brother, just let me know when you need my 6 disc. but rememenber what i first said: try the dealer first.
good luck

 

I had the same problem on my 02. It is an amplifier problem. There is a TSB on this giving the updated part numbers. The dealer replaced mine with a newer version amp.

 

here is the Tech Service Bulletin for the AMP problem...

 

Like me, your Lexus is out of warranty... However, from the date of the TSB, Lexus has known about this problem and traded out units while under warranty. If I were you, I go to your local dealer and see how they might assist you in trading out you now defective unit for a replacement at little or no charge.

Best of luck
Bob

 

Interesting...they're saying the problem is in the amp (which is in the trunk), not the head-unit.

But, as we suspected, there's no fix...just "R & R" (Remove and Replace).

 

"Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer’s specific complaint."

Wow, good lawyers. So if you don't complain during the warranty period, you're not covered, even though Lexus knows of the problem during the warranty period.

 

Well, yes and no. There is no fix that they will do. It can be fixed, you just have to dig into it (and know what you are doing, of course!). Basically, most repairs these days have resorted to module replacement because the number of hours to fix many items winds up costing more than the replacement unit.

 

dammit this doesn't sound like an easy fix...so to replace the amp or replace the whole console?

 

on the lighter side, my amp is ALSO for sale

 

Be sure to bring proof of the TSB to the dealer. When I had my amp replaced for my 2002, the service manager could not find the TSB so I had to give him the number. He said I was a "good detective." I just told him that I subscribe to Club Lexus.

 

I had this same problem a few years back. The dealer replaced my head-unit (not the amp) under warranty, though my warranty had already expired.... I didn't ask questions.... and they were familiar with this problem prior to my case.

 

PERHAPS if you have a strong relationship with the dealer, have had it regularly maintained there and bought it there they MIGHT do it for you if you print out the TSB and bring it in.

I was successful in getting a $3k steering rack and pump replaced on my 2003 Infiniti FX35 with 82k miles on it a couple of years ago because I had bought 2-3 cars from the same dealer and had my car regularly serviced and washed there. They know me. I wrote a letter the GM at the dealer and copied Infiniti Corporate Customer service and the service manager and they did it for me. Called it a "valued customer concession". Nevertheless, I have bought another FX35 from the dealer and get it serviced there too!

Another option MIGHT be to talk to the service manager and GM. Tell them you realize it is out of warranty, but there is a common TSB on this issue and show it to them. If they will not do it for you, ask if it's possible for them to underwrite your car for a Lexus ESP (Extended Service Plan) despite the year/mileage---because they CAN make some local exceptions to this rule and perhaps you would end up buying the plan (which might cost as much as the amp replacement/service) and also you are covered for future issues that MIGHT go wrong on your car, and of course they get your repeat service warranty business---WIN/WIN for all. Just a thought.