I tried to go budget on using Bluetooth to listen through my phone and cannot get this thing to work.
https://www.amazon.com/Transmitter-Bluetooth-Hands-Free-Calling-Odyssey/dp/B08JQ9G2LP
I was try to avoid spending $150+ on the USA Spec device.
I plugged in the cheap device into the CD changer port in the rear of the radio and no go. It took a lot of work to get to the back of the radio as y'all know. Now I'm driving around with a seat full of dash parts with no Bluetooth. Is the USA Spec (or the like) the only way to go, or is there a device I can go ahead and plug into the radio while I have my dash dismantled?

 

Why not just plug a $20 bluetooth receiver into the aux jack and call it a day? That Amazon gadget seems unnecessarily complicated.

 

At the risk of your finding out that I'm an idiot, I have no idea where the aux jack is. I certainly don't see one on the deck. I'm already in, so if there is something that'll just plug into the radio in the back I'd rather just do that at this point.

 

It's in the center console.

 

https://imgur.com/a/Msuo8b0
For some reason I can't embed photos, but here's what my head unit looks like. It has the most surreptitious aux input ever.

 

I bowed down and ordered a USA Spec ACU. I really need hands free phone and spend a lot of time on the road listening to stuff from my phone. I'll be gone next week on vacation, so it'll be over week before I'm able to do anything with it. I hope it ends up being what I need.

 

USA SPEC or GROM are good. I used the old USA-SPEC for many years with the OG ipod Video. After that I swapped over to isimple for my iphone 6 and X and 14. Last year the Isimple gave up the ghost and its not being made so I went with the GROM unit since you can still use a wired connection (better audio quality) vs bluetooth.

GROM working great on my MDX and TL, but using SIRI can sometimes cause it to freeze up the whole navi system.

Pro Tip, install the unit in the center console area where it's easy to get to, I chose the kick panel near the accelerator pedal so I can quickly reach down and unplug it if needed. Other option is the glovebox, but the USB was too short with the GROM unit I got.

 

I thought the USA Spec connected into the back trunk area. If it doesn't, that's fine, I just don't want to start putting the dash back together while I'm waiting on it to arrive, only to have to pull it back apart again.

 

Under your arm rest, it’s right next to the cig adapter in there

 

Normally it plugs behind the Head unit but follow what USA SPEC says!

Also if you have an 07 or 08 TL, you have a 3.5mm aux headphone jack in the center console in the bottom compartment.

 

Looks like it connects to the XM system in the trunk.
As for the jack, I'm not going to say it is not there. I will say that if it is there, and I have every reason other than my 5 senses to believe it is, it is in one of THE MOST inconspicuous places I have ever come across in my life.

 

Good luck with the install, toughest part will be to get the cable to the cabin from the trunk IMO.

Yes, it's very well hidden and works good in a pinch, but most phones don't have a headphone jack these days so it's pointless. Plus the need for hands-free like you said is important.

 

Ok, had to come back to eat humbie pie. I finally found the aux jack. It was under the outlet in the center console. Most jacks I've seen were on the front of the head unit. I've never been aware of one so well hidden before. I got my USA Spec put in. Now I just need to finish hiding my mic cord and I'll be done.

 

Ok, unit installed, but now I have two issues. The first is I cannot get the steering wheel phone buttons to work when answering the phone. I have to actually touch my phone to answer calls. How do I resolve this?
The next is, how do you turn off the initial "connected" voice after startup? All the instructions I have found online only apply to systems with the Nav feature. I haven't found any that explain how to do so without the nav feature.