baxleyb

Hi,

I am looking to but a 1st Gen GX470 as a daily. I've done tons of research and looking forward to purchasing it.

The only "usability" features my wife and I both need are (1) Bluetooth, (2) backup camera, and an (3) aux port.

From what I can tell, 2007 - 2009 offers all three of these features, but 2004-2006 offers all except the aux port.

I have 2 questions:

1. Is this true?
2. Is there a way to add an Aux port to a stock set up?

I have read that if the GX doesn't have navigation, then an aftermarket radio can be added, but I really need the backup camera.

Thanks for any guidance!

coachstu

They are pricey, but Tesla style units can be installed in the GX470. It doesn't matter if it's navigation or on-nav. They make units that work with bot now. Tesla unit would allow bluetooth and backup camera. No aux port, but USB cables are included. The Tesla units are the only aftermarket stereos I am aware of that actually have trim made to fit GX470. Maybe someone knows of a double din unit that has fitting trim. Worst case scenario, you can add an aftermarket stereo that will fit all your needs, it just won't look all that nice on close inspection. Or, with stock GX strereo there is always the cassette adapter aux port option. Not sure your dependence on aux port is, but I'd get over as that is dinosaur technology.

ALAN553

2004 did not have bluetooth

implantgs4

I have a 2005 GX470 with rear seat entertainment (DVD player) and navigation. I installed this just yesterday (https://www.crutchfield.com/p_581BT4....html?tp=68488) and it works great. I have not used the Aux port, just Bluetooth. I have it set for SAT, using the dip switches on the unit. I tried other "emulations" but the SAT seemed to work best and it tunes to the Bluetooth when I press AM on the radio (since I never listen to AM, it's perfect). Other emulations seemed to be causing trouble when going through the sequence to get to the proper Bluetooth emulation mode. I have used other modules such as the GTA car kit in other Lexus cars, but they don't have a way of changing the emulation type. The instructions for the USA Spec BT45 state that you cannot change what is playing (like skip to the next song while playing from Amazon music) from the steering wheel remote in SAT mode, but I found that I can use the steering wheel remove for volume and changing what is playing on Amazon just fine?

Depending on the model GX you get, you might use a different "emulation" mode than SAT, such as DVD or MD. Since I just installed it yesterday, don't know how long it will last, but I placed it in a location that I don't have to remove the radio again, just some trim pieces to change it out. I was using a FM modulator before and it was OK, but I wanted better sound and a cleaner look. Good luck.

baxleyb

Thank you implantgs4 for the suggestion and experience, This is very helpful. Could you post a picture of how you set it up? How long did the installation take and what tools did you use?

chiph9

Grom sells a 3.5mm jack interface for only $74 (MSRP)
https://gromaudio.com/store/aux1_ada...tereo-kit.html

If you're willing to spend more (a lot more!) they will soon have a Android Auto + Apple Car Play unit
https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/le...n-upgrade.html

Chip H.

DAKONA

FYI,

Just checked on Amazon, they have the same unit for $139.00.

$30.00 less then what Crutchfield is asking.


DAKONA

JRT3

Give Crutchfield a chance before ordering from Amazon. They often price match, besides that they are a stand up company.

implantgs4

I don't have any pics, but if you search for "GTA car kits installation" on YouTube, you'll see an entire video of how to remove the radio for installation in a GX470. The only tools I used were a panel removal tool and 10mm ratchet. It took me a few hours, but only because I'm really particular about how wires are routed and I had to fool around with the different "emulations" to find the one that worked best. It is pretty easy.

There are several Bluetooth adapters that are out there that might be less expensive, etc, and they all install basically the same way. My problem was that the rear entertainment system was disrupting the installation on the Bluetooth devices that did not allow the choice of different emulations. The other Bluetooth adapters would have worked if I would have left the CD changer disconnected, but the wife would not allow that.