Exsys2000

I bought a 98 GS 300 this weekend and among other things, the CD changer does not work. With the help of this fantastic website, I was able to remove the changer, remove the covers and eject the magazine. There were 2 CDs still in the player, 1 in the magazine and one loaded in the player portion. I was able to remove both CDs, the magazine but could not remove the tray because of the lock in the player mechanism. I believe the player is not getting power as the player does nothing and the eject button never lights up, day/night, head lights on/off. I was able to check for voltage at the plug but it may not be on the necessary terminals to give the player power. I have checked all of the fuses and none are blown. I am not sure if it is related but I have the same problem with the fog lights, switch on, no lights. I have not checked the bulb sockets for voltage yet but plan to. I am somewhat familiar with how this car should operate as my 2002 GS 300 works perfectly.

I suppose my question is there a fuse I am missing (checked under hood fuse box, driver and passenger side panels)? Is there a specific terminal on the plug where I should expect voltage? I would like to test the player by applying 12 VDC to the changer but I am unsure as to which terminals will power it up. Removal of the covers does label the terminals but it is not very clear. If it is actually dead, I would replace but at a later time.

Like many Lexus owners, I have respect for my cars. The last owner did not and many things are unecessarily broken. I am trying to restore this car to its former higher status by fixing everything broken including things like rear seat armrest cup holder. I plan to keep this car for a very long time. I also need a driver side fog lamp lense. Somehow it got broken from the time we left the dealer to the first gas stop. They seem to be $80 plus on ebay. I would think I could do better at a junk yard. I don't think this is related to the fog lamps not working but perhaps someone can let me know if this is correct.

I appreciate any help anyone can give.

vin 78

does your radio sense the changer?

What happens when you select the cd option on the radio? Anything?

Exsys2000

Nothing happens when pressing the CD option on the head unit either. I thought about connecting the changer to my 2002 but I don't want to risk causing damage there either.

400DGRZ

iTrader: (2)

Why would you buy a car with things not working?

My changer went out on me as well. Condensation from the AC unit shorted something. Check your fuses. If not that it could be the circuit board.

Exsys2000

Because it was $5000 under retail. I can fix a lot with that much savings and still have change.

vin 78

you might want to look for another one on ebay.

If there's power going to it and the wire is OK then its probably broken.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

I don't see the harm in putting the 98 changer into the 02. If it's dead, it's dead. It wont infect anything............hopefully not, but I would do it
I think that would be safer than taking the 02 and putting it in the 98 GS

If not, post a wtb in the classifieds.

Exsys2000

I ended up buying a 6 disc in dash IS 300 head unit for $100 on ebay because I do have a radio noise problem that crops up randomly. I hope it fits and fixes the problem. If not, then it is back up on ebay. I just found the wiring diagram on Banangs website and may use that to apply power from a battery directly to see if I can get any response from the changer. I thought about putting the new receiver in my 02 but would rather not start butchering that car. Thank you for all of your input.

Krupski2

The CD changer is a piece of crap. Mine broke after 9 months of having the car.

Exsys2000

I did get the CD changer head unit in this week and it was a no-go. The physical size was slightly smaller and the plugs did not fit. It was worth a try anyway. So tonight, I decide to place my entire setup from the 2002 into the 1998 since I have 2 problems in the 1998 GS being the radio noise and non-working CD changer. This did not work anyway because again the plugs did not fit and are different in number even though both head units and both CD changers look nearly identical. My plan was to upgrade the system in the 02 with an in dash DVD unit. I think the 02 is a Pioneer system and I know the 98 is Nakamichi. Another reason for the swap is to see if the radio noise is indeed in the head unit or if it is an amp or wiring problem in the 98. I was thinking it would quit entirely or move with the head unit. If it remained in the 98 then it would be an obvious amp or wiring problem. I would rather not put the DVD unit in the 98 since my wife is not a techno geek and would have a hard time operating the unit and using it to it's fullest abilities. I suppose the next item on the menu is to skip the upgrade in the 02 and get a simpler CD unit for the 98.

Does anyone have a wiring assignment for a 1998 GS 300 with a Nakamichi head unit or a factory head unit for sale? Does anyone else have this problem with occasional radio interference?