Hado

Or you could get a paint shop to do this for you, wouldnt cost much for such a small part...we have kxs, got the darker tail lights as well as darker alloys!

The darker trim was a key selling point for me for the KX-s - it looks great with the darker colours

Yes I have been using it for some time, although I would like to get the IGO8 installed.

Ham I can give you a hand to get IGo8 running on the unit - if you want to PM me?

It has been a while since I got mine working so I can't remember every little thing I did - which is why I haven't done a post on the set-up.

Helping you might help me to remember and then I can post the exact steps for everyone.

The main problem was getting the resolution setting right - I kept getting a half sized screen running in the corner and getting the voice files to work took a while too.

Kind regards

Hado

Are you willing to cut a hole in the roof to install the sunroof?

No - one of the reasons I got a KX-S was because it didn't have a sunroof. Personally, I never really use them and they take away headroom.

My last vehicle had twin sunroofs. Other than opening them an inch to let hot air out after parking in the sun, I rarely used them. Too much wind noise - when do you drive with your window down in a modern climate control car?

The Kluger definitely doesn't need them - the aircon works so well and with the dark tinted windows it doesn't get that hot and it cools very quickly.

Hi All,

making up my mind between a Kluger KX-S and Mazda CX-9 Luxury

Usage: mainly onroad, a lot of driving interstate, but on hwys most of the time. Casual off road (I'm inclined to say no offroad, but once I have the car, I'll probably do some but nothing extreme). Might do towing but rare, I don't even have a trailer to tow.

I like the Mazda features: memory seats, 3rd row split, sunroof, etc. but I consider toyota more reliable. I definitely like the radio upgrade Hado has done to his Kluger, which is something I'll definitely do.

In terms of price they are very close (toyota Rec delivery price ~61600. mazda RDP 63000).

So basically, to all of you owners, why should I choose the Kluger over the CX-9?

Calichin

I looked at the CX-9 and the main reasons I didn't buy one was because of reports about poor fuel economy and I couldn't get a new model in time for the tax savings available last year.

I had a discovery prior to the Kluger and I was sick of high fuel bills and road noise and gear whine - the Kluger is reasonably efficient, smooth and very quiet.

Sounds like an AWD KX-S would suit your needs.

Kind regards

Hado

What about washing the car, does the nudge bar come off or stay on? Is it a hassle to remove?

I'd imagine there is a build-up of crud under there after a while.

I'm only asking questions because I'm interested

Whofan

No nothing comes off - the whole unit is very solidly attached to the car.

Maybe it does get dirty behind the covers but you can't see it.

I saw a OEM Nudge Bar on eBay earlier in the week for $450 - it went very quickly.

Kind regards

Hado

Hi All,

I have had a few cars since the Camry, so I thought I should jump on over to the Kluger forum!

Just got myself the following (yesterday);

10/2008 Toyota Kluger KX-S

- OEM Satellite Navigation (4 in dash mp3)with Bluetooth and AUX input for iPod.

- Front Parking Sensors

- Rear Parking Sensors

I have pleanty of questions which I will ask along the way.

Today I have started with the following;

- Philips X-tremePower H4 headlight bulbs

- Philips BlueVision Wedge W5W bulbs for the liscence plate lights

- K&N Panel Air Filter Part No: 332260

- Cleaned the Throttle Body

Also looking to change the OEM horns with the following; http://www.fiammamerica.com/Product.asp?ProductID=158

More to come, I will keep you all up to date with Many, Many questions along the way!!!

Glenn

Glenn

Welcome to the KX-S club - and the upgrade merry-go-round which you have jumped right on to.

The OEM horn is embarrassing -it was one of my earliest upgrades too.

Kind regards

Hado

Hi Guys

I ordered my KXS in March and was told it would be delivered around mid May. Last week the dealer called and asked for my trade vehicle to be bought in as they wanted it and they would supply me with another car. Is this normal? Do I have any rights as to what car they give me in the interim? One other question I would like to ask you all. Those of you who had to wait for your Kluger did they came when the dealer estimated?

Sharne

I would talk with them - they might have a buyer for the trade in and I am sure they will give you a reasonable car in the interim - they might give you a demo Kluger to drive. Make sure you are happy with the replacement, of course.

If you have all the paperwork sorted - I don't think there is any real risk - the sale contract still stands - even more so when they have some of the consideration.

Make sure it is clear you have handed over the trade in to them and you are no longer responsible for it.

I only had to wait a week or so - but my Kluger was delivered on the day as written into the sales contract.

I sold my other car privately so no trade in this time - but I gave it to the new owner well before I had the Kluger - because they wanted it.

Everyone was happy - we were all getting new cars :)

It's sensible to protect yourself - but be reasonable and create goodwill when you can.

There is approx 1cm gap between the plastic cover and the bumper....unless you hit something, they dont touch.

I am potentially setting myself up for a fall here... but simply must ask the question.

If you attach a "nudge bar" shouldn't that protect your car from "nudges" ??

With the 1cm gap I'm thinking that a "nudge" will result in a scratch, dent or both.

Are they really just a platform for mounting driving lights?

I acknowledge that they add some bling to your ride but idea of adding them to protect from nudges doesn't seem to be a benefit.

There is a gap as pointed out - I tightened my bolts as much as I could to make this as small as I could.

And yes mine is just a place to mount driving lights - hopefully :P

Also has anyone done an exhaust upgrade, to produce better note or even more sound?

I recall someone in Brisbane upgrading their exhaust last year:Exhaust Mod post

Well done Hado,

I have all of the parts but i will be looking for an expert to install my unit as the Grande has a few extra sterring wheel controls that I would like to keep working. However i would be very interested in seeing the pics.

Regards

Ham

Ham

Did you ever get your Fly Audio unit installed in the Grande?

Kind regards

Hado

All

If you are interested in how the Kluger (Highlander) 4wd system differs from other Toyota models, here is a link to the online training module used to train sales staff in the USA:

4WD Simplified

The basics of how 4WD systems work and other features like DAC are explained very well.

Kind regards

Hado

No go on the other stereo system. They will exchange the unit for $850. So that means they take the one out of the KXS and replace with the toyota audio display unit and I pay them $850 just so I can have a USB!!.

Has anybody connected an Ipod usb adapter to the unit in the KXS. Does it have a spare spot at the back of the headunit where one can be connected??

Snewton

I ran my N95 phone as a mp3 player through the font Aux jack using a simple double ended connector - it worked fine.

Hado

Hi,

How do you find the flyaudio's lcd in day driving? Most of the touch screen units I have seen really struggle with reflections and washout even in moderate sun.

Have seen a couple of units in other cars which cope much better, but without the flyaudio's features.

cheers

Wilsact

I haven't noticed it washing out much - so maybe that is a good thing. The screen has a satin finish and doesn't reflect much either. The contrast and the on screen graphics interface are well designed.

I'm sure it would in direct sunlight, but that doesn't seem to happen that often or if it does not for long.

The screen brightness can be adjusted for night and 3 levels in the daytime.

Remembering you don't look at your radio/ipod player much when you are using it while driving.

Even when using the GPS - you tend to listen to the voice instructions or warnings - although I do glance at the GPS speed indicator which I have set to be on the bottom right of the screen nearest the driver occasionally.

I notice it the most at night because even on the night setting - which comes on when you turn on the headlights - it is still as bright as the trip computer screen. You definitely need to use the night version maps or darker map colours at night.

Kind regards

Hado

Snewton

It still has those hard to turn tiny buttons and a very small screen.

Depending on how much it costs, I would still consider for the Fly Audio unit - it matches the interior design of the Kluger and has all the same and many more features.

Kind regards

Hado

All

I just noticed some of he earlier questions I missed about the hazard switch and GPS software.

This post needs to read as well - it was where we worked out what to buy and how to solve some of the install problems etc.

Earlier parts and software post

Hope this fills in some of the blanks.

Kind regards

Hado

So you have simply disconnected the mic located in the overhead light and fed another mic cable (presumably came with the purchase of your E7548NAVI?) to the A pillar location?

The mic which came with the Fly Audio unit just runs from the back of the unit under the dash, in between the to halves of the dash near the door and under the door rubber up the A pillar. I didn't have an existing mic - the original KX-S 6 CD unit used an inbuilt mic - which was why it didn't work very well. I never if checked to see if the Grande mic is in the overhead unit

Regarding the GPS and maps... you mentioned in your original messages that it took some time to get these working, have you uploaded any updates since your original install?

The IGO8 software took a while to get working because you I needed to find the settings for the screen resolution and connection to the GPS receiver - I have posted this now. IGO8 is very customisable so some of the effort was getting the skins (look) I wanted to use working. You don't have to do this because the unit comes with software - but I wanted to use IGO8 because of its features and I had experience customising it already for a portable WinCE unit I owned. I learnt how to do this using other forums on GPS software. It's not that hard. All the changes are made to some simple code in a system file.

The skins are easy to find - here is the skin I am using. kikker skin

Did you unit come with the volume knob on the left? Not that this is a "deal breaker" but I imagine it would be a little awkward for the driver to reach for this when ideally it should be closer to the steering wheel.

Yes it is on the left - but it is slightly bigger than the air temp knobs so easy to turn and not hard to reach. However, all the steering wheel controls also work - so you can change the volume on the steering wheel.

The volume control knob is much better than the original KX-S unit which was slippery and hard to grab and turn.

Mr Moderator - Can you please pin this poll so we keep getting the votes from new members?

Bump <_<

There's quite a few threads that need to be pinned as the same questions keep on coming up every couple of months.

Bump <_<

Just checked, blade runs through all the guides correctly. When I push up in the middle of the blade the tips do come down. Something still isn't right so will get them replaced. Thanks all for your help

Kesawi

The wipers on the Kluger are a new style - plastic top spoiler blades - also called - Japanese Hybrid Blades.

They have curved rails to keep even pressure on the windscreen.

Trico have this new variety for the Kluger as an aftermaket replacement.

Trico site See under Products/Wiper Refills.

All the replacement blades have the same part number TRJ710-20, but the Gen2 Kluger is listed.

Kind regards

Hado

Hado,

Why did you add a microphone when there is already one installed in the light assembly in the roof between the driver and passenger?

Is it possible to connect the rear vision camera that currently exists in the KX-S to the 8" screen rather than the pitiful 3.5" screen?

How do you find the performance of the unit now that you've had it installed for a little while?

Would you do anything different?

Did you buy this online and if so from where?

Interested in your reply,

Whofan

All

Sorry for the very slow response on these questions - I have been very busy at work and haven't had time to log on.

Why did you add a microphone when there is already one installed in the light assembly in the roof between the driver and passenger?

You need to have the microphone close to your mouth or you get echo/feedback from the car speakers.

Is it possible to connect the rear vision camera that currently exists in the KX-S to the 8" screen rather than the pitiful 3.5" screen?

Yes - but it requires some minor electrical changes - cutting re soldering wires - not just plug and play - I was too keen to get it working. I don't think you need the large screen - and I am not sure it would work because there is a safety warning screen which might delay the picture feed - it usually delays the radio until after you have backed out.

How do you find the performance of the unit now that you've had it installed for a little while?

I am very happy with it. My phone connects very time perfectly and the sound quality and features are a worthwhile upgrade. I use the iPod feature a lot and the GPS only when driving somewhere I don't normally go - just for the red light camera warnings etc.

Would you do anything different?

Put the microphone further up the pillar/door rubber so it was a close as possible to my face when driving normally - I had to change this after the first install.

Did you buy this online and if so from where?

Easypark Australia

Kind regards

Hado

Good write up!

Surprising that it doesn't have a "proper" ipod connector?

I does have a proper iPod connector. I am running an old first gen 4GB Nano from it.

Here is a better photo.

It also has the AUX player connector (red/white/yellow RCA) and a USB connector.

I haven't tried an auxiliary player - but I have tried a USB stick/drive which works fine. The AUX option runs like a computer folder menu - the iPod is much more integrated - showing song title, artist and album. It is also searchable by these tags and runs playlists just like an iPod does.

I'd like to try a portable USB disk drive - one that doesn't need a separate power cord - to see if I can get a lot more storage for DVD rips - DivX movies etc..

Great write up.

That microphone looks huge!

Did you hook up the reverse camera?

I think it is just due to the perspective of the photo - but I have removed the foam cover and it is just a normal mic.

No I still haven't hooked up the reverse camera to the larger screen. I think I would need an auto electricians help to find the correct wires - the Fly Audio guide doesn't seem to match our install for this bit. Maybe because this is the 7500 series.

I have been focused on getting the music right for the iPod and the software working for the GPS functions.

I get the same white marks wherever the plastic trim is touched as well - I thought this would go away and was because the car was new - seems not to be the case. :(

I haven't noticed a colour change.

Please, please, please can we have some happy snaps of the units you guys have installed? :)

I just posted the install guide which includes some working pics - DIY install post

I will also take some pics of each function when I get a chance.

The instructions provided by Fly Audio on their website are reasonable, so please read these in addition to this post.

Fly Audio E7548NAVI

I will try to highlight any differences for the Kluger. This is an install on a KXS model.

The install takes about 2.5 hours - maybe faster now you don't have to work some of the steps out by yourself.

BEFORE

AFTER

TOOLS

Here are the tools I used - the pry tools are important - the towel is to protect the centre console.

You should already have a 10mm socket with an extension and screwdrivers. (Note - no tools for electrical connections.) :D

I have already installed the hazard switch assembly which is bought separately into the fly audio unit.

REMOVE CLIMATE CONTROL

You need the nylon pry bars and just keep working the dash panels on the side apart until the whole unit disengages form the dash.

You also need to have the gear lever in drive to remove the climate control unit.

Remove the electrical connection/plugs for the climate control and take out the unit.

REMOVE VENTS

The vents take a fair bit of steady firm prying to disengage them from the dash.

REMOVE OEM STEREO

Use the 10mm socket drive to remove the four bolts holding in the OEM unit.

The trip computer screen comes out with the stereo unit.

Note and remove the connections on the rear. There were two coaxial aerial connections, but only the larger one was connected to the stereo.

Note the old towel covering the gear lever and centre console.

Note the three connectors left - the old stereo surround has a splitter from the separate hazard and seatbelt warning light and leaves only one plug which reconnects to the new hazard switch assembly.

REMOVE BRACKET

Unscrew the bracket - note the extra tabs on the side of the bracket which are used to hold steady the old stereo surround - these need to be removed once the bracket is screwed onto the fly audio unit. Just repeatedly bend and fatigue the metal to break them off. (This step is not in the Fly Audio guide).

TEST ALL THE NEW ADAPTORS

Plug in all the supplied adaptors so you know where they go. (I didn't use them all because I don't intend to install a separate CD stacker - its not needed once you have the iPod function.)

Remove the travel screws in the new unit and reattach the bracket including the trip computer screen.

CONNECT THE NEW UNIT

Connect the supplied adaptors to the harness and the hazard switch assembly.

The GPS aerial (blue plug) is magnetic and just sits on top of the trip computer screen - the plastic dash doesn't interfere with the signal.

Don't forget the phone mic (like I did :( ) just leave it hanging down in the drivers side footwell for installation later.

Run the iPod and Aux cables from the glove box into the back of the new unit.

TEST THE UNIT

Test the unit before reinstalling dash panels etc.

I asked my eight-year-old daughter to get me a DVD to test - she got Lilo & Stich. :)

I also tested the radio works to make sure the aerial was connected.

INSTALL PHONE MIC

Run the microphone wire through the gap between the upper and lower dash panels and up the door rubber to the top of the front pillar cover.

That's it - all done - simple really - just plug and play. ;)

Feel free to ask questions if I have missed anything.

Kind regards

Hado

It basically is almost even.... All up 52% of all Klugers in 2009 are 2WD and 48% are AWD

Concurs with our poll results - which I was surprised about - always thought there would be more 2wd versions.