How to Override Lexus Navigation Motion Lock

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: June 10, 2021

Lexus Models with the navigation package disable access to several useful navigational functions when the car is moving. While this motion-lock safety feature is OK for a driver alone, there are times when you may want your passenger to have the ability to enter addresses and get directions while in motion. While it is not suggested for a driver to operate navigation systems while driving, there is nothing illegal about having access to the navigation functions so that a passenger can use them. For this reason, there is quite a bit of controversy over the car manufacturer’s decision to lock their customers out of these features. Some vehicles have the ability to override the navigation lock, others do not.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Overriding the GPS with Volume Sequence

1
Start from rest. This sequence needs to be done while the car is stationary.
2
Push MENU Button on bezel. This will bring up several options that you can choose on the touch screen.

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3
Tap the VOLUME soft button. This button will be on the touch screen.^{[1]
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4
Enter the Service Menu sequence. Tap top left of screen (where the speaker icon is), then the bottom left, then top left again, and finally the bottom left again. Be aware that you will receive no visible or audible feedback while doing this.^{[2]
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5
Press and hold the Override button. This will be a soft button on the touch screen. Hold it until it beeps and is highlighted.^{[3]
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6
Press the BACK button to return to your navigation screen. Now you can use the navigation features while the vehicle is moving.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Overriding the ‘’’GPS’’’ with DVD Sequence

1
Have the car in park. You must start this sequence from a stationary position as well. Though the menus may look slightly different, either this sequence starting with the DVD button or Volume button sequence should work to override the navigation system (assuming that your software is still compatible with an override at all.)
2
Press MENU. This is a hard button on the bezel, and it will provide you several choices.
3
Press DVD on the touch screen. This will take you to the the DVD screen where you can enter the Service Menu sequence.^{[4]
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4
Enter the Service Menu sequence. Press upper left corner, lower left corner, upper left corner, lower left corner, and finally lower right corner. This will activate the Service Menu.^{[5]
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5
Select the Override option. Hold the touch screen button until it beeps and remains highlighted to activate override mode.^{[6]
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6
Use the BACK button to return to the navigation screen. The features will be unlocked while driving.

Community Q&A

Question

Does a Lexus 2013 RX350 have an override capability?

Community Answer

Yes, it does, you just have to go to settings, then you have to go to preferences, then it depends on the model, it will say somewhere door lock settings, and you can click on the tick for what you want.
Question

My Lexus does not have a "menu" button. What else can I do?

Community Answer

If your Lexus does not have a menu button, try clicking a visible "back" arrow until you return to the home screen.

Warnings

Do not mess with the other options in this menu. There have been reports of people causing their navigation systems to become unusable.

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Be safe -- only use this when a passenger can safely input addresses; otherwise, please pull over and do this from the side of the road or in a parking lot.

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Anytime you cut wires or alter vehicle systems you run the risk of voiding all or part of your warranty.

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These methods may not work for very Lexus. Due to updates and uncertainty about which vehicles can use an override function, trial and error is the best way to determine if these methods will work for your Lexus.

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The real-time navigation will not work very well while the Override Module is activated. This is because the module tells your Navigation System that you are travelling at 3 mph. Turn the switch on to access blocked features, and then back off to allow real time GPS to function properly.

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