RichardM

I have a 1990 LS400. The stereo died over the past week. First the radio, then the rest of they system.

The display for the climate control system has been difficult to impossible to read for 3 years.

I am told that it is very expensive to have a dealer replace these parts because the labor to disassemble the dash is extensive. It seems to me that if I'm going to do the stereo, it would be a great time to replace the climate control display.

Is this something I can do myself on a Saturday? Does it require special tools? It there somewhere that I can get directions for how to disassemble the dash. (I could probably figure it out, but directions could saves hours.)

Finally, where can I get quality parts at a reasonable price?

Thanks for your help.

Lexus Daddy

RichardM,
I just replaced my stereo in my '93 LS yesterday!

For the stereo removal:

Check out Retrodrives nice website:
http://www.cureline.net/lex/audio/ho...io_removal.htm

For the very common LCD climate control problem
check out the following thread:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=17576

I had Mikado replace mine and I am very happy.

The search engine here is your friend!

RichardM

Lexus Daddy,

Thanks for the help. The links are very helpful. This does not look like it's all that tough of a job. (Actually, it appears to be very straight forward.)

I'm curious to know where you when for your replacement stereo. Should I stay with a stock unit? Are "recycled" units a good move?

Lexus Daddy

RichardM,

Well, it depends on what you want. I thought my
Lexus "Premium Stereo" (made by Pioneer) did
not sound all that great. More importantly the CD changer
did not work, and I did not feel like trying to fix it.
I prefer in-dash CD, without the changer.

I went to Best Buy and bought a din unit.
I also got the wiring harness there - they don't
make one for the LS400, but I used the Metra
wiring harness for "Toyota 1987 and up". **(thanks Percy!)**
It worked perfect, I just pluged the new unit right in
without any re-wiring!

There is only one dash-kit made for the LS400
by SPECIALTY AUTOSOUND MFG. #LX3 which
AUTOTOYS.com sells for $38.50 + shipping.

But I bought one from JL Troy, Inc. out of TN.
They are a distributor but they will sell
to consumers. I got it for only $24.89 with shipping!
Call (800) 395-3957, ask for Tripp.

Or you can go the ebay route if you are satisfied the way
your stock unit sounds. I just saw a Nakamichi unit on there.

It is up to you, if you do go the aftermarket route and you have
any other questions, post them and I will help you out if
you need it!

I will post some pics if you like of my install...very conservative
I am not a big audiofile!

-Daddy

RichardM

Lexus Daddy,

Thanks again for your tips. I've been pleased with my Pioneer sound system - and my CD changer works. I do agree that in-dash CD is preferable to going to the trunk to change the mix.

I'm more concerned about keeping this repair clean. I don't want my dash to look like I did a "home job." How did you finish off your after market unit? Were you able to get a face plate that harmonizes with your climate control module or did you not worry about that? I'd love to see a photo of your end result.

Any tips on where to find out which model/year stereo units (head units) drop into my '90? Also, how to make sure the wiring harnesses are the same so I don't make matters any worse.

Thanks again for your help.