pmartone

Since December of 2014, I have been the proud and happy owner of a 2015 TLX Advance SH-AWD. I am wondering if the dealership can install Apple CarPlay onto my car via a software update? Thank you in advance for your comments.

swedrows

I don't think the dealer can do that because it would require them to swap out your upper and lower screens for new ones (the entire navigation and radio unit), along with software upgrades. You can add carplay and android auto if you buy an aftermarket unit like navtool which me and several people on here have installed. Read through some of the threads about it and you'll get an idea of what's involved...costs about $425 and you will have to install yourself but it's plug and play (at least it is now). works just like the 2018 TLX's that have it factory installed except you won't be able to navigate music with steering wheel controls, only volume.

pmartone

Thank you for that detailed and informative response to my question!

technocrat

Do both need to be replaced or just the lower unit with touchscreen? I see a damaged 2018 with parts listed for sale, want to check what do i need to replace to get the new UI and phone connectivity (Apple car play, android Auto)

know610

If you referring to NavTool, you don't need any other parts. All items from NavTool will be included. Optional: I bought 3.5m to RCA but you don't need it.
Here's my quick and dirty headunit removal for 2017 TLX

https://acurazine.com/forums/5g-tlx-.../#post16374357

technocrat

No, I was responding to replacing the entire headunit with a 2018+ one.

How is your experience with Navtool overall?

know610

NavTool, so far so good.

I might be wrong but from what I read in here, you cannot use 2018+ OEM headunit to 2017& below. The only way is use NavTool.

technocrat

Are you using it with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?

know610

Apple CarPlay.

peepthetoad

Have anyone tried Navtool recently in Canada?
I've been reading bad reviews on previous threads but they are from several years ago. Do the system and customer service improve and work okay now?

technocrat

I have but on a 2011 MDX, It works as expected.

peepthetoad

Is it a recent purchase?
Did you order it from Canada? Do you get hit by custom when you receive it?

technocrat

Yes, August - September timeframe, custom was around CAD 22 which is not bad IMO.

peepthetoad

Nice. I'll give it a try on my TLX then.
Do you have the same problem about not be able to change music by the steering wheel? Or is it TLX specific?

technocrat

This will happen as the system will not recognize it as an audio system, that will have to be controlled by the dial. However the BT will work better with TLX specially for calls which is a pain in the 2G.

If you are planning to do this just for CarPlay and AndroidAuto then go ahead but for anything else its not worth it.

Spyro235

Hi,
Are you using the add on jog dial? Touchscreen and factory dial don’t control CarPlay?

Shawn Orr

Did you install in your car?

review?

chanson

Genuinely curious: Why this route vs. the VLine2? I don't have a strong opinion here, it's just that this just seems harder... What am I missing? What's the benefit to this approach? I'm considering upgrading my 2015 TLX, and looking for the best approach.

TrickVert

NavTool vs VLine is kind of like Kenwood vs. Pioneer. I have the VLine2 in my 2016 and have liked it for the most part. There have been a few hiccups like an occasional restart or two and most recently, random disconnects. To be fair, though, I haven't driven the car much since the last firmware and system updates.

chanson

Fair enough. I'm debating whether it's worth the cost to upgrade... Side note, do you have an install thread on your heated steering wheel?

TrickVert

I didn't do a write-up, but think I added comments to an existing thread. If I can find it, I'll shoot you a PM.