LCountsJ

Same Situation,

Just purchased a 94 LS400 with original console "GI JOE" brick we used to call a phone. Looking for any advice on adapter(s) that will allow me to plug in my LG AX4270 and the factory installed features will work.

No such thing exists. The original LS phone consisted of 2 parts: the transceiver/amplifier in the trunk, and the handset (or portable phone in later models) in the center armrest.

They were designed to work together with special Lexus-specific firmware. The phone would communicate with the trunk computer, which would then mute the stereo and play the sound through the car's speakers, as well as connect to the cabin-mounted microphone and steering wheel controls. It would also connect the phone to an externally mounted antenna. In 01+ models the phone was operable via the built-in touch screen (if you had Nav) so it also sat on the AVC bus.

The early phones were made by Motorola, Lexus later switched to Denso/Qualcomm phones and Nokia phones (for '03 only) before transitioning to a bluetooth based system for '04.

Thanks for the info. I agree that messing around with the old system could most likley/probably do more harm than good. It seems I'm going to have to be dragged into the 20th century. Thanks Again

Nobody who had the OEM system was particularly blown away by its quality or features; and electronics have progressed to the point that an aftermarket system is more compatible and probably will perform better. If you choose a bluetooth system you will be able to use it with any number of phones as long as they support bluetooth connectivity (and this standard seems like it will be around for a while). If you search there are several excellent tutorials and pictorals on this site illustrating how various people have tackled this problem.

I suppose it would be possible to rip out the existing phone transciever and put an aftermarket car kit in its place; you'd need the wiring diagrams to see where the microphone and switch leads from the steering wheel could be accessed. You would also have to connect to the radio mute/speaker patch point in the trunk; which also has power leads. I think what dogboy (Jeremy) had come up with was a set of connectors and a patch panel to bring all these connections together so you could plug in your own aftermarket kit.

I don't know if it would really be worth the effort though; having an installer fit an aftermarket system would be much easier, and less risk of frying your car's electronics. There are some basic bluetooth car kits out there for less than $150.

Good luck!

Ok for those of you who have expressed an interest with using the Lexus factory phone options with your current phone, I have the answer. I have built several adaptor kits for the 90-95 Lexus LS400. Let me know what your interest is in this product This device will allow you to use the factory mute, H/F speaker and microphone, 12V switched power, 12V power, & ground. Also I can make kits by request that can be used with phones that do not have a car kit. As per the forum rules I am not advertising this product for sale just letting anyone that is interested know about its existence.

Ok for those of you who have expressed an interest with using the Lexus factory phone options with your current phone, I have the answer. I have built several adaptor kits for the 90-95 Lexus LS400. Let me know what your interest is in this product This device will allow you to use the factory mute, H/F speaker and microphone, 12V switched power, 12V power, & ground. Also I can make kits by request that can be used with phones that do not have a car kit. As per the forum rules I am not advertising this product for sale just letting anyone that is interested know about its existence.

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Hey Dogboy,

I realize that your original post was over a year ago, but people seem to still reply to it. I have a 1990 LS400 with the factory phone. I am currently using a Verizon Razr V3 cell phone. What kits can you recommend? Thanks

-Ayan

Same Situation,

Just purchased a 94 LS400 with original console "GI JOE" brick we used to call a phone. Looking for any advice on adapter(s) that will allow me to plug in my LG AX4270 and the factory installed features will work.