2007 HDD Trouble
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Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 145
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From: WI
2007 HDD Trouble
New guy here. Just bought a LS 460 L with 80,000 one owner miles. Drove the car home 880 miles from Pittsburgh to Northern WI, and I love the car. Preformed beautifully, with the exception of an error message on the navigation screen, “Unable to read MAP Data, see your dealer. I tried disconnecting the battery for 20 minutes, reconnected the battery, and it did load the nav for a few start cycles. Latter, it did load after idling the car for 15 minutes, and then two start button pushes, with my foot off the brake. I assume my HDD is on it’s way out.
Researching old threads, looks like a common, and growing problem as these cars age. I’ve read some older threads with little, or no resolution.
Is is there a definitive solution, more cost effective than the dealer HDD part, and associated installation and programming cost? Can I just buy a used HDD from a comparable car and install? Can I assume that my HDD will continue to degrade and affect other systems, i.e. climate, audio, etc? Does anybody know of a service that will repair if I extract the unit?
Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks for your help.
Researching old threads, looks like a common, and growing problem as these cars age. I’ve read some older threads with little, or no resolution.
Is is there a definitive solution, more cost effective than the dealer HDD part, and associated installation and programming cost? Can I just buy a used HDD from a comparable car and install? Can I assume that my HDD will continue to degrade and affect other systems, i.e. climate, audio, etc? Does anybody know of a service that will repair if I extract the unit?
Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks for your help.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 217
From: Ontario
New guy here. Just bought a LS 460 L with 80,000 one owner miles. Drove the car home 880 miles from Pittsburgh to Northern WI, and I love the car. Preformed beautifully, with the exception of an error message on the navigation screen, “Unable to read MAP Data, see your dealer. I tried disconnecting the battery for 20 minutes, reconnected the battery, and it did load the nav for a few start cycles. Latter, it did load after idling the car for 15 minutes, and then two start button pushes, with my foot off the brake. I assume my HDD is on it’s way out.
Researching old threads, looks like a common, and growing problem as these cars age. I’ve read some older threads with little, or no resolution.
Is is there a definitive solution, more cost effective than the dealer HDD part, and associated installation and programming cost? Can I just buy a used HDD from a comparable car and install? Can I assume that my HDD will continue to degrade and affect other systems, i.e. climate, audio, etc? Does anybody know of a service that will repair if I extract the unit?
Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks for your help.
Researching old threads, looks like a common, and growing problem as these cars age. I’ve read some older threads with little, or no resolution.
Is is there a definitive solution, more cost effective than the dealer HDD part, and associated installation and programming cost? Can I just buy a used HDD from a comparable car and install? Can I assume that my HDD will continue to degrade and affect other systems, i.e. climate, audio, etc? Does anybody know of a service that will repair if I extract the unit?
Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks for your help.
I would think this is something you can do yourself, I’m not comfortable working on the engine and exterior of the car but interior I’ve done before and can and will probably attempt if given instructions.
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: TX
New guy here. Just bought a LS 460 L with 80,000 one owner miles. Drove the car home 880 miles from Pittsburgh to Northern WI, and I love the car. Preformed beautifully, with the exception of an error message on the navigation screen, “Unable to read MAP Data, see your dealer. I tried disconnecting the battery for 20 minutes, reconnected the battery, and it did load the nav for a few start cycles. Latter, it did load after idling the car for 15 minutes, and then two start button pushes, with my foot off the brake. I assume my HDD is on it’s way out.
Researching old threads, looks like a common, and growing problem as these cars age. I’ve read some older threads with little, or no resolution.
Is is there a definitive solution, more cost effective than the dealer HDD part, and associated installation and programming cost? Can I just buy a used HDD from a comparable car and install? Can I assume that my HDD will continue to degrade and affect other systems, i.e. climate, audio, etc? Does anybody know of a service that will repair if I extract the unit?
Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks for your help.
Researching old threads, looks like a common, and growing problem as these cars age. I’ve read some older threads with little, or no resolution.
Is is there a definitive solution, more cost effective than the dealer HDD part, and associated installation and programming cost? Can I just buy a used HDD from a comparable car and install? Can I assume that my HDD will continue to degrade and affect other systems, i.e. climate, audio, etc? Does anybody know of a service that will repair if I extract the unit?
Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks for your help.
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 145
Likes: 49
From: WI
Thank you Jdan and Jmcra for your kind replies. I’ve been lurking on this board for a couple of months trying to do my prepurchase due diligence and learn as much as I can. I recognize both your names and your past posts have been helpful as well.
I was well prepared to assess the; control arms, brake actuator, and ML amp, but I missed the inevitability of the HDD failure. I guess you never hear the shot that gets you.
From the past posts I’ve been reading, it looks like you can’t just swap Hard drives, looks like you need the whole unit; whatever encompasses ‘Whole”. Also, like you Jdan, I’m uncertain if I need to find a same equipment car with which to make the swap. Hoping, someone knows for certain. Jmcra, battery is definitely worth a try.
It looks like there were approximately 150,000 ‘07 through ‘09 produced, and all those left on the road will almost certainly have a failed hdd before they go to the crusher. You would think some enterprising young techie would figure out a way to effectively clone the hdd, in a nice little cottage business.
I’ve located a wrecked ‘08 with the same equipment as mine and a functional nav and allegedly functional hdd. Wondering if I should buy it and if it will be plug and play?
I’m a reformed Mercedes guy, driving and maintaining W126 chassis cars for 25 years. Lots of mechanical work, virtually no tech. I love my new to me Lexus, just wish I could understand it.
I was well prepared to assess the; control arms, brake actuator, and ML amp, but I missed the inevitability of the HDD failure. I guess you never hear the shot that gets you.
From the past posts I’ve been reading, it looks like you can’t just swap Hard drives, looks like you need the whole unit; whatever encompasses ‘Whole”. Also, like you Jdan, I’m uncertain if I need to find a same equipment car with which to make the swap. Hoping, someone knows for certain. Jmcra, battery is definitely worth a try.
It looks like there were approximately 150,000 ‘07 through ‘09 produced, and all those left on the road will almost certainly have a failed hdd before they go to the crusher. You would think some enterprising young techie would figure out a way to effectively clone the hdd, in a nice little cottage business.
I’ve located a wrecked ‘08 with the same equipment as mine and a functional nav and allegedly functional hdd. Wondering if I should buy it and if it will be plug and play?
I’m a reformed Mercedes guy, driving and maintaining W126 chassis cars for 25 years. Lots of mechanical work, virtually no tech. I love my new to me Lexus, just wish I could understand it.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 217
From: Ontario
Thank you Jdan and Jmcra for your kind replies. I’ve been lurking on this board for a couple of months trying to do my prepurchase due diligence and learn as much as I can. I recognize both your names and your past posts have been helpful as well.
I was well prepared to assess the; control arms, brake actuator, and ML amp, but I missed the inevitability of the HDD failure. I guess you never hear the shot that gets you.
From the past posts I’ve been reading, it looks like you can’t just swap Hard drives, looks like you need the whole unit; whatever encompasses ‘Whole”. Also, like you Jdan, I’m uncertain if I need to find a same equipment car with which to make the swap. Hoping, someone knows for certain. Jmcra, battery is definitely worth a try.
It looks like there were approximately 150,000 ‘07 through ‘09 produced, and all those left on the road will almost certainly have a failed hdd before they go to the crusher. You would think some enterprising young techie would figure out a way to effectively clone the hdd, in a nice little cottage business.
I’ve located a wrecked ‘08 with the same equipment as mine and a functional nav and allegedly functional hdd. Wondering if I should buy it and if it will be plug and play?
I’m a reformed Mercedes guy, driving and maintaining W126 chassis cars for 25 years. Lots of mechanical work, virtually no tech. I love my new to me Lexus, just wish I could understand it.
I was well prepared to assess the; control arms, brake actuator, and ML amp, but I missed the inevitability of the HDD failure. I guess you never hear the shot that gets you.
From the past posts I’ve been reading, it looks like you can’t just swap Hard drives, looks like you need the whole unit; whatever encompasses ‘Whole”. Also, like you Jdan, I’m uncertain if I need to find a same equipment car with which to make the swap. Hoping, someone knows for certain. Jmcra, battery is definitely worth a try.
It looks like there were approximately 150,000 ‘07 through ‘09 produced, and all those left on the road will almost certainly have a failed hdd before they go to the crusher. You would think some enterprising young techie would figure out a way to effectively clone the hdd, in a nice little cottage business.
I’ve located a wrecked ‘08 with the same equipment as mine and a functional nav and allegedly functional hdd. Wondering if I should buy it and if it will be plug and play?
I’m a reformed Mercedes guy, driving and maintaining W126 chassis cars for 25 years. Lots of mechanical work, virtually no tech. I love my new to me Lexus, just wish I could understand it.
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Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 145
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From: WI
I agree Jdanielca. I don’t know what junk yard guys are like in Ukraine, but in the US they’re generally not big on returns, and almost always crabby. I was hoping somebody would chime in that knows if a swap would be plug and play, or if additional programming needs to be done by dealer? Also, do I need to find a screen from an exactly equipped car; ML system, adjustable rear seats, L model,Navigation, park assist. Park assist of the donor is the only thing I can’t seem to verify. Thanks again for following my post and the advice. As much as I hate to, I’m going to the dealer to try and get some answers. I’ll report back.
The HDD in the LS is a "severe duty" Hitachi drive. There are a couple of posts on this forum and on Google about people removing the NAV unit from the dash, removing the HDD, and getting a replacement from the dealer (with all the necessary OS/firmware/software pre-loaded). Cheaper than replacing the whole head assembly (which is all the dealer will do if you bring the whole car to them).
CL Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,262
Likes: 480
From: MA
BTW, congrats on the new car and I wish you good luck with it!
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2015
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From: WI
Nospin - Thanks for the well wishes and for the advice. I took the car to the dealer today, the battery checked out fine, and I did have them diagnose the issue. Unfortunately, it was the HDD,
SKTN77 - Thanks for the useful thoughts. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place on this one as I wanted to make sure that it was indeed the HDD causing the problem, before I replaced it, so I took the car to the dealer for diagnosis. They told me it was the HDD failing and the repair would be $1238.32. At first, the service advisor told me that that was for an entire refurbished head unit; screen, buttons, HDD, and all. At that point, sitting in the dealership gorging myself on free donut holes, pretzels and free coffee; that path of least resistance was just to have them do it all. I thought this whole new head unit was too good to be true, so I pushed them for confirmation. I just now got a call from the service advisor explaining that it was indeed, only for the replacement HDD. The price does include removal and installation of the HDD. Of course it only comes with a 2007 navigation map, but I pushed them for a free NAV upgrade. Not holding my breath, but $1200 for a 80gb formatted hard drive seems a little pricey, and I just had to ask. I actually expected worse as I was looking at some not so old threads that talked about the HDD alone from Lexus parts had a $1400+ retail. Additionally, I got a 2017 Rx 350 to enjoy as a free loaner, while I wait for the part to come in and the repair. Funny thing is that I'm not that fond of the 2007 antiquated Nav system anyway, and it's unlikely that I'll ever down load music to the HDD. I just couldn't stand to drive around with that data error message on the screen to "Consult Your Dealer" . They also wanted to do a water pump for $850. Thanks to, I think it's Roadfrog, on this site, I've got a great DIY thread to follow.
Thanks!
SKTN77 - Thanks for the useful thoughts. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place on this one as I wanted to make sure that it was indeed the HDD causing the problem, before I replaced it, so I took the car to the dealer for diagnosis. They told me it was the HDD failing and the repair would be $1238.32. At first, the service advisor told me that that was for an entire refurbished head unit; screen, buttons, HDD, and all. At that point, sitting in the dealership gorging myself on free donut holes, pretzels and free coffee; that path of least resistance was just to have them do it all. I thought this whole new head unit was too good to be true, so I pushed them for confirmation. I just now got a call from the service advisor explaining that it was indeed, only for the replacement HDD. The price does include removal and installation of the HDD. Of course it only comes with a 2007 navigation map, but I pushed them for a free NAV upgrade. Not holding my breath, but $1200 for a 80gb formatted hard drive seems a little pricey, and I just had to ask. I actually expected worse as I was looking at some not so old threads that talked about the HDD alone from Lexus parts had a $1400+ retail. Additionally, I got a 2017 Rx 350 to enjoy as a free loaner, while I wait for the part to come in and the repair. Funny thing is that I'm not that fond of the 2007 antiquated Nav system anyway, and it's unlikely that I'll ever down load music to the HDD. I just couldn't stand to drive around with that data error message on the screen to "Consult Your Dealer" . They also wanted to do a water pump for $850. Thanks to, I think it's Roadfrog, on this site, I've got a great DIY thread to follow.
Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 217
From: Massachusetts
Did you see this service on ebay? Removing the unit is straight forward. There is a video on YouTube. Use plastic trim tools only!!! Sorry you are having nav issue. There aren't many failures reported on this forum. Id say the Mark levinson fails more frequently than the hdd
https://www.ebay.com/itm/REPAIR-Lexu...item25ddc06698
https://www.ebay.com/itm/REPAIR-Lexu...item25ddc06698
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 145
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From: WI
Hi Jlaws - Yes, I saw that on eBay. The guy is actually in my area and I could have delivered the unit to them. I don’t want to bury them, butI looked at their reviews on the internets and they were terrible. Lots of dissatisfaction. Also, they might be OK for screen repair, but to clone a locked, keyed hard,drive with a proprietary OS that may be corrupted, I don’t know. Lots of threads all about cloning the HDD, but I only saw one guy who claimed he did it with what looked like monumental effort. Lots of guys tried and failed. Hard drives all will fail at some point, it’s inevitable. Just over 10 years old for the ‘07’s, I’m guessing we’ll see more threads on the subject. I spent a lot of time trying to save a buck on this and I couldn’t find a proven angle. Kind of shocked me.
thanks for your thoughts and suggestion. I wonder if anybody used the EBay guys with success?
thanks for your thoughts and suggestion. I wonder if anybody used the EBay guys with success?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 217
From: Massachusetts
Also did you go on this site to see the Lexus service history? I'd be curious to see what was done.
https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/
If you are doing the water pump, might as well do the belt, belt tensioner and idler pulley while you are at it if they weren't done. Also if the radiator was never changed might as well go ahead and change that also because we all know why and what will happen
https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/
If you are doing the water pump, might as well do the belt, belt tensioner and idler pulley while you are at it if they weren't done. Also if the radiator was never changed might as well go ahead and change that also because we all know why and what will happen
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2015
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From: WI
Hey Laws, I went on that sight prior to making an offer and saw the dealer history. All recalls done, services, and an HVAC door issue that was fixed. I also got the Indy service info from the guys that serviced after the warranty period. The OP took great care of the car. Regular inspections and oil changes with synthetic every 5000 miles religiously. I talked to the Indy when Igot the car. The shop sells cars and did select service work. Very competent, but they didn’t seem to push anything that wasn’t an absolute necessity. Case in point, before I came to pick up/ inspect the car, the sellers young friend selling it noticed a brake pulse when stopping. Warped rotors. They put on new rotors, but not new pads, as he said they were fine. Believe me, the seller could afford new pads, but that’s how the Indy did things. Even if they kept the car, they would not have put in those new pads.
After reading the Roadfrog water pump post, I did exactly as you suggested. Pump, belt, hoses, tensioner, idler. Didn’t get the radiator. Didn’t know they are an issue, thanks for mentioning it. It’s not leaking. Why are they suspect?
thanks!
After reading the Roadfrog water pump post, I did exactly as you suggested. Pump, belt, hoses, tensioner, idler. Didn’t get the radiator. Didn’t know they are an issue, thanks for mentioning it. It’s not leaking. Why are they suspect?
thanks!