Is 250 Radio Reception

[Spider Mike]

Hi all,

I have an 07 is 250 with the ML stereo, and the radio reception isn't brilliant.

I have tried keeping the rear screen spotlessly clean, which I thought had resolved the problem, but today, with a perfectly clean screen, the reception was terrible, so bad I had to switch the radio off.

I mentioned this problem on another thread, and someone suggested I check the connections in the roof lining at the screen, which makes sense. Can anyone give me any tips on how to get to the connection, without damaging the roof lining?

Or does anyone have any other ideas where the problem maybe?

Thanks,

Spider Mike

[Exdee]

My advise is to go to the dealers and listen to other car radios on the forecourt and compare. As far as I am aware there is no such thing as 'brilliant' radio reception on the is250.

[Spider Mike]

There is definitely a problem with mine.

As I said, today the interference was so bad I had to switch the radio off, really loud 'fuzz' noise that came on and off so bad that I couldn't hear the radio program at all

[agent_dess]

Don't know if this will be relevant to you or if it only affected AUX input but take a look at this forum:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-second-generation/636464-motor-buzzing-sound-on-aux.html

[Exdee]

Okay sorry about that. As far as I know removing the head liner is a very difficult task. I was planning to remove mine to add some insulation to the roof. But I was told that I need to take out the front seats and the steering wheel to remove it without damage. Apparently it is a very thin and can crease easily.

I hope somebody can come along and point you in the right direction. I think a good starting point could be the removal of the rear C pillars. If you can just find some clearance you should be able to move it a little and see those connections you are after.

[Spider Mike]

Don't know if this will be relevant to you or if it only affected AUX input but take a look at this forum:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-second-generation/636464-motor-buzzing-sound-on-aux.html

Thanks for the reply, but I don't think this is my problem

[Spider Mike]

Okay sorry about that. As far as I know removing the head liner is a very difficult task. I was planning to remove mine to add some insulation to the roof. But I was told that I need to take out the front seats and the steering wheel to remove it without damage. Apparently it is a very thin and can crease easily.

I hope somebody can come along and point you in the right direction. I think a good starting point could be the removal of the rear C pillars. If you can just find some clearance you should be able to move it a little and see those connections you are after.

As you say I probably only need to drop the back a few inches to access the connections. I too assumed removing the C pillars would let it drop down enough. Do they just clip off do you know? I would hate to damage them :-(

[tonyricha]

Hi, got to say I have a similar problem with my GS450h, I am not sure if transmitter power is reduced with all the changes to DAB and other issues or if the antenna in the rear window is just not strong enough. Mine always drops off in the same areas ie on M11 north of Stansted. Often considered having a real antenna fitted to the roof but never got round to it.

[Stavy]

I have the same problem but only when rear screen heater is on. I was told to look at connections at rear window , I can tell you that it isvery difficult to see the connections under the roof trim even if only taking a peek I creased mine a little just trying to see. I can live without the 2 on together. ...

[Tegs200]

I seem to remember reading a few posts before with people suffering this problem with your Nav/audio set up for some reason, I will see if I can find them.

[Spider Mike]

I have the same problem but only when rear screen heater is on. I was told to look at connections at rear window , I can tell you that it isvery difficult to see the connections under the roof trim even if only taking a peek I creased mine a little just trying to see. I can live without the 2 on together. ...

I have heard that the rear screen heater can interfere.

Unfortunately mine does it without the rear screen heater on :-(

[Spider Mike]

I seem to remember reading a few posts before with people suffering this problem with your Nav/audio set up for some reason, I will see if I can find them.

Thanks Tegs

[Spider Mike]

Well I finally have got this problem resolved after nearly 6 months :(

The dealer (Not Lexus) I bought the car off have tried their best and finally found a solution.

Having fitted a new radio and 2 new rear screens, the problem was narrowed down to the wiring between the rear screen and the radio, which meant the roof lining would have to come out to access it.

To avoid this they have installed a DAB motion interface. See here http://www.dabmotion.co.uk/

This involved a small discreet antenna on the front screen which feeds a small box. This receives the DAB signal and transmits it on an FM band, so now one of my FM presets is for DAB radio, and I can get dozens of channels perfectly clearly.

I would recommend it.

Think it cost my dealer £400 installed