anybody work with a lexus mark L. stereo system?

[VQdriver]

i thought it would be a long shot here on this forum, but the lexus forums are absolutely rediculous. they're still dealing with how to check the oil, where's the dipstick and change an airfilter type stuff over there. ok here it goes: my girlfriends '04 lexus ES330 with mark levinson stereo recently started intermittently cutting out during radio AND CD play. i immediately thought it was a receiver to speaker type of problem (such as an amp). so, she immediately felt the need to take it to the dealer, pay $100 for a diagnostic and behold, it's a bad amp. they want $1200 for a new amp or apx $600 for a used amp, not including install?! wtf. i said let's wait and find out what what can be done. even aftermarket upgrades might not be as expensive. SO, has anyone here ever worked with a toyota or lexus stereo system? is the amp hard to get to and replace? i'm going to be searching used car parts websites for replacement parts. i was just wondering what i'm up against. i hate electronics lol.

[kyazh]

We have the ML system in our LS430. It is an advanced audio system, I don't know if she has the Nav system too or not. I could be wrong, but chances are it's a digital system and needs authentic parts (aka your typical aftermarket amp wont recognize the signal). Find out the exact part number and where the amp is located and hit up your local salvage yards/ebay/craigslist for best results. My $0.02

Edit: it's an 04, isn't this type of crap supposed to be covered in the warranty?

[B L U E S L A T E]

Probably JUST ran out of warrenty...

Yeah, find out the exact part number and search on google, ebay, craigslist, and salvage yard.... good luck.

[VQdriver]

yup. she just missed it by a month. my thoughts exactly. i found a few on ebay and car-part. just need to find out the exact model and how difficult the removal/installation is...

[angrydog]

Some dealerships are nice and might actually cover it under warranty since it's been only one month. Never hurts to ask if they can cover it.

[VQdriver]

wooww. a dealership (or any business) being nice? is that possible? most people here don't wanna give an inch. what state are you from?

[angrydog]

Pennsylvania, Hello Neighbor! If your girlfriend has been going to one particular dealership for all services and maintenance; they might be able to oversee this problem. Never hurts to ask.

[Msedanman]

Originally Posted by angrydog

Some dealerships are nice and might actually cover it under warranty since it's been only one month. Never hurts to ask if they can cover it.

+1......especially if service was regular.
Give it a try and G/L

C.

[VQdriver]

you know, everyone here is laid back and nice. hope yall have a nice weekend! hehe

[angrydog]

Originally Posted by VQdriver

you know, everyone here is laid back and nice. hope yall have a nice weekend! hehe

Reason to what I said was, I used to own a 05 IS300. I was also frequently visited the their forums (my.is). I read a couple of times, dealerships overseeing some problems even when warranty was out ~1,2 month ago. You enjoy the nice weather too. While it lasts..cold air coming in tomm.

[EricIsKlumzyee]

Originally Posted by VQdriver

wooww. a dealership (or any business) being nice? is that possible? most people here don't wanna give an inch. what state are you from?

They will, dealerships get two types of warranty to claim.. one is factory and another is consider goodwill.. this is for good clients in trouble times.. you're only a month off and if you've been taking it to that dealer for service the IMO go ask your advisor..

Dealership doesnt loose a dime on using goodwill.. actually they make money from factory just like a regular warranty claim..

if they wont cover 100% see if they'll cover parts and you pay labor

- Eric