My First Day As An Owner Of A Lexus Sc430

[jdgoodman]

Hi there,

Well yesterday was a wonderful day for my wife and I. We purchased a 2002 SC430 with 42,000 miles. We are extremely excited. The car is so nice. My wife had a hour and a half drive to bring her back home. I had a chance to drive it last night and this morning. Just a super experience! The car is black with tan interior. I just had a few questions for you all. The CD changer is not working. Any suggestions how to remove it and where I can source a replacement? Further, I think the driver's side Mark Levinson main speaker needs to be replaced. How do I do it? The rear trunk support struts are shot and need to be replaced. Anyone have a source for them? Finally, the right front aspect of the convertible roof seems to have a little jiggle. Is this a common winter problem or are there adjustments for the roof latching mechanism or changing the roof seal? How do I post pics for both your and my enjoyment? Thanks in advance. Jay

[1990LS400]

My knowledge of the SC430 is pretty much limited to seeing a neighbor's relative park hers in the driveway ... these removal instructions are for 2004-up but might be close enough: http://www.sound-repair.com/index.php/lexus-sc430-04-09-stereo-removal-instructions/

Any signs of life from the CD changer? Could it be jammed? If you need a new one, eBay is a good place to check or maybe this forum's audio expert/dealer dcfish will have one for you.

The few parts I've needed, I've bought from http://lexus.sewellparts.com/ in Dallas - register with a car forum member name to get a discount. If Sewell doesn't accept your member name from this forum, register on ClubLexus where Sewell is a sponsor. Sewell's website also has diagrams that are sometimes adequate if you have to do some disassembly.

If you are new to Lexus you might be interested in iPod, etc. interfaces from http://www.vaistech.com/dev/home.php

Who needs a CD changer these days.

[pj8708]

Hi there,

Well yesterday was a wonderful day for my wife and I. We purchased a 2002 SC430 with 42,000 miles. We are extremely excited. The car is so nice. My wife had a hour and a half drive to bring her back home. I had a chance to drive it last night and this morning. Just a super experience! The car is black with tan interior. I just had a few questions for you all. The CD changer is not working. Any suggestions how to remove it and where I can source a replacement? Further, I think the driver's side Mark Levinson main speaker needs to be replaced. How do I do it? The rear trunk support struts are shot and need to be replaced. Anyone have a source for them? Finally, the right front aspect of the convertible roof seems to have a little jiggle. Is this a common winter problem or are there adjustments for the roof latching mechanism or changing the roof seal? How do I post pics for both your and my enjoyment? Thanks in advance. Jay

First of all Jay, Welcome to you and your wife to the LOC! We're glad your in the club and look forward to your contributions and questions.

As Jim asked re; the CD changer, are their cd's in it?... will they eject? Can you put a disk in it. The reason we ask is that some of the earlier changers after about ten years or more start to act up for some reason and the changing mechanism jams a lot. But usually they will play. For the them not to play means that either the disk is not spinning, the laser reader has gone south, or the preamp/circuits are bad. If the radio works, which it must since you talk about the speaker sounding bad, then it's not the amplifier which is the amp for all units, radio,CD, & tape. If you will do a search of this board/site you should find information on taking out the dash and unit. Since you are a new member you can not yet PM (personal message) anyone yet. I will leave a note for "dcfish" the sites approved Lexus audio equipment vendor, just in case you need his expertise. I think it's after 5-10 posting, you get privileges to begin PMing other members.

The Levinson speaker is a unique design in that it's impedance is other than what is normal for Car audio use. Most car audio is 4 ohms, while this particular year/model is probably 8 ohms. (don't hold me to that). If it is the speaker and not something else like a crossover, try ebay and make sure it is for the Mark Levinson. You want to enjoy the full richness of the system.

Look for the struts as well while your on line or go to Sewellparts.com . This is a Lexus dealer in Dallas, TX that we have an arrangement with for LOC members. When you register, tell them your a Lexus Owner Club member and get a hefty discount on parts and accessories.

For the roof and how to replace the speaker, again do a search first and see what you find.

Let us know how you come out.

Merry Christmas,

Paul

[jdgoodman]

First of all Jay, Welcome to you and your wife to the LOC! We're glad your in the club and look forward to your contributions and questions.

As Jim asked re; the CD changer, are their cd's in it?... will they eject? Can you put a disk in it. The reason we ask is that some of the earlier changers after about ten years or more start to act up for some reason and the changing mechanism jams a lot. But usually they will play. For the them not to play means that either the disk is not spinning, the laser reader has gone south, or the preamp/circuits are bad. If the radio works, which it must since you talk about the speaker sounding bad, then it's not the amplifier which is the amp for all units, radio,CD, & tape. If you will do a search of this board/site you should find information on taking out the dash and unit. Since you are a new member you can not yet PM (personal message) anyone yet. I will leave a note for "dcfish" the sites approved Lexus audio equipment vendor, just in case you need his expertise. I think it's after 5-10 posting, you get privileges to begin PMing other members.

The Levinson speaker is a unique design in that it's impedance is other than what is normal for Car audio use. Most car audio is 4 ohms, while this particular year/model is probably 8 ohms. (don't hold me to that). If it is the speaker and not something else like a crossover, try ebay and make sure it is for the Mark Levinson. You want to enjoy the full richness of the system.

Look for the struts as well while your on line or go to Sewellparts.com . This is a Lexus dealer in Dallas, TX that we have an arrangement with for LOC members. When you register, tell them your a Lexus Owner Club member and get a hefty discount on parts and accessories.

For the roof and how to replace the speaker, again do a search first and see what you find.

Let us know how you come out.

Merry Christmas,

Paul

Thank you Paul. I've spent some time searching the site. I ordered twp new OEM ML front speakers, and I've reviewed the door panel removal techniques mentioned on this site. Perfect project when I'm off next week. I'm ready.

I've also ordered two rear trunk lift OEM support struts, floor mats and everything necessary for routine maintenance service. I'm not sure when the last oil change was for example. The CD player door won't open and it makes some internal mechanical clicking sound when trying to use the CD player. So I'm not sure if there are CDs stuck in there or if it's a mechanism issue. The radio itself is fine. I'm tempted to try to get it ready for my wife's iphone while I have it out. I also wouldn't mind adding Sirius/XM interface while I'm in there. Anyone know of a iphone interface for that particular stereo unit?

There are only two pieces of leather which look weathered beyond the excellent condition of the rest of the car, the middle armrest and the driver's door armrest. Has anyone replaced these? I think the interior color is ecru. While I'm replacing the front speaker seems like the right time to replace the driver's armrest if it's not too difficult.

[1990LS400]

I'm tempted to try to get it ready for my wife's iphone while I have it out. I also wouldn't mind adding Sirius/XM interface while I'm in there. Anyone know of a iphone interface for that particular stereo unit?

I was supprised that VAIS doesn't seem to have interfaces for the 01-02 SC430 - only 04-up. Check yourself to verify.

"Quick Connect" interface harnesses are listed for the 02 SC430 which would allow you to connect an MKi9xxx series Parrot which would give you Bluetooth phone handsfree, A2DP, and also an interface specifically for iPhone: http://www.quickconnectproducts.com/Find/find.php

[pj8708]

Sounds like you've been busy. I found this thread for "How to" manuals on your player. Another trick people try to reset the player/changer is to remove the negative cable from the car battery for about 15 minutes. this will obviously allow all systems to go "limp" and may get the changer to un-jam when power is restored. Of course you'll have to reset your seat settings and clock and other memory functions.

Good luck

Posted 26 December 2008 - 03:30 PM

petez, on Dec 18 2008, 04:53 PM, said:

Does anyone have repair manual instructions to remove the stereo unit so I can get into my cd changer and get out a stuck CD?

Try this website. they have all kinds of good info for removing radios and stereos. Have used them on all three of my vehicles

http://www.carstereohelp.com/

[jdgoodman]

Thanks fellas. I took off the old rear trunk lid struts today and my wife is shipping them to Strut Wise in Surrey BC Canada for refurbishment. I've heard they do a really good job with struts.

[jdgoodman]

This is my first experience with any Lexus, let alone an SC 430 with run flat tires, but is the ride supposed to be a little bumpy? It seems my Honda Odyssey with its run flats is a much smoother ride. I'm going to check the tire pressure. Maybe the car has been sitting a while and the wheels are out of round. Thoughts fellas? Thanks in advance.

[jdgoodman]

I'm tempted to try to get it ready for my wife's iphone while I have it out. I also wouldn't mind adding Sirius/XM interface while I'm in there. Anyone know of a iphone interface for that particular stereo unit?

I was supprised that VAIS doesn't seem to have interfaces for the 01-02 SC430 - only 04-up. Check yourself to verify.

"Quick Connect" interface harnesses are listed for the 02 SC430 which would allow you to connect an MKi9xxx series Parrot which would give you Bluetooth phone handsfree, A2DP, and also an interface specifically for iPhone: http://www.quickconnectproducts.com/Find/find.php

hey thanks. I will give them a call. Merry Christmas!