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Hybrid TechnologyUnique topics related to the ES300h model hybrid drivetrain and other features/options found only on the ES300h. Please use the main 6ES forum for discussion about shared components with other sixth generation ES models.
My car has the black and white display with no controller in the center console.
As it is a 2013, it is very easy today to get an used and original Premium Display and the center console controller (rotary or mouse) from a salvaged car or eBay. I was looking last night and probably can get both items for less than $400.
The question is... has anyone attempted this upgrade?
I don’t know if the cables will be there waiting for me or if additional programming should be done after installation.
Im thinking of calling the dealer just to get an idea of feasibility and needed hardware (then purchasing somewhere else), but wanted to see if someone here has done the research already...
I do not think dealer would be of much help. Your best bet is to study the wiring diagrams and then open up your dashboard and see what cable are already there.
This base level ES was not even available in the continental USA afaik (at least it was not in the official e-brochure) - this may complicate looking at the diagrams.
That statement is not correct. The 2013 ES was available as a base version for the an advertised MSRP of a couple of thousand dollars less than $40,000. Then, there was an available Premium package, which added a few things, such as wood trim, keyless entry, and memory seats. That package added, I believe, around $1000 to the MSRP. And, further up the line, there was the available Luxury package and Ultra Luxury package.
That is what the brochure that you linked to says, and it is also what the brochure that I still have from the 2013 ES that I previously owned says.
For the 2013 model year (and for the other years of the Generation 6 model years), most ES built were either Premium package ES or Luxury package ES. Base ES and Ultra Luxury ES were built in much smaller numbers.
Ok, Investigation completed... not good news for me but at least I can now sleep at night.
The harness I have in my car is missing the particular connector that plugs into the remote control. This connector is the H95 in the diagrams.
I was able to find the connector in the diagram but it is not in my car. -- the harness is not as pictured, so it must be simpler for the Base model version...
The connector I was hoping to see is in the following picture marked with the red square, the other two connectors just below that cable branch are there doing their actual job, but not just that one I was looking for (H95).
I was hoping that if the hardware was there, then a plug and play scenario was possible and was hoping to buy the parts on eBay. As of yesterday that would be like $350 dollars in used parts.
The connector missing put the case to rest as it seems this was designed from the start to be less complicated and if that cable if missing I can only imagine that other pieces like a special computer (ECU) part must be missing as well.
Thanks for the heads up with the wire diagrams! It made all the difference even if I ended up using the ones on the TIS website where they had step by step disassembly instructions and other amazing information.
Does your car look like this? The CD player / HVAC control panel looks totally different from a car with either of the other two styles color screens. That would complicate upgrading to Navigation even more.
Going with Android head unit would be my choice in your case.
Ordered the aftermarket system from DVDGPSNAV and waiting shipping. Will use this thread to document experience both with transaction with seller and with the unit in general.
I've got the same model as yours and yes, the original screen is an abomination. I had it replaced with an aftermarket Windows CE-based nav unit with a rotary controller. There are also Android-based units available now.
The climate control console and coin holder panel have to come off. It's a ton of work and I'm glad I didn't have to DIY it. My installer removed the rear seat bottom cushions to run a video cable from the aftermarket reverse camera to the front. They also installed a DVD player in the glovebox. The setup uses the existing amp and Bluetooth controllers but with a separate USB input - the center box USB ports can only be used for charging.
I've got the same model as yours and yes, the original screen is an abomination. I had it replaced with an aftermarket Windows CE-based nav unit with a rotary controller. There are also Android-based units available now.
The climate control console and coin holder panel have to come off. It's a ton of work and I'm glad I didn't have to DIY it. My installer removed the rear seat bottom cushions to run a video cable from the aftermarket reverse camera to the front. They also installed a DVD player in the glovebox. The setup uses the existing amp and Bluetooth controllers but with a separate USB input - the center box USB ports can only be used for charging.
got a picture of the setup? LCD fits into your dashboard?
07-25-20, 03:04 PM
ES300h 2013 Base system Upgrade?
Totally agree with the screen opinion. Hence this post and the investigation done. 
