PDM

7 minutes ago, tranceporter said:

Will it be possible for the Mods to change the title to MM19 (remove MM17) please? MM17 software version numbers are 1540/50/60 and not 1140. Sorry about this.

Be careful when updating the DCU software.  Early versions have working voice commands for playing music from a usb disk ("play album XXXX"), but it is broken in later versions.  Look at the bugs that are fixed and see if they outweigh the loss of that.  If the use is mainly apple car play or AA, then this may all be academic in any case.  Gracenote is also deleted in newer versions (which is good for anyone still playing CDs as it has cover art etc).

The latest MEU releases (the navigation software) seem fine.  For me they removed bugs without introducing new ones.  (the actual map data is different to the navigation software), although you already have 1140 which contained the most useful fix - showing the street name.  But IMHO you may as well update the MEU.  I have not come across any downsides to that one.

Paul

2 minutes ago, Andy B said:

Just had a call out of the blue from my local dealer to arrange a date for me to have the tracker fitted to my NX350h (yes, they called me rather than the reverse 😀).

I didn't think they were offering it to Gen 2:NX owners as I was under the impression that that particular model wasn't prone to the canbus vulnerability. Anyway, not wishing to look a gift horse in the mouth, I have the car booked in for Thursday. 

I realise that the type of tracker being offered has it's limitations but it's better than nothing plus it may help with insurance renewal costs especially considering that I am currently with Lexus Insurance. 

That's an interesting development!

1 hour ago, RONNIE W HODGEKINSON said:

So Sorry to Hear This..How on Earth Did They Manage to Steal The car In broad Daylight.?

CANbus?

1 hour ago, GSLV6 said:

The problem with these trackers, especially the obd one, is that would be thieves will locate it in a nanosecond, remove it and it'll be lying on the ground where the car was parked, so I simply cannot see any merit or value in the obd device supplied.  Mine is a TrackM8 Connect c330, and is operated via the registration details (now suppled to me by Tracker), activated once registered and installed and whilst I get no phone alerts, I get an email if the car is moved or the tracker removed.  It really offers nothing in terms of protection or theft prevention, which means no insurance reductions.  Come on Lexus, try harder...protect our damned cars...we paid enough for them!  It's inexcusable that they haven't stumped up for at least a Ghost alarm/immobiliser or an even more secure encrypted device which was the obvious answer to our problem...ie prevent theft of the damned cars.

The last communication I had with them said the CANblocker was coming "soon"!

1 hour ago, ColinBarber said:

I thought the geo-fence capability was a separate device they were fitting, and it isn't available yet? People seem to be getting told different things depending on who they speak to and I wouldn't trust the press-release to be accurate.

Colin - yes - the app is for the geofence device and I have one fitted already to my car, as does my wife's NX.  So they are at least available at some dealers already.

Paul

55 minutes ago, RONNIE W HODGEKINSON said:

Paul ....This is Good News For the Security and Protection of our Lexus cars..Do You Know if this device is installed Free of Charge or do we Have to Pay To have it Installed...Is There any Mention of How much the device Costs and is There a Subscription Charged Yearly..!!!!

Ronnie,

It was free on my 4RX and my wife's 1NX. I believe the offer does not extend to 5RX or 2NX with the updated CAN implementation.  It includes 3 years of subscription (again, FoC to the customer).

Paul

Lexus has now put up a web page on the availability and fitment of tracker devices:

https://media.lexus.co.uk/lexus-partners-with-tracker-to-enhance-vehicle-security/

28 minutes ago, Car Fan said:

Is there an official statement anywhere from Lexus that says the tracker and geofence are available for ES owners? I inquired at my dealership and they were adamant (as well as rude and dismissive!) that no such updates were available for ES owners. Thanks. 

I had understood they are now available for all models that are exploitable via CANbus.  You may wish to as customer relations at cr@lexus.co.uk

Paul

3 hours ago, Somebody67 said:

I had the Tracker device installed on Monday, but upon installing and testing the ODB Tracker Touch mobile phone app discovered that the geo-fencing feature doesnt work or Safe Mode setting (supposed to send alerts when the car is started and initially moves position) or the app notifications when the car starts/moves/or drives outside the 250 metre set geo-fence radius.  So you won't know that your cars been nicked until you go to get into it!  In my professional opinion of being a software engineer, this Tracker product provided by Lexus's third party provider Tracker is not fit for purpose as the user of the product does not get alerts either by sms/app push messages or even email message.  Check out the Google Play Store (Android phones) reviews for this Tracker Touch app and you'll see that the software hasn't worked even since 2019.

I'm going to have to get my own chosen security methods to stop society's scum from nicking my nice toy ie decent tracker with good working software and an immobilizer.

If anybody's Tracker Touch mobile app geo-fencing feature or Safe Mode setting works please let me know and I might try to get mine working somehow.

 

Just tested - It works on mine for at least sending emails from the safe mode setting.  But an android notification or an automatic phone call would be welcome.

Paul

16 hours ago, GSLV6 said:

Thanks Paul.  Just downloaded it and all is working.  Retrieved email (which I thought was my installed tracker subscription email) and dongle activated.  I assume it just sends alerts if the dongle is removed (when active) and if the car is moved whilst the dongle is active.  I'll have to remember to turn it inactive when driving to avoid alert emails.

It's not what I thought it might be, so no immobilisation, just, hopefully, an alert of the car is moved.

Hi Paul,

Excellent!

I think you are correct - no immobilisation - just tracking and alerts.  But at least it means there are now 2 or 3 ways to track the car:  The Lexus app (for those with say post 2019 vehicles - when it works...), the OBD tracker/geofence and then the police, through tracker, can use the Battery powered VHF tracker device too.

Of course we are all desperate to get the actual CANbus fix via this CAN blocker ECU....

Paul

1 hour ago, GSLV6 said:

Does anyone know what phone App that you're meant to connect the obd geofence dongle with?  Mine was received in the post with no covering letter nor instructions.

"Tracker Touch" in Google Play and I assume also in apple App store.

You need a registration email with a security code to connect the app to the device.

42 minutes ago, GSLV6 said:

To add to the confusion, we were promised a geofence obd device with the tracker.  What I actually received was a £20 Trackm8 obd tracker, with web reviews saying it doesn't work for many people.  It arrived in the post with no instructions and I had to google for the app, which doesn't mention any geofence shut down/immobilise capability.  It seems it's just a cheap app based tracker which requires a phone app to work, then, from owner reports online, a majority say it's a waste of time. I'll see how it performs and report back.

This is very odd.  I believe I have a "tracker locate" as the OBD geofence.  At least this seems to be the only one that connects to the tracker app other than the S5.  So I assume they install a Battery powered "tracker retrieve" (no app) and a "tracker locate" which has an app. It seems very odd if they are providing different solutions to different owners/parts of the country? FWIW the tracker touch app is working way more reliably to find the car and view trips than the Lexus plus app!  (So far the tracker has got 100% of trips recorded and always knows the vehicle location).

Paul

1 hour ago, Herbie said:

The trackers we get don't have a phone app, that's for the more expensive S5 version:

Herbie,

You should have been offered both a tracker and an OBD geofence device (which also reports position) which does have an app. Did you get both installed?

Paul

26 minutes ago, Dylanlewis2000 said:

I'm unsure how I feel about this situation.

If a change was made to the 2021 models, it indicates that Lexus was aware of the issue. So, why wasn’t this change applied to all cars? The details of what exactly was changed aren't even clear. I worry that the 'tracking' option is merely a temporary fix—more of a plaster for peace of mind rather than a real solution.

Before I bought my NX, I was seriously considering the RX. However, I was discouraged by the high number of catalytic converter thefts from that model and Lexus's apparent lack of response. Now, with this new issue, I’m beginning to question whether I can trust this brand for my next car.

I realize that other brands are facing similar problems—there are countless horror stories on EV forums about the Kia EV6 and Hyundai. But this is Lexus, a brand renowned for its customer service and attention to detail. I’m truly disappointed that I had to learn about this issue through an online forum rather than directly from Lexus. The first thing they should have done is proactively reach out to their customers with an explanation and a solution.

Ironically, I receive calls, letters, and emails each year inviting me to their used car 'special event' with promises of big discounts. It makes me wonder—has the brand lost its way?

I would be highly surprised if Lexus did not already know quite a lot about this theft technique by 2021.  Just have a look at this article...

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/14378293

And hence, as you say, this may well have been the prompt to change the architecture.

People have bought new LC500s this year that are also vulnerable.

Paul

Ahhh... Does this mean the plastic card you get is for the one time tracker and the tracker phone application is just for the geofence device?

So if the vehicle is stolen you need to call the number on the card and give them the serial number from the card? But this is independent of the geofence device, from which we can track our vehicles through the app?

Paul

Hi Herbie,

Curiouser and curiouser...

By one use does it mean throw the entire tracker away or just replace the Battery? I'm trying to figure out why the tracker hardware would be a 1 shot type of thing... If that's what it really means.

Paul

12 minutes ago, DTR said:

Apologies. I certainly had not been informed. I will contact my dealer next week. In the post which you mentioned, does he not say that they are not yet available?

Yes indeed - I agree with Andrew that the CANblocker is not yet available.   Sorry if my message was confusing.   I think still better to get installed what is currently available ASAP (tracker and geofence) and make a second dealer visit when CANblocker is released, as at least you get tracking and notification ability with that.  You can see the position of the vehicle on a phone app, and set it up so that you get notifications on your phone if the car is moved (e.g. over night, or if you go on holiday etc).  It seems good so far.

Here's hoping that more roll out of these devices starts to have an effect on lowering thefts and reducing insurance... I guess it will take some time.

Cheers,

Paul

On 8/21/2024 at 12:47 PM, DAVID SEATON said:

On March 16th, Colin Barber posted a Statement issued by Lexus re Vehicle Theft. All ES Affected.

Therein "Security Hardware Components Will Very Soon Be Available" .... "In Coming Weeks Owners Contact Local Dealer To Arrange Free Of Charge Fitments, Also discuss Protective Plate To Block Access To The Vehicle Electronics"

On August 13th my 2019 ES was booked in to local Lexus Dealer Dundee for a service. I enquired about the Security Hardware Components flagged in March & was advised these were still not available i.e. that is 6 months from the date of the statement above! I also queried the fitment of the protective plate described above & was advised there was already a plate fitted which made the fitment of the "fix" additional plate impossible. I was advised a previous customer had insisted that an attempt should be made to fit the "fix" plate to his ES, & this proved to be impossible.

Is anyone aware of any further updates from Lexus on this issue?

David, in case you are not yet aware - Lexus are now fitting (FOC) phase 1 and 2 security updates - a tracker and a geofence device.  Phase 3 is the CAN blocker that Andrew mentions above, but it is not yet available.  Your dealer should know about this.

Paul

1 hour ago, Dylanlewis2000 said:

So, just to be clear, are Lexus adding this for free and giving a 3 year subscription? If so, what cars does this apply to?

They are certainly doing it for RX and NX (at no cost to the owner), but I think also all models which are susceptible to CAN theft.  And yes, it includes a 3 year subscription.

25 minutes ago, Jp77 said:

Thanks Paul. Are Lexus charging for these phase 1 &2 upgrades?

John

Hi John,

Not they aren't.  The install includes 3 years of tracker subscription.

Paul

36 minutes ago, Jp77 said:

Does anybody know what is happening regarding the CANBUS fix? I haven’t heard anything from either my dealer or Lexus UK

You can now get a tracker and a geofence device installed.  This will give you a phone app to track the car and send alerts if it moves beyond an area you specify (which could be set to be "if it moves at all", e.g. useful when you are on holiday)

You should contact your dealer to get these installed.  This is what Lexus have been calling phase 1 and 2 of the security upgrades.  We eagerly await phase 3.

Paul

5 minutes ago, luckyduck said:

Just has my Gen 4 serviced at Lexus Hedge End- asked for the canbus fitting and security update as per the statement Lexus issued on 13th March - guess what, the service agent new there is a security update coming, but they have no idea when. This is 5 months after Lexus said they take security seriously. Having also used a new 450h plug in hybrid, it gave 27 electric miles after a 2 hour charge, and the overall feel of the car was that Lexus have totally lost tgheir marbles - no feeling of a premium car whatever - so glad to get back to my gen 4. I have a feeling Lexus have lost their way, and are now just becoming a mass market manufacturer

They are now rolling out the first stage of the updates: tracker and OBD geofence devices.  The next stage will (we all hope) be the true CANbus fix via an additional hardware component called a CAN blocker and this is the thing that has an unknown time frame.  My RX had the tracker and geofence fitted earlier this week and my wife's NX is having it done at the moment. Others on here are also reporting that they have recently had this work done.  So try to push the dealer to get at least that part of the updates installed.  

Cheers,

Paul

On 8/17/2024 at 3:28 PM, KennyMacD said:

Update : I bought a USB-C adaptor and plugged a regular USB memory stick into it. At first the message on the Lexus said 'not recognised' then eventually did - but only   some of the music on it. I know there are thousands of songs on the memory stick but it only seems to be reading some of them. Very frustrating. Who knew listening to my own music in a brand new car would be so f*$*# difficult!!!!! The car is leased from an English company - anyone know if I took it into my local Lexus dealership they'd help as it could easily be something I'm doing wrong.

Thanks 

Perhaps you have more than 32GB of music? I think the new MM21 system only supports 32GB (lord knows why... Even MM13 in my wife's car supports over 64GB.

Whittle it down a bit and see if it works?

Dealerships tend not to be very specialist at these things unfortunately.

Paul

I note some of the Lexus magazine website has been down last night/this morning, so perhaps they are having some infrastructure issues?

16 minutes ago, superatticman said:

Hi all

Long term GS owned here looking for their next toy 😀 

Gonna sell my GS and missus Juke and treat ourselves to something big, comfy but practical too. Lexus NX, Mazda CX5, Toyota RAV4 is showing potential. The RX is obviously the next step up size and class wise. Have around 25k-28k to spend so should be able to get a serious runner with that. 

Presume they are just like any other Lexus, ie very well built, comfy and reliable. Probably a bit heavier on fuel but likely similar to my 2.5 NA v6 GS.

Is probably more of a heart over head decision (plus need to get agreement from the flying Scotswoman) but then again...it's a Lexus so shouldn't ruin you like an X5 or Q7 could!

Anything to look out for or just usual bits?

 

Cheers 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Generation 4 RX vehicles are easily stolen and insurance is very high. Same with gen 1 NX.

You will find many posts about it on this forum.  You should get some insurance quotes first... And beware of the theft risk.

Paul