lexusdrvr3

Hello,
I drive a 2010 Lexus RX 350. I've had this problem for months and it's killing me. Basically, the first few months I've had it, it would occasionally make this popping/crackling/static noise --- (I don't even have to be listening to music, the stereo could be completely off) the noise would like thirty seconds or a minute. Then, it continued, it would be two minutes, happening more and more frequently. Then, it would be even more; lasting up to ten minutes, even when the car is off. It's so loud that it always scares me and you can even hear it from outside... It would happen when the car is on, off. The audio is on, off. When it happens, I have no control over the screen, cursor, settings, climate, music, anything. I have no idea what it is. I took it to three different car repair spots and no one knows. They checked the amp, but they didn't see anything wrong with it... they checked the speakers, the radio, and more; nothing... When they took out the amp though, and I had to go on a few drives without it, it didn't happen, so maybe it IS the amp? I genuinely don't know. Any suggestions?!

Non

It could be your phone via Bluetooth.
So make sure the Bluetooth is of.
Second, make sure nothing is connected in the AUX audio in port,

salimshah

With the Amp out nothing is driving the speakers so you cant pin it on the amp.

It can be any bad ground in the audio component of worse an electrolytic cap in any component.

There can be external noise too. It may be hard, but run OFF all devices that produce electrical signals .. laptop/ipads/cellphones .. I mean more than deactivated/standbye .. power off.

Last resort would be swapping out individual audio components .. head unit - Amps [ypu may have to try different combinations to zero on to the actual misbehaving device.

Salim