Expert: Cleggsan - 9/22/2009

Question
I have a 2006, Lexus, ES 330.  It has a factory NAV system, a cd changer, and a single CD player.  I had an after-market Sirius radio installed.  It worked well for several months, then starting showing loading, and periodically got worse, until it would only start playing about 10% of the time. We did the reset with Sirius and also to open door for one minute with no key in, close door, etc. and occasionally the radio would play.   My audio dealer did some troubleshooting, replaced the adapter but that did not solve the problem, and finally replaced the tuner.  It worked and the radio played every time!  I am now on my second tuner, which worked several months and the same problem has reappeared.  The audio dealer says it is problem with the "communications system" on the Lexus.  I disagree since a communications problem would occur somewhat immediately but this problem begins after several months, starting slowing (Loading appears occasionally but radio never starts to play, then gets worse until it finally doesn't play at all).  I believe something is occurring to cause the tuner to break down - perhaps some kind of feedback but I don't know how it is installed.  If it helps, when the SAT radio does not work, the car audio system plays FM/AM and the CD changer but does not "know" it has a single CD player.  They are kind of stumped, and I don't want to keep buying tuners and paying the Sirius "reactivation fee" every 6 months.

Thanks for any help or suggestions re troubleshooting this.

Tom


Answer
First, get a second opinion from some other car electronics expert.  I am familiar with some Lexus/Toyota systems but not all and this one is over my experience level.

I would say, however, that it is an installation problem where some confusion exists with the data lines between the entertainment system and the computer system in the car.

If you can find an install shop that specializes in Lexus I think they could check it out quickly.

The other thought that I have is the Sirius tuner has a design flaw of some kind.  They do not have a super good reliability record on some models.

Wish I had a better answer for you.



C