Expert: Ernesto R - 10/17/2009

Question
Ernesto, My 2004 Lexus ES 330 has the Mark Levenson Premium sound system with integrated Nav. 2 mos. ago, the radio audio began not coming on when car started or when radio was turned on but would eventually come on.  Then it started coming on only intermittently.   Lexus dealership 1st said it was an amp. They tried replacing amp but said it played for 5 minutes then cut out. They now say that the Nav unit does not find the connection to the radio.  They must replace the whole radio/nav system.  The new replacement unit will cost $2564. w/o labor.  I balked and they said they could get a refurbished unit for $1650. What do you think it could be?  I find it hard to be believe that intermittent audio on my radio will cost about $2000 to repair/(replace)the entire unit.  The nav system audio works perfectly. Also, there is a 6 cd changer included in this "system" which seems to have the same audio problem as the radio.  What do you think?  Thank you, Ev

Answer
It is the radio unit,
not he amplifier take to a electronic service center to be repair make sure you give them the radio code
if there is not a good service center in your area, mail it to united radio service
they are the expert on toyota radios  
good luck

http://www.unitedradio.com/automotive/