lights to LED's. I think it looks so much cleaner and am happy with the results. Might not be for everyone, but if anyone is interested I can supply some more info.

I ditched my RFT's last week. I'm trying to save money to upgrade to 20" wheels, but decided to keep my TRD 18" Rims for the moment. I went cheap and wrapped them with Primwell PZ900 245/40/R18 to get me by for now. I will say for being a super cheap tire ($85 each with 40,000 mile warranty), the ride is much better than the Bridgestone Potenza's I had.

Thanks Mark, yeah actually I forgot I wrote this up here. I actually got really lucky and the LED's worked properly without switching the polarity. Whew.

So i'm interested in taking apart the dome light console in order to change the polarity of the connection for the light terminals. I am doing an LED conversion on all my lights, and was wondering if anyone could tell me how to get access to the inner side of the dome console? Any photos would be appreciated. Thanks.

What "electronics" do you mean? I didn't realize CAI, are considered "electronics."

Here's another option. Says that it is safe to use with the TPMS.... http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accessories-catalog/FSport/GS350-2011/4343.html, unlike normal Fix-a-Flat and Tire Jack that apparently damage the TPMS.

SteveW, you've got email. :-)

Hi all. I'm new to this forum and thought I'd start with a request. After a lot of extensive research and hunting on the internet, I've come up with close to nothing of value. I am interested in adding clear side markers to my 2002 SC430 that will fit in the stock bumper. I found a site that is offering factory OEM Clear for $500-700 pair. Unbelievable! If anyone has any other info for these, I would appreciate the advice. If not, if anyone can direct me to a salvage yard or anywhere else that has the OEM side markers, I've found a DIY thread that would allow me to modify them to have a clear diffuser. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.