'Sup everyone! We made an Android app called Carista OBD2 that allows you to change your own Lexus Personalized Settings. That includes the "dealer-only" settings like daytime running lights (DRL), opening windows via remote, etc. (see list below). Furthermore, Carista can diagnose all computers in the car and reset Lexus-specific lights such as ABS, airbag, etc. (which is different from all other OBD2 apps out there, since they only support generic OBD2 diagnostics of the engine and transmission, no other computers). The app runs on Android phones and tablets; we're starting development on an iOS version now.

Just letting everyone know that such a thing exists. It's not free: the Lexus-specific functionality requires a one-time in-app purchase of a Pro Package that costs $19.99. Once you buy it, you have unlimited access to changing settings and doing diagnostics as many times as you want on as many cars as you want (incl. supported VW, Audi, Toyota and Scion models). The app lets you see what customization settings are available on your specific car before you buy the Pro Package.

The hardware that you need is a generic ELM327 Bluetooth dongle ($10ish) that plugs into the diagnostic port inside the car, under the dash. See some examples here.

So the total cost is around $30 for unlimited use. Compare that to going to a dealer ONCE


Here's a sample customization (LPS) list from a 2008 ES350 (US model, without parking sensors). Your settings may vary depending on equipment and market.


Doors / Windows / Remote:

Blink turn signals when locking/unlocking with remote
YES / NO

Volume of beep when locking/unocking with remote
OFF / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / MAX

Warn when door can't be locked with remote because it's open
YES / NO

Panic function on remote
ENABLED / DISABLED

Open trunk lid with remote
SINGLE CLICK / DOUBLE CLICK / LONG PRESS / DISABLED

Re-lock doors automatically if you unlock, but don't open a door
YES / NO

Re-lock doors automatically if you unlock, but don't open a door within…
30 SECONDS / 60 SECONDS / 120 SECONDS

Unlock doors via remote
DRIVER'S DOOR ON 1ST PRESS, ALL ON 2ND / ALL DOORS ON 1ST PRESS

Unlock doors via physical key
DRIVER'S DOOR ON 1ST PRESS, ALL ON 2ND / ALL DOORS ON 1ST PRESS

Auto-lock doors when moving
ON / OFF

Lock doors when shifting into gear
ON / OFF

Unlock doors when shifting into park (P)
ON / OFF

Unlock all doors when driver's door is opened
ON / OFF

After locking with smart key, allow re-opening within…
0.5 SECONDS / 1.5 SECONDS / 2.5 SECONDS / 5 SECONDS

Smart key location to start car
FRONT SEATS / ANYWHERE IN VEHICLE

Unlock trunk when smart key in range
YES / NO

Open windows/sunroof by holding key in door lock
ON / OFF

Close windows/sunroof by holding key in door lock
ON / OFF

Open windows and sunroof via long-press on remote
ON / OFF

Close windows/sunroof via smart key
ON / OFF

Auto-arm the alarm when door closed with key NOT in ignition
ON / OFF

Delay for auto-arming alarm
0 SECONDS / 15 SECONDS / 30 SECONDS

Beep horn when auto-arming alarm
ON / OFF


Instruments / Display / Dings:

Remote low battery warning
ON / OFF


Lights:

Daytime running lights
ON / OFF

Coming-home lights duration
OFF / 30 SECONDS / 60 SECONDS / 90 SECONDS

Footwell lighting timeout
OFF / 7 SECONDS / 15 SECONDS / 30 SECONDS

Auto headlights activation threshold
DARKEST / DARKER / NORMAL / LIGHTER / LIGHTEST

Instrument lights dimming sensitivity
DARKEST / DARKER / NORMAL / LIGHTER / LIGHTEST

Instrument lights restoring sensitivity
DARKEST / DARKER / NORMAL / LIGHTER / LIGHTEST

Dim interior lights after…
7 SECONDS / 15 SECONDS / 30 SECONDS

Turn on interior lights when you shut off engine
YES / NO

Turn on interior lights when you unlock doors
YES / NO

Turn on interior door-handle, center console, step lights when ignition turned off or door unlocked or opened
YES / NO

Turn on interior door-handle & center console lights dimly (flood lights) when ignition is on and shifter is not in park (P)
YES / NO


Heater & A/C:

Temperature dial calibration
-2°C / -1°C / NORMAL / +1°C / +2°C

Ambient temperature calibration
-3°C / -2°C / -1°C / NORMAL / +1°C / +2°C / +3°C

A/C evaporator control
AUTOMATIC / MANUAL

Auto-turn on A/C when front defroster is on
YES / NO

Auto-increase blower speed when front defroster is on
YES / NO

Auto-turn on A/C when AUTO button pressed (if needed)
YES / NO

Auto-turn on recirculate mode when A/C is on
YES / NO

Deactivate front defroster when AUTO button pressed
YES / NO

Beep when HVAC buttons are pressed
YES / NO


Other:

Roll down rear shade when in reverse gear
YES / NO

Delay for rolling down rear shade when in reverse gear
IMMEDIATE / 0.7 SECONDS / 0.9 SECONDS / 1.2 SECONDS

 

Very cool app! It does seem to do everything and more.

 

what about Iphone or ipad ?

 

There! Coming in the future...hopefully!

Along with support for older Lexus cars & C-Best!

 

Thanks hypervish

 

This sounds great. What's the ETA on the iOS app?

 

The folks at Lexus said they only recommend hooking up approved devices to the OBD2 port. I'm assuming they don't consider this an "approved" device. I am also assuming this is nonsense, and it's to keep you from being able to avoid going to the dealer. Have you ever heard of this app, or the Bluetooth adapter causing any damage to the car's ECU or anything? I'm assuming every dealer says to only use approved devices, and I have never had any problems using ANY aftermarket OBD2 adapters to pull codes and such....

 

Don't know yet. We just started working on it. Should have a prototype within a few weeks, and maybe an alpha-test version with just OBD2 functionality shortly after that.

I'll let the users answer this one. I personally haven't heard of OBD2 devices themselves causing trouble. Of course, if you start reflashing ECUs and doing stuff like that with dealer tools, you can cause trouble if you do it incorrectly. But Carista doesn't do any reflashing; it just checks for errors and uses an existing protocol to change configurable settings. It does NOT change the software of the ECUs.

 

Will definitely buy this when an iOS version is available!

 

Would I be able to turn off running lights on 2009 VW EOS?

 

No, we don't support that for VW yet. We do support it for most Lexus models though.
If you have an ELM327, just try the app - it'll show you the available settings for free.

 

Now you can (with the latest beta version).

The latest beta also allows you to turn off Lexus seat belt chimes on most models.

Get it here: http://www.caristaapp.com/beta/

 

Update: Carista can now turn off your seat belt warning, if you're so inclined

(stay safe though!)

 

Any plans to support Blackberry 10 phones, using Amazon android apps?

 

Yes, we do! Can't promise a specific timeline, but we plan to integrate with Amazon in-app payments, which will support Kindle and Blackberry devices. The app already works fine on those, it's just the payment stuff that needs to be changed because our current payments go through Google Play, and those devices don't have that.