md20904

Unfortunately, yet also fortunately, my run flats finally needed replacing. I had been reading the tire related postings for months and perusing the tire company info online about the possible tire options. My old Bridgestone Potenza (I think) run flats lasted about 23,000 bone-shattering, teeth gritting, headache-inducing miles. I chose the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires as replacements from Discount Tire. They were in the upper price range at about about $350/tire installed with new everything and a 45K mile warranty. Discount Tire was familiar with the installation process for the SC model. The transformation in the quality and smoothness of the ride has been unbelieveable. To me, this change has made an good car now nearly perfect. I'm sorry I waited so long, but wanted to get every centimeter of wear from those expensive run flats before changing. But what a difference these tires have made.

Thanks for your info. I intend to follow your example when my run flats need replacement. I was at Costco today, and their price for the Michelin Pilot Sport AS+ is $269.99. This includes mounting, balancing, and rotation for the life of the tire.

So I have heard that the Lexus has some radio problems. The dealership had not heard of my specific problems, so I thought I'd ask here.

1) Random Blaring. If I turn down the radio to a low volume, it will sometimes (once a week) blare at full volume with no notice. Practically driving me off the road. Any idea what this is? An amp problem? The Volume control? How do I fix it? New Amp? New lexus, new off market radio?

2) Radio Cut out.

Only half the stations (above 100) will cut out for a second every 10 seconds. So it will sound fine and then gone, then fine, then gone.

I think it might be an antennae issue, as I'm not sure it is going all the way up. Is this something I can fix?

Help!

Thanks

Frank

Frank - I have had the exact same problem with mine. I have not had the random blaring but the radio cut out. What I have noticed that when it happens it only happens if I am using a preset radio station. If I tune to the station manually the cut out stops. I would then reset the preset station and it will work fine for awhile. Like you I am clueless as to the cause.

Hi Frank, I had a similar problem on my last car. I was caused an intermittent connector inside the radio. The radio uses modular construction, and all the various sub assemblies are interconnected with very small multi-pin connectors. If one of the pins becoms tarnished of dirty, an intermittent connection may result. To fix my radio, I removed it from the car, opened the case, and applied an electrical continuity compound to each of the connectors. I did this without un-pluging the connectors. I just sprayed the stuff on the connectors, and it wicked into the pins. The The product that worked for me was "Caig DeoxIt DP5" Most good electrical supply stores stock it, or it can be found with a Google search.

Good luck, John