My Mark Levinson audio system died in my 2002 LX-470. No CD, no radio, no antenna. Two questions. 1. How can I tell if the ML amp is bad or it's just the control panel? and 2. If it's the amp, some time ago a forum member mentioned a company who sells new or repaired ML amps on an exchange basis at a much cheaper cost than new or on EBay. Anyone have that info?

 

I decided to try to fix my ML amp in my ES330 myself.

I found one tiny component causing the problem: A blown capacitor. It was clearly rattling around the case and the internals were flopping around as well.
I identified the part number as "Nichicon PW series 39uF 16V aluminum electrolytic capacitor"
I will order a couple and fix the one that was out as well as possible the one next to it.

The amp was in my trunk. If you can find your amp and choose to repair, just know that you'll need a Torx T10 and a 5/16 socket wrench to open the amp.
There are screws under the Mark Levinson label on the amp

Hope this helps.

If you want to save time but spend a little more money,you can find your part number and replacing it with an identical model from one of the many sites on the web.

 

I know this is an old thread, but if your amp is dead, it will likely chirp when you try to play anything. See video linked to below.

Usually when control panels go out, you start losing the ability to do certain functions, like change or seek radio stations or tracks on a CD.

 

Very useful! As I had written in the other thread.. United Audio has been charging a lot.. for a simple fix.. Glad you figured it out.. I hope more people would try to fix this.. There are a couple of electronic repair companies online..
http://www.desertaudiospecialists.com/our-service
Almost any electronic repair tech should be able to fix this for $100 to $200 max.

 

lexus600hl, referred me to your post. I didn't see a follow up to your repair attempt. Please how it went and if you had success. Thank you.

 

For years I thought either my amp or control unit died in my 2002. Then a few weeks ago, I accidently pushed the ON switch when going over a speed bump, and Magic! The antenna went up and the CD player began playing a disc. Functionality lasted for about 2 weeks, then just as suddenly, it stopped working again. It's still dead with no audio, no antenna control - nothing. Well, at least I know that there's nothing wrong with the Mark Levinson amp. I think I've got a loose (not on the amp - I checked those connectors) or shorted wire somewhere. And from what I've read on this forum, it could be anywhere...

 

I am having this same issue. Did you ever resolve this issue?

 

So, I'm just reading this, I know it's late but chuckb669 and eng2000g, not sure if you got the problem resolved, but years ago tht was a grounding issue. If your radio came on from the bump then it may have grabbed enough ground to come on. Check the ground under the hood that connects to the car and see if it has a good clean contact. Hopefully you guys both have the issues resolved

 

To all concerned, this Desert Audio DOES NOT repair Mark Levinson Apms.

 

Amp Died on my 07 460L w/ ML. I guess I'm not too upset my car has 132k. Went to a local shop who quickly told me there was nothing they could do. They told me to bring them a new amp and they would install for $350....I almost laughed at him...In fact I did but I had my mask on. Anyone have anything new on this issue?

 

I just had my Amp repaired by a place in New Jersey, it cost me $550. If your interested here is their contact number. They are legit. 862-849-8799. Dont let anyone do the install amd remove for you, you can do it yourself. In your trunk on the right side is a compartment, you will have to remove the trim around your trunk latch to access it, but carefully access the qtr panel from your trunk on passenger side and there are approximately 4 plugs to unclip from your amp that you will see when you look into that corner and 2-3, 12mm screws to take out and you can remove the amp. You will have to take it out of the bracket before shipping. The small unit atop that bracket you cam plug back into your trunk if you want access to your interface to adjust your heat, music, etc... I hope that's helpful. I was told by the Lexus Dealership that they would have done a swap for me on that amp on Sat. But I am not so sure that's true. Probably woulda cost me an arm and a leg. I live in Washington State and the Dealership was Bellevue Lexus. You can give them a call to follow up before spending the 550. Maybe you will get motion where I did not. Anything is worth a try. I feel your pain my friend. Lol.... it SUCKS. Hope all of that helps ya. Have a Hapoy 4th of July.

 

Sorry about all of the grammatical errors. Lol... I just saw that.

 

My '07 LS460 started that sound last night. A Lexus tech removed the fuse from the front passenger side but now there is NO sound whatsoever. I'm trying to weigh the advantages of purchasing a refurb or removing mine and sending it in for repair.
Can you shed some light on the pros and cons?

 

I have noticed few people follow up on the repair of their ML amps for the RX450h equipped cars. This post will be of great benefit for Canadian users and US users as your dollar is stronger against a lower CAD. I sent the amp for repair to Danmax electronics in Mississauga Ontario.
The turn around time was a couple of days plus shipping time, I live in the greater Vancouver area. The person who answers the phone is abrupt and almost rude, that or she has horrible people skills. Don't be offended if you speak to her. I couldn't get any information out about what exactly was done, again, there's this secrecy about repairing the Harmon supplied ML amps.
They are happy to take your CC for payment. The big deal here for all the Canadian users with failed ML lexus amps, this is your best option to have the amps repaired.
They also do a wide range of OEM electronics repair so if there are other failed automotive electronics you're look for a repair solution to and are from Canada, again, the best option.I am going to guess Danmax may supply dealers with refurbished units too if dealers happen to sell these.
The repair cost was $700CAD plus taxes. They do not pay for return shipping which is too bad given how much they charge for likely a hours labour and $2-5 in parts. The recent lunacy with regards to import tariffs may make shipping to Danmax from the USA problematic. I cannot speak to that but there are already some solid established shops servicing American users.

Finally, I can close this chapter of an otherwise uneventful ownership of a 2015 RX450H. I am prepping the car for a sale in the coning months so its important to have everything working leading up to a sale.
Its been a couple of years without the car audio and hearing it back on and playing a well mastered CD! reminded me how good this ML system sounds.

Now, there is one last issue. The dual cooling fans sound like a lawnmower that can't find idle speed. Ugh, its muffled back there but I have a sinking feeling those tiny builtin cooling fans aren't supposed to sound like that.