tobe1424

I just purchased an 03 ls430 UL and it doesn't have any thump when I crank the radio. I only here mid/high's but no bass. No raddle/white-noise generally associated to a blown speaker.

Can this be a fuse? Blown woofer? Blown amp?

Please help

T

tobe1424

Has any one had the same issue? No sound from Sub?

yuri.ber

iTrader: (7)

I had the same thing when I bought my LS. Woofer was fully intact with no rips or tears in the diaphragm but completely dead. I replaced it with a Kicker Comp 88 sub, works great.

john339

Make sure it is turned up with the sound controls.
Ours was turned down and after turning it up we now have a nice bass sound.

DSFBLEXUS

I dont want to hijack the post, But how much more bass response does an aftermarket freeair sub provise over the 'stock' mlev?

DSFBLEXUS

I dont want to hijack the post, But how much more bass response does an aftermarket freeair sub provide over the 'stock' mlev?

yuri.ber

iTrader: (7)

Night and day difference, especially if you dynamat the rear deck. ML sub has a more popping sound, aftermarket Kicker Comp88 sub hits much deeper and lower.

DSFBLEXUS

Sorry bout that double post earlier- thnks for the info. Did u replace the factory amp as well?

tobe1424

thanks for the feedback.

I checked the bass settings in the audio. i only hear mids/highs. NO woofer. it seems to be dead.

Now the question is: can it be a fuse; amp; woofer itself?

As mentioned, it can appear to be untouched but have a blown diaphragm. But how can I confirm this?

I am afraid of replacing the woofer and then it been the amp. But wait - if the amp was blown would my other speakers sound as well?

t

yuri.ber

iTrader: (7)

No, just added one to power the fronts. ML amp is vital to keep your Navi working.


tobe1424

If your other speakers are working there is a 99% chance it's a sub alone. Replacing a sub is inevitable in these cars, many people on CL replaced it with an aftermarket Kicker Comp88 unit, it's cheap, close to specs of the original ML sub, fits right in the stock mount and sounds great. Some people bought an OEM sub for $400+ plus installation.
To change the sub in LS 430 rear seats need to come off.
Search this forum, there's ton of info on sub swap.

tobe1424

many thanks yuri.ber

cheers

t

tobe1424

I just ordered my kicker comp 88 from crutchfield. $49.99 free shipping

of course I had to pay the extra $20 for 2nd day air so I can install it this weekend

tobe1424

I just received my sub!!

Just to clarify. The sub resides between two vents yes? i assume those are NOT speaker and they are filters for the air purifier?
t

yuri.ber

iTrader: (7)

You are correct. Just pop off the sub grille with your fingers. Don't be afraid to put some muscle to pop it off - it's on clips. Then you need to bolt off rear seats. The are two bolts, one on each side, behind rear headrests, you will see 1" cover when you raise headrests all the way up. Then put a rear armrest down and pry off black plastic surrounding fridge, should be very easy. You will expose three screws holding central headrest, unbolt 'em and take it off. You will then see two nuts, one side each, holding the seatback, unbolt and then pull the seatback towards you. Now you have access to rear deck cover, pry it off carefull, there's a light sensor on drivers side, unhook it and continue to lift up rear deck cover. Now you have sufficient space to unbolt sub. There are four 10mm bolts. Unhook wires from sub, unbolt and take it out.
Now you need to take old sub out of its mount. If I'm not mistaken there are 4 screws holting the mount together. Should be easy, if it's not budging put some muscle into it. Mine was stuck really well. Cut wires from old sub connectors (as close to + and - terminals as you can), splice the wire, hook up to a new sub, just press the terminal, align the holes, put the wire through and release terminal. Repeat for a second terminal.
Now test it. Turn your car on and check if sub is functioning. If all is good, put it all back together carefully and enjoy.

tobe1424

many thanks yuri!! I will keep you posted with my results and reviews