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Lexus4Me?

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  1. There are many descriptions on the Internet of how to remove the overhead console on Lexus cars but I spent many, many hours trying to find one specifically for a Mk4 GS450h without success. I thought I'd add this in the hope that it might help any other soul who was trying to mount a dash cam or a speed camera detector connected to the wiring in the overhead console. The console is held into position only by clips. there are no screws to undo. The two tiny screws in tiny holes in my unit (see third photo) are for electrical purposes not for fixing. There are tools for removing car trim but I used an old credit card to squeeze in between the joints and spread the force to avoid damage but provide the leverage I needed. I started at the front of the console and worked backwards. The front section is held by different fitments on the left to that on the right so I tried both to see which yielded more easily. Once the front was detached I worked backwards - there are two "poppers" which on mine were white (not that I could see them at that stage) which I pulled free first another two really stiff blue ones at the back in addition to two hooks holding the rear of the unit in place. I just needed to keep levering with the credit card and pulling with my fingers. It was scary and I was sure I was going to cause some damage but when the rear two stiff "poppers" came free (I pulled down and a bit forward to free the clips) there was a loud bang and I thought I'd dented the roof but in fact I didn't damage anything. There is a multi-way plug on each side which needs to be removed to free the console completely. The first image shows the white "poppers" and the really stiff blue ones. Note also in the second photo the black plastic hooks which hold the back of the unit close to the headlining. I connected my "dash" camera via a 12V to 5V "DC transformer" to the wires for the auto-dimming mirror. I managed to unplug the mirror to find a neutral (white and black on mine) and a live (pale blue on mine) I stripped non adjacent sections of the two wires and soldered on the "transformer" wires insulating with tape as I went, then used a double sided sponge pad to fix the transformer to the metal of the structure which holds the console - there was plenty of space. tidying up the wiring was tricky but I think I did a reasonable job and it shouldn't rattle. I found that to reassemble it was best to remove the front section from the main console. Look at the top of the first photo to see where it is joined. I used a small screwdriver to free the three clips The fourth bit that looks like a clip is actually just a locating tab. I then fitted the console, minus the front section, from the back working forwards pushing the plugs firmly in with a thump of my hand. The clips on the left and right of the front of the forward section are different. I found it best to locate the right (driver's side on my UK model) first because there is a pointed tab which needs to be located to hold the front firmly up to the headlining then I pushed in the left side and the three clips holding the two parts of the console together. If you are doing this job I hope my experience helps you. I take no responsibility for any damage you do or for the accuracy of what I have written despite trying hard to do a good job.
  2. I'm hoping that I'm posting this in an appropriate spot. Moderators please move it if it should be somewhere else and accept my apologies. Found these odd items on my Mk4 GS450h Premier and I'd be pleased if someone could identify what they are and what they do. 1. In the floor of the boot. The first three images show this bit of plastic located in a recess milled in aluminium. 2. On the overhead console. The second three images show two small holes towards the back of the console which appear to contain screws, accessible only with something like a watchmaker's screwdriver. These screws do not hold the console in position. They may provide some adjustment for the auto-sensing wipers, the auto-sensing lights or the auto-main beam dip which are fitted to my car - all of which work surprisingly well. I've resisted twiddling the screws in case I stop them doing so. I'll be interested in your responses particularly if they are informed.
  3. Thank you for that Robert. A very thorough reply indeed. When I checked the Lexus Portal your map data (2015/2016 ver 2) matches that for the 08 HDD system on the GS450h. I think mine is the EMVN (11 HDD) so the updates will, presumably be different. When I bought the car last November I understood, apparently mistakenly, that it would have the maps updated. When I realised, earlier this year, that they were still the original 2012 versions I contacted Lexus Leicester from whom I bought the car and have negotiated the update for about £80 (half price because of the misunderstanding). They told me that the latest version was Feb 2016 but because this differed from the (May 2015) details on the Lexus portal I deferred assuming that the updates would be yearly but here we are in June and the portal still claims May 2015 as the latest version. I await some further information. I hope you get on well with your GS. I'm still getting used to mine. I'm much more familiar with cars that are a bit rough and in my GS I feel I should be wearing a peaked cap sitting in the front while the real owner sits sedately in the back! I like the calm female voice on the car navigation but I don't find it as intuitive as Google maps on my phone. My girlfriend can usually sort out navigation on her phone before I've got the Lexus nav sorted out but that could be a bit of lack of experience. Had I got the earlier GS like yours I think I would have invested in the Vaistech equipment which apparently permits one to mirror one's mobile phone screen on the Lexus screen and control the phone from the remote or touchscreen in the car. Seems then one can have the latest Google maps for free. Sadly it won't work on the Mk 4 model I have (or rather what they sell for the Mk4 only provides the ability to programme the Navigation system or play a video with the car moving. UK models already permit the former and I've no intention of watching videos while I drive (My car does permit me to listen to them when in motion but I need to park to view them). Thanks again and happy motoring. Barry
  4. That is interesting, KayCee. I've been waiting for the latest map data for Europe (UK in particular) to be released. I was told by the garage that it was February but I've delayed updating since the Lexus Portal for my model (2012 (Mk 4) GS 450h Premier) suggests that the most recent update was on 2015-05-1. I've assumed that my navigation system is "EMVN (11HDD)" rather than "08 Hard disk drive". Would you be kind enough to advise me what navigation system you are using and the map version date, please. When I do update I'll let you know about vibrancy and volume. You don't suppose that you are feeling euphoric for some reason and this had affected your perception?
  5. As I understand it some of the Vaistech systems from the States, while not cheap, appear to permit one to use any app from ones mobile phone (Google Maps. TomTom etc. as well as the music apps and calling facilities) on the pre 2012 GS models. The phone screen is mimicked on the Lexus screen and the Lexus controls work the phone. I'd be interested to know if they work on the post 2012 models as well. Before anyone asks me a question I've yet to buy the car let alone the Vaistech system!
  6. Thank you for your advice Rayann. It was the Sidcup car in which I went for a test drive. Pleasant but I'd struggle to live with the red leather. I think that the towing weight is 750kg/1000kg for two wheel/four wheel trailers and all I want to tow is a small rowing dinghy for picnics on the Broads. I think hybrids are OK for towing but the GS450h won't do well if one wants to reverse a caravan up a hill. I understand that has no reverse gear but just switches the electric motor into reverse and won't engage the engine. The downside is the cost of the tow-bar - from reading these forums I believe them to cost between £800 to £1200! So it could be worth hanging on to my old Y reg Octavia just for towing it won't fetch me anything if I sold it. Thanks for the advice on discounts. It gives me some idea of what I can expect. Yes, I'm sure the 300 is a great car but this is my once in a lifetime indulgence and I fancy some GRUNT! I'm a mite undecided about extended warranties. They are very reliable cars but contain some very expensive bits. Thanks again.
  7. I hope I'm permitted to continue with this thread that I started fifteen months ago. If not please advise me. I've got a year older so have a years less driving years to look forward to before I travel horizontal in a the back of big black vehicle so I'm thinking to pour a bit more cash into buying a car. Mk 4 GS450h, with the bigger boot, have got cheaper so I may just be able to afford one now. I've been for a test drive and it was very nice although I can't say I was blown away. I've noticed on this forum the dreadful way Tony Richa was treated and I'm not without considerable concern that these complicated cars could turn out to be nightmares unless one can find someone who really understands them. I've also realised that with the sort of money I'll be paying I'll be losing over £100 per week in depreciation (scary) so fuel economy is really neither here nor there. I fancy buying an F sport unless anyone can give me a good reason not to. I expect that those who could afford new vehicles in 2012 may soon be changing them as the warranty period expires so I'm waiting for the September plate change to see what I can get. Looks like it will cost me a bit over £25,000. So any buying advise please? Things to look for, how much I might manage to negotiate the price down, where to get a towbar that doesn't cost more than my present car is worth etc. I'd be pleased to consider any gems you have to offer. I live in Norwich, Norfolk, UK. In anticipation, my thanks
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