Radio, Temp, etc. LCD's not working - did my bad Mark Levinson Amp take out

[SeaGreenMachine]

Hello y'all,

I am a newbie on this great site. I have had custody of my in-law's '01 Lexus LX 470 for a few months and I'm just now getting around to tackling a couple of annoying problems.

1) The Mark Levinson amp went bad so the radio doesn't work. I've searched here and other places all sources so far indicate that replacing the amp is the only solution. Unless... can it be definitively said that there is no other substitute for an OEM/rebuilt LM amp? Also, as far as junkyard donors go, are all of the ML amps for all Lexuses of the era the same?

2) About a year after the stereo went, the center dash LCD's stopped working. AC controls still work, you just cant see them. Will replacing the ML amp solve this problem? Or is there some type of processor or separate fuse or fuse block that can be replaced such that the LCD's work again?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[Brock]

Glad you made it here to ask...BBQBoy did some upgrades to his stereo but is a 01 Land Cruiser so not sure what system he had originally. Send him a PM since his is near both of us when at work at Bessingers on Hwy17.

 

[marshotel]

How do you know the amp is bad?
Have you tried fixing the Levinson amp that you already have?

Instead of spending money to replace the mediocre OEM amp with another mediocre OEM amp, you might be better off just replacing the stereo and/or amp with aftermarket units.

I am assuming you do NOT have the built in navigation system, which would complicate things.

The dashlights sound like a separate problem to me, but I'm not 100% sure.

 

[lexi4darin]

Hello y'all,

I am a newbie on this great site. I have had custody of my in-law's '01 Lexus LX 470 for a few months and I'm just now getting around to tackling a couple of annoying problems.

1) The Mark Levinson amp went bad so the radio doesn't work. I've searched here and other places all sources so far indicate that replacing the amp is the only solution. Unless... can it be definitively said that there is no other substitute for an OEM/rebuilt LM amp? Also, as far as junkyard donors go, are all of the ML amps for all Lexuses of the era the same?

Don't bother with another ML amp. Really, I know from experience. Alpine makes a ver decent 5 channel amp that offers better wattage, better fidelity, and a cheaper price yet with all the same size as the OEM unit and reliability. However, if you "have" to get OEM ML amp, you can source them on internet pretty decently. None are cheap however. Not all amps are ML for the LX so be aware of that. Although, you may want to look into model years for all the ML to make sure the ML amps are the same for the LX.

2) About a year after the stereo went, the center dash LCD's stopped working. AC controls still work, you just cant see them. Will replacing the ML amp solve this problem? Or is there some type of processor or separate fuse or fuse block that can be replaced such that the LCD's work again?

Nope, not related. Well not in the sense that you mean. Most likely these are different problems. Depending on how savvy you are, you can start tracking down the fuses and etc. to track down the problem. I'd start with fuses and a lose connection on the harness at the climate controls.

 

[SeaGreenMachine]

More detail on ML amp...

Thanks everyone for the responses.

I should have started by saying I do not have the Nav system but it IS a factory Mark Levinson sound system with 6 disc changer (can't remember if it has cassette?) The amp is ML Amp #86280-0W050 made by harman audio.

I can only assume that it is the amp that has gone bad based on the known problem with defective ML amps for '01 and '02 Lexuses. A local car audio shop seconded this view. Of course they want $2000 to fix, same as the dealer. (yeah right, it literally took me 5 minutes to remove from under the passenger seat)

I have since found positive reviews about sending the unit off to United Radio in Syracuse NY. They send back a replacement unit with 1 year warranty for $325 -- this seems to be the best deal.

HOWEVER... I do not give a rat's arse whether the amp is stock or not. In fact, all the accounts I've read say the ML is/was just marketing hype. I am just looking for the cheapest solution without having to pull the stereo out of the dash. I simply want a nice clean look with a working stereo. I thought getting an ML was my ONLY choice...so please... do tell about the Alpine unit!!!

As for the LCD display. I was hoping that someone had an electronics schematic, or knew of some common problem/fix related to this problem.

Thanks!

SGM

 

[SeaGreenMachine]

Most likely these are different problems. Depending on how savvy you are, you can start tracking down the fuses and etc. to track down the problem. I'd start with fuses and a lose connection on the harness at the climate controls.

Brock turned me onto a local reputable Lex/Yota technician, and he says that the whole AC/heater control head needs to be pulled from the dash and replaced. Now we are trying to determine if '98-'07 Land Cruisers have compatible AC/Heater controller. Anybody know?
-Thanks

 

[lexi4darin]

You can try following another thread to determine if this is in fact the case with your head unit.

A couple things: the nav units are expensive so take your time to determine which part it is (you might be able to source just the LCD screen, etc), and depending on what you find, you may have parts to donate to the above thread so that CruiserOps can find a way around the limiting OEM nav systems that are $$$ thousands to replace.

 

[lexi4darin]

Oh ya and this is the baby I'm using. Not the most robust feature set but does 90% of what I need and does it well.

Just about the same size as OEM (slightly smaller actually), reasonably priced, runs cool enough for a tight space with limited airflow, sounds much better than both of my previous Lexus OEM stereos (including the ML I had in GS430).

Alpine PDX-5 Prime members will love this unit's affordable pricing.

 

[SeaGreenMachine]

Out of the box Plug'n'Play?

Oh ya and this is the baby I'm using. Not the most robust feature set but does 90% of what I need and does it well.

Just about the same size as OEM (slightly smaller actually), reasonably priced, runs cool enough for a tight space with limited airflow, sounds much better than both of my previous Lexus OEM stereos (including the ML I had in GS430).

Alpine PDX-5 Prime members will love this unit's affordable pricing.

Thanks--So this Alpine PDX-5 amp is a direct plug & play substitute for the stock LX470 ML amp?? - no splicing, no need for other new components?

 

[SeaGreenMachine]

More info on the Stereo:
Factory Non-nav 6-disk / Cassette AM/FM Mark Levinson

Observation of the Ctr Console LCD's at night:

6disk?Cassette: control buttons glow but LCD is dead
Radio/Clock: tuning button does not glow LCD is dead
A/C controls: knobs/buttons glow. LCD has funky angles of various luminosity -- Left side sorta glows, middle glows a little brighter, right side is dead.

I also found out that the AC/Heater control module is an LX thing only - NOT compatible with LC's. Part cost is $370 to $385. Shop will charge 1.5 hrs of labor to replace.

 

[marshotel]

1) It sounds like your factory stereo is broken.
You should replace the factory stereo with an aftermarket stereo.
Don't even worry about the amp until you are sure the head unit is working.

2) While you have the dash apart, you can check for loose connections or burnt out lamps on the AC module.
You can likely fix the illumination without having to replace the whole module.

A decent car stereo or auto electronics shop will be able to fix you up.

$380 + 1.5 hrs labor to fix the lamp in your AC control seems like too much.

 

[SeaGreenMachine]

I agree its too much, but I haven't been able to find a control module for less than $385 on web so the shops price is in line. I'm a little reluctant to pull dash myself for fear of marring it- do I need special tool?

I'm pretty sure the amp IS bad, due to one shop's assessment plus the well-documented propensity for 01 ML to fail ( was even a Lexus warranty service bulletin) To me, the amp is the path of least resistance

 

[marshotel]

It is not hard to change out the factory stereo.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/50596-stereo-faq-2.html

Just get a powered head unit and bypass the amp.

Check the connections and lamps on your existing AC control module before you spend to have the whole thing replaced.

 

[Brock]

okay...now that i see pics

1- I go back to my first comment to you...buy aftermarket stereo and let its internal amp power speakers if you dont want to spend the jack for a replacement amp. Hardest part is the wiring....there was no direct harness converter from Nakamichi to aftermarket so I had to cut mine...check on Crutchfield to see if there is one for the ML to convert it. Buy the replacement stereo fascia that I bought as well...and will look factory. Feel free to come by house to check mine out...I am off Wed morning but will be hunting that afternoon.

2- check connections and such to make sure they are not gunked up or have broken wires inside the connection....might be as easy as cutting off ends and recrimping or soldering a new connector. If not...aftermarket module may be way to go if you plan on keeping it. If not, then next guy will fix it.

 

[lexi4darin]

SeaFoam -

I have a Nakamichi radio (the upgrade radio before the ML unit was released) from a 2000 LX that I can send you. It works fine enough but the 6 disc changer doesn't always release cd's. You can try it out. You may need a stereo harness or something to make the harness connectors matchup (I don't remember if they changed the connectors between your year LX and my year LX).

Also, if you want help with the lights that have gone out, please take a picture of the center cluster at night time so I can see which lights are out. Some are replaceable bulbs that cost ~$1 ea. and some are LED's soldered on to the circuit boards for the climate control. A picture is worth a 1,000 words.

PM if you're interested in talking more about the radio but there's no pressure either way.

 

[lexi4darin]

Thanks--So this Alpine PDX-5 amp is a direct plug & play substitute for the stock LX470 ML amp?? - no splicing, no need for other new components?

There's lil work that has to be done but a normal stereo shop will have no trouble doing the install at almost the same price that they're quoting people for a drop-in.

 

[SeaGreenMachine]

SeaFoam -

I have a Nakamichi radio (the upgrade radio before the ML unit was released) from a 2000 LX that I can send you. It works fine enough but the 6 disc changer doesn't always release cd's. You can try it out. You may need a stereo harness or something to make the harness connectors matchup (I don't remember if they changed the connectors between your year LX and my year LX).

Also, if you want help with the lights that have gone out, please take a picture of the center cluster at night time so I can see which lights are out. Some are replaceable bulbs that cost ~$1 ea. and some are LED's soldered on to the circuit boards for the climate control. A picture is worth a 1,000 words.

PM if you're interested in talking more about the radio but there's no pressure either way.

Thanks for your offer of the Nakamichi & LCD diagnosis help. I was just looking again at the dash in the dark last night, thinking to take a pic -- will try to do tonite... To revise the description of the dash above.... The top 6-disk changer is totally dead -- no glow, no LCD. The middle Radio/Clock area has a glow for the tuner toggle and the LCD is dead. The AC controller has the knob and all buttons glowing, and the LCD has the funky 1/3 faded,1/3 on,1/3 off thing going on.

As for the Nakamichi... it has its own internal amp? I dont know about the harness(es) other than I have read that the ML harness not only has an ML specific harness but it is also LX- specific, no other vehicle model of any type uses it. Sheesh!

 

[Brock]

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices


Trim if you go aftermarket radio...it is the ONLY thing that will fill in the spaces as the Lexus curves outward from face to edge and has rounded corners on top rather than sharp corners like on bottom or for all four in a Land Cruiser.

 

[SeaGreenMachine]

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices


Trim if you go aftermarket radio...it is the ONLY thing that will fill in the spaces as the Lexus curves outward from face to edge and has rounded corners on top rather than sharp corners like on bottom or for all four in a Land Cruiser.

Wow, I see what you mean by 'pricey'.

 

[SeaGreenMachine]

Fixed up, dressed up, ready to sell

Hey y'all. My mother-in-law took the LX470 to LexTech as recommended and had a new ML stereo installed, as well as the dash display fixed. It was money well spent in her opinion, and no where near as insanely priced as the dealership. As much as she doesn't really want to, she must now sell the vehicle. I will post an ad at the appropriate forum page. Thanks to all who offered advice and help.