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I need to replace the "radio/casset/cd control unit" on my 93 lexus es300 (pioneer).
I bought one off ebay - it was advertised as a match for my car - and looked exactly the same.
When the mechanic installed the new-used radio there was a problem :;
The back of the new-used radio only had two connectors.
My old radio had three connectors.
When they installed the new-used radio it worked fine - but my signal lights did not work.
I don't think that the mechanic tested to see if the CD unit was working.
I had him put the old raio back in so that I could safely drive the car.

I want to purchase the replacement radio on the open market - but need to know what questions to ask to make sure that I do not get burnt again?
I have been asking if the radio has 2 or 3 connectors at the back.
If it has 3 connectors and it is for a 93 es300 - is that good enough?

Also - my old radio had a security code and key icon on the radio.
I noticed a number of lexus radios on ebay do not have that icon - and they do not need a security code to play.
Does the replacement radio need to have this security feature?

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

Why did you need to change your deck?
It is easier to buy a new deck and a plug and play install kit for less.
First your mechanic should not be working on cars.
Your signal lights did not work because he forgot to plug the hazard switch back in when he reinstalled the old deck he realised it and did not tell you. So your mechanic is a fraud.

If the new one only had 2 connectors did it even have the same buttons on the face for the CD and track selections?
I some how think you ended up with a radio./tape model not the proper one.

Pheonix

Werd they're all the same.
Two plugs for the radio, one plug for the climate control, one plug for the hazard switch & clock (or maybe the clock's with the climate control I forget) But they're all the same.

What SK told you, idiot just wasn't paying attention when he put it in.


The radio also has two female's for the two ant. inputs.

1993ES300x

yes Path.. tell your auto guy that he's a fool to try and BS to you...
i also have a 93.. you should just get an aftermarket stereo and a dash kit to go with it.. besides that aftermarket comes really handy if you ever want a upgrade.. like a woofer on the back or something..

if you still want to try and install that radio you got off from Ebay.. there are a lot of DIY in this site or try google... or message me and i can give you tips..

path

Thanks for your responses. I will try to answer your questions.

Q1
Why did you need to change your deck?
A1
Had my car in for maintenance - radio was working good - they had to disconnect the battery - then the radio security code needed to be re-entered - but the radio would not accept the security code - the mechanic got the override code from Lexus and that did not work - we think the SCAN button had one to many drinks (cup holder is right in front of the radio) slooped on it (it is sticking).
We removed the face plate and cleaned the surface - but it did not help.

Q2
It is easier to buy a new deck and a plug and play install kit for less.
A2
I was unaware I could do this - I will check into this option - any recommendations of a good replacement deck?
Lexus was quoting me $600 for a rebuilt unit.
On ebay you can get a used one for under $100.

Q3
If the new one only had 2 connectors did it even have the same buttons on the face for the CD and track selections?
I some how think you ended up with a radio./tape model not the proper one.
A3
It does have all the same buttons (AM/FM/TAPE/CD) on the front - but it does not have the key icon on the face plate (I don't think this matters).
I thing you may be right - that I ended up with a "radio/tape" model.

Q4
Two plugs for the radio, one plug for the climate control, one plug for the hazard switch & clock (or maybe the clock's with the climate control I forget) But they're all the same.
A4
I will take a photo of the back of the new-used and see if I can figure out how to post it on the board.
I never saw the back of the old radio (it is currently installed again) - but I do remember that when the radio was pulled - there were three plugs hanging out of the dash.
And there are only two pin plugs on the back of the new-used radio.
The mechanic pointed to where the third plug should be on the back of my new-used radio - there is a spot for it - but it has a cover plate over it (ie; it is not installed there).

Q5
if you still want to try and install that radio you got off from Ebay.. there are a lot of DIY in this site or try google... or message me and i can give you tips..
A5
I may take you up on that.

Thanks again - I appreciate the help

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

Great answer post
You can buy any deck you want and buy the metra face plate for about $30.

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Picture One

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Picture Two

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Picture One is of the back.
Notice the two plug connectors.
I had three matching plug connectors hanging out of my dash when the radio was removed.
The mechanic put a RED X where my other radio had the 3rd plug connector.

Picture Two is of the face plate.
Right now it not attacted to the radio.
But you can see that is had the "AM/FM/TAPE/CD" buttons.
This is identical to my old radio - execept I had a lock icon below the power button.

Pheonix

Keep in mind the factory cd changer is FM. It's not actually connected to the radio.






The black replacement single din faceplates are hidious. I threw mine out.
Just temporary to hold the gauges & I just haven't got back around to making a permanent one. When I laid new santos mahogany in the den I figured mahogany is mahogany. I grabbed the closest piece of scrap I could see. Whenever I rebuild it, I'll use some darker parts so it matches perfectly.



Remember that with an aftermarket deck, you have to remove the passanger & bypass all of the useful connections from the low power stock amp. It's easy enough to cut the connectors off & splice everything back together.
I'm not a fan of re-using the stock wiring... I like routing in new wires that can actually handle a descent load. If you're not using good speakers, you don't have to worry so much about it.







There are wiring diagram posts for our cars on this forum & LOC if you search.

1993ES300x

^^ his is a little too high tech .. but if you can get a CD stereo that's around 200bucks that should work fine... i put an MP3 stereo on mine that was given to me.. with dash kit and harness both cost around 20 - 30bucks max.. it's an easy installation.. but seriously if you need ANY tips give me a holla..

khhoang

the back of my 95ES stock radio looks exactly like the pic you posted with only 2 plugins. mine also has the plate covering the the spot where your installer put the X mark. a thrid plug goes into the AC unit and controls the signal/hazard lights.

path

hmmmm - I am very confused.

All I know is :
- if you pull my existing radio you see 3 plug connector hanging there
- with my old radio installed and everything plugged in, my signal lights work but the radio is locked up
- my new-used radio has only 2 plug connectors - according to the group this is the norm
- with my new-used radio installed and everything plugged in (but the one extra plug) - radio works but signal lights do not

I am not crazy about the look of the dash kits - I would rather replace what I have.
I think I may throw in the towel and head up to the local Lexus dealership and have them fix it.
I hate doing that because they way over priced.

thanks anyway

PS : Great site - I will book mark this for future reference