GS450h SE EXTRAS + "Secret" Tweak Codes?

GS450hSE · October 22, 2017

Hi,

I've just purchased a 2008 GS450h SE. It's got only 30,000 miles (verified) on the clock and is immaculate. It has a Gen05 satnav with reversing camera, a Mark Levinson hifi + 6 DVD autochanger, etc.

There are two things I'd really like to add to this car:

(a) A way to either plug in my Samsung Android phone, or a USB dongle, or both, to play music through the car's audio system.

(b) An aftermarket sunroof.

I'm really open to suggestions about the best way to achieve (a).

Re (b), I've got my eyes on an aftermarket Webasto/Hollandia 735 or 740 in-built sunroof. The installer guarantees it will be waterproof.

Advice and opinions, please.

Also, on my previous generation GS, there were a number of "secret" codes or tweaks (e.g., 4 rapid down pushes on the steering wheel adjustment when already at the lowest position would lower it further). Are there any tweaks for the 3rd Gen GS450h?

Thanks!

Shahpor · October 22, 2017

Doesn't the GS of that model year come with the Gen05 sat nav?

It should be the same one fitted to mine.

stevet · October 22, 2017

You should have an aux in socket in the armrest storage.

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Odysseus · October 22, 2017

You’re a brave man to attempt to retrofit a sunroof! It was an option on the 2008 GS450h - I have one - and if it helps I can take a picture of the controls so you can get a factory look.

With regards to adding audio inputs, google VLine Grom, or just Grom Lexus. I had a Grom USB in a previously owned Volvo S80 and the sound quality was excellent, much better than FM Bluetooth adaptors. About £120 including AD2P Bluetooth dongle, but I did the fitting. Not sure I’d be as brave with my Lexus.

Good luck and keep us posted.

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Upex · October 23, 2017

Had a look at this from thing, as I've tried several way of trying to play my phone music through car but no joy.

My motor was a 2006, and the from says from 2007 onwards, does it mean it won't work, as not sure what changed between 06 and 07.

Also, assume you can't use factory Bluetooth for calls if using bt to stream music to the grom?

Otherwise looks great and very interest.

I share Andrews remarks regards the sunroof. Very brave indeed.id never be that out there, I don't believe the end result could ever be close enough to factory, ie neat, as not only is there the tin, it's the headlining, controlls etc.

Dare say it's doable, as soo many silicone sealers about it's likely possible to seal anything, but, I'd want to see work they have done previously for quality, and I'd be researching if the standard hole from lexus is reinforced, ie cutting a hole is likely to lead to just a gap in the sheet metal, not over turned edges making a sold it edge etc, like the factory.d

Odysseus · October 23, 2017

Also, assume you can't use factory Bluetooth for calls if using bt to stream music to the grom?

I’m fairly sure you can. Your phone should be able to connect to multiple Bluetooth things at the same time and can handle knowing which device does what. I’m speaking as an Iphone user but I’d be surprised if it wasn’t the same for other phones.

On my Iphone it tells you what device it’s using for voice calls once the call initiates, so even then you can change it if you wanted to.

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Upex · October 23, 2017

Fair point Andrew. When I connect to something it does say calls and audio type thing, never seen what the car bt pops up with, will check it out. Never tried to connect to 2 before, and don't have anything to try it, ie everything I have connects as call and audio, so there maybe a conflict between calls then. Will give it a stab though and see if it presents the option of which should handle calls.

I assume one of these units would replace the iPod adapter that was put in by Lexus?

Thanks

Odysseus · October 23, 2017

I assume one of these units would replace the iPod adapter that was put in by Lexus?

That’s my assumption too.

Personally the Lexus iPod adapter is fine for me at the moment. I think the only thing I’d replace it with would be a VLine but had the car not come with anything a basic Grom would more than do the job.

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Upex · October 23, 2017

Agree, I bought a big iPod touch and have plenty of music, but, and it's a big but, there is no order to it, it's sorted by track name and doesn't display artist or album info, so I literally have a massive list of a,a,a,a,b,b,b etc by track with no easy way to find an artist or album, and its driving me nuts. Spend most journeys just skipping track after track to find something I'm in the mood for.

Being able to bt or wire in my phone (samsung s8) would resolve all, hence the interest

Odysseus · October 23, 2017

I know what you mean. The sound quality from the Lexus iPod thing is fine but the functionality is rubbish.

One way I’ve got round the limitations to a small degree is by creating playlists. The various playlists give me a degree of control over the type of music I’m in the mood for and saves the random ‘play everything’ mode, when I go from gangsta hip hop, to audio book, to nursery rhyme, to a German language course, to classical.

Playlists aren’t ideal but better than nothing.

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GS450hSE · October 23, 2017

21 hours ago, Shahpor said:

Doesn't the GS of that model year come with the Gen05 sat nav?

Yes, the satnav fitted is Gen05.

20 hours ago, stevet said:

You should have an aux in socket in the armrest storage.

Yes, a mini-stereo jack. If I connect this to the headphone output of my Samsung S8, will I be able to play music through it? There is a DISC/AUX button so I assume it will be straightforward, though I'll have to rely on the Samsung's screen for menus etc.

19 hours ago, Odysseus said:

You’re a brave man to attempt to retrofit a sunroof! It was an option on the 2008 GS450h - I have one - and if it helps I can take a picture of the controls so you can get a factory look.

With regards to adding audio inputs, google VLine Grom, or just Grom Lexus. I had a Grom USB in a previously owned Volvo S80 and the sound quality was excellent, much better than FM bluetooth adaptors. About £120 including AD2P Bluetooth dongle, but I did the fitting. Not sure I’d be as brave with my Lexus.

I am not that brave! If I go ahead with the sunroof, I'll use an aftermarket specialist installer approved by Webasco/Hollandia, the manufacturer.

Thanks for the tip re the Grom Vline. This is the one for my car:

http://gromaudio.co.uk/products/vl1-infotainment-upgrade/lexus-toyota-2006-2009-grom-vline-infotainment-system-upgrade-video-interface.html

It is temporarily out of stock but expected within a fortnight.

The Vaistech VML is also being recommended: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-third-generation/512938-vaistech-vml-installed-in-3gs-pictures.html

Do you have any comments/comparisons?

7 hours ago, Upex said:

Had a look at this from thing, as I've tried several way of trying to play my phone music through car but no joy.

My motor was a 2006, and the from says from 2007 onwards, does it mean it won't work, as not sure what changed between 06 and 07.

Also, assume you can't use factory Bluetooth for calls if using bt to stream music to the grom?

Otherwise looks great and very interest.

From http://gromaudio.co.uk/products/vl1-infotainment-upgrade.html etc. you will see that there are many differences between your 2006 model and this 2008 one (the AUX socket being one of them). I know I'm new here, but you're best served by starting your own thread about your 2006 query, else it gets confusing.

Farqui · October 23, 2017

10 minutes ago, GS450hSE said:

...If I connect this to the headphone output of my Samsung S8, will I be able to play music through it? There is a DISC/AUX button so I assume it will be straightforward...rely on the Samsung's screen for menus etc.

Hi John.

Yes, I have the same car and that's how we occasionally use the AUX input socket within the armrest.

Well that's what mrsF does whilst I drive, I get the fun job

Cheers, Lee

Britprius · October 23, 2017

10 hours ago, Upex said:

Had a look at this from thing, as I've tried several way of trying to play my phone music through car but no joy.

My motor was a 2006, and the from says from 2007 onwards, does it mean it won't work, as not sure what changed between 06 and 07.

Also, assume you can't use factory Bluetooth for calls if using bt to stream music to the grom?

Otherwise looks great and very interest.

I share Andrews remarks regards the sunroof. Very brave indeed.id never be that out there, I don't believe the end result could ever be close enough to factory, ie neat, as not only is there the tin, it's the headlining, controlls etc.

Dare say it's doable, as soo many silicone sealers about it's likely possible to seal anything, but, I'd want to see work they have done previously for quality, and I'd be researching if the standard hole from lexus is reinforced, ie cutting a hole is likely to lead to just a gap in the sheet metal, not over turned edges making a sold it edge etc, like the factory.d

I do not know if you saw my post from July 6 regarding a high quality audio input for the 2006/7 GS range. The system is cheap, easy to install with very high quality sound results. It also keeps all the wheel and touch controls. Unfortunately it is not capable of controlling you Ipod, but is otherwise excellent.

www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/112477-aux-audio-in-instructions/

John.

Upex · October 24, 2017

Apologies John (gs450hSe) i wasnt meaning to hijack your thread. Your question and the replies spurred my queries, they weren't there to be asked until reading the above.

However, we have confirmed for future browsers, that the solution is about for earlier cars, and that a cheaper diy solution also exists as well exploring how the functionality may integrate with different set ups (my bt connects as calls only, I checked it), so I'd like to believe it has yielded potential benefits.

I'll duck out now 😁

Odysseus · October 25, 2017

On 23/10/2017 at 3:07 PM, GS450hSE said:

Thanks for the tip re the Grom Vline. This is the one for my car:

http://gromaudio.co.uk/products/vl1-infotainment-upgrade/lexus-toyota-2006-2009-grom-vline-infotainment-system-upgrade-video-interface.html

It is temporarily out of stock but expected within a fortnight.

The Vaistech VML is also being recommended: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-third-generation/512938-vaistech-vml-installed-in-3gs-pictures.html

Do you have any comments/comparisons?

No worries for the tip. I can't speak to the relative quality of Grom vs Vaistech, but my quick googling of the US Lexus forums shows both are held in pretty high regard. Personally, I fitted a Grom to a Volvo S80 and was very pleased with the reliability and sound quality so from that perspective I have some faith in the brand.

If I was in your position I think I'd be considering the VLine. It's relatively expensive, but is removable so could be sold on once you sell your Lexus, and the functionality it provides seems to surpass the alternatives.

If you wanted a quick, cheap and easy way to get the music from your phone to your car, you could do what I did when I bought a Honda Accord earlier this year as a short term runabout and buy one of these. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TeckNet-Bluetooth-FM-Transmitter-Car-Kit-Wireless-Sound-Transmission-With-USB-/292019957085?hash=item43fdbeed5d

I do have it plugged into my Lexus (hidden in the cubby box under the armrest out of sight) and is quite handy for the very rare occasions where there is something on my phone I'm keen to listen to that isn't yet on my iPod. The sound quality is good, but not as good as the Lexus iPod adaptor (or as good as I'd expect a Grom/Vaistech to be).

GS450hSE · October 25, 2017

Thanks, Odysseus. Read, understood and I've bookmarked the eBay "auction" item.

I have an additional question. I've only got one key for the car, and this makes me uneasy.
I'm confident I can find out the "Key Number".

Is there a more economical way of getting a spare key than going to a Lexus dealer? They want GBP 300+!

Odysseus · October 26, 2017

Thanks, Odysseus. Read, understood and I've bookmarked the ebay "auction" item.
I have an additional question. I've only got one key for the car, and this makes me uneasy.
I'm confident I can find out the "Key Number".

Is there a more economical way of getting a spare key than going to a Lexus dealer? They want GBP 300+!

Haha I know what you mean, one key would make me nervous too.

I think the only route to a new key is through Lexus, but it might be worth calling a few different dealers to see if there are price variances. The other option is to join the Lexus owners club and use the discount. That may save you 10% or thereabouts and is worth it if you plan to use Lexus for servicing, just check your preferred dealer participates in the scheme.

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Upex · October 26, 2017

If you have any key cover in place, you might want to check the t&cs. Should you happen to misplace your key, you maybe able to claim for it, and as part of that, they may well code any existing keys to keep working to. Provided the cover doesn't only kick in when all keys are lost of course. However even if that were the way, perhaps it's cheaper to have the second key added when you locate it again, having had the lost key replaced, if you get my drift?

Mike Hartland · October 30, 2017

If you do have key cover, report any losses promptly. When we lost a key, certain it was in the house, I spent three months looking for it before reporting the loss - only to be told that losses have to be reported within 28 days.

I was only trying to save them the cost of replacing it...

GS450hSE · November 1, 2017

Quick question. I had a peer under the steering column (without removing any trim) and cannot immediately find the OBD-II port.

Where exactly is it, please?

Britprius · November 1, 2017

3 hours ago, GS450hSE said:

Quick question. I had a peer under the steering column (without removing any trim) and cannot immediately find the OBD-II port.

Where exactly is it, please?

The OBD port is above the brake pedal, and close to the reset button for the TPMS. It is not mounted on the trim panels but further under. Being able to stand on your head is almost a requirement.

John.

Farqui · November 1, 2017

The port may have a cover that's disguising it. Mine had a black sleeve/cap that slid off.

GS450hSE · November 2, 2017

On 11/1/2017 at 6:53 PM, Britprius said:

The OBD port is above the brake pedal, and close to the reset button for the TPMS. It is not mounted on the trim panels but further under. Being able to stand on your head is almost a requirement.

John.

Thanks, and to Farqui too. Will go out to the car to look again.

By the way, my 2008 GS 450h does not seem to have TPMS fitted (hence, no reset button).

Britprius · November 2, 2017

1 hour ago, GS450hSE said:

Thanks, and to Farqui too. Will go out to the car to look again.

By the way, my 2008 GS 450h does not seem to have TPMS fitted (hence, no reset button).

Are you sure about the TPMS as my understanding is that this was a standard feature across the range. I am wondering if someone has defeated the warning system to save the expense of replacing the valves.

John.

GS450hSE · November 2, 2017

1 hour ago, Britprius said:

Are you sure about the TPMS as my understanding is that this was a standard feature across the range. I am wondering if someone has defeated the warning system to save the expense of replacing the valves.

I was a bit puzzled too.

In the Driver's Manual there is a reference, in the 'Maintenance and care' section, to the Tyre Pressure Warning System and to a reset/initialisation switch (a button, from the picture) below the steering wheel.

There is definitely no such button below my steering wheel... nor any blanking plate.

The car is not an "import", and was first registered in 2008.