LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

Audio Volume Changes After Left Turn

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Old 05-23-14, 10:22 PM
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MackVision
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Default Audio Volume Changes After Left Turn

Hello everyone.

Kind of a weird problem, and hoping you can help narrow it down for me. Recently purchased my second LS 430, 2004 with ML / Nav. All seems to work well, except during, and while the car completes a left turn at a normally low speed as expected, the audio volume changes, usually gets quiet, to a setting of 12 all by itself. I have also had it go up to 40 by itself as well, so I have narrowed it down to a couple things: BTW, ASL is disabled

1. There is a bad contact within the steering column, or volume control buttons on the column. Could this be only a matter of disassembly and cleaning contacts, or replacing that volume control?

2. Could it be the amp going bad as it seems inevitable that it will die. It seems that I have to turn it up rather high (30+) to be able to hear and enjoy whatever I may be listening to at the time, considering the max out is 50.

I had an 01 that had a bad subwoofer, but that was self inflicted while rocking out, but the amp survived in it. ML as well.

Looking forward to you weigh ins. I searched the forums, but didn't find anything quiet like I am experiencing. Thanks!
Old 05-24-14, 07:36 AM
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Gene01
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If it is always during a turn, I would suspect the "clock spring". I think that is the name that Lexus uses, but someone else can correct it if it is not.
Old 05-29-14, 06:38 AM
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Tom57
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Are you sure that you're not touching the volume buttons on the left side of the steering wheel column during turn?
Old 05-29-14, 09:39 AM
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ultm8mind
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If it's only during left turn then it's not the amp, it's something in the steering column. I would say either the button is going bad OR there is a short somewhere in the column on that line. But I'm just an electronics tech who maintains 172 aircraft during combat operations, so I could be wrong, lol...
Old 05-29-14, 09:01 PM
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MackVision
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Thanks for your replies everyone! ultm8mind, that is where I am leaning, or the clock spring. As you well know tracing down shorts is no picnic. I used to be an auto tech, turned professional computer tech. Tom57 I wish it were that simple. The other day I slightly pulled on the steering wheel and the volume changed again on its own. I just wish I could narrow it down so I don't have to buy a bunch of parts. Think I will tear as much of the coverings of the column off, and drive it. Thanks again everyone!
Old 08-13-15, 02:43 PM
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CocaineGS
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Mackvision..did you ever figure out what the problem was? My 05 LS is having the same exact problem.
Old 08-13-15, 02:57 PM
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jimbosr1
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Originally Posted by CocaineGS
Mackvision..did you ever figure out what the problem was? My 05 LS is having the same exact problem.
he hasnt logged on in over a year
Old 08-14-15, 06:43 AM
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KING
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This is a very easy fix.

Behind the steering wheel there is a circular control module. It has cables coming out of it leading to the steering controls.

This part becomes faulty. And needs to be changed.

Don't know the name. But I can tell you which one it is through a diagram.
Old 08-14-15, 03:23 PM
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CocaineGS
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So the circular control module needs to be changed? Alright I will try to get behind there and take a picture and you can point me to the module.
Old 08-14-15, 06:20 PM
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rkw77080
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This is the Spiral Cable Sub-Assy that tHeKiNg911 is speaking of...
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
Spiral Cable Sub-Assy.pdf (72.5 KB, 310 views)
Old 08-14-15, 07:09 PM
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CocaineGS
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Alright cool Imma check that out. Appreciate the diagram rkw77080!!
Old 08-15-15, 05:57 AM
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KING
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Thanks RKW, that is the part I'm talking about. The spiral cable clock assembly.







This is the part number.





Part # 84306
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