LEXUS GX460 AUTO BUTTON Hack

Navigating through the climate controls designed by Lexus can be somewhat tricky. Let's find out if there are any tips and tricks we can use. Enjoy.

[@JasonBentz]

I appreciate you answering her question, which this totally answers, but at the same time, I’ll disagree with that really being a “preset.” How high the fan comes on is dependent on the outside vs inside temperature, when in auto. If you really hate the fan coming on that much, then I’d suggest never running it in auto. This drives me nuts, because my wife will always close the vents or aim them away from her, instead of just adjusting the temperature. Auto is for AUTO. If you have a temp set that you are comfortable, the point of auto mode is for the vehicle to get the cabin to that temp as fast as possible. If you’re set 2-3 deg difference from outside, the fan will barely come on, if it’s really cold or hot outside, and the difference is 10 deg, that fan is going to come on full blast. That’s the point. If you don’t like air blowing on you, then just go full manual, and set it how you want, but don’t expect it to reach your desired temp as quickly. Really auto is nice, in the winter, it keeps the fan off until the engine is warm enough to provide heat, then slowly turns it on. In the summer, the A/C is ready almost instantly, which is why it turns on full blast almost immediately.

[@GXBOB]

Jason, you're right but i was solving her question, not going into detail of what the auto button is really designed for. Keeping it simple for the nontech savvy.

[@JasonBentz]

@@GXBOB oh, I completely agree! And it does precisely what you set it up to do, she will just have to keep adjusting temperature to only be a few degrees off from outside though, for it to continue to work that way. For instance when it’s 80 out, having it still set to 66 is going to make it come on full speed, when it didn’t do that when it was only 69 out.

[@GXBOB]

@@JasonBentz i think she wanted anything other than full blast air in her face. Lol. Hopefully she’d settle for a few degrees in any direction. I’m loading a new video right now about anti-kidnapping mod for the GX. Let me know what you think.

[@JasonBentz]

@@GXBOB hahaha, I can't wait!

[@scottphillipsarch]

Another way to think about the auto setting: the person sets the desired temperature, then the car/computer “auto” adjusts the air flow to reach that desired temperature. Most of us are used to constantly adjusting both temperature and air flow until we feel comfortable. Do THAT, & THEN hit the auto button and the system should try & maintain that in-cabin temperature by regulating the airflow (or return to that temperature on your next drive). You should be able to tweak the temp desired & it stay on auto, but as soon as you adjust airflow it should kick out of auto (that’s what my 470 does anyway, I assume same on the 460).

[@G5Hohn]

Exactly correct based on my experience on both my is250 and GX460. Auto is adjusting air flow based on the difference between set temperature and cabin temperature.

[@eugeneyon7584]

So glad I found your glorious page. The lock settings vid was also awesome. Bought the auto folding mirrors accessory too. Thank you sir!

[@GXBOB]

Nice Eugene! Hopefully i don't break your bank.

[@johnkent9019]

Very helpful information for a new GX460 owner. Bought a used one without an owners manual. Thank you!

[@GXBOB]

a new GX owner. Awesome! There's plenty of things to do first prior to hitting all the non-needed wishes, so enjoy watching.

[@williamnguyen7537]

Bob, love your videos sir! I’ve learned a lot from all your videos! I appreciate the content!

[@GXBOB]

You’re welcome William!

[@kyleschlabowske]

Thank you so much for making this video, Bob.

[@GXBOB]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bombero3368]

Bob declines the request to polish his knob, but then makes a video on how to lubricate his shaft…gotta love it! 😜

[@GXBOB]

This was actually pretty funny

[@mariagarcia6707]

I needed to see this video! Thank you!

[@GXBOB]

Glad you liked it Maria!

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Thank you GXBOB ❤️. Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 ❤️ from the desert 🏜 ❤️

[@GXBOB]

Do you really live in the desert?????

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@@GXBOB as opposed to where?

[@GXBOB]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD As opposed to 2 blocks away from the sand in the city of Newport Beach.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@@GXBOB 😆 🤣

[@JoJo-qq8il]

Bob you always make me laugh 😂 I’m still rolling in my 2012 Lexus GX 460 ❤

[@GXBOB]

i had a 2011 for a minute. I just had to get the 2014 just for the front end grill.

[@robbergstrom943]

Awesome video. Now I know how to get heat.

[@GXBOB]

i'm sure there is a short cut to all this madness. It just requires playing around with your buttons to find that magic.

[@jel517]

I just spit my coffee out🤣🤣🤣 Merry Christmas, be safe

[@GXBOB]

It must have been bad coffee. I do the same when i order coffee at donut shops.

[@will53e]

May have been mentioned...but I've been struggling with this on the 2023 and this video really helped. What you call Dual is 3-zone on the 2023, and I just confirmed it basically works the same way. Now that i've learned this, I just wish there were actual buttons to cycle the A/C on and off and 3-zone on and off rather than having to access this in the climate control window on the screen. #firstworldproblems

[@romocolorado67]

Feliz navidad bro your awesome !!!!

[@GXBOB]

Thanks Manuel, Merry Xmas brother.

[@millenialbroadcast]

Good tips

[@AlxDv]

Great stuff, works on a ‘23! Thanks!

[@GXBOB]

Thats good to hear. There's a lot of stuff i'm not sure could transfer over to the 2023 but comments like yours absolutely helps us all out.

[@michaelmika2568]

Merry Christmas!!

[@GXBOB]

Happy holidays!

[@can-cruiser]

Thanks for the video Bob. But what happens if you have the temp set to "LO" and hit "AUTO" button AFTER you saved the 3-bar setting? I doubt if it will retain the last setting.. I really wish if they had "OFF", "AUTO" and "ON" selections, with the ON just using the last settings used.. Merry Christmas and Happy 2023..

[@GXBOB]

So this is not going to solve every single scenario. I do see what you're saying. Loren L just wanted to do away with the high output of the auto button on the initial start up. If you have your settings on LO, then the Auto button be on high output. But if you adjust your temperature button regardless of what temp is sets to at 3 bars, then the Auto button will stay at 3 bars.

[@JaySmith-rv4ro]

Thank you for burning your gas to help us understand so that we may not burn as much gas …you’re a gem

[@GXBOB]

what are you talking about, i siphon most of my gas from my senior citizen neighbors late at night.

[@DDG58]

Great polite response.

[@GXBOB]

🍷

[@williamcopeland2732]

Another great video GX Bob! Say, have you seen the Apple CarPlay mod from GROM audio that allows you to add CarPlay/Android Auto to GX's? I installed one in my vehicle and it took about a long time to get it work well, but finally did. I'm curious to hear your thoughts about the setup since it integrates with the Lexus Infotainment.

[@GXBOB]

To be honest, i've been looking into Beatsonic's among other carplays but haven't had the time to actually do one. I may pick one up in the near future because the one in The Toyota 4runner i rented was actually really convenient to use.

[@vaderglide5978]

😂😂😂😂😂😂love the humor, love the video.

[@GXBOB]

Thanks but the video wasn’t meant to be funny.

[@pinoyelectriciansbayarea1608]

Thank you

[@yauheniruksha8684]

hi bob. Merry Christmas. good video about climate control. Thanks. help me figure it out please. when I start the engine from the remote start, the interior air does not turn on and when you get into the cabin and start it does not turn on. this is terribly inconvenient especially now when we have snow. maybe you need to enable something? I can't find any information about this. Thanks

[@GXBOB]

Your accessory wire is not connected. Usually when an alarm installer installs an alarm system, they have to connect to an ignition source in order for the alarm to recognize the truck is running and to not set the alarm off. The problem with your installation is that the installer may have used the ignition source as also the accessory wire since both accessory and ignition wires provide juice when you hit the start button twice w/o stepping on the gas pedal. The accessory wire is what turns your climate control on.

[@ianmock2]

This seems like a very convoluted explanation to a simple concept. "Auto" is simply like the thermostat in your house. You set it to a temperature, and it will maintain that temperature by cycling on and off the AC, as well as blowing at the appropriate velocity to achieve and keep the desired temperature. The "LO" setting is exactly the same as "MAX AC" in most other cars. It turns the compressor on high speed mode to make the air as cold as possible, and maxes out the blower to cool off the vehicle asap. If you turn off the car when you have a temp set on "Auto", the car will remember the temp set and set it again when you start it again. The blower speed is set according to the temp set, as it's now trying to maintain that temperature. The "Climate" button simply switches the screen to the climate controls screen, and has no other function, just like most cars. As for shutting off the A/C when the heat is on, this is generally bad idea. Many people don't know that the A/C system also contains a dehumidifier. This is essential in the winter when your windows start fogging up. The dehumidifier will cause evaporation of the condensation on the windows much more quickly, and keep it off.

[@GXBOB]

I agree with your explanation of the true intent of the oem auto feature but I think you missed the entire point of why I did what I did without writing out a 264 page Thomas guide to a simpleton that doesn’t care but instead just wants 3 pretty bars to stay put without being blasted in the face with prior settled nose hair from the last grandmother that sneezed while sitting in the passenger seat. My high school English teacher titled me king of run on sentences. Keep it simple.

[@danielc.6058]

Thanks for all the great videos GXBob! I have a request if you get time-how the F do you get traffic and weather info to work using only HD radio?? Keep up the good work.

[@GXBOB]

I subscribed to Sirius XM. They had a special which came out to like $5 a month if you do the whole year. Works great for news and weather.

[@danielc.6058]

Thanks Bob

[@dermotwallace5533]

Thanks

[@JoeGX460]

The bar adjust itself in auto mode to the desired temperature. In winter time (cold temperature) the auto mode doesn't blow a lot of air until the engine warm up.

[@GXBOB]

The tutorial is to manipulate the auto adjust

[@Iprado150]

@@GXBOByou do not understand the auto button. You are not setting any preset. It auto adjust the fans speed based on the interior temp of the car and the desired temp. Everything you said in the video is wrong.

[@Iprado150]

@@GXBOBalso the Climate button does nothing except for to display the climate control screen. Hence why nothing happens when you press it. You were already on the climate screen.

[@taganasiii]

First things first, thanks for your helpful videos! Now for my dilemma 😅, My 2019 GX460 infotainment system is not working right. Touchscreen wouldn’t respond, the buttons on the sides won’t either. Now I can’t use my Nav, heater, AC, radio etc. I called the dealership and unfortunately I only have 48 months of warranty on it. It’s been 52 months since I bought it brand new. Have you, in anyway experienced this? Any thoughts about why it’s happening? Thanks in advance for your reply.

[@GXBOB]

no i haven't. i would remove the nav and look in the back to see if any of the plugs are just loose. Then check the fuses. I would question why a newer truck such as a 2019 would have that type of issue already. Its a loose plug somewhere in your truck.

[@GXMAN16]

I love GX Bob but this is misleading. When the temp is set to "LO", it works as a "Max A/C" button in other cars. Try turning the temp to "LO" in a vehicle that has "Max A/C" and you will see the Max A/C button light up. The "LO" settings in Auto will never adjust the fan speed, it's designed for when the interior is really hot, like when the car had been sitting in the sun all day. You turn on this setting and open the windows to cool the interior rapidly and then you adjust to a NUMBERED temp and the fans will adjust as the temp changes. But in "LO" mode the fans will always be on full. So I don't get her question, when you press the AUTO button, press the ARROWS to a DESIRED temperature and it will adjust to it. If the interior is like 140F in the summer, use LO setting to blow the hot air out and then adjust it to whatever is comfortable, I use 67-69 normally. In Auto mode you use the arrows and the fan will adjust. If it's too chilly set higher temp, you feel hot, set lower temp. That's the beauty of Automatic Control. Lastly there is a setting for AUTO A/C in the vehicle settings. Leave it on and yes the A/C will run initially when you need you set higher temps. It's designed that way so the A/C dries the air and your windows don't fog up, after a while the A/C will turn off. When you're engine warms cold air, the air is more dense and naturally will give off more humidity. Don't worry the air will be super hot even with the A/C running so just leave A/C on Auto and let the car do its thing. Oh yea and the HI mode on the temp you guessed it, it's the DEFROST mode, in AUTO it will run the fan at full speed. That's what happens in other cars when you press the windshield defrost button, it overrides the current temp, goes to HI with fan blasting at full speed onto the windshield. The MAX AC and DEFROST buttons are just shortcuts in other cars to save from pressing arrows all the way up or down. DEFROST will only goes to full blast when the engine physically starts getting warmer. And warm air in general will only feel warm once the engine runs a certain amount. Some cars are faster then others to heat up the air. That's why you turn on heated seats and steering wheel if you do start the car at 0 degrees, no matter I'd it's a 150k Mercedes S class, it needs time to warm the heater cores to warm the air.

[@GXBOB]

GXman, technically you are correct. But when i'm faced with a question that doesn't demand a strewn out comprehensive reason behind what the auto button is really really really really for, I'm left to do what i'm good at. Use language that is more interesting and at the same time, gives a solution to the original question asked of Loren L. I may not have gone thru the weeds with this to explain to her why the auto button does it what it does but i took a path that gave her the solution she wanted - to remove the maximum output of air using the auto button. Once she gets the basics thru button-playing, she'll figure out the rest in time. So in conclusion, it's the language to teach how to push a button, not why. But thanks for the input GXman, i'm positive that many that read these comments will also appreciate the reasoning behind what the auto button is really meant for too.

[@GXMAN16]

@@GXBOB Just to let you know I love your videos and thanks to you I did a full service on my GX when I bought it last year. You go above and beyond, providing parts numbers and ect. I understand why you're explanation is the way it is, I wanted to clarify for others as well, as I respectfully disagreed with some stuff, not that your teaching was wrong. Many people don't understand the Automatic Climate Control, in fact in my first vehicle that had it, I still used it manually. It takes time for some to adjust to it. In fact I catch my wife all the time using manual control in her 4runner. GXBob simple answer for the Lady that asked for your help was just to use the arrows in my opinion. If the fans are too intense just adjust the temp to higher number by pressing the temp arrows

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Honestly I'm still confused how the HVAC works 😆... I just hit buttons and hope for the best... New Sienna, Camry, RAv4 etc climate is even more confusing with bracket buttons and other stuff I don't comprehend 😢

[@GXMAN16]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD it's easy you make sure the auto button is active and then you just hit the arrows to set the perfect temperature. The system does everything else.

[@jimmykrack99]

Hey, Bob. My A/C temperature control is not synced. I can't figure out how to get both passenger and driver's to move in sync. Any suggestions? 2015 GX base Thanks, for some fun videos.

[@GXBOB]

Please read this forum. Go half way down the thread. Good information. www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-2nd-gen-2010-2023/904805-temp-settings-do-not-stay-synched.html

[@gordjohnson70]

Auto... it blows max to cool the car off quickly. When the desired temp is achieved, it settles down. Heater... same idea. it's kinda like an automatic transmission, just sit back and let it do it's thing let it do it's thing. I use a remote start. I go out in 5 or 10 minutes and everything is perfect on both hot or cold days.

[@lgsierra]

Thank you for the video Bob. In your opinion, can someone with medium auto mechanic experience be able to change the radiator on a gx460? It would be awesome to see you do a video on this especially because so many people seem to run into issue a little over 100,000 miles. You're always pouring out great content and it's much appreciated..

[@GXBOB]

Hi Leo, yes that’s on my list of things to do. I think i may get around to it in the upcoming year. Thanks for asking.

[@lgsierra]

So any update on that radiator video? 😅

[@jamestamu83]

My 2010 GX with 115,000 developed a radiator leak last month, and I was able to change it myself. I'm a shade tree mechanic with average experience level. I'll change brakes, wheel bearings, and all fluids, but that's about all. Wish I had made a video to publish. To me the most frustrating part was gaining access to the bottom two radiator mounting bolts. Some posts say you can reach through the grille, others say you have to remove the front bumper clip. For my year I had to remove the front clip, which was actually very EASY. Lots of little bolts and plastic clips, but not bad at all. Then the radiator bolts are easily accessed. You need to remove the serpentine belt, drive fan, radiator shroud, and front clip. The bottom radiator hose was the worst. It can definitely be done by a competent home mechanic. No special tools. Book time is 4.5 hours. Took me 7.5-hours but I spent about 3-hours cursing and throwing tools b/c of the radiator bolts. Plus I work slow.....

[@lgsierra]

@@jamestamu83 thank you! Was extremely helpful

[@davidburrus9813]

I will be preventatively changing my radiator as I'm almost at 100K miles,@@GXBOB, so I'll be looking for that video as well. TIA!

[@jonsou9313]

How do you sync the temp button together just so you can use the one side to raise the temp n to drop the temp?

[@GXBOB]

The video tells you how at about 8:35

[@mandizzlesrt]

Thank the gods. Been fighting with that thing for years!

[@earpig]

Engineers are smart. I love trains.

[@GXBOB]

Wrong engineer . I was referring to Sanitation.

[@michaelmika2568]

So there is no way to use the auto button feature in the winter when using heat? Thanks Bob you're the best.

[@GXMAN16]

Yes it is!!! Just press Auto and use the Arrows to set a temperature that feels good. If you feel too hot at 79 degrees for example and it's blowing too much hot air, just press the arrow twice to 77 degrees and it will blow less air. That's the beauty of it, use the ARROWS

[@michaelmika2568]

@@GXMAN16 just have disengage the a/c button each time. When I start the car and click auto the a/c button is automatically engaged as a default

[@GXMAN16]

@@michaelmika2568 Mike, it'd like that for a reason. Do not disengage it, it's designed that way so the A/C dries the air and your windows don't get moisture/ foggy. It's actually a safety features as most manufacturers have automatic A/C, so that even during winter it runs and dry the air. It only does it INITIALLY, I've tested it, once a good temp is achieved and the air is dry enough( it sense humidity) the A/C is turned off. You can ovveride this setting if you go into main vehicle setting and set AUTO A/C to off. But I wouldn't reccomend that, as you will notice on some drives your windows getting foggy. The A/C keeps the air dry. Yes the compressor is running, you're using little more gas, but most newer vehicle have that setting now.

[@michaelmika2568]

@@GXMAN16 that makes a lotta sense, thank you for taking the time to explain it to me. I feel much better learning how the system works now. Thats why we love you man!! Thanks

[@GXBOB]

What would i do without you GXMan!!!!

[@Cocora22]

Hey Bob, first thanks for making all these vids, they are truly helpful. Was wondering, and it has nothing to do with this video but..... my 2022 GX 460 has a plug in the right rear 120 V, 100 W max. So I have my computer charging plug and today I wanted to plug into that outlet. Well guess what no can do. The little door that protects the outlet, while not in use interferes with the plug in such a manner that it will not insert all the way therefore it doesn't make the connection. You take all kinds of things apart so I was reaching out for some guidance. Tried a plastic tool, was too big. tried to pry sideways with my knife but there was no give. Then I tried to remove the mounting plate and I was afraid to force it and break it. Ideas??? Anyone who has one would be helpful. Thanks

[@GXBOB]

Use an extension/adapter?

[@Cocora22]

@@GXBOB will look into that see if that works. Thank you!!!

[@dml2205]

hey Bob , can you do 360 back up camera on your GX460

[@GXBOB]

I’m planning on switching out my head unit entirely. Hoping to get a better price on 2022 style navi screen.

[@DevonReclaimed]

​@@GXBOByou can retrofit that screen to a 2015?

[@seekfactsnotfiction9056]

Hey Bob, I am struggling with turning on the defrost heat, every time I turn it on early morning to defrost the windshield, it does not work, it just blows air but not hot! Idk what’s going on :(

[@GXMAN16]

Where do you think the warm air comes from? It's not magic, it comes from your warm engine, long story short if the engine is cold the air will be cold until it runs for a minute or two, setting the fans to higher will only blow cold air into the cabin faster, which is why in Auto mode the fans runs very low for the first few minutes even at temp being set to 75 or 80f or even to defrost mode. Keep the defrost running, as the engine runs the air will get warmer, even 34 degree air will start melting a 20 degree windshield for example. So even if it might not feel warm to you, it's already melting. If it's an issue, you need to get a remote start activated or an aftermarket system and run your car for 5-10 mins at least before you get in.

[@GXMAN16]

For longer version, the air runs through heater cores in your engine. Heater cores carry coolant that runs through the engine and absorbs heat. That hot coolants runs through a heater core and the heater core cools it off by having cold air run through it. So for the climate control system that air runs through these hot heater cores and gets hot, that's how you get hot air in the cabin. So early in the morning, the coolants is too cold becuase the engine is not producing enough heat, so the heater core are cold, and no matter how if you set the temp to highest setting and turn up the fans, that air cannot get warmer until the car start warming up. Watch your coolant temp gauge and normally once the gauge STARTS to move you will notice air get warm and hot. But if it's 0 degrees out and the gauge is barried in the corner, you will get cold air. Some cars can do it faster, a turbo engine does it a lot faster cause turbos generate a lot of heat instantly.

[@GXBOB]

@@GXMAN16 Thanks GXMan, well said.

[@seekfactsnotfiction9056]

@@GXMAN16 Thanks for taking the time explaining in details. I appreciate your help. I actually wait for 5 to 10 minutes until the vehicle is warm before turning on anything else. That’s when I see the fans blowing just normal air, not hot and not cold. Looks like something is running low maybe! It is a pre-owned GX460 luxury trim, I just got it last month. I didn’t have time to take it for full inspection yet. I followed same instructions I used on my older RX and ES but this GX was not responding! I’ll check what you’ve suggested tomorrow morning.

[@GXMAN16]

@@GXBOB Don't meant to steal your thunder! Thank you for all your videos! If you're ever in Colorado, my doors is open to you!

[@johnnynguyen8133]

I have a question for you my man I don’t know what year is your car My car is 2014 gx 460 My question is How do you know your car power steering using ATF type 2 or 3 But My car doesn’t say ATF I check my reservoir oil it’s just a regular oil it’s not a Red color like you used

[@GXBOB]

The reason why yours is black it’s because it’s old and oxidized from lack of maintenance. Your fluid is already broken down. Straight from Lexus support for fluid type… support.lexus.com/s/article/What-type-of-power-st-8207

[@Loren460]

Wonder if I could add heated steering wheel

[@GXBOB]

Or just move to California.

[@Loren460]

@@GXBOB bitch I just moved from torrance Beach area to indianna.

[@AlphardV55WR35]

Ding, LMAO again ! Thx

[@vaderglide5978]

Love da comedy. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@zeeshanamjad9993]

Is 60k factory recommended service worth it. It is about $700 😢.

[@GXBOB]

No. All the stuff that is part of the 60k service such as oil change, transfer case fluid change, driveshaft lubrication, cabin air filter, rotate tires, can all be done by YOU with the help of KZbin. It's only worth it if you have the money to throw away and you don't have the time.

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

I just wish that button didn't turn on the ac pump in the dead of winter.. so when it's 15 degrees out and you set your heat for 70, you click the auto button and the ac compressor turns on..

[@Wifigarage9]

🎁🎈🎉🎊🥂🍾

[@Loren460]

Thanks GX Bob, for helping our gx community. I wear my ovaries on the outside, if ya know what I mean. ..

[@GXBOB]

WTF, why would anyone name a dude Loren. God dammit. For once i thought i was going to get lucky. Fck.

[@Loren460]

You turn my wrench, ill turn yours. 😉

[@drwisdom1]

I have been driving for over 5 decades and like HVAC systems where you get to decide and it stays that way until you change it. Unfortunately Lexus thinks they know better than us and as time passes makes their HVAC systems harder to understand and control to achieve the desired comfort. Frankly, the HVAC system in my T100 is better than those in our GX and RX.

[@GXBOB]

i agree. i also prefer knobs and buttons over the new tech of making everything touchscreen.

[@gnawty4662]

🤣 what a request

[@aneeshchandrark6165]

Hello

[@GXBOB]

Hi

[@aneeshchandrark6165]

@@GXBOB hello Mr Bob, sometimes getting a message system loading dont turnoff power

[@aneeshchandrark6165]

What cud be the reason?

[@suzakukururugi6613]

😂

[@GXBOB]

i was being serious.

[@zakiathat6981]

Hey Bob, I have a 2020 gx460 . Its infotainment system keeps rebooting itself. Do you have any clue how to fix this problem?

[@GXBOB]

Its a Lexus software issue that the mfg knows about. Quite a few people complained about it. Your best bet is to record it when it happens and bring the proof to the dealer. If it happens enough times, you might threaten them with the lemon law.

[@luckyyou774]

6:37 when you have HI temp why does it blow down on legs?

[@GXBOB]

Heat rises