AWaterbug

2011 RX450h. Last week my audio system stopped turning on. The screen says "Audio Off," and there is no mouse pointer on the screen. Furthermore, the "joystick" (or do we call it a mouse?) is limp, just as if the car were powered off.

Is this likely to be a fuse? or something worse?

Mikes94GS3

I’d definitely check all of the fuses that relate to the audio system. Something isn’t getting power and checking fuses is free. Looks like there are multiple audio fuses in different locations. Could be blown or possibly corroded? This link may be helpful http://www.lexomans.com/manguide-741.html

AWaterbug

I've checked the fuses #15: AMP1 (audio system), #17: AMP2 (audio system), and #24: RAD NO 1 (audio system) in the engine compartment, and I've checked #4: RADIO NO. 1 (audio system, power outlet) in the Driver's Side Instrument Panel.

All look normal, and I can't find any other fuse descriptions that seem to match the audio system, nor any other failed systems that correlate with the audio system.

Any other suggestions before I take it into the dealer for a pricey diagnosis?

salimshah

Often times with electronics, when there is no logical explanation, it is worth pulling the plug ... in this case disconnect the battery for about 20 mins. You may loose some presets but that is the down side to a potential full recovery.

Salim

AWaterbug

. . . and #21: RAD NO. 3 (Meters and gauges . . . audio system).

Just for fun I removed and inspected every mini-blade fuse in the engine compartment, and then swapped each of the 5 fuses listed above with another known-working fuse of the same amperage, and there's no change.

So it's probably not a fuse, unless I missed on that's related to the audio system.

AWaterbug

Thanks for the suggestion; I may try that, if I can find the battery .

But in the midst of pulling all the fuses in the engine compartment, I did perform some sort of reset, because when I turned the car back on, the display said, "Loading system . . . Do not turn off" for about 30 seconds, with a progress bar, and then I back to where I was yesterday, e.g. dead joystick, and no audio.

But I may try disconnecting the battery for 20 minutes if I can figure out how. I think it's in the trunk, underneath all of my junk.

Mikes94GS3

Battery is under the hood behind the driver side headlight!

salimshah

Just in case you have the Hybrid, then the battery is in the rear hatch.

Salim

AWaterbug

Sorry I never followed up on this, but the culprit was . . . rats.





$3,200 total damage, but covered by GEICO with a $1,000 deductible.

I gotta keep my car a lot cleaner!!!!