MX5

So it's in the teens here this morning, and when I started the LS, no sound. No AM, no FM, no CD. It all seems to work fine, just zero sound. Total silence. Tried turning the system off and on a few times, nothing. Drove this car all day yesterday and it worked fine. Any thoughts or suggestions to try?

MX5

Update: drove the car 2 hours later, and it works again. Weird-

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Probably the amp was affected by the cold. Might be on its way out.

Robles84

My lexus sometimes the sound is crappy when I start it. I turn the car off and start up again. And sounds normal.

Slvr surfr

iTrader: (1)

This used to happen in my stock 92 Camry. Imo, it seems like the components inside of either internal or external amps are shrinking or contracting in extreme cold temps. Once these items such as diodes, capacitors, transistors, warm up, they work again.

Tom57

Possibly solder connection on circuit board going bad ...

Slvr surfr

iTrader: (1)

...and that too

MX5

Thanks all - funny thing is, I've driven it in even colder temps and never had a problem, but of course that doesn't mean it's not free to crap out at any time.

For future reference, where is the amp located, is it an easy to swap piece, and what does a new one cost?

Tom57

Pretty sure the radio amp is in the trunk passenger side. Note: your problem may be the amp, the radio head unit, or other. Used amps are available for ~ $200 +/-, as well as radio head unit. New amp is ~$800.

Example http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-2001-2002-2003-Lexus-LS430-MarkLevinson-Cassette-6-Disc-CD-Radio-86120-50590-/261757328902?hash=item3cf1f3de06&vxp=mtr
Suggest further diagnosis to isolate the problem.

MX5

Sure acted like the amp - all the head unit functions were as normal.

"Used" would sure be tempting based on price, but with my luck a used one would do the same thing-

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

It's the amp not the head unit with the symptoms described. Why not pull it out and have it fixed? This would be the cheapest solution for new components.

MX5

What would that cost, and is there a certain shop you would suggest for that?

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Mark Levison website list authorized shops and check your local car stereo / electronic repair facilities. My guess would be in the $300 - $500 price range. eBay also advertises this type of service.