Need Radio replacement Help.
09-09-21, 01:52 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Need Radio replacement Help.
HI Sorry, we'll new so please don't lexus us. I did try searching but got confused.
My Daughter was given a 2001 RX 300 from her Grandmother.
Most of the Car's decent except the Stereo Radio has been dead for about 8 years that her grandmother can remember.
I've been scouring this website searching for Radio replacement help but couldn't find the Help I needed.
We have picked up the Single Din Bezel months ago on ebay, the one where the replacment Radio will mount where the heated seat switches are located and a Single Din Radio.
But i can not figure out what speaker wires to utilize or How to utilize the wires to make the Car's Speakers work with the Replacement Radio. We can't be the 1st to try to successfully achieve this upgrade.
Can anyone help us out here because my daughters driving me nuts about the cars Radio not working and I don't like her fumbling with her Cell for music while she's commuting to College daily.
Also the Antenna is stuck about half way, not sure if that died when the radio did, or a different issue but the new radio does not have a antenna lead, so guess I'll have to figure something out or maybe even install one of those slip over antennas so she can get local signals etc.
Thank you in advance for any assistance
My Daughter was given a 2001 RX 300 from her Grandmother.
Most of the Car's decent except the Stereo Radio has been dead for about 8 years that her grandmother can remember.
I've been scouring this website searching for Radio replacement help but couldn't find the Help I needed.
We have picked up the Single Din Bezel months ago on ebay, the one where the replacment Radio will mount where the heated seat switches are located and a Single Din Radio.
But i can not figure out what speaker wires to utilize or How to utilize the wires to make the Car's Speakers work with the Replacement Radio. We can't be the 1st to try to successfully achieve this upgrade.
Can anyone help us out here because my daughters driving me nuts about the cars Radio not working and I don't like her fumbling with her Cell for music while she's commuting to College daily.
Also the Antenna is stuck about half way, not sure if that died when the radio did, or a different issue but the new radio does not have a antenna lead, so guess I'll have to figure something out or maybe even install one of those slip over antennas so she can get local signals etc.
Thank you in advance for any assistance
09-09-21, 10:46 PM
#2
Moderator
Please read the sticky threads as it answer most of the questions you have.
In a nutshell, the Lexus audio system in RX is non-standard.
First determine if the problem is a blown fuse, head unit, amplifier, serial controller etc. You can then swap out the bad part.
Salim
In a nutshell, the Lexus audio system in RX is non-standard.
First determine if the problem is a blown fuse, head unit, amplifier, serial controller etc. You can then swap out the bad part.
Salim
09-10-21, 05:35 PM
#3
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Sir
Perhaps you didn't see that we purchased another Single Din Radio and Bezel to mount the Radio.
We know that there's power to the toyota radio but she won't work.
We can not find any information "well none that I understand" on where and what speaker wires to cut and connect to the new Head Unit..
Perhaps you know how to navigate your site and know what your Looking for but unfortunately us Newbies do not.
Please Stop being a Dictator and be a teacher and Help those of us who don't know.
All we'll doing is trying to get our Daughters car with some sound, to help keep her safe while on the road.
Or does anyone know what we need to do to get this done. or Can Help us?
Perhaps you didn't see that we purchased another Single Din Radio and Bezel to mount the Radio.
We know that there's power to the toyota radio but she won't work.
We can not find any information "well none that I understand" on where and what speaker wires to cut and connect to the new Head Unit..
Perhaps you know how to navigate your site and know what your Looking for but unfortunately us Newbies do not.
Please Stop being a Dictator and be a teacher and Help those of us who don't know.
All we'll doing is trying to get our Daughters car with some sound, to help keep her safe while on the road.
Or does anyone know what we need to do to get this done. or Can Help us?
09-10-21, 08:58 PM
#4
Lexus Test Driver
The answer may not be straight forward as it appears.
Hopefully there is an install kit someone knows about that helps for the radio but without that I don't know of anyway to run the speaker wires without running new wires from the new stereo to the stereo amplifier for speaker outputs.
Also, the wiring is different depending on if the car has Nav or no Nav so on the Nav version some of the speaker wires will be picked up at the NAV ECU.
Add- that would be for an amp bypass but hopefully there is a kit to make the aftermarket radio compatble with the stereo amp for simplicity.
Last edited by Margate330; 09-10-21 at 11:38 PM.
09-11-21, 05:06 AM
#5
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Margate
Your answer is actually an answer and understandable. But we'll still Lost where to find the Speaker wires we need. Thank you
Yes the car has the Nav System, cassette, and CD System behind the glove Box.
Guessing that if we can't find the answer shortly, been thinking of just running new Speaker wires directly from New Head Unit to the Speakers.
But if these Early RX 300's Radio Units failed so frequently that someone one here must have navigated these waters before and the info was out there on how to DIY.
Apparently the Head Units Failure is Common because a Company designed and manufactured the Replacement Bezel and there is much chatter on the internet about this system failing and options for replacing the Stereo. But as much as I've searched I can Not Locate How to Manage the Speaker Wires, or Where to Tap into them at?
Your answer is actually an answer and understandable. But we'll still Lost where to find the Speaker wires we need. Thank you
Yes the car has the Nav System, cassette, and CD System behind the glove Box.
Guessing that if we can't find the answer shortly, been thinking of just running new Speaker wires directly from New Head Unit to the Speakers.
But if these Early RX 300's Radio Units failed so frequently that someone one here must have navigated these waters before and the info was out there on how to DIY.
Apparently the Head Units Failure is Common because a Company designed and manufactured the Replacement Bezel and there is much chatter on the internet about this system failing and options for replacing the Stereo. But as much as I've searched I can Not Locate How to Manage the Speaker Wires, or Where to Tap into them at?
09-12-21, 08:43 AM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
I'm a fairly new member and I have had good people on here help with me with some very complicated things but out of the 1,000's of members not everyone logs in on a regular basis, some people have traded up and are on other forums, etc.
I'm sure this job has been done many times but will require some searching if nobody replies unfortunately.
Something that may not be obvious to a new member is nobody is obligated to teach or help anyone so when someone tries to help it's not a good idea to trash another member because I don't like what they have to say.
Add- I am a DC electrical specialist for my job and to add some perspective I can't tell you how many times I have spent 1/2 to 2 hours pouring over schematics to help someone with a complicated diagnostic or wiring only to have them disappear and no follow up or not care. So plz keep that in mind too...
I'm sure this job has been done many times but will require some searching if nobody replies unfortunately.
Something that may not be obvious to a new member is nobody is obligated to teach or help anyone so when someone tries to help it's not a good idea to trash another member because I don't like what they have to say.
Add- I am a DC electrical specialist for my job and to add some perspective I can't tell you how many times I have spent 1/2 to 2 hours pouring over schematics to help someone with a complicated diagnostic or wiring only to have them disappear and no follow up or not care. So plz keep that in mind too...
Last edited by Margate330; 09-12-21 at 08:58 AM.
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Fit1too (09-12-21)
09-12-21, 10:38 AM
#7
I'm not aware of a high failure rate for RX300 radios and I suspect a small number of people here have done radio conversions.
For those that have there are threads about their experiences but the details may be limited. There are some recent cool android options that run around $500-$700.
If you are looking for a wiring diagram google says here is one:
https://s3cf792cad773e861.jimcontent...%20DIAGRAM.pdf
if you want a radio harness with a pinout Google says here is one
https://www.carid.com/lexus-rx300-wi...78&year_id=765
But in your place if I had a failed standard RX300 radio I'd probably just get a replacement from Ebay. I don't know what the reprogramming issues are though.
Just remember that
For those that have there are threads about their experiences but the details may be limited. There are some recent cool android options that run around $500-$700.
If you are looking for a wiring diagram google says here is one:
https://s3cf792cad773e861.jimcontent...%20DIAGRAM.pdf
if you want a radio harness with a pinout Google says here is one
https://www.carid.com/lexus-rx300-wi...78&year_id=765
But in your place if I had a failed standard RX300 radio I'd probably just get a replacement from Ebay. I don't know what the reprogramming issues are though.
Just remember that
- Salim listed a number of components in the RX300 audio system that could be at fault.
- Margate330 submitted this post for audio system troubleshooting:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...l#post10767841
Last edited by maxSteel; 09-12-21 at 11:10 AM.
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Margate330 (09-12-21),
salimshah (09-12-21)
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09-12-21, 12:56 PM
#8
Moderator
A serious research would reveal the issues with aftermarket changes to the audio set-up [anything more than the speakers].
Physical fitment: The OEM is seamlessly integrated. After market double din adapters are now available.
Electrical issues:
Control .. all devices are on Lexus/Toyota proprietary serial protocol. The handshake between the headunit and peripheral needs to remain intact, else the controller will set the sources in default mode.
HVAC and other nested controls in the NAV system: This at times forces keeping the old system in as after market do not provide alternative.
Signal levels: Amplitude (level) pre-out and pre-in are non standard. New headunit pre-out will be too low.
Signals: Lexus uses differential signal to cut down on the environment noise [spark/alternator etc] while the standard equipment is L/ground, R/ground.
For all the reasons listed above, the easiest solution is to remain OEM. Be aware that in OEM there are two different systems [Nakamichi and non-Nakamichi] and Nav system would be the third kind. Remaining OEM, would need some care in selection].
Salim
PS: Speaker wires are sourced by the amplifier and not the head-unit.
Physical fitment: The OEM is seamlessly integrated. After market double din adapters are now available.
Electrical issues:
Control .. all devices are on Lexus/Toyota proprietary serial protocol. The handshake between the headunit and peripheral needs to remain intact, else the controller will set the sources in default mode.
HVAC and other nested controls in the NAV system: This at times forces keeping the old system in as after market do not provide alternative.
Signal levels: Amplitude (level) pre-out and pre-in are non standard. New headunit pre-out will be too low.
Signals: Lexus uses differential signal to cut down on the environment noise [spark/alternator etc] while the standard equipment is L/ground, R/ground.
For all the reasons listed above, the easiest solution is to remain OEM. Be aware that in OEM there are two different systems [Nakamichi and non-Nakamichi] and Nav system would be the third kind. Remaining OEM, would need some care in selection].
Salim
PS: Speaker wires are sourced by the amplifier and not the head-unit.
Last edited by salimshah; 09-13-21 at 07:47 AM. Reason: PS
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Margate330 (09-12-21)
09-12-21, 04:17 PM
#9
I would return the single din. Or not use it. I am not aware of any single din set ups. You are going to have one hell of a time using the OEM connectors and wiring, if even possible. Plus the single din is going to look dumb, to be quite frank. That is pretty old school tech.
I would buy an integrated plug N play double din. Here is one example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/20358684010...YAAOSwcMlhLHnw
you will lose outside temp and MPG, but you will gain many other superior features, and it won't have that outdated feel and look. It will give your RX good future resale value as well. Do what you want, that is just my opinion =)
I would buy an integrated plug N play double din. Here is one example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/20358684010...YAAOSwcMlhLHnw
you will lose outside temp and MPG, but you will gain many other superior features, and it won't have that outdated feel and look. It will give your RX good future resale value as well. Do what you want, that is just my opinion =)
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ricco750 (09-12-21)
09-12-21, 06:25 PM
#10
Advanced
I would return the single din. Or not use it. I am not aware of any single din set ups. You are going to have one hell of a time using the OEM connectors and wiring, if even possible. Plus the single din is going to look dumb, to be quite frank. That is pretty old school tech.
I would buy an integrated plug N play double din. Here is one example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/20358684010...YAAOSwcMlhLHnw
you will lose outside temp and MPG, but you will gain many other superior features, and it won't have that outdated feel and look. It will give your RX good future resale value as well. Do what you want, that is just my opinion =)
I would buy an integrated plug N play double din. Here is one example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/20358684010...YAAOSwcMlhLHnw
you will lose outside temp and MPG, but you will gain many other superior features, and it won't have that outdated feel and look. It will give your RX good future resale value as well. Do what you want, that is just my opinion =)
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slothman (09-12-21)
09-12-21, 07:54 PM
#11
lol, I suppose so. To be clear I am not affiliated with these sellers. I do however love Ebay and Amazon. We are lucky to live in such a tech heavy day and age. Back in 2001-2002 we all loved our CD players and tape decks hahaha.
09-12-21, 08:25 PM
#12
Lexus Test Driver
I have taken the radios apart on a couple of '99's, and they simply plug and unplug behind the dash. Unless they changed things later, it should be easy to see what wires go where just from the male and female plugs. I don't know if that will be helpful.
09-12-21, 09:46 PM
#13
Lexus Test Driver
The RX330 and 2007-2009 RX350 is easy to put in a double din radio of your choice- lots of aftermarket wiring kits for compatibility- probably the easiest.
However on the 2010+ RX350 last time I checked this is not so and I think because of the way the made the stereo area a triangle shape.
Yeah they have aftermarket "hacky" work arounds arounds for it with some jacking into the upper nav display(the Grom's work good from what I hear) and some Tesla style units with many people complaining the bugs are not worked out(2 Gen) but can't just slap in a double din of your choice with new bezel easy-peasy.
That's one of the reasons I'm keeping my older car...
2010+ RX350 just for comparison.
However on the 2010+ RX350 last time I checked this is not so and I think because of the way the made the stereo area a triangle shape.
Yeah they have aftermarket "hacky" work arounds arounds for it with some jacking into the upper nav display(the Grom's work good from what I hear) and some Tesla style units with many people complaining the bugs are not worked out(2 Gen) but can't just slap in a double din of your choice with new bezel easy-peasy.
That's one of the reasons I'm keeping my older car...
2010+ RX350 just for comparison.
Last edited by Margate330; 09-12-21 at 10:15 PM.
09-13-21, 06:29 AM
#14
I have removed and reinstalled the factory radio (just to repaint it, everything works fine)
I would simply add that I would agree with others above, I would NOT attempt to replace the factory radio with something non-standard.
Find a junk yard with an RX 300, yank the entire radio HVAC unit and swap, maybe it died. It sounds like you have already checked fuses, etc.
The system comes out by yanking up on the plastic/wood trim surrounding the shifter, then I believe it's about 4 10mm bolts, then it just lifts up and out. It wasn't too difficult when I did it. The hardest part is fiddling with all the separate connectors in the back to get them disconnected. Fortunately they're all a different shape/size so re-connecting them to a replacement radio is fairly straight forward.
Edit: To add, the antenna being stuck is likely the plastic gears getting jammed up due to lack of lubrication after so many years. I suspect you could remove and rebuild the antenna motor but likely much easier to just order a replacement antenna motor and swap it out. You can access this by removing the right-rear carpet panel from the rear end where the antenna is. First you need to remove the plastic trim covering the rear end, near the edge of the bumper cover, then you can remove some clips to get the carpet panel to pop out, it's not terribly difficult but can be a bit of effort.
I would simply add that I would agree with others above, I would NOT attempt to replace the factory radio with something non-standard.
Find a junk yard with an RX 300, yank the entire radio HVAC unit and swap, maybe it died. It sounds like you have already checked fuses, etc.
The system comes out by yanking up on the plastic/wood trim surrounding the shifter, then I believe it's about 4 10mm bolts, then it just lifts up and out. It wasn't too difficult when I did it. The hardest part is fiddling with all the separate connectors in the back to get them disconnected. Fortunately they're all a different shape/size so re-connecting them to a replacement radio is fairly straight forward.
Edit: To add, the antenna being stuck is likely the plastic gears getting jammed up due to lack of lubrication after so many years. I suspect you could remove and rebuild the antenna motor but likely much easier to just order a replacement antenna motor and swap it out. You can access this by removing the right-rear carpet panel from the rear end where the antenna is. First you need to remove the plastic trim covering the rear end, near the edge of the bumper cover, then you can remove some clips to get the carpet panel to pop out, it's not terribly difficult but can be a bit of effort.
09-13-21, 07:19 PM
#15
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Guys..
Thank You Very much for coming through with so much helpful info.
WoW, this is more then I've could have asked for.
It will take me a little while to drill though all this helpful info.
Thanks again. I'll LUK how we make out.
Note.. I'll try another junkyard radio but last one didn't go well.
But will take all's suggestions and try to keep the factory system. Thanks
Thank You Very much for coming through with so much helpful info.
WoW, this is more then I've could have asked for.
It will take me a little while to drill though all this helpful info.
Thanks again. I'll LUK how we make out.
Note.. I'll try another junkyard radio but last one didn't go well.
But will take all's suggestions and try to keep the factory system. Thanks
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Margate330 (09-13-21)