iPod Interface for 2007 Kluger Grande

[kluger07]

Hi Fellow Kluger Owners,

One of the glaring omissions from the Australian version of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Limited (Kluger Grande), in my opinion, is an iPod interface, which incidentally, is available to Canadian owners as an option. Let's not mention other omissions such as TPMS, Garage Door Remote and 9 Speaker JBL System, etc.,etc!

I am currently discussing the possibility of importing an iPod interface into Australia from the US following confirmation from the manufacturer the unit in question will suit our vehicles. This unit, unlike the factory unit, allows complete control of your iPod through the audio systems controls. I.e.: You will be able to browse Artists and Albums rather than simply select a Playlist. I hope to have a unit here to test in the coming weeks.

In order to reduce the cost of shipping I'm seeking other potentially interested parties. The more units we purchase, the cheaper the price per unit. If you think this is something you may be interested in, please send me a message.

Cheers

Kluger07

Edited November 25, 2007 by kluger07

[DerekD]

Hi Fellow Kluger Owners,

One of the glaring omissions from the Australian version of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Limited (Kluger Grande), in my opinion, is an iPod interface, which incidentally, is available to Canadian owners as an option. Let's not mention other omissions such as TPMS, Garage Door Remote and 9 Speaker JBL System, etc.,etc!

I am currently discussing the possibility of importing an iPod interface into Australia from the US following confirmation from the manufacturer the unit in question will suit our vehicles. This unit, unlike the factory unit, allows complete control of your iPod through the audio systems controls. I.e.: You will be able to browse Artists and Albums rather than simply select a Playlist. I hope to have a unit here to test in the coming weeks.

In order to reduce the cost of shipping I'm seeking other potentially interested parties. The more units we purchase, the cheaper the price per unit. If you think this is something you may be interested in, please send me a message.

Cheers

Kluger07

I have a 2007 Presara with the Factory Sat Nav, If the Presara uses the same head unit, I'd be interested.

Do you have a web site for me to look at?

[kluger07]

Hi DerekD,

I don't want to get everyone's hopes up just yet. I'd like to confirm the unit works but would also like to give the manufacturer some indication of the level of interest here in Australia. As soon as I can confirm this interface works, I'll provide all the information.

Cheers,

Kluger07

[DerekD]

Hi DerekD,

I don't want to get everyone's hopes up just yet. I'd like to confirm the unit works but would also like to give the manufacturer some indication of the level of interest here in Australia. As soon as I can confirm this interface works, I'll provide all the information.

Cheers,

Kluger07

I just did some research, It looks like its a different Sat Nav Unit in the Aurion, and therefore I doubt it will work in the Aurion.

Does any one know any different?

See below,

Kluger Sat Nag

Aurion Sat Nav

[PC XT]

Sounds good I just have two questions how does it interface and how will you switch to the input port (soft switch touch screen?) as there is no external switches???

I dont particularly want it for an Ipod I want to connect the Rear DVD head phone jack to an audio input on the front stereo unit ( it should have been done from standard (silly Manufacturers)

Hi Fellow Kluger Owners,

One of the glaring omissions from the Australian version of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Limited (Kluger Grande), in my opinion, is an iPod interface, which incidentally, is available to Canadian owners as an option. Let's not mention other omissions such as TPMS, Garage Door Remote and 9 Speaker JBL System, etc.,etc!

I am currently discussing the possibility of importing an iPod interface into Australia from the US following confirmation from the manufacturer the unit in question will suit our vehicles. This unit, unlike the factory unit, allows complete control of your iPod through the audio systems controls. I.e.: You will be able to browse Artists and Albums rather than simply select a Play-list. I hope to have a unit here to test in the coming weeks.

In order to reduce the cost of shipping I'm seeking other potentially interested parties. The more units we purchase, the cheaper the price per unit. If you think this is something you may be interested in, please send me a message.

Cheers

Kluger07

[Taka]

Kluger07,

Thanks for doing this.

Depends on the damage (price), and the function involve (as suggested by PC_XT). I am in.

Hopefully it works for the 4th generation iPod. And I will check if my iPod is still working.

[kluger07]

Hi All,

Thanks for your replies/comment/queries.

I'm still waiting for confirmation from the manufacturer this unit (as well as another they have suggested) is/are compatible with our Sat Nav systems before I provide details. If they are unable to confirm compatibility locally they have agreed to send me a unit to test. This would require the removal of the console and Sat Nav unit for which I have instructions, however, I may see if a local car audio specialist will install the unit for me, given my lack of experience in this area.

In relation to connecting the rear DVD unit via an input, I understand both of these units suggested offer an Aux input in addition to the iPod interface to the audio system.

I have my fingers crossed one of these units work as I am becoming increasingly frustrated with the FM transmitters. So far I have tested the Griffin iTrip and Kensington Digital iPod FM Transmitter & Auto Charger, and have to say, thus far, the Kensington unit has outperformed the iTrip, though any FM Transmitter pales in comparison to a direct connection.

Did you guys know the Highlander Limited also has a large speaker/sub in the tail gate as standard equipment! I wonder if the harness and door frame for the Kluger are from the same template?!?!

Cheers

Kluger07

Edited November 26, 2007 by kluger07

[Taka]

Highlander and Kluger are identical cars, options may be different, but you should be able fit any option from US to Australian Kluger

[mrbishi]

Sounds pretty good to me. I might be interested it just depends on cost, how dificult it is to adapt/install into the satnav unit and if its a generic MP3 compatiple interface or - by the sounds of it, may be only Ipod brand compatible because it allows to go into the ipod menu??-. I prefer Creative in the MP3 dept so if its creative compatible Id be very interested.

Ive got to say Im a bit dissapointed in the limited functionality and adjustment of the sound system in the Kluger. I would have expected better equalisation controls, speakers and at the very least an auxillary input.

[kluger07]

Hi All,

I have to agree. The audio system in the Kluger is one of the worst I have seen and heard. There is no appreciable difference between this system and the one I had in my '98 Prado Grande which is a damn shame considering every other aspect of this vehicle meets all my criteria. It's another area Toyota would have made some financial gain if they had simply offered the same JBL upgrade that is available in the US/Canadian market. It may not have been perfect, but it would have been considerably better than what we have been given.

Anyway ...

In relation to cost of iPod integration, this is what I have seen so far from other retailers:

Mazda - ~$456.00 (Playlist access only with cryptic display - Very Poor)

BMW - ~$600 (Have not seen it in action)

My estimates for these after market units are:

$200 - $250 including shipping and currency conversion and approx. $100 for installation.

Cheers,

Kluger07

[Taka]

What is the news?

I am thinking if you still have a line dangling from the roof to the interface?

Atm there is minimal rear mirror view with the DVD operating.

[mickyt71]

Hi Fellow Kluger Owners,

One of the glaring omissions from the Australian version of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Limited (Kluger Grande), in my opinion, is an iPod interface, which incidentally, is available to Canadian owners as an option. Let's not mention other omissions such as TPMS, Garage Door Remote and 9 Speaker JBL System, etc.,etc!

I am currently discussing the possibility of importing an iPod interface into Australia from the US following confirmation from the manufacturer the unit in question will suit our vehicles. This unit, unlike the factory unit, allows complete control of your iPod through the audio systems controls. I.e.: You will be able to browse Artists and Albums rather than simply select a Playlist. I hope to have a unit here to test in the coming weeks.

In order to reduce the cost of shipping I'm seeking other potentially interested parties. The more units we purchase, the cheaper the price per unit. If you think this is something you may be interested in, please send me a message.

Cheers

Kluger07

I am another Kluger owner who would also be VERY interested in this particular feature (if cost permitting) and functional.

[kirby7777]

Any update on this one?

[Marz2]

Hi Fellow Kluger Owners,

One of the glaring omissions from the Australian version of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Limited (Kluger Grande), in my opinion, is an iPod interface, which incidentally, is available to Canadian owners as an option. Let's not mention other omissions such as TPMS, Garage Door Remote and 9 Speaker JBL System, etc.,etc!

I am currently discussing the possibility of importing an iPod interface into Australia from the US following confirmation from the manufacturer the unit in question will suit our vehicles. This unit, unlike the factory unit, allows complete control of your iPod through the audio systems controls. I.e.: You will be able to browse Artists and Albums rather than simply select a Playlist. I hope to have a unit here to test in the coming weeks.

In order to reduce the cost of shipping I'm seeking other potentially interested parties. The more units we purchase, the cheaper the price per unit. If you think this is something you may be interested in, please send me a message.

Cheers

Kluger07

I am another Kluger owner who would also be VERY interested in this particular feature (if cost permitting) and functional.

I have recently purchased a Kluger Grande and would also be interested in the purchase and installation instructions for an iPod connection

[Zee]

I am interested in purchasing one of the adaptors for my Grande. Cheers Dimitri

[Ham]

count me in, I am very interested I am still playing with my new Grande.

[klugerowner]

Hi :)

Has anyone tried this product?

http://www.cushieaudio.com.au/vehicles/toyota-toy.html

I have no idea how to get the head unit out of my dash safely.. looks like a lot of the dash has to come out.. but the installation looks simple enough after that..

What do you think?

[Happs]

Hi :)

Has anyone tried this product?

http://www.cushieaudio.com.au/vehicles/toyota-toy.html

I have no idea how to get the head unit out of my dash safely.. looks like a lot of the dash has to come out.. but the installation looks simple enough after that..

What do you think?

Wow that looks really good! And pretty well priced compared to others too.

I have a Grande on order (due end of this month), and lack of iPod/USB connectivity is a problem so I'm looking at doing something after-market as well.

[Ryebags]

Does anyone have an update on this thread please?? This is the most devastating thing about the Kluger expecially considering the 07 Hilux started coming out with an Aux imput standard and the klugers miss out on everything..

[JasonL]

There is a easiest and cheapest way to hook up ipod,rear dvd player,USB, bluetooth and even SD MMC memory card (depend on the model you buy). Sound quality might not be as good as cushieaudio's product but I am quite happy with the price I paid for.

Price: AUD$3.00 ~ AUD$50.00 (I paid mine for RM$42 which is about AUD$14 dollar - I have moved back to Malaysia for good October last year and I brought my Kluger with me)

Installation time: Less than 5 mins

Product: FM Modulator (Don't buy the cheap one otherwise you will get lousy sound quality)

To connect the rear dvd, you need to buy a longer audio cable. The cable come with the modulator usually are quite short.

Not sure if any modulator in the market come with infrared so you can hook that up with the rear dvd without any cable. So far I haven't seen one yet.

Any comments are welcome.

[MyKluger]

Hi all,

I think I have post on similar topic to this a while back. I cant remember where to give you a link. Anyway I did a lots of research into IPOD integration into the GPS 8" Audio Unit in the Grande model and as it turn out I been wasting a lots of monies. I hope none of you going down this path.

I installed the well advertise, swear by the bible Vaistech, and I went for gold too, I took out the MultimediaLinQ model. http://www.vaistech.com/products/vml_products.php. You can control your ipod and iphone from the head unit but it sound terrible... and the unit cost me $700 plus $100 installation. Absolutely waste of monies I hope none of you guys out they go and get one cause I am telling ya it rubbish.

With the sound for the roof mount DVD, I installed the Coastaltech Toyota Lockpick http://www.coastaletech.com/TOYOTA_LOCKPICKS.htm. This unit allowed you to use the touch screen while in motion, and have aux sound input and unlock dvd input. Does not play dvd from the unit but if you have external dvd player it will show. But honestly who drive and watch movies at the same time??? I run a cable from the roof mount dvd into the aux input and my kids at the back are happy. The sound is not that good... but hey my kids are 3 and 1, I dont think they expect 5.1 surround.

We all know the sound quality from the Kluger is not the best... actually it very bad for a price tag of $67000. After a year of putting up with crappy sound I went and got my Kluger with JL Audio 6.5inch Split front and back, 5 channel amp and two 8 inches subwoofers. Now everytime I took the car out my wife can contact me, cause I cant even hear the car drive pass me... It the best $2400 I ever spend... the sound is beautiful... I think I can die in peace now. I still have to burn CD but who care when you can enjoy every sound coming out of these speaker... beside I need to have quality sound or else I would die in vain.

[saintdiamond]

Hi all,

I think I have post on similar topic to this a while back. I cant remember where to give you a link. Anyway I did a lots of research into IPOD integration into the GPS 8" Audio Unit in the Grande model and as it turn out I been wasting a lots of monies. I hope none of you going down this path.

I installed the well advertise, swear by the bible Vaistech, and I went for gold too, I took out the MultimediaLinQ model. http://www.vaistech.com/products/vml_products.php. You can control your ipod and iphone from the head unit but it sound terrible... and the unit cost me $700 plus $100 installation. Absolutely waste of monies I hope none of you guys out they go and get one cause I am telling ya it rubbish.

With the sound for the roof mount DVD, I installed the Coastaltech Toyota Lockpick http://www.coastaletech.com/TOYOTA_LOCKPICKS.htm. This unit allowed you to use the touch screen while in motion, and have aux sound input and unlock dvd input. Does not play dvd from the unit but if you have external dvd player it will show. But honestly who drive and watch movies at the same time??? I run a cable from the roof mount dvd into the aux input and my kids at the back are happy. The sound is not that good... but hey my kids are 3 and 1, I dont think they expect 5.1 surround.

We all know the sound quality from the Kluger is not the best... actually it very bad for a price tag of $67000. After a year of putting up with crappy sound I went and got my Kluger with JL Audio 6.5inch Split front and back, 5 channel amp and two 8 inches subwoofers. Now everytime I took the car out my wife can contact me, cause I cant even hear the car drive pass me... It the best $2400 I ever spend... the sound is beautiful... I think I can die in peace now. I still have to burn CD but who care when you can enjoy every sound coming out of these speaker... beside I need to have quality sound or else I would die in vain.

Hey MyKluger i'm interested in getting the coastal tech unit but they wouldn't ship to me. How did you get the unit and which lockpick did you get

Cheers

[Ferncliff]

I have an interface installed by Ivan Brown Auto Electrical of Kingswood NSW right next door to Penrith Toyota. The unit connects both my IPhone or IPod to the audio system. It shows on the screen as "Disc Player 2" and you get there by selecting the DISC button twice. It operates through the steering wheel controls after you have selected the playlist or album on the IPod. You can pause or go back and forward on the steering wheel controls. Using 3G data connect you can even play internet streaming as you drive. Connection is via an Apple cord which charges your IPod on the fly. Sound is as good as a CD. Cost was around $350 installed. Trouble free for 18 months. I have no hesitation in recommending.

Alan