Lexus Carplay Upgrade 4 Month Review and Tips

[@profsg]

Links to the Carplay / Android Auto unit: * Enter coupon code PROFESSOR to get ⭐$15 OFF⭐: rebrand.ly/Professor/LexusCarplay * Or get it from eBay: ebay.us/hHsSQ6 Compare the prices and get the best deal!

[@CricketIsland-on4hg]

Thank you professor for the further explanations and guidance. you are really good human being. God bless you!

[@profsg]

Appreciate the kind words! Glad it helped. God bless!

[@thanghuu1]

Thanks Professor, I'm keen to follow your footstep and install one myself!. Quick question for you: will this work with the AC of the car? (i.e., will the screen show changes in AC mode, airflow etc, when I'm doing Carplay?) I know the factory screen shows a little pop up whenever air settings are adjusted, not sure if this module processes that and displays on screen or not. Thank you!

[@profsg]

You bet! Safety features will continue to function in the Carplay mode. For example, it will automatically switch to the rearview camera screen when the car is in reverse and sensor warnings will go off when it's moving too close to objects, etc. However, it won't switch to the A/C display unless you manually switch to the original infotainment mode. That said, on my model, I have physical buttons for A/C, airflow, and digital/number LCDs next to them, don't have a need for this information on the big screen. Does your car have a similar configuration with physical buttons or is it different?

[@thanghuu1]

@@profsg Thanks for the quick response! My RX has nearly the same button layout as yours actually. So it has a mini screen for the temperature, but that mini screen doesn't show which mode the airflow is (i.e., air going down to the feet vs. air to the face). I tend to toggle this airflow mode quite a bit, so that'll be a bit of a nuissant I think.😄

[@pincopallino1429]

Thanks Professor, Great clarification video.

[@profsg]

You are welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@varghesejoel]

Thank you so much for the informative video it was very helpful in my installation. However I have a few questions. 1. I could not find enough room with all the wiring harnesses behind the radio unit to store the carplay module. It would not let me put the radio back and line up the two bolts appropriately. I temporarily found a solution to put the carplay box itself in the glove compartment but this is not ideal. I have seen other videos where other professional installers have placed it on the right side of the transmission tunnel inside the paneling. I have a ML system so not sure if I have more wiring harness than other models. 2. Do we need to remove the Bluetooth connection to the Lexus infotainment in order for the Bluetooth connection to the carplay module to work correctly? 3. While the steering volume controls work, is there a way to get to the next track for the steering wheel? 4. Do the MAP button work the same way in carplay mode or will it take you back to Lexus infotainment? 5. Is there a way to default the carplay mode to a certain screen?

[@profsg]

I am glad it helped! To your questions: 1) The space is tights and, depending on your model/configuration, you may not have enough room in the back. My installation works fine with the Lexus model I have and I've had no problem so far. But I do think it is a good idea to put it in the glove box to get around the above problem, which also give you easy access to the module just in case. 2) You don't have to remove the original bluetooth connection. But I did remove that connection and, so far, have no need for that once I have carplay. The onwheel phone buttons continue to work with carplay without the OE lexus bluetooth. 3) Yes, there is a way to make next/skip buttons work. Look at this thread of comments under the video, which I pinned to the top: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2nIdJWMradpm5I&lc=Ugx68Hh--07HMoDuDTN4AaABAg 4) The MAP works and is more like a menu/back button that allows you to go back and forth between carplay home screen, google/apple maps, etc. No it doesn't take you back to the original Lexus infotainment, unless you long press the Menu button. 5) The Carplay on your phone allows to rearrange the apps/icons so you can move your favorite apps to the 1st/home screen. Additionally, frequently used apps will appear on the left side for easy access. The Map/Back button also lets you switch between some of default screens, e.g. home, maps, maps w/ now playing. Hope this helps.

[@varghesejoel]

@@profsg thank you so much for your detailed response! I really appreciate it and your content.

[@rmoradi]

Thank you for the video very helpful, I have installed the unit on a RX 350 2017 and I have an issue with audio when using navigation hear this noise in Aux I have changed the LX IS etc still have the issue also can not listen to music and NaVi sound at the same time I reached out to the sellers but of no use so far so you have any suggestions? Thank yu

[@profsg]

Glad it was helpful! To your questions, here are my thoughts-- 1) I've heard from several people experiencing noise from the audio/AUX. A common issue is with an audio ground wire (AUDIO-GRND). The solution is to disconnect the wire as it will otherwise introduce engine noise (if grounded). 2) If your navigation (Google or Apple Maps) is enabled with voice guidance, it will take over (by lowering music volume) when giving directions. It's a feature of your phone (maps) and you can change it on the app, e.g. to disable voice guidance. Hope this helps.

[@qwu2004]

Do you place the unit behind the car audio unit loosely or use zip tie to secure it ? Thanks

[@profsg]

I placed it behind the radio unit loosely but you can certainly zip tie it if you find a good spot to do so. An alternative is to route and place it in the glove box, which will make it easy to access in case of problems. Though I am not sure how ventilated is inside the glove box and whether it may have contributed to unit overheating, as some reported. Mine in the back of the radio is also under the A/C passage and I haven't experienced overheating.

[@qwu2004]

Just a follow up. I purchased the unit from eBay and installed it. It was straightforward following your video. 1. Many bundles of cables to play with, so it takes a while to tuck everything back. 2. I used the Bluetooth connection instead of AUX, it worked well and I do not have to disable my bluetooth connection on the phone. 3. I routed the cable of USB connector to the left side of the radio unit, behind the Start/Stop button, then to the storage space, so it is easier to use. 4. There are 2 optional bundles of cables for joystick extension and screen power in the box, I ended up not using them since the system functions well. Also slight different DIP switch setting, may be due to newer version of the box. 5. There were 2 minor issues: the bottom of CarPlay screen has a strip of OEM MAP showing; and the music screen background was blocky (supposed to be smooth gradient). Both were fixed by software upgrade from the tech support.

[@profsg]

@@qwu2004 Excellent! Glad it all worked out and thanks for sharing the tips!

[@ZiYang-fh5ub]

Thank you for the review. Can you please share where you bought the device?

[@profsg]

Sure! There are multiple similar brands/models but this is the one I purchased on eBay: www.ebay.com/itm/384400476740

[@dannyhou3082]

Thank you so much for this review. I have a question about this module. When you are playing music, are you able to use skip/back buttons on the steering wheel? I notice that this module is connected through AUX and when I use AUX cable connecting my phone I lost the control of skip/back music, and I could only adjust volumn with the steering wheel.

[@profsg]

Yes you can! You may need to adjust related settings in the Carplay system for it to work properly. Look at this highlighted comment (and responses) under my installation video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2nIdJWMradpm5I&lc=Ugzkr3ZBBLZ2GD8s0Px4AaABAg Best luck!

[@dannyhou3082]

@@profsg Thanks! I also have another question. I saw that this module also come with a joystick extension cable which you did not install. What is it used for and should I install it?

[@profsg]

Sure! That's probably just an extra cable not applicable to my model. Each year/model can be different so double check with the seller to send you the correct cables. In my case, I didn't use that and have no problem with my joystick/remote. But as I discussed in the video, you do need to change certain options in the system settings for the joystick to work better.

[@dannyhou3082]

@@profsg Thanks! My last question is that, did you notice any overheating problems during winter when you had heating in your car?

[@profsg]

I don’t have that problem, though there are reports of unit overheating.

[@cidneyschultz8243]

Hello, I just added apple car play to my 2019 Lexus RX 350. The problem I am having is with the phone. It rings, and the music stops when the phone rings, but after I answer the call, the music resumes and i cannot hear the call. It shows on my phone that i am connected to the call, but i cannot hear. The person calling can hear me. Can you help?

[@profsg]

Here are a couple of things I'd check-- Did you disable/disconnect the original Lexus bluetooth on your phone and on the Carplay system setting? Make sure your bluetooth is only connected to the CarPlay unit and the audio on your car is switched to AUX. If this is all correct, test your phone for calls again. After you receive a call, there is an option on iPhone's (or Android) call interface to let you switch between audience outputs, including the phone's default, speaker, and bluetooth/carplay options. The following page shows some of those options: discussions.apple.com/thread/253125698?sortBy=best If this is the issue, there should be a way to set CarPlay as the default phone call audio output so you don't have to manually select it every time.

[@JoeLahaina]

Thank you for the follow up, very helpful!

[@profsg]

Glad it helped!

[@edkoki]

Nice video. Quick question. After few months, the device doesn’t turn on. Do you know any why to reset the module?

[@profsg]

Thanks! Not sure without further details. Is it completely nothing on the screen? Or is it still capable of showing your original Lexus infotainment/navigation? Is your phone still connected to its bluetooth and wifi? Is the audio still working via AUX? Probably defective if none of these is working.

[@edkoki]

@@profsg original navigation is working but the volume is decreasing to 0 just after connecting the audio sources. Cannot activate the car-play interface. Bluetooth is connected to Lexus but the new device doesn’t show up

[@profsg]

I suppose you meant Bluetooth connected to the **CarPlay module** (NOT original Lexus)? Does it show a similar screen like this (see video at this time: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5KlnKNngseqf7csi=8pLiq7ansryHnfiD&t=250) at all after you long-press Menu for 3 seconds? Another test you may do is to connect your phone to the unit via a USB cable to see if it shows you any of the above. If none of these happens, it's a defect and you should get a replacement.

[@csrlee]

Hey, thanks for the videos. your installation video was spot on. I installed and ended up putting 2 ground wires together and stuck it on the metal frame by right side. Very minor but I hear some engine noise coming through the speakers without music on. where did you put the ground wire? did you not connect them at all?

[@profsg]

Glad it helped! On my model, I didn't have to deal with the ground wires. But here is another comment related to yours: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2nIdJWMradpm5I&lc=UgzITUVjfR9zrHmu2It4AaABAg.9c--vhuGeME9c-SutsyIpN In the comments, looks like it works for some when the two wires are spliced; but for others, it takes a firmware update. If none of these works, get in touch with the seller support and let us know what you find out.

[@csrlee]

@@profsg I should've followed your installation.... and not deal with the wires. Actually, i just opened back up and figured out that AUDIO-GRN should not be grounded. It carries engine sound. Everything is perfect now.

[@cosettapessa6417]

@@profsg how do you update the firmware of the box?

[@profsg]

@@cosettapessa6417 I only know some people get the update from the seller. So get in touch with the support.

[@profsg]

@@csrlee glad it worked out! Yes. I can also confirm that with the installation in video, there is no noise from engine even when you rev up and set volume to max in AUX.

[@Losthegr88]

Is this compatible with 2020 Lexus RX?

[@profsg]

I believe 2020 RX is already equipped with (wired) Carplay from factory so you don't need this. Have you used the existing Carplay feature with a USB connection? If you want wireless Carplay, you can add a wireless adapter like this: amzn.to/4dixYZR

[@ben97785]

Hi Professor, does your car has the 360 camera? Is this module compatible with that? I had one installed by a local installer, but the front camera is not working correctly.

[@profsg]

I don't have 360 camera but, based on the feedback/comments under the following video and what I see on the instructions, looks like it supports original and aftermarket 360 cameras: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2nIdJWMradpm5I&lc=UgwyfQxiN8hhk15l9bV4AaABAg.9aLaehViOrt9e81yIDQ-xv

[@ben97785]

@@profsg thank you, professor

[@haythamsaeed7757]

Is the android auto utilize the full screen? On 12.3 inch screen ? I read that some people saying that the screen resolution when using android auto is not good.

[@profsg]

I believe it used the full screen with android auto, though Google maps wasn’t in the full screen mode when I tested it.

[@MrKeung20]

Hey sir, I installed this on my gs350, everything’s working great beside the reverse camera won’t work. Do you know what settings or something wrong with it?

[@profsg]

Is it not showing the camera in reverse? There are related options in the Carplay system settings you may want to check first. If it is not the case, perhaps something to do with the wiring and DIP settings. And the best is to contact the seller support. Good luck!

[@williamwong6903]

What brand of CarPlay did you purchase and where I can purchase in Toronto Canada?

[@profsg]

There are multiple similar brands and this is the RoadTop one that I purchased on eBay: www.ebay.com/itm/384400476740 I think you should have no problem getting it in Toronto but make sure you pick the one for your specific car model/year/configuration. Talk to them before ordering it.

[@williamwong6903]

@@profsg Thanks

[@saadantefj]

I don't see an hdmi button on mine. How did you enable thay?

[@profsg]

It might be something you can enable on the Carplay's system menu. I remember there's a KZbin option to enable/disable but have to double check on this one.

[@saadantefj]

I just got a response from roadtop....they sent me an updated ui to apply. Let me know if anyone needs it. I'm going to download it. You plug it in via the USB port and it runs automatically.

[@markfreeman3287]

hey, would you mind sharing the hdmi ui update, i dont see it on my carplay

[@profsg]

@@markfreeman3287 You may contact RoadTop support as well. From my experience, they are responsive.

[@markfreeman3287]

I have contacted them yesterday but no response. Probably due to the weekend. @saadantefj if you still have the file please share.

[@luisramirez6970]

I had an issue with a similar upgrade that when I moved the joystick in carplay mode it would also move the Lexus controls in the background. Did you notice anything like this? I had to uninstall and return mine and get a refund due to this defect, but it was from a different vendor, but the device looked the same.

[@profsg]

I don’t have this issue but several viewers reported similar issues like yours under my installation video: Lexus Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Upgrade Installation Step by Step kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2nIdJWMradpm5I However, no one has provided a solution yet. I assume it is a defect on some products.

[@luisramirez6970]

@@profsg Bummer I might have to return this one too then. Thanky you for your reply!

[@luisramirez6970]

@@profsg My steering wheel phone buttons don't work to answer an end calls like your's do, I'm wondering do you still have the phone connected to the OEM car bluetooth? And if you do are you using the setting in the carplay module settings "use car BT phone" or something like that? Thank you, for your help!

[@arazgeldimammetgeldiyew7742]

Hey Luis. I just installed same brand system on my lexus rx 350 2019 year and I have same problem as yours. On the background joystick moves as well and some time while using the apple car play A/C starts to work. Also I am not happy by the joystick in carplay mode as it is jumping from one app to another app.

[@profsg]

@@luisramirez6970 The on-wheel phone buttons work with my Carplay out of the box. I did disconnect my phone from the original Lexus bluetooth, and the Carplay interface responds to the buttons. So I believe these connect directly to the Carplay unit. I don't remember any specific settings but you can check the options on the carplay's system settings. There are options labeled as related to "wheel buttons." If nothing else, contact the seller.

[@akibabdullah1]

Hi, thanks for the update. I recently installed CarPlay to my 2018 RX 350. Unfortunately the phone receive or reject button & track change button don’t work while I’m in CarPlay. Any suggestions would be helpful.

[@profsg]

Sure. Have you contacted the seller? I suspect it has something to do with wiring and/or DIP settings. But it’s best to contact their support for specific model/configurations.

[@raghavraghu5739]

I have the same issue. Did you fix this issue ? Please let me know.

[@akibabdullah1]

I have connected the Bluetooth to the car and wifi to CarPlay. Thus the call received/reject button works. Track change still doesn’t work though

[@bingsalazar8723]

My 2017 Lexus rx 350 has a bird eye view when reversing. Will the 3D or Birds Eye view still works with this andriod/CarPlay upgrade ?

[@profsg]

I don't have these features so I'm not 100% sure. But based on the instructions and feedback, I believe these will continue to work.

[@ralphjosephcolipano6116]

Hello Professor! I appreciate all your videos. I installed this module into my 2016 Lexus RX350. Everything is good, it's working. But I noticed that the siri/google assistant voice is too high. I tried lowering the volume but it doesnt work. It's like Siri/Google is yelling lol. Can you help me with this?

[@profsg]

This is interesting! I doubt it came from Carplay/Siri and might be from the OEM navigation. You may check the following: 1) Make sure it is on AUX and play music/video/sound from your phone. Can you hear it and change volume? 2) When you press the volume knob, does it turn the volume off completely? 3) If you switch to the OEM navigation/maps, is it active (i.e. providing voice guidance)?

[@eclipse4030]

Hey Ralph. That sound more from the box setting. That u. An lower the volume. Don’t have one yet. But I’m still searching cuz I need one those for my Lexus tho.

[@cosettapessa6417]

@@eclipse4030 true. I saw it in another video. The setting for the volume is inside the box os.

[@jtbalthis]

Please add to 2018 rx450

[@profsg]

For questions regarding whether it's compatible with your year/model, you can get in touch with the seller (e.g. Roadtop). Looks like it may work with 2018 RX but the configuration of 450 hybrid might be different. Good luck!

[@ElmerAlmonte]

Hello, I have installed this on my Lexus IS 2017 but the AUX sounds very low, almost non existent for my CarPlay. So I have no audio. Do you have any idea how can I fix this?

[@profsg]

I didn't have this issue but there is an audio volume setting in the Carplay module's system settings (under Audio -> Volume).

[@brammaharaj]

Hello Professor, just install the Capplay unit on my 2017 Lexus CT200, without navi. i can't see to get any sound thru the car speaker when playing music....is there are setting that I need to check/set

[@profsg]

Do you hear sound when you use maps/navigation? Make sure it is on AUX and audio is on. Sometimes your app (on phone settings) may have audio output redirected to bluetooth/headphone/other devices... you may disable the original Lexus bluetooth connection and try again. If it is wired correctly, it should be able to pump audio to AUX.

[@brammaharaj]

Thanks, I'll have a closer look

[@brammaharaj]

@@profsg Great thanks, how do you get into the Carplay setting ?

[@profsg]

@@brammaharaj Reference the Carplay screen here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5KlnKNngseqf7c Select the Home app (with a car icon) on the carplay screen and you will get into the module settings. Hope this helps.

[@brammaharaj]

@@profsg Found it...again thanks for your help

[@Pedro-hd1nu]

When using carplay, there is a delay of about two seconds when switching to reverse, how to solve this?

[@profsg]

Not sure if this is caused by the phone or the CarPlay module… there are system settings related to mic/audio delay, etc. Check if you see options that can cause this delay or is it a defect?

[@yimingzhu8238]

I installed roadtop on my 2017 Lexus RX 350 today. I have base model with 8inch screen. My AUX sound effect is terrible. There is a lot of background noise, any ideas why? Everything else works

[@profsg]

Some thoughts-- How does AUX sound like with the original Lexus infotainment (when you use AUX directly without Carplay)? Were you using wireless or USB? Does it make a different with a different phone? Might be useful to try combinations of these to find out where the culprit is.

[@NTK424]

Hey I have it installed but whenever I turn my signal on it turn it off the CarPlay.

[@profsg]

Not sure about the exact problem here, but you may test the Carplay unit first with a USB connection.

[@fover3319dfy]

dose it support KZbin？

[@profsg]

Yes and no. It has that feature but is a bit tricky to set it up and use it on a regular basis. It doesn’t use the existing CarPlay connection but uses its own Wi-Fi channel.

[@khoile8465]

Why the joy sticks doesn't wotk when I use apple carplay??

[@profsg]

Would be happy to advice further if you can provide more details about the exact problem.

[@khoile8465]

when i use apple carplay, the joystick doesn't work, but when i don't use apple carplay, it works, help me pls

[@khoile8465]

I can't do anything when I use apple carplay because the joystick doesn't work, but it still works when I use the Lexus app

[@khoile8465]

I am using the same car as you

[@profsg]

I suppose you followed my installation video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2nIdJWMradpm5I Double check: cables are chained, the exact DIPs per instructions, remote lever selected on the carplay settings? If none of these, it might be defective. Contact the seller.

[@miclmololadavid-neg3239]

Hello, pls does apps like KZbin and Netflix work with it?

[@profsg]

There is a separate KZbin mode in the CarPlay module. Or you can use Airplay/mirror display to project your phone so any app you use, like KZbin or Netflix, can play on the infotainment. It supports portrait and landscape but, on my model, it doesn’t utilize the entire screen.

[@ThuyNguyen-ns4pg]

@@profsg The mirroring is worthless. Buy an amazon firestick and connect it to HDMI on the box. Connect it to your phone wifi and you have a fully functional google TV. You can stream youtube and netflix without any problems.

[@profsg]

@@ThuyNguyen-ns4pg very interesting! I don’t like the mirroring either. Your solution makes sense, if there is HDMI.

[@Pedro-hd1nu]

The sound quality when using CarPlay is much worse than the original car

[@profsg]

Mine is okay. I couldn’t tell the difference. Some reported having engine noise from the ground wire so you may check that and disconnect audio ground if you do have that wire from the CarPlay.

[@MrSamPhoenix]

Is this available for a 2018 Lexus GS?

[@profsg]

This is the one I purchased: www.ebay.com/itm/384400476740 Looks like there is one for GS but get in touch with the seller to confirm it fits your model year.