HOW TO: Install Aftermarket Radio in Lexus GX470 

ListersRP Thank you for the support! Will be coming soon with another video. Make sure to subscribe if you haven’t done so yet!

I really appreciate your kind words. Thank you for subscribing and I really hope you will continue to enjoy my videos!

I have a few more things planned coming up!

Awesome, Thank you for the comment!

The wood trim panels pop out. There are a couple clips on the back. You have to be careful with them because they are very fragile and unfortunately very thin. There was no way of recording them being removed since it requires both hands, but I do plan on investing in a headset camera very soon to help with that. Let me know if any other areas were particularly difficult and I’d be more than happy to help you out.

I hear you and totally agree; it's those little things you need to know, so you won't break anything. A few years ago I had to manually close my moonroof on my Audi, I knew what I had to do, except how to remove all the panels to get to that mechanism; all yt videos started with "after you've removed the panels.." Eventually I found one that told me to remove the dome light cover, and there's a screw in there that holds everything.

Its always bound to happen, definitely with those flimsy clips and hard to reach panels.

@@nkautos thanks for trying. I’m buying a 2008 this week. Thanks

William Aguillon Thank you, glad that it helped!

Awesome! Glad I could help out

Glad to help, I hope everything worked out for the best!

Thank you for the kind comment. I agree I could have included the harness connections. All the plugs have different connections so it just depends on matching them. I had a big mess behind the unit after connecting all the plugs and thought it would be a little confusing to show. I have some better video gear now and will be able to record in more detail while showing all the necessary steps!

Thank you! I appreciate your kind words!

Thank you I appreciate it!

Team Fish Thank you for the support and the kind words! I know gromaudio sells an internal unit that allows for Bluetooth. That is if you would want everything to be hidden and wire free. The iPod way works well too, you would just have less room to download and not be able to stream music. Either way let me know what you do, I’m interested in your results!

NK Autos will do bro. I got one of those cheapo aftermarket 30 pin to lightning cable adapters coming in a couple of days. From what I’m seeing on the webs though is that adapter will probably only charge my phone and not support audio transfer capabilities like an OEM Apple one would. And even if it does work, I think you lose phone capabilities while it’s plugged up, basically turning my phone into an iPod, if I’m not mistaken. We’ll see. I may just go the old classic iPod 7th gen way. Oh. While I have your attention, are you aware of any cool aftermarket headlight assemblies for the 06 GXs? I’d really love to get rid of those amber DRLs, without just disabling them altogether. Something like the cool LED strips like Audi has. I haven’t found much on the webs.

Team Fish There isn’t much aftermarket options for headlights. I have the DEPO sport ones which looks way better than OEM. Other than that retrofitting would probably be the best option for you. I would try looking around some shops that would be able to do the job. Unless you are comfortable doing it yourself and baking your headlights for 30 minutes at 450 degrees to break the seal. Other than that I am running LED low beams and high beams. Nothing too special so far. Maybe something cool down the road and retrofit some halos into the headlight!

Thank you! I appreciate you and couldn’t be happier

GX Overland Awesome I’ll check it out! Thanks for the support!

Can you jailbreak it to watch RU-vid while car is driving?

Thank you for the support! I would strongly recommend it!

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!

Thank you, I have some more exciting content coming soon!

Far From Home glad to help!

Thank you!

Thank you!

GX Overland I’ve been planning on getting an upgrade, haven’t gotten around to it yet. How do you like the upgrade? Have you noticed any improvements?

Thank you! If you have any questions feel free to message me!

HannibalACP82 this unit has an available accessory on the Phoenix Website for a 360 camera which includes the front. It’s somewhere around 160$, that’s what route I plan to take!

@@nkautos I've seen that but it's a bit steep. Also I don't really care about the sides. I want front for offroading and back for parking. Can get decent cameras on eBay for $30 a pop.

HannibalACP82 They are a little bit steep, I just like that they are pretty much plug and play with the unit. I won’t have to play around with splicing wires and connecting them to the console. If you figure out a way of easily doing it send over the info, I would be interested in seeing how you did it!

LetMeSeeThis99 yes that is correct!

This unit will not fit in the 460, but there is a different model that fits and works about the same as this one does. The install will be a little different but should have similar connections in the back of the device

I will try to record a video on the 360 and upload it in the next month or so!

NK Autos thank you!! Do we need to order the CarPlay dongle as well? Phoenix automotive said that we don’t need it and that it will connect via Bluetooth. Also does the OBDII dongle work well with the PX6?

@@sephystar I have the Apple CarPlay dongle connected, but I have mostly just been using my Bluetooth. I do have a custom firmware installed that improves the units original CarPlay, but I did see that before installing the firmware there were some problems with connecting my phone. I think that the dongle has some better connection and an overall better layout if that’s what you are looking for!

Just ordered the PX6 and the 360 camera from Phoenix Automotive! Looking forward to your 360 camera installation! 😊

No problem upgrading with the NAV unit, glad this helped! If you have anymore questions don't be afraid to ask!

Hello I'm sorry for the late reply, it shouldn't be a huge problem. Did you end up installing the radio?

Thank you for the comment! The trim the radio comes in is a black plastic. It is not real wood but it still feels good to the touch and doesn't feel cheap

Maxim’s DIY Garage yes sir! Looking to get a group of GX owners in the local area for a cruise sometime this summer!

@@nkautos hey man, great video! best one I've seen yet. I have the exact same GX and bought this same radio kit. I got the 360 cams and TPMS also just haven't found time to install- looking forward to your camera install video, I've been researching and making sure I have everything I need for it.

@@ericcruz3180 Thank you for the kind words! It was definitely time consuming and difficult to install the 360 camera. I have installed my front and rear cameras but haven’t had time to drill in the two side cameras. I will have that video posted once I get the chance to do so!

@@nkautos I’m in Rockford, so maybe this summer!

I had the carbon wrap on for a month or so until I took it back off. It was a little too dark to match with the beige interior. I am planning on rewrapping it a different color in the future. It was a lot of work however. I would recommend getting some good 3M vinyl as the cheap ones will not stick well.

I have mad a separate video of my review and walkthrough of the unit. I think its a solid choice for an aftermarket system with many options when it comes to firmware updates and customizations.

I just solved my own problem! I went through all the parts and found a 15A blade fuse in a bag. There is a spot for it right under one of the connectors. I popped it in and it fired right up!

I'm sorry about not getting back to you, I'm glad you where able to figure out your problem!

I am not 100% sure on how the unit would identify the different model of car according to the canbus and the module inside the unit. If you are willing to take on a project then it's worth a try

Yama Basir I made a video about my review of the unit. Not too bad overall, I have had some slight problems with the unit but I have worked out most kinks. The brightness being too bright in the night, the climate control not working and the speaker adjustment are all easy fixes. They just require some playing around with the settings. I think for the money the unit is solid, and an upgrade from the OEM screen for sure! If you have any questions feel free to leave a message and I’ll try to respond ASAP!

NK Autos touché 🔥👌🏼#LexusMafia

You are hard as hell to get in contact with LOL

I haven't had any problems with the unit so far!

Dale Press The USB cables came with my unit. They are used to upload anything you need to the head unit. I have mine exposed so I can also charge and use CarPlay easily.

It costs around 300-400$.

Alex Hamby The only think I had to do was reset the ML stereo before I swapped it out. Other than that everything should be working normally. I would try to swap back the OEM unit and play around with the settings, hopefully that fixes the problem. I mentioned it in my video how I reset everything before I took the unit out.

Hey Alex, did you solved you problem> I installed mine yesterday, audio is only coming to the front speakers. Installed back the factory unit, reset all to defaults and still have the issue

Hi Alex Hamby and Jorge Nieves, did you find the solution to the issue you were having with the sound? I want to buy this unit but of course I want to know if this issue has a fix. Thanks for your reply

@@nkautos what is the ML stereo and how do you reset?

@@ClearWater7.62 The Mark Levinson system is a package that most of the navigation packages got. Resetting the volume should be around 20-25 for when you put the new one in so it’s not too quite and not too loud

I included my mic in the install just to play it safe. I believe the mic on the unit doesn’t catch the audio as well as the external one does.

I believe there is an option that allows you to get this unit if you do not have factory NAV.

Thank you for the kind words, any audio/speaker shops should be able to install it for you!

There is no auto dimming function in the base unit but you can install an app that will do it for you! I have it linked in my review video.

Andres Soto for the other ends I just matched up the connectors. There where a few that didn’t end up being used. The unit was pretty well organized and it even has tabs with connector markings. I will leave a website with the diagram descriptions for the plugs for you to look at. Hopefully that will help! If not let me know which specific connectors you are wondering about.

Hey Andres, did you solved you problem? I installed mine yesterday, audio is only coming to the front speakers. Installed back the factory unit, reset all to defaults and still have the issue

Dadtastic Adventures I’m not 100% sure but I don’t believe so. It is possible if you spec out the unit, it could be compatible with the rear DVD but that is something you will have to get in contact with the manufacturer to confirm.

James It does have some female RCA connectors for aftermarket speakers. I am guessing it does but I haven’t checked the back of the unit to double check

I installed the Viper 2-way remote with the 5701 kit. It was fairly simple to install once I got the dash mostly out.

Use the old changer. I just installed one from Phoenix and if at the top toolbar you go to Console then go to Amp Info, then above that something shows up saying Dish dish - click on Dish dish - That is where I found the CD controls. Thankfully I didn’t take the CD player out. It’s working on mine.

How did your audio work out? Screwing up the OEM audio is a deal breaker for me.

I do not have the DVD player so I would not be able to let you know, but the CD player still does work with some editing in the settings menu.

@@nkautos thanks a lot))

Bob Bonkowski I’m pretty sure you can still connect the DVD/infotainment system to the unit. The only think that does not work is the CD box in the glovebox.

Lizardo Nieto There should be no problem with compatibility! Just make sure to pick which system you want to buy on the website!

Thank you!

I haven't noticed a difference but I have had people tell me it doesn't sound as good as their ML system. I don't hear any difference in audio however.

Michael Hill video will be up next week. Unfortunately I could not get the tach and rpms to work. Looked all around in the setting for it and could not figure it out.

The plugs I showed in the video will have 4 main plugs that come from the car's harness. The can-bus decoder will be plugged directly to the unit itself. I wasn't able to get a good shot of all the connections in the back of the unit but I was hoping the explanation of the back would be sufficient. If you have any questions about any more connections feel free to leave a message and I will respond ASAP. I appreciate the comment!

Yes, that would have been easier than running the wider part through.

They are mostly good besides the audio quality over the OEM. I prefer the OEM radio. Besides that this is definitely an upgrade

Kevin Van Hecke The unit didn’t have a connection for the factory reverse camera. I looked around in the setting and there are a few unit setting for inputs for various camera options. I believe that has to do with the aftermarket backup camera that is optional for the unit. I plan to purchase the 360 camera in the future and install it but for the time being I am running without a reverse camera. Hasn’t been too much of a problem so far since the rig is locked in the garage for now. I think overall the unit is great, if you have anymore questions don’t hesitate to ask!

You should make a video of the 360 Install, sounds interesting! Thanks for the video, great stuff!

Kevin Van Hecke I definitely will. I have a few things also waiting to be installed this upcoming week. So make sure to stay tuned for that!

@@nkautos I'm thinking about picking up the same exact unit with the 360. Thank you for this video, it's extremely helpful.

Jbaker8390 Glad to help! If you have anymore questions make sure to drop a comment or send me a message on my Instagram. Also, let me know how you like the 360 once you install it!

Adrian Pulido should be no problem!

Unfortunately no instructions come with the unit. There is an online PDF that I provided in the description that shows a few steps. I received the CD disc aswell but didn’t do anything with it. I believe that some units come with the canbus and some do not. I believe it depends on the year of the car. I would try to reach out to the seller and see if one is needed for yours. Let me know if you have anymore questions, I hope that helps!

I don’t have anybody specific, but I would try to look for some audio repair shops or somebody who installs car stereos!

@@nkautos dude where are located? I would literally drive to you if you are anywhere on the east side of the Mississippi. I have a gx470

Sam Nam I am in the process of installing one. I will post a video when I get everything figured out

You can splice in the oem camera. There are a few people that have done it

@@92BGLancer I ended up running the line and installing a new camera. Couldn't find the proper documentation on splicing OEM.

Shouldn’t hurt, but it would be easier to use some panel removing tools along with a suction cup if possible to make sure not to bend or warp the pieces

You can connect the OEM camera to the radio but it does take some splicing to connect it

Try to reboot the system, if its its not that it might have a loose wire or worse the cars amp might have blown

@@nkautos Thanks for the tip. I ended up disconnecting the battery and letting it sit for a while. After reconnection, everything came back to normal

There is a map app on the unit itself that uses google maps. All you have to do is connect the unit to a hotspot and you will be able to use it from there. Not quite like apple car play but it still shows all the features you need

David Zeigler might have missed one of the plugs in the rear of the system. Other than that I don’t know why you would be having that issue. Let me know if you resolve it!

I have had no problems with the radio, it's been a little over 2 years now. I have an 07 GX470 and everything runs smoothly, the voltage draw isn't much different than the stock radio and doesn't affect the life of the battery as far as I've tested.

There should be an option in the top left corner to dim down the screen.

Is there a way to reprogram..

You will need to go to user settings and type in 8861 for the code and then change the toyota Prado climate setting to the configuration I showed in the unit review video

There are a few female RCA connectors in the back of the unit that allow you to install an aftermarket amp!

It is the PX6 radio for the 2003-2009 GX470 from the link I have provided in the video description

Yammii Habibi the Bluetooth adapter should plug into the usb wires that are connected to the unit. In the video you can see I leave my cable in the glovebox. Make sure to connect them through there it will be easiest!

NK Autos ok thank you. How do I connect to the navigation system? Like I’m clicking on it and it says it can’t be connected and try again later. Is there a place on the settings for me to go?

Yammii Habibi you have to be connected to an internet connection to be able to access the navigation. Try connecting to a hotspot or an internet connection and try again

NK Autos it worked when I tried my hotspot. Thank you. Last question. My radio... it static’s. It’s odd because everything else works except the radio. Any suspicious on what could be the cause? I contacted Phoenix Automotive and they mentioned it could be the radios antenna. Which I can’t find the exact location of it.

Yammii Habibi the antenna should be connected in the back. It is the piece that you screw on. Is should be black and have a golden connector. Do all of the stations have static or is it only a few?

Sounds like a great idea! Thank you for the insight!

This will fit a 2007, I would try to check an automotive shop or a stereo place for help!

@@nkautos will this unit not fit the 2005?

@@ClearWater7.62 It should fit, I would check the specifications on the website

WorldDweller Eveything works on the temperature buttons and on the screen. I’ve seen that it’s either a hit or miss with it working for some people.

@@nkautos any hard wiring involved? to make it work with touch buttons and on screen buttons. As I just bought the same unit. But tempreture definitely needs wiring. As I bought without the amplifier. As I don't have installed in my car which 2004 toyota prado 120 series.

No problems!

big yops 13 it unfortunately doesn’t work with the stock one but they do have aftermarket options for the unit. I bought a 360 camera and will be installing it when I get it in the mail!

@@nkautos the same company sells the backup cam?

big yops 13 yes, it is on the Phoenix automotive website!

@@nkautosMy 06 GX470 camera died, lines through screen, looking on ebay I saw used ones for $275, screw that. So I took a shot and bought a universal one on amazon for $12,99, spliced it and epoxied it in place. Which are the wires on the stock harness that I would need to splice to hook into the unit? Thanks in advance!

@@chrismemphis8062 I am not 100% sure about the wiring for the aftermarket backup camera but there is a forum on Clublexus and IH8MUD that goes through the wiring for the gx470 backup camera. You should be able to find it on there!

Quenton Smith the audio sounds about the same. Unfortunately the only way to improve the audio is by replacing the old ML system and amp for aftermarket parts.

I put one in and was incredibly disappointed by the sound. I'm driving it hard too with electronic music and the stock unit is clean, thumping. This unit sounded awful in comparison. Still have it in the closet - holding out some hope that the problem is me.

Jacob Straszynski Hello Jacob! I haven’t had any problems with the audio. I wonder if maybe the unit you received is having some problems. I would try to get in contact with customer support to see if they can walk you through diagnostic. I would also try to play around with the equalizer to tweak the audio a little. Let me know if you get the unit to work!

A. Muhammad They do have a screen available for the gx460 aswell! It is listed on the Pheonix automotive website

@@nkautos Thanks

A. Muhammad no problem! If you have any more questions feel free to leave a comment!

I upgraded my speakers when I installed this unit so the differences in audio quality has to do with the aftermarket speakers compared to my blown ML ones. I’d say that it depends on the way you setup the unit since it has equalizers and settings to increase some sound levels.

@@nkautos Thanks for replying. What speakers did you go with and how did you choose? Automotive audio tuning is the black belt of audiophiledom - your mission, should you accept it... FWIW, it appears that no one has abused my '07. MMph. Just read what happened to the ML company.

Yes, it is always a good idea to disconnect the battery before working on anything electrical