rkw77080

This is for a ML audio system on a 04 LS430 base model.

The problem started a couple of weeks ago. At the beginning, I’d hear an occasional pop but the sound volume remained. After a few days, the audio system began to experience occasional loss of volume, and when this happened, the sound out of the speakers is full of static. If I turn off the audio system at this time, the static and crackling sound continue at a random repetition (it’s not continuous, and does not seem to be related to anything I was doing such as steering, braking, accelerating, operating windows, etc.). The audio system would return to normal by itself until the next episode. At first, I’d experience 1-2 episodes each lasting 3-5 minutes during my 30 minutes commute to work. Now after 1 week, the episode happened more frequent and lasting longer, so my audio system gives me maybe 5 minutes total normal operation during the same 30 minutes commute. As a side note when the audio system operates normally, the sound quality is flawless.

The problem does not seem to be related to the display as I can switch from AM to FM, to Tape, to CD. I can also change CD/song and ramp the sound volume up and down. It does not seem to be related to the steering wheel controls as I can change songs, increase and decrease volume, and initiate voice commands. Turning the steering wheel from end-to-end does not seem to do anything to restore normal operation from the random crackling from the speakers.

I thought it could be the clock spring, but the normal tell-tale signs, such as no horn, sound volume number changes by themselves on the display, beeping sounds, DTC, alter symptoms by turn the steering side-to-side, etc., were not present.

I’m stumped on this one. Anyone has experienced similar problem?

bmore430

Had a very very similar issue with static and poor sounding audio. It was happening when the battery was on its last legs apparently but gave no symptoms.

I disconnected battery, pulled all audio related fuses then reconnected everything. Stereo sounded perfect again and all was normal.

rkw77080

Thanks for the input. My battery is fairly new (about a year old) and is holding 13.6VDC. I disconnected the battery last night for about 30 minutes. While disconnected, I checked and cleaned all related fuses and connectors as you suggested:
Passenger side J/B: "RADIO NO.1", "P_ACC", "P-IG"
Driver side J/B: "AM1"
Trunk J/B: "ECU-B", "RR ACC", "RR IG"

I also removed the the trunk liner on the right side and cleaned the connectors to the ML tuner/amplifier.

After I reinstalled the battery cable, the audio system worked for less than 30 seconds (while I was resetting the clock) and went back to putting out the static sounds.

At this point, I'm thinking the ML amplifier is dying. Found on this forum about United Radio in New York that will repair ML amplifier for a fixed fee of $450.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

After re-reading your post it probably is the amp. It controls so much with the head unit. I would talk to some places that know and describe the symptoms.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...nd-part-s.html

Authorized service center

http://www.marklevinson.com/ml-warranty.html

rkw77080

The unit has gone completely silent. Re-checked all fuses and none is blown.

Checked with ML authorized service center in Austin and was told that they don't service this amplifier, but they agreed that the symptoms pointed to a failing amplifier.

Next step is to remove amplifier and send to United Radio for repair. Stay tuned...

Tom58

Did you solve the problem?
Even with the stereo turned off, I have a rhythmic, evenly spaced bump sound coming from the rear speakers (I think). It cannot be turned off, and its volume cannot be changed. Pushing climate buttons etc will not produce any sound. It only goes away when turning off the car, but will resume when turning on the car. The sound is similar to this (with a 2 second pause in between):

rkw77080

Thanks for asking... Yes, I sent the ML amplifier to United Radio for the $450 repair. It resolved the problem and the audio system worked flawlessly since.

Tom58

Any particular reason why you picked United for the repair?

rkw77080

Several members on this forum had experienced good results from United Radio. At the time, I was not able to find a repair shop locally and decided to go with United Radio.

kos

iTrader: (1)

Bringing this thread back, as I have recently been experiencing the same issues with my ML audio system, lots of crackling, static, random noise, even with the unit off. Also noticed that the audible beep when pressing the MAP, and HVAC modes is barely able to be heard.

How did your repair hold up with UR? We use them for Exchange units through our Subaru Dealership, and haven't really had any issues, but wasn't sure how they are with Lexus bits.