Argelius

Can anyone comment on if the Voice Control command on the iPhone (or touch) can control the iPod player while the player is connected via USB? I can get the voice control to work when I'm streaming Bluetooth (i.e. "Play artist Madonna", but can't seem to get it to work when I have the player hooked up via USB. I'd rather use the USB connection, since the onscreen display shows song information (title, artist, album) this way than it does when you are streaming with BT. It's so much faster trying to find particular music using the iPhone's voice control functionality than scrolling through lists (ever sooooo slowly) using the Lexus' iPod interface. (I have a 2010 HS 250h).

Hey -- Sorry to glom on to your post with a question, but how did you get the remote start to work? My understanding is you press the "lock" button 3 times, while holding the last press for 3 seconds. It never works... Is there secret to the maneuver? Do your lights flash when you push the lock button? If no, something is wrong. Take it to the dealer. If they flash, sync your button pushing with the lights. Push lock, lights flash, push button, lights flash, push button and hold until the lights start flashing multiple times then release button. I think if you go too slow or too fast it won't work. The other problem is distance. Practice standing close to the car. If you get too far away, it won't work. Lexus remote start is barely considered remote...get more than 30 feet away you're pressing your luck. Also rather than two pushes and hold, try three pushes and hold, but still sync with the lights. Anyway that is what works for me. One final comment, are you sure you have remote start? It is not standard, it's an option. Did you pay extra for it? Good luck. Thanks for the pointers. I definitely have the option. (I didn't really want it, but it was already installed on the model I otherwise wanted). I'm guessing it's either really finicky, or isn't working, since I've tried everything you suggested to no avail. And the whole point of remote start is to be able to REMOTELY start your car. If I have to stand 15 feet from it, I might as well just go get inside the car and start it. But I digress...

Hey -- Sorry to glom on to your post with a question, but how did you get the remote start to work? My understanding is you press the "lock" button 3 times, while holding the last press for 3 seconds. It never works... Is there secret to the maneuver?

It's hard to know since it's subjective, but I'm guessing the whine you notice is normal. I find it noticeable on my HS, but not particularly unpleasant. It may be that if the HS has more sound insulation than the Toyotas (which one would hope since it's a freakin' Lexus), the whine of the regenerative break system may be more noticeable since it's not competing with other forms of road/engine noise.

Adding my two-cent's worth; [1] Move the power port and USB/Aux ports to the armrest. It's insane to have them out in the open like they are (let alone as ugly -- they look like they were lifted off of a riding lawn mower; they don't belong in a Lexus) [2] More wood inside. I love the design of the dash, but would like a little more wood befitting of a luxury car. [3] I'd like more info/customization to the head-up display. Would love to see the "economy" graphics up there. [4] The Nav system should have bird's eye/3D graphics. Lexus' system is looking very dated. [5] The front/wide-angle camera on/off button should be on the steering wheel where it's easier to access. I found that I didn't want it to automatically come on since when I'm at a stoplight, I want to fuddle with the audio controls - not automatically see the front camera. [6] Car should have blind-spot detection which is far more useful than the Lane Keep Assist [7] Pushing the gear selector forward should put you in drive; pushing it backward should put you in reverse. (Just the opposite is true).

I'm not sure what was going on this morning when I was getting music from my iPhone. When I try it now all of the playlist and artist information and show up on the navigation screen, however, I can't get any sound to come out and the on screen controls have no effect. It may have been that I was actually getting Bluetooth music streaming this morning, even though the on screen function was set to USB. I am sorry to have gotten your hopes up. It seems insane that the car won't work with the iPhone. The Bluetooth streaming, however, works pretty well. But I prefer using my iPod classic.

I just tested my iPhone with the USB input at it works fine. There was some sort of warning message on the iPhone indicating this accessory you may not be fully functional, however, it did not appear to actually have any impact on the ability to control the phone through the car. If it is not working at all for you, I might suggest trying a different USB iPod cable.

I had a (vaguely) similar problem with my GS (with an aftermarket iPod connection). Here's what I would try (if you haven't already done so). Resync your phone/ipod with iTunes, but only select a handful of songs to sync. If that works, then start creating playlists. I use "smart playlists" for things like Artist and Genre. Create a few playlists (with a bunch of songs in them), and then sync those. I suspect this is the issue. The iPod interfaces seem to do better with having things broken up into play lists, rather than in one giant library.

I was trying to find a reference article somewhere for this, but I believe the battery circuitry is designed such that the battery (based on what the indicator shows) is never supposed to get up to 100%. I'm 99% sure this is correct, but can't find supporting info right now...

Does anyone know why, despite it being described as an available option in all of Lexus' online information, the Mark Levinson stereo system is not available in the US? (I'm specifically interested in the 2010 HS 250h). I tried "building my Lexus" at www.Lexus.com and in doing so I found that the Mark Levinson stereo upgrade doesn't show up as an available option. I emailed Lexus and I got back a response about how they do "market research" to determine what option packages will be popular. I'm just sort of baffled why, on a nearly $50,000 automobile that has every techno-gizmo in the world, Lexus has determined that the high-end stereo isn't wanted. (I'm guessing a car can be special ordered with it, but still, it's bizarre...) Just curious if anyone wants to offer their commentary on this...

I'm on the verge of getting a 2010 HS 250h but Lexus' lawyers' insistance on limiting functionality of the infotainment system while in motion remains a sticking point for me. I have full access to these things with my current car (Audi A4) so losing that functionality would feel like a set back. I came across this permanent solution to the issue. Curious if anyone has any experience with this (in the HS or other car): http://www.prestigioussociety.com/le...-override.html I think the company needs a better name, but I digress. if this is a viable solution, it might just push me unto a purchase...

Wow! Impressive...

Are there any actual owners of the HS 250h out there? If so, I'm curious what your real-world mileage has been?

I went for a HS test drive today. Really liked the car. And got a chance to play with the iPod interface a bit. I found that you can, fortunately, rapidly scroll through lists by clicking on the "page down" arrow and holding down the left "mouse" button. The screen then goes mostly blank and the number of album (or artist or song) is displayed, over the total number in that category. This then rapidly advances and you can sort of guess where to stop. For example in artists, 11/549 is displayed, meaning you are at the 11th artist out of a total of 549. So, if you are looking for Madonna, you can scroll to wherever you think the Ms start (maybe 350/549) and let go to see where you are. Not exactly a great system, but at least it's a little better than the Prius. Still not a very elegant implementation.

For what it's worth, I send this email to Lexus: Customer_Satisfaction_Inquiries@lexus.com (with their response below): Q: I recently test drove the HS 250h and was certain I was going to make a purchase - until I experienced the iPod integration. While the remote touch controller was excellent, the inability to scroll through lists of artists, albums, etc by more than one screen at a time was very frustrating. To select an artist toward the end of the alphabet would take nearly 5 minutes of one-screen-at-a-time scrolling. Moreover, with each screen, the current song playing is interrupted by the selection at the top of the page. This bizarre functionality is years behind what Infiniti, Audi and BMW currently offer. My reason for writing was to ask if there is any chance this situation might be improved with a firmware update. I remain very interested in the HS, but doubt I'll make a purchase until this implementation of iPod integration is improved. Thanks for passing this concern on to the appropriate people. Q: Thank you for contacting Lexus Customer Satisfaction. We are dedicated to providing superior service. In circumstances that require our attention, we will assist in the resolution process. We appreciate your interest in the 2010 HS 250h, and we are sorry to hear that you are dissatisfied with the iPod interface. It is through feedback like yours that we are able to continuously improve our product and service for our customers. We thank you for taking the time to bring your concerns to our attention. I can assure you that your suggestion will be documented at our National Headquarters office as an opportunity for improvement. We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience. If you require further assistance, please respond to this e-mail, or contact Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-255-3987, Monday through Friday, 5:00 am to 6:00 pm, or Saturday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Pacific Time. ======= It's pretty much the response I expected, but it's nice to fantasize that they might actually be keeping track of these things....

I can vouch that it is not an Apple problem. I've had a BMW and an Audi with iPod integration -- while their implementations weren't perfect, they were leaps and bounds more advanced than Lexus/Toyota. The Audi is quite good -you can rapidly scroll through lists. (For instance I can get from the top to the bottom of my artist list in probably something like 10 seconds).

I know this is probably a pointless post, but thought I'd give it a whirl. I am very interested in the HS250h and generally like the car with one major exception -- the implementation of the iPod controls (which I am assuming are identical to those on the 2010 Prius (other than the mouse-pointer) which I have had the opportunity to play with. It is a really primitive interface - especially for what is otherwise a very electronically advanced car. It is nearly unusable for a couple of reasons: - The amount of time it takes to scroll through songs/artists/playlists is unbelievably time-consuming. I have 800 artists, and I think it would take 10 minutes to get to the bottom of my artist list. - While you're scrolling through songs/artists/playlists, the audio system interrupts your currently playing song and starts playing whatever you're currently scrolling through -- even though you haven't made a selection yet. I can't believe Lexus has fallen so far behind the Germans (and Infiniti) in this regard. Just curious if there is any remote possibility that Lexus will correct this with a future firmeware upgrade. Obviously, nobody probably knows, but thought I'd see what sort of responses it generates.

Thanks, for your detail response. Totally appreciate it...

I live in Chicago and have always gotten away with the factory all-season tires in the multitude of cars I've owned, so I've never purchased snow tires. But, my GS450h absolutely s*cks in the snow (I keep getting stuck getting out of my garage and the alley). At this point I'm not looking for specific tire recommendations (I can certainly research that on my own). I just have some "big picture" questions: [1] If I buy just tires, I would take the car in (to dealer or elsewhere) every ~ November and May to have the tires swapped out, balanced, etc? [2] I've read that many recommend buying a set of tires and rims so that the above process is easier/quicker but at a considerable cost. [3] Can you get away with just buying snow tires +/- rims for the rear? [4] For either option, where does one store their tires/rims (I don't really have room in my garage and they wouldn't fit in my trunk or backseat when I needed to take them in anyway). I assume some dealers will store them for a fee? Thanks for educating me. It's either snow tires or a new AWD car (and my threshold for getting/wanting a new car is pretty low to begin with...)

I personally want a hybrid IS coupe hardtop convertible. But I know that's about as likely as Bush becoming a member of mensa.

I guess I meant to say "discussion topic" rather than "forum".

Was just hoping to create a forum for discussion and news on the upcoming "Lexus Prius". I'm sure all the car-snobs will have a thing to say, but I'm more interested in hearing from those who believe that the never ending quest for more horsepower, fuel economy be damned!, will become a thing of the past. I want all the Luxury bells and whistles Lexus is known for and 30+ mpg. Prius-based Lexus to Debut in Detroit 2009

Yes, you can listen to DVD's while driving. What you have to do is to start the DVD while you are parked. The DVD controls are touch-screen based. Once you get the DVD playing, you can start driving -- the screen will go blank, but you can still listen to the DVDs (which is pretty cool given the amazing surround-sound capabilities of the ML system. I believe you can skip back and forth between chapters with the steering wheel buttons (can't remember for sure; I did the wire-cutting-splicing hack so I can control the DVDs with the screen while in motion).

Thanks, all. Guess I'll take it in for a repair... Was hoping (unrealistically) that there'd be some magic "reset" maneurver (like holding down the brake, and simultaneously pushing the lock, Destination, and trunk release buttons....)

I have a 2007GS450h with the Parking Assist "radar" sensors in the front and rear bumpers. Currently, the right front corner sensor is stuck on -- it indicates I am near an object when, in fact, I am not. I've checked to see that nothing is stuck to the sensor (or anything else visibly wrong with it). Are there any trouble-shooting things I can do before I take it in for service? (I know I can turn off the parking assist completely, but I miss it when I don't have it...) Thanks.