duchoaaz

Hi,

My car audio all of the sudden stopped working. I was driving and listening to FM radio when sound start to became just white noise. At first I thought the radio reception issue. But then I try music on my phone via Bluetooth and CD, are all same just white noise. When I tried to making cell phone call using car Bluetooth, there is no sound just silence. So the speakers are working, but there is just white noise.

I looked at the fuses (passenger side #12 & 15 are for audio system) both looked good. I have no idea what to look next.

Your comments/inputs are appreciated.

jonathancl

Does the volume of the static change w the volume ****?

duchoaaz

Thanks jonathancl for quick reply. Yes the volume change as I change the volume ****.

duchoaaz

I google for "2015 GS 350 audio system" and found a receiver assembly at parts.lexus.com link below for $12K

https://parts.lexus.com/p/Lexus_2015...relatedProduct

jonathancl

If the volume **** changes the volume and there is no proper sound from any source, that leads me to fault the head unit itself. The amp appears to be amplifying the signals it's receiving.

It's true, a new one is crazy expensive, but there are usually several on ebay from $300-1000.
Ebay listings often say 2013-2015+, but that is incorrect. 2013-14 models are different than 2015 and later models.
The Mark Levinson and Non radios are interchangeable (at least that was true for my 2013 radio).

Here's one for $1100.

peasodos

iTrader: (1)

Could also be a failed amp. Did you work on your car recently or change a battery?

duchoaaz

No recent service neither I work on the car. Last oil change was in March 2020. I didn't use it much since, due to Covid, I work from home.

Jasones350

my 2014 es350 ml still cuts in and out from time to time......only happens to my center channel speaker which is the speaker that your phone calls come threw. Same issue it sounds like static and it will not turn up or down. Also stays on for a few seconds even after turning the radio off. I notice its starting to sound like **** when music is playing due to all these moments of distortion happening to it...

duchoaaz

I brought the car to Lexus dealer for estimate. They told me it was the radio unit need to be replaced and it would cost $2350. I declined and pulled the radio out and brought it to United Radio. The technician told me my radio is working perfectly and he wanted to look at the amplifier. Turn out there is a component in my amplifier was damaged due to moisture. He also said that he came across 7-10 amplifiers with moisture damaged for same kind of cars every week. I have the damaged part replaced and audio system working good now.

I checked my car's trunk for moisture and everything seem dry. I hope the amp not goes bad again. It is expensive.

Is there anyway to moisture proof the amp compartment?

Cwang

What did that cost you?
Apparently it comes through a weld or something.....not sure but it's a common issue. I'm tempted to put a moisture sensor in there....

byungkuk

Wow that's unfortunate but I'm glad you got it fixed (while avoiding the dealership costs)! Thank you for giving us all a heads up on this possibility...

Did you check for any standing water? Maybe damaged weatherproof seals?

duchoaaz

It's cost me $425 to replace the defected part.

I checked and don't see any sign of moisture. I will do it again after driving in the rain.

Cwang

Not bad. Would love to know what exactly went wrong.
We just had heavy rain and hail so I checked the amp in your honour. No moisture but the amp was bloody hot! I'll have to hook up a cooling fan if the water itself doesn't turn into steam!