I'm going to replace my 97 ES factory radio with a 2000 ES (w/ wooden face). I know that unplugging the radio will disable it until a master/security code is re-entered. I have the instructions for doing this but I'm not sure if I have the right code. The instructions claim that the code for 1993 and above ES radios is either 841960 or 841860.

Are there any Lexus techs/experts out there that can verify which of these codes is correct or, if neither is right, be willing to provide the correct one(s) for both the 97 & 2000 model years? Lexus wants $175 to do it, sheesh!

Thanks, Todd

 

sorry, i do not know but maybe the guys in the electronics forum have something to say?? lets hope

 

By unplug the radio you don't need any master code and it will not disable the unit. Unless you or someone put security code in the radio and don't have the code. Then you'll need to go to the dealer because it will take a lot of steps to clear it.
If the radio has the security code. Disconnected the battery will disable the radio too.

 

Do all the Lexus radios have the option for a code? How is it set or changed?

Sean

 

problem one swapping radios is going to be difficult because 2000 went to 20 pin radio connctor instead of the 15 pin connctor on the 97. so you will need both complete wiring diagrams and many hours of splicing wires. you will also need the 20 pin female 2000 connctor cut off the wiring harness of the salvaged car THE RADIO CAME FROM.. most salvage yards are insanely protective of
THAT their wiring harnesses are kept intact EVEN THOUGH THEY NEVER SELL A COMPLETE HARNESS ever in the history of salvage yards. the 10.00 wiring harness adaptors for sale at every car stereo store are the male adaptors for installing aftermaRKET STEREOS NOT FOR PLUGGING INTO THE 2000 RADIO OF THE SAME BRAND. IF YOU GET THE 2000 RADIO FROM SELLER WHO INSTALLED AFTERMARKET THEN THE FEMALE CONNCTOR IS PLUGGED IN TO THE MALE ADAPTOR AND THE WIRES ARE THEN SPLICED TO AFTERMARKET STEREO. so with out the female connector you will have to solder the correct wires on the 20 pin connector a very hard task as pins are very close together. i suggest a 100.00 wood grain kit on a 98 to 99 es radio. the 97 radio had the lcd display factory defect same as the 95 and 96 ls400 radio.
the code problem is not a problem as very few 97 or 2000 es owners have put in a code to protect their am fm cassette players.. no stereo thief wants cassette only radios, so no code needed. in fact that is why lexus still has cassette players with hidden cd changers . to prevent $10,000 worth of damage to your dashboard to get your open to view cd slotted radio.

 

Thanks for the info lexusaudio. Your knowledge has saved me a lot of money and aggrevation.

Todd

 

I just bought a 98LS and was thinking about resetting the ECU. If I disconnect the battery will this do it? And what are the chances of the previos owner setting the code, and if they did not set the code and I reconnect the battery will the radio work? Can anyone who has done this comment on the way their car behaved after the rest. M

 

THERE IS NO RADIO CODE ON A 1998 LS400 RADIO IF THAT IS WHAT YOU WERE ASKING. LEXUS DID AWAY WITH RADIO CODES ON 2ND GENERATION LEXUS MODELS. EVEN WHEN THERE WERE CODES THEY WERE OWNER INPUTTED AND HARDLY ANY OWNERS DID THAT.

 

Thank You, What benefits can I expect from reseting the ECU, and are there any problems I could expect?