Apple Car Play/Android Auto in 2016 Lexus

[Cropduster172]

I find it difficult to believe that there is no relatively simple solution for installing Apple Car Play and Android Auto into a car with a manufacturer's infotainment system without ripping apart the console and dashboard. I know Car Play/Auto was introduced to Lexus in the 2020 model year. I think the concept of both is great
but $600-$800 for some module and harness PLUS ripping the dash, console and running and hiding wires seems a waste of time and money.
I would of thought someone would've come up with a plug and play solution by now. But that hasn't happened. My 2016 ES350 infotainment system, is OK. Navigator is terrible... useless in fact. I settle for Bluetooth connectivity and audio but those apps on your dashboard screen are so much better.

 

[Quattro Pete]

I would of thought someone would've come up with a plug and play solution by now. But that hasn't happened.

That's because it's not that simple. Android Auto/Apple Carplay requires different software to run on, and no car manufacturer will allow you to run 3rd party software on their hardware for obvious reasons. Besides, the hardware may not be beefy enough to support it either.

 

[Cropduster172]

That's because it's not that simple. Android Auto/Apple Carplay requires different software to run on, and no car manufacturer will allow you to run 3rd party software on their hardware for obvious reasons. Besides, the hardware may not be beefy enough to support it either.

So no tech dude can figure out a hack to get around the manufacturer's hardware lock out?

 

[dnewton3]

There is no magic wand to achieve what you seek.

There are some very good products out there which integrate well with the OE controls, and they are "plug and play" (no cutting/splicing of wire), but you do have to remove some of the dash components to get to the integrated wire harnesses at the various components. And they are anywhere from $500-$900 depending on brand and application.

There are some good YT videos out there showing the process; if you watch them you'll understand why it's not a simple 5 min job.

 

[Cropduster172]

There is no magic wand to achieve what you seek.

There are some very good products out there which integrate well with the OE controls, and they are "plug and play" (no cutting/splicing of wire), but you do have to remove some of the dash components to get to the integrated wire harnesses at the various components. And they are anywhere from $500-$900 depending on brand and application.

There are some good YT videos out there showing the process; if you watch them you'll understand why it's not a simple 5 min job.

It's a fantasy of mine to see/have a smart device that plugs into the cars USB port and magically have Android Auto.
I've seen those YT videos you mentioned. The hill doesn't seem worth the climb at $500-$900... likely quite a bit more if you have it installed at a shop that specializes in auto electronics.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

This is why cassette tape players will never be obsolete

They've made all sorts of adapters that go into the tape deck for stuff like this. CD players, Bluetooth, Carplay/Android. etc

Does you Lexus have an aux input?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Does you Lexus have an aux input?

That would work for audio only. Somehow I sensed the OP wanted to do nav as well.

 

[Cropduster172]

That would work for audio only. Somehow I sensed the OP wanted to do nav as well.

Correct. Google Maps mostly. Actually, the Lexus texting app/program works pretty well. Almost every other function I use is strictly audio and Bluetooth takes care of that.

 

[tbm5690]

I paid under $200 for my unit that integrates using the factory harness on my MDX. Removal of dash components and factory head unit for the install was easy and didn't take much time. Have you looked into your vehicle on YouTube to see exactly what is involved if you did your own install? You might be making a mountain out of a mole hill.

 

[Cropduster172]

I paid under $200 for my unit that integrates using the factory harness on my MDX. Removal of dash components and factory head unit for the install was easy and didn't take much time. Have you looked into your vehicle on YouTube to see exactly what is involved if you did your own install? You might be making a mountain out of a mole hill.

Yes. I looked into it. It's minimum $600 for a unit. Read prior posts.

 

[Marcozi]

This might work!

https://www.crutchfield.com/g_500950/Wireless-CarPlay-Android-Auto-Adapters.html?tp=98519

 

[Quattro Pete]

This might work!

https://www.crutchfield.com/g_500950/Wireless-CarPlay-Android-Auto-Adapters.html?tp=98519

Which of these two items are you recommending to the OP?

 

[tbm5690]

Yes. I looked into it. It's minimum $600 for a unit. Read prior posts.

Well, just went to the manufacturer's site for my unit and they sell a box for different variants of 2016 Lexus infotainment systems for $199. Did you look into what it entails to install it yourself? That was my question. $199 "out the door" for an easy DIY might be your best option.

 

[Cropduster172]

Well, just went to the manufacturer's site for my unit and they sell a box for different variants of 2016 Lexus infotainment systems for $199. Did you look into what it entails to install it yourself? That was my question. $199 "out the door" for an easy DIY might be your best option.

Do you have a link for that site?

 

[Cropduster172]

This might work!

https://www.crutchfield.com/g_500950/Wireless-CarPlay-Android-Auto-Adapters.html?tp=98519

That's a wireless adapter for an infotainment system that already has Car Play pr Android Auto so you don't have to plug in your phone with a cable.

 

[Marcozi]

That's a wireless adapter for an infotainment system that already has Car Play pr Android Auto so you don't have to plug in your phone with a cable.

Got it!

 

[1lieutenant]

I had a Beat Sonic CarPlay/Android module installed in my 2015 Lexus GS350. The car came with factory navigation which Lexus no longer supports. It required significant disassembly of the dash and screen, but these pieces snap in place and are easily removed and replaced. The installation is clean and the unit works flawlessly. I now have wireless CarPlay.
This car might be the nicest I have ever owned. I plan on keeping it for the duration so “investing” $1K seemed reasonable, certainly not cheap though! If you really enjoy your ES and plan to keep it, then it might be worthwhile to update it to current standards.

 

[Cropduster172]

I had a Beat Sonic CarPlay/Android module installed in my 2015 Lexus GS350. The car came with factory navigation which Lexus no longer supports. It required significant disassembly of the dash and screen, but these pieces snap in place and are easily removed and replaced. The installation is clean and the unit works flawlessly. I now have wireless CarPlay.
This car might be the nicest I have ever owned. I plan on keeping it for the duration so “investing” $1K seemed reasonable, certainly not cheap though! If you really enjoy your ES and plan to keep it, then it might be worthwhile to update it to current standards.

I agree. Worth considering. Not sure if we're going to keep my wife's 2016 ES350 or my 2016 RX350. Either way, whichever we replace will be replaced by the same model Lexus...just newer(2021 or later).
I never used the factory navigation. It's clunky, not user friendly and now out of date. The Lexus upgrade SD card is 25% the cost of a module like you have. Also. What's easier than to just speak" hey Google navigate to....?

 

[andrew_j]

I agree. Worth considering. Not sure if we're going to keep my wife's 2016 ES350 or my 2016 RX350. Either way, whichever we replace will be replaced by the same model Lexus...just newer(2021 or later).
I never used the factory navigation. It's clunky, not user friendly and now out of date. The Lexus upgrade SD card is 25% the cost of a module like you have. Also. What's easier than to just speak" hey Google navigate to....?

I just place my iphone over my 2013 Acura RDX Navigation (works well actually) in my Acura and it works great. I have considered a Apple play screen to fit in nook however not sure if any of them are decent , they are too cheap $50-80 and not sure spending more means better or just lining someone’s pockets .