hawkshaw

It could be from a poor-quality converter but it could also be from a "ground loop." A ground loop is created when two items are grounded at different points where there is a small potential difference between those two points. This will cause the voltage difference to flow between those two devices which may become audible as hum. Here's the Google search results for the term.

You can get essentially the same function by setting the "preset" volume control. Then just press the button on the left side of the steering wheel and it'll turn down the volume instantly.

I have a Mark Levinson system in my 2006 LS 430; I'm sure it is similar. The system does not have CD-Text capability and since so few audio CDs are encoded with CD-Text, I don't suppose it matters much. Sure, it'd be nice, but fewer than 10% of CDs have it (I'm guessing). Also, my info display for XM Radio is limited to about ten characters. I believe the deficiency lies in Toyota's XM tuner and not in the audio system itself, and yes, I was disappointed as well. The built-in RDS for FM stations display significantly more than ten characters.

Well, if it's anything like my 2006 LS430 Mark Levinson with navigation, there is a "DSP" menu in which the system can be optimized for different seating positions within the car, including one setting which is specific for the driver only. There is also a "Sound" menu where balance, fade, treble, mid and bass, can be adjusted.

Maybe you can get a club member who wants to switch from Sirius to XM to sell a factory module to you. You might check with Toyota clubs as well. This, of course, assumes that a 2006 Sirius unit would be compatible with your 2007 model.

Several years ago I replaced several radio and instrument panel lamps in my old 1995 SC 400. The job is not for the faint of heart and took the large part of a day to complete. You have to carefully disassemble the dash and then the radio. Then you need to figure out what lamp(s) are out and order them from Lexus if they don't have them in stock, which is what happened in my case. Did the illumination go out suddenly? Does it seem like more than one lamp might be out? It's probably just the lamps but it could be something more serious. For reference, I took photos of the dash and bulb types so it'd be easier to identify what was out in case I needed to do it again. I've attached a photo for the heck of it. Sorry I don't have photos of the radio.

I know that you've probably already done this, but you must activate the Bluetooth connection in the phone. It is not on by default.

I had an odd experience today. I was listening to a CD on my Mark Levinson system in my 2006 LS 430. I made a quick phone call via the Bluetooth hands-free system with the CD still running. When my call was complete, I tried to return to the CD but got no audio. I tried everything (switching to FM, SAT, etc.). I made another phone call to see if the system would "remember" to switch back on. It didn't. The only thing I didn't try was turning off the phone, however there was no indication on the phone that a call was in progress. So, as a last resort, I pulled to the side of the road, turned off the ignition, then started it up again (re-boot?). It worked. I've had my car for two months now and this is the first time this has happened. I hope it's the last. Am I the only one?

I have a 2006 Modern Luxury Package vehicle and was thinking about adding on the power door closers. I'd expect that the wiring is already installed and all I'd need to do is plug them in. Has anyone done this? Any idea as to how much they cost? Are they only for the front doors or do the rear doors have them also?

I got mine from L-Tuned and installed them last week. Did all four in about an hour and a half. They look great, are color-matched to the vehicle and best of all, they work! I was tired of having splashes fully across the front doors after every trip through a puddle. Why don't they come standard? If anyone wants some close-up photos, I'd be happy to post them. I was browsing through the L-Tuned site today and was eyeing the Toyota of Japan side skirts. Anyone tried them? On another note: Does anyone have the "discount code" for the L-Tuned site?

Mine's a dealer-install in a 2006 LS430, so it's fully integrated into the system. My suggestion for the antenna placement was because that's where the dealer installed mine. As far as FM vs. cassette adaptor, I've seen a lot of complaints about sound quality on XM/Sirius and iPod discussion lists. The consensus seems to be that as far as sound quality goes, the FM transmitters are consistently inferior. You might do some research--perhaps on these forums--to determine if there's any way to integrate your unit directly into the system (perhaps an aftermarket adaptor). This would, of course, give you the best sound quality and no ugly cassette adaptors.

You might be able to mount the antenna inside the rear deck for aestheic reasons. Because glass doesn't block radio signals it works fine on my LS430. One more thing: You may not like the appearance of the cassette adaptor, but it'll sound better than the FM transmitter-type kits.

Does anyone know of a source for genuine Lexus side turn signals for the 2006 LS430? Does the U.S. model have a mount or knock-out or pre-wiring for them? Just curious. Thanks!

I haven't given up yet. I asked the local service manager to get the specifications of the antenna for me and he assured me that he would. It's been a week. I'll give him a few more days to come up with an answer.

You probably would be able to activate it with either Verizon or Cingular but you might not want to bother. Your phone is analog and, as I've recently learned, the FCC has ruled that providers are required to offer analog service up to Feb. 12, 2008. So you might get two more years of service out of it.