Toyota – Lexus – Scion MP3 / iPod Interface Review USA Spec PA15-TOY PA20-TOY
by Nick Mack ~ May 22nd, 2008. Filed under: MP3 - iPod Interfacing, Product Reviews.
USA Spec makes two iPod interfaces for Toyota vehicles. The PA15-TOY
Here is a list of compatible vehicles:
98 – 06 Toyota Mr2 / Celica iPod Interface
98 – 08 Toyota 4 Runner* iPod Interface
98-08* Toyota Avalon iPod Interface
98 – 08 Toyota Camry iPod Interface
98 – 08 Toyota Solara iPod Interface
98 – 08 Toyota Corolla / Echo iPod Interface
2007-08 Toyota FJ Cruiser iPod Interface
01 – 08 Toyota Highlander* iPod Interface
98 – 07* Toyota Land Cruiser* iPod Interface
05 – 08 Toyota Matrix iPod Interface
04 – 08 Toyota Prius iPod Interface
98 – 08 Toyota Rav4 iPod Interface
98 – 08* Toyota Sequoia / Tundra* iPod Interface
98 – 08 Toyota Sienna* iPod Interface
98 – 08 Toyota Tacoma iPod Interface
2007-08 Toyota Yaris iPod Interface
2004-2008 Lexus ES 300/330/350 iPod Interface
2004-2008 Lexus GX 470 iPod Interface
2005-2008 Lexus GS300/350/430/450H iPod Interface
2001-2008 Lexus IS250/300/350** iPod Interface
2001-2007 Lexus LX 470** iPod Interface
2001-2009 Lexus RX 330/350/400H* iPod Interface
2001 – 2006 Lexus LS 430** iPod Interface
2007 – 2008 Lexus LS 460 iPod Interface (PA20-TOY Only)
04-07 Scion xA, xB iPod Interface
05-05 Scion tC iPod Interface
*Works with all in dash 6 DISC radios and or SAT Radios TEXT display is available on radios with TEXT/TITLE button and on NAV RADIOS.
**Lexus Models between 01 and 03 require CAS-LEX cable
Like I said before USA Spec recommends the PA15-TOY for all non-navigation radios as well as all gen 4 and below navigation radios and the PA20-TOY is for all gen 5 navigation radios. It is my understanding that PA15-TOY is being discontinued and the PA20-TOY is its replacement which will work with all compatible vehicles whether it has navigation or not, no matter what generation.
From an installers point of view, it couldn’t be easier. The instructions are easy to follow. It is completely “Plug and Play” and Installation in most of the vehicles takes less then 30 minutes. Once installed it has very good functionality. You can choose from two modes, Direct Mode and Hybrid Mode. Plus it also has a RCA style AUX input.
Direct Mode gives you complete control of your entire iPod while it is connected to the factory radio. The iPod is not locked out while connected to the radio you are able to manually access your complete iPod content. The radio still can adjust song up/down random or shuffle play, but you can manually control your iPod and select any playlist, genre or Artist of your choice.
Hybrid Mode allows you to create up to 5 favorite mobile playlist then use the radio’s CD changer controls to access and control your playlist. If no play list is created, the interface auto selects first 5 playlists on iPod. Create and access your favorite mobile playlist or directly access all your iPod’s content manually on your iPod. iPod displays song title information and iPod is not locked, so the iPod can be operated manually at all times.
The USA Spec Toyota interfaces are great products. They allow control of your iPod from the factory radio, as well as control from the iPod. Plus, they are compatible with most factory satellite radios and cd changers. I have installed many of these interfaces in many different Toyotas with good results. Since they allow direct control from the iPod, you can access your whole iPod no matter how many songs you have.
To purchase the PA15-TOY from an Amazon Click Here
To purchase the PA20-TOY from Amazon Click Here
August 13th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Need help
I have a 2002 Toyota with no Navi. I purchased the PA15-TOY and discovered that I get a buzzing sound when I turn up the volume running the ipod, but with the CD player, radio, cassette seems to be fine. What am I doing wrong?
August 14th, 2009 at 8:24 am
The pa15-toy is the correct module for the car. I have had that issue a couple of times before. it is caused by one of two things: Your iPod’s port may be damaged – try another iPod. If the problem persists after trying another iPod, it is the iPod cable. The cable contains a +5V voltage regulator that sometimes causes noise issues. You can call USA SPEC’s tech support number and tell them your problem, they will send you a new cable. their number is on the front of the owners manual that came with the interface.