Choweye

Just replaced my '97 es 300 with a '05 es330. Got spoiled with being able to listen to my ipod in my old car via aux inputs, that I think I want to invest in a soundlinq2vi. My problem is I can't find anyone in my area to install it once I buy it online. Could anyone give me (or direct me to) instructions on how to remove the stereo/navigation system so I can access the back and connect the soundlinq2vi to the satellite port? I would also like to hear if anyone has bought the new soundlinq2vi and how they like it. Any help is appreciated!

Just replaced my '97 es 300 with a '05 es330. Got spoiled with being able to listen to my ipod in my old car via aux inputs, that I think I want to invest in a soundlinq2vi. My problem is I can't find anyone in my area to install it once I buy it online. Could anyone give me (or direct me to) instructions on how to remove the stereo/navigation system so I can access the back and connect the soundlinq2vi to the satellite port? I would also like to hear if anyone has bought the new soundlinq2vi and how they like it. Any help is appreciated!

well, if it makes you feel any better, they told me it was just the amp that was the problem, but when I installed the amp I bought on ebay ($50), it worked for a day then blew again! I guess I will just have to install an aftermarket system.

Yeah, 'cuz when the subwoofer was making weird noises I checked the fuse under dash and the one under the hood, and they were both ok. After the amp blew, I checked again and the one under the hood was blown. I went ahead and got the amp from e-bay. Won the bid on Saturday night. I will bring it to the stereo shop and see if they can check for a short before the amp is put in. They seemed pretty knowledgeable and willing to help me out. Wish me luck! Thanks everyone for your help!

Thanks everyone for all your advice. I may take you up on that offer for that amp. My concern is why the amp blew. I am guessing it may have been a short in the subwoofer that caused the amp to blow because that was making a cracking noise a few days before the amp went out. Then after I took the key out of the ignitiion it made a high pitched noise that wouldn't stop. I put the key back in and tried turning on and off the radio to see if the high pitch noise would stop then the radio went dead and blew the fuse under the hood. I am wondering if I put another amp in if it will blow again. Lexus had me bring it in to check for electrical probs but I doubt if they really researched the source of the problem or just tested the amp. Just a waste of more of my money.

Thanks. I just got back from cartoys and they were trying to sell me an amp + speakers for $2200, then went to Circuit City and they knew less than I did! They told me to just buy a 2ohm amp. Anyway, when searching for amps, do I look for a 4,5, or 6 channel amp? Would it be cheaper to buy a new head unit and new speakers minus the subwoofer? I am so confused! Your opinion and help are greatly appreciated. I am getting more useful info. here than at any of the stereo places around town!

Please, I need advise! My pioneer amp is shot and the dealer wants $800 to replace it. I don't understand much about amps and aftermarket amps, but I was told that if I replace it with an aftermarket, that I should also replace the speakers, unless they are 4 ohm. Does anyone know? I really don't want to spend $850 on a stock amp, and e-bay doesn't have any. Will it sound totally different or is it just that I won't get the full benefits of the amp since the speakers are weak? Any advise would be deeply appreciated. I have a '97 es300. CarToys told me that they would have to build an installation kit if I bought a new head unit because they didn't make any for cars older than '96. Is that true or are they trying to get more money out of me? Thanks in advance!

I am trying to find a place or website where I can find a replacement for my blown subwoofer on my '97 ES300. I have a pioneer subwoofer now, and the dealer wants $200 for a new one, NOT including installation. I was hoping to find a replacement for it for less. Can't I just cut the wires off the old one, buy a new one and rewire? I read other topics that talked about having to replace amps, not bothering with free air subs etc. but I was happy with the stock one and just want to replace it. Any help would be deeply appreciated!