Hello To All And I Have A Question!

Gun Metal Lex · June 8, 2010

Hello to all LOC members,I am a new member/fledgling, I look forward to being a part of the club and if nobody minds I do already have a question and hope someone can help. I have recently purchased a lovely IS 200, 1999 and I am over the moon with it. The only problem that I have is the notorious R33 error on the CD multichanger and have quickly realised that instead on trying to find one that works, or that will last more than a couple of months, hopeless cause I know, reading the posts. Therefore I have come to the decision of looking for a double din replacement for the factory unit, I have found out that although many are available and will fit the dash of the lexus, which isn't straight but slopes. The problem is that there is no fascia available to finish the look of the dash, I was wondering if any of you fellow owner might have an ideas as to what can be done apart from putting a unit in my glove box and running it through, which is a last resort really. Many thanks for your time and help, do appreciate it!!!!!

GML

lexynik · June 8, 2010

Hello there and welcome to the club - can you be any clearer with your question as i dont understand what you are asking really ? - i think you can get fascia kits that match the dash if you are willing to spend enough money,its just the cheap ones which require tinkering from what i have read-not from experience as mine is still as lexus made it

Gun Metal Lex · June 9, 2010

HI Lexynik, yeah well it's just that I contacted an in car dealer not to far from me, and asked the question if the double din units would fit into the dash where the existing stereo is housed. The reason I asked the question is due to the fact that if you look at the dash area where the standard fitted stereo is, the dash slopes in at the sides and isn't a straight line down. The stereo unit obviously is doesn't have sloped sides. So he then told me that I won't have a problem in getting one fitted but he actually stated that the housing fascias "WERE NOT" available, so I then didn't know what to do. There's no point cvhanging the stereo and then having a massive hole through the dash, it would then spoil the effect, any idea's????? Thanks for replying and trying to help!!!!!Cheers.GML

Parthiban · June 9, 2010

You can get the fascias on eBay, it's an autoleads part I believe. Not a perfect match for the dash, but there is a walkthrough on here about how a little bit of work can make it look perfect if that's something you wanted to do.

There is also an OEM Toyota surround which is a perfect match, but the problem with this one is that it doesn't have the space for the heated seat buttons so will require some modification too.

kam05 · June 9, 2010

You need a amp by pass lead (assuming yours is a SE or Sport): By pass lead

You will also need a facia (as menitoned): Facia

Gun Metal Lex · June 9, 2010

That's great information, thanks so much, will get on it straight away. I also have another question, if you bought a motor, second hand from a dealership, and the factory head unit was having the old r33 issue, would you get them to swap the factory fitted stereo for a another one of the same, or ask them to give you say £200 back to go and get your own???? Many thanks again GML

kam05 · June 9, 2010

Did the 2nd hand dealership supply the car with a warranty? If they did, the warranty would only cover the engine and gearbox I think??? But go back and ask them to replace the stereo or give you some £££ as a goodwill gesture- if you don't ask you don't get!

Was the CD player working before you bought the car?

Gun Metal Lex · June 9, 2010

HI Kam05, well I was lucky, I had been to see the car and paid a deposit for holding, when I went to collect the car, just after I paid, I was still in the dealership and went to put a cd in and found that error. Told the dealer and he has stated and writen on the receipt that he will get the cd player fixed or get a new one of the same. Now since joining the club, I have read all about the R33 error and the problems that alot of people seem to have with the cd multichangers, excatly like me. So therefore I'm thinking that maybe I should just get some money back off him and buy something that might last a lot longer as even when they get replaced they don't seem to last very long. The warranty only covers the mechanical parts, not wear and tear and that, so what would you do???? Cheers for the advise and opinion, GML