Connoisseur

...a duff Battery. Thought I was going to need a new starter motor or maybe had electrical gremlins, or even new alternator 'cos I had the Battery tested on the car only two weeks ago and was told it was charging fine.

But then the car just died so Battery off and load test result is Battery dead as a dodo.

£105 for a new Battery is a lot cheaper than new starter/alternator or tracking down electrical issues!

10. view of console from passenger side. Cable arrowed on left is cable for DAB control unit - this cable runs from the main DAB unit into cigar lighter space and to control unit. Cable arrowed on right is Vais unit cable from hu to cubby box

11. instal complete, control unit poking out of ash tray space, awaiting Brodit mount

12. unit is invisible when not in use, control unit can be dismounted and kept elsewhere, or put back into ash tray space. Note to self, must source new gear handle!

hth

M

6. straightened wire coat hangar (red dashes) used to pull string through from top of dash, then aerial cable attached to bring down and thread inside dash. Dash end cover simply pulls off with care, as does trim coloured cover piece to its lh

7. panel under n/s dash below air bag has four clips - pull hard to remove and then thread aerial cable across base using cable ties to secure. Care as puddle light and TPMS button power feeds are on rh side of panel

8. replace panel and keep cable free to go under dash - at this stage I tested the aerial with a DAB unit powered via cigar lighter to make sure it was all ok. Note the cable join, aerial came with 2 metre run, I added a 1 metre extension to give some slack

9. dismantle whole of centre console and pull hu out(main DAB unit lower right while we find power feed and connect all cables)

Have completed the Alpine EZI DAB instal, with the help of my mate Pete. Am impressed with the unit operation, and the sound via the OEM head unit. Turned into a long job because we had diffculty finding a permanent live under the dash.

Didn't get all the pics I wanted but have posted what I have with commentary in case it helps others doing same or similar job.

install info:

* I fitted the Kinetic DEGA-T4002 DAB glass mount telescopic pivoting aerial aas recommended by dabonwheels.com. When retracted the aerial is very stealth and even closed gives a fair signal. I ran the aerial cable down the n/s pillar behind the trim, through an opening under the tweeter dash cover, down the side of the dash, along the lower dash (removed panel below the air bag to do so) and into the back of the centre console then up to the DAB unit - some pics below.

* the main DAB unit was fitted on the top of the head unit using double sided tape - plenty of room and is the same location as Lexus use/recommend for their own add ons

* the controller unit cable runs from the main DAB unit down to behind the hu and up into the base of the ashtray space (ashtray unit itself removed and smal lhole drilled for cable to pass into the space) - when not in use the controller fits neatly inside the ashtray space with the door closed.

* main DAB unit requires both switched and permanent lives. Fused switched live easy run from the rear of the cigar lighter - on the GS a permanent live is not straightforward. Most of the cabling behind/under the dash turns out to be low voltage signal, and the two fuse boxes, one under each side of lower dash, are designed to be inaccessible! Eventually found a permanent fused live on the Battery side of the interior footlamps. The DAB unit only draws power to keep the unit memory going via permanent live so not a great load.

* sound is supplied from the DAB unit to the HU via FM transmit - works perfectly and there is an direct feed from DAB to hu by aux cable available if I need it.

The finishing touch is to mount the unit on a Brodit, as soon as the postie delivers the same......

M

pics -

1. aerial fitted top lh corner of screen in retraced position

2. aerial interior section installed on screen with cable going behind roof liner and then into pillar trim - black square is a block holding roof lining away to allow cable to go under

3. cable run down pillar before pushing under front edge

4. prise tweeter grille from dashboard to access path for cable to go down side and under dash

5. aerial cable run from under pillar trim to opening next to tweeter (on rh side marked in red)

cont. in next post

edited out, as I see the mods point......... :)

Great car, with great warranty Carl eh..........

What did you think though as each issue was followed by another? Even with the warranty surely you started to wonder.........

But I do understand. Had mine for 3 months and its not been w'out issues but everytime I step in, push the button and relax back then I remember why I bought a Lexus, and not another make.

Pleased it's all got sorted. How is the Vais unit for you? Have just added Alpine EZI DAB to mine........

There was a post on the forums some time ago where a member had purchased the SC430 and then discovered it was extremely rusty underneath and required major restoration/parts/money being invested in it to the point where I think it was resold at a substantial loss so make sure you inspect it carefully including the underside.Also press every button and switch to make sure they all work.

Now that is worth knowing more about -have you got a link to the thread/post?

In September we are taking our 2004 SC430 on a European road trip to Mercia in Spain and back. Storage space with roof down inc. the rear seat is good enough for two of us for the fortnight, but it is a convertible, so space is limited and as with the Merc. ingenuity can be required!.

imho roof seals are good, the drivers door seal around the mirror housing/tweeter can wear out so worth checking and replacing, as with all roof seals. Currently it's my daily driver car and has never let me down (wood firmly being touched!).

In my experience tyre noise is really about the tyres chosen. Continentals on mine are quiet enough for me, and I too am picky.

I would be more concerned about service history than mileage particularly. It's a great (verging on bullet proof) V8 engine and ancillaries. Just make absolutely sure the serpentine belt has been changed and that the car has been cared for. Later models have improved autobox and Bluetooth etc.

In the end it is a convertible, so limited space, great comfort, great engine and relaxing to drive. Good luck with your research...

M

It's a pleasure and thanks for your thank you.

Like you I don't believe in fill for life fluids - I changed my SC430 diff oil recently at 90k; looked ok but (v small) bits of metal stuck to the magnet suggest never done before - they are best out imo. Will do the same for the transmission later this year.

On my GS the diff oil will be changed at the 6 year service in October. My auto box is ECVT (so no gear change so faster response:) ) not sure what that needs but I always lean towards change - nothing lasts for ever......

hth

Just a caution from a US site, the centre vents are warned to be part of the dash unit and extreme caution is advised..

Go here and fill in your car age/type/mileage details. It's a USA site but the key maintenance details are little/no different. Worth a nose round the site in any case........

http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/info/my-lexus/service/maintenance-schedule.do

hth

There is also something I've read about making sure small oil filters in the head get changed regulalry (not a service item). Will see if i can find it...........

Just switched off my driver side seat belt buzzer, thank you! Same procedure applies for passenger side by plugging passenger belt in after following the instructions

hth

Shame :( as a check found the full procedure which is:

1. turn car off and lock it.

2. open car back up, press the power button just once to turn on Battery only (no foot on brake pedal)

3. hold down tyre system button until it bleeps/display changes

Good luck

The EZI Dab comes with a USB input for iPhone/iPod or USB stick/MP3 input, plus an aux input but I will be using it for DAB as I have a Vais in the centre storage which gives me great iPod/USB/MP3.

The EZI Dab is on run out but widely available; I got mine new from a Citroen dealer on eBay, circa £125; there are some silly prices around but circa £130 for a brand new and boxed unit is all you should pay. Wherever from the unit comes with its own wiring loom which can be used on all cars, even if it says Citroen/Peugeot specific it is in fact for all.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALPINE-EZI-DAB-DIGITAL-RADIO-INTERFACE-/131509738116?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1e9e975a84

Details of fit in case they help are Aerial in top lh corner of front windscreen then running behind pillar trim; a good aerial is a must with these, the internal ones are not really up to the job. I've got this

http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/Kinetic_DEGA-T4002_telescopic_glass_mount_DAB_car_aerial.html

.......a useful site with plenty of advice

Ezi DAB main box is going in space behind/below HU; box needs permanent live + switched live + earth. Switched live from cigar lighter feed; perm live from fuse box in cabin and the very small but well built control unit on a Brodit mount on LH of console - the control unit will fit stealth in the ashtray with door closed when not in use and only come out when in use .

Will try to get some pics and post when done.

hth

31.5!! Nice one.

From speaking to a few owners I know the car returns better mpg with 'power' switch on. I've just changed the plugs on mine and while nowhere near 31 am getting 2mpg more on runs so averaging 26/27 now.

Coincidence - I'm fitting the Alpine Ezi Dab to my 09 450h this weekend. It's an Alpine badged Pure unit and better because of the range of display colour options it offers over the Pure.

Chose it for the quality and reviews after much research, and because it offers three connection options: fm transmit; fm direct inject and aux in. Have rejected the FM direct inject as it would mean running cable up and down the car because my GS FM aerial goes from the rear screen to the tuner in the boot and not up to the front (yours may be different?);

So am going with fm transmit with aux in as a backup.

Let me know if details of fit/aerial and power would be of interest..

hth

Sounds like a great drive. I'm averaging low to mid 30's at the moment (even tho' am still at the stage of enjoying the loud pedal) so am looking forward to seeing what a long run gives....

It might be worth re initialising the system (manual page 458) to see the fault clears, and/or Battery disconnect; otherwise it could be an iffy tyre pressure monitor on one wheel which I suspect is where the Lexus dealer has you caught!

Will be interested in hearing how you get on - am sure I will be dealing with same at some point...

Good luck

from the manual:

when the instrument panel light control switch is turned to minimum, the foot lights, inside door handle lights and shift lever light will turn off

if the interior lights, personal ights and steering spot light remain on when the door is not fully closed, or the interior light switch is in DOOR position, then the lights will go off automatically after 20 minutes

hth

Mike

Hi Shaun,

Too long since i lived in Gloucester to give a recommendation but this page on Honest John has helped me a few times:

www.good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk

Otherwise if you want someone you can absolutely trust and are prepared to travel then a day out in Warwickshire will have the whole job done by the independent who looks after my SC, and no arm and leg prices.

Mike

Is tihs of interest? The seller is Lexus/Toyota Cambridge (Lancaster Group), my local dealer.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lexus-Genuine-Key-Fob-For-GS300-430-460-450H-LEXUS-GS-ONLY-05-11-RRP-250-/291428862388?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43da8389b4

M

some pics/how to of your instal if/when you do the job would be a great help;)

To answer my own question, in case it is of help to another member:

I now know that there is no coax FM/AM aerial feed to the HeadUnit in the GS450h. The rear screen diversity aerial coax feeds directly into the amp/tuner unit in the boot, which then sends a signal output to the head unit at the front.

Am not going to run two coax cables ot the rear to allow direct inject, esp. as am not sure it would be straightforward! Instead will try the FM transmit option, and if that doesn't work will feed the DAB unit output to the aux socket in the centre box.

My car has the Mark Levinson set up but I have found nothing to suggest the arrangement is any different in non ML cars.

Mike

I'm looking for an ignition switched live and permanent live for an install I'm doing (Alpine Ezi DAB unit) but don't know of one in the roof - could you use the int. lamp feed with an inline switch (and fuse)?

So for me the switched live is looking like the cigar lighter in the console and the permanent live either from a spare in one of the fuse boxes, or there is a permanent live at the OBD port.

Good luck and if I find out more will let you know. It seems GS450h electrics may be a bit of an unexplored area..........

ps is it worth popping the large plastic trim cover off adjacent to the roof lamps? If the sunroof loom is there it might be visible for testing with a multimeter?

Hi,

Am looking to buy a DAB tuner box and display for my 2009 GS and would like if possible to hard wire the output from the DAB tuner into the Head Unit (HU) via the FM aerial input (apparently this is termed 'direct inject' as compared to getting the signal via an FM frequency transmission).

This means splicing the tuner output cable (Fakra?) into the HU FM aerial input but I don't know/ can't find info on the aerial lead input plug/socket arrangement on the rear of the GS HU.

Does the HU have a standard radio aerial iso input, or if not any info on what type of arrangement is used would be a great help?

All advice much appreciated

Mike