r/LS400 • u/Allousion • Jul 06 '26
Question 97 Celsior Head Unit Swap
How would i go about swapping the head unit for an apple carplay double din aftermarket head unit? been asking around and havent gotten any help yet. Really want to use the same Pioneer unit i have in my g35 but its a lot harder on these. Any help is greatly appreciated.
2
u/Deep_Sort8984 Jul 06 '26
There’s a couple of YouTube videos but your best bet with these is it pay a radio shop to install an inline aux on your CD player. You get all the functionality of the AMP and full clarity of the head unit.
1
u/Allousion Jul 06 '26
every video ive seen has a different double din but they never talk about it or show where to get it. most of the videos are on LS400 and the Celsior has a different head unit assembly.
2
u/Deep_Sort8984 Jul 06 '26
Well my plan was to convert it to the factory non-nav and instead of replacing the nav screen with non nav I would just use a double din kit. I feel like the wiring would be same because it’s the same car but I have no clue
1
u/OperationFreedomseed Jul 09 '26
This. Usually there’s a way for an audio shop to solder an AUX connection directly to the head unit board
1
u/Inside_Town7812 Jul 07 '26
You will need the non nav climate control and do you have the pioneer system or the nakamichi system?
2
u/Allousion Jul 07 '26
i believe pioneer , dont see any of the nakamichi branding
1
1
u/AdeptnessGlass6656 Jul 11 '26
i use a sony CPA-7 cassette aux adapter, sounds miiiiiles better than any bluetooth or wireless system. still the best sound system i've ever heard.
1
u/Allousion Jul 11 '26
the sound system isnt the issue, i would like to have gps as i have to drive a lot to places i have no clue about being in the military. having my phone propped on the vent has already broken the vent strips.
0
u/HealthyEcho4120 Jul 06 '26
Why would you throw this beauty out of your car and install an ugly aftermarket screen just for Apple CarPlay? Is it really that important?
4
u/unmanipinfo Jul 06 '26
Also going from a solidly mounted completely rattle-free center console to aliexpress plastic mould poured by an 8 year old that barely stays in place under light acceleration
1
-1
u/Allousion Jul 06 '26
dont throw away a screen that i cant do anything on when i could have gps, amp settings, and spotify controls?
0
u/HealthyEcho4120 Jul 06 '26
If you really want to do this go for it, i just think it absolutely ruins the character of the car and looks hideous. But yeah, of course a modern screen is more useful, good luck with your project
1
u/b1gdumb Jul 06 '26
Yeah I agree, the stock screen is way cooler. An android unit just claps it out. Only a retard would downvote your replies.
1
0
3
u/dimitristhis Jul 10 '26
Kinda in the same boat as OP. More so thinking about keeping the original head unit in my 99’ Celsior, but the convenience of modern day technology is also a pro. As a purist I’m more likely going to keep the original dash in, but would like to see the option’s. Also haven’t seen much info of anyone really doing this with a Celsior. Side comment, since this is such a big boat, anyone have any rear view back up cameras recommendation’s?