Avril

Hi Everyone who followed / helped out. Finally have a conclusion on this one - as previouslyadvised - not the cae - the amplifier was not at fault (taken out tested and OK) . It was put back in the car and the local dealer had a SC430 in stock, changed the radio itself and bingo its working - so fault was in the radio itself. All now replaced with new unit and working fine. I guess only message to take from this one is to have individual components checked if possible to confirm dealers diagnoses. On this cae I would have possibly ok'd a new Amplifier to find out that was not the problem - then what ???. Many thanks everyones help and I highly recommend the company in Edinburgh - SVT SERVICES 9 speak to CHRIS) - first class absolutely top notch - breally nice people. You can trust them.

Thanks the reply. Today refitted (connected) the amp to system - i have all screens on radio and navigation working, radio showing channels, volume, frequencies, Navigation sign in screen etc etc - only thing is no sound. So now going back to Lexus see how they respond to statement its NOT AMP - PLSE CHECK OUT RADIO etc Did try a lot of radio fitting companies but they wont touch a lexus, and mostly only fit store bought radios in other cars - no diagnostics - all say business is too time consuming and costly - new radio is much cheaper option for most. Let you know how it goes / Avril (thanks to all for replies)

Here is update on the situation re Avril Amp 'failure' - apologies it took so long but just got it back. Amp was taken out of the car (radio showing on with channels and frequencies showing etc - SatNav shows only set up screen no other response),. Sent ot to SVT Services in Edinburgh - 'Chris' tested it on bench for 5 days and said it is in perfect working order, and returned it yesterday. Local Lexus blamed the Amp, but if its not the Amp ??? Has anyone any suggestions - and is the amp in some way part of the navigation system ie the audio perhaps or more intricately involved ie is partial apparent working of the navigation system a clue ? Many thanks any help / Avril

The amplifier in my SC430 has stopped working - any idea where to get another - desperate - thanks

Thanks suggestion -but disconnecting the main battery apparently sets of a hidden power source that sets the intruder alarm off (if you havent shutdown the alarm by using the remote keylock - which cant be done because the battery is flat - chicken and egg here). I'm going with AA to get started but need to get this apparent conundrum sorted - will let you(members) know outcome of my research in due course. Best Regards

Thanks Rob, I cant actuallydo that at the moment because of where the car is, leads wont reach. I am going to look at problem againlater but for now called AA. (I dont like powerpack staters because potential electronic damage and potential computer data loss/corruption onboard, however in this instance will have to go with it. Thanks yr help.

coming back from vacation i find the battery is dead (only 3 weeks and i charged it fully before leaving). I opened door using key, opened bonnet, and connected my new battery conditioner/charger. Immediately the alarm starts - weakly ,then stronger louder.\ thought about disconnecting battery, but what settings are lost, and in owners handbook it says the alarm has its own battery system whichwill go off (intruder alarm). Any suggestions please - much appreciated. Somehow batteries must be rechargeable without waking the neigbourhood. SC 430 model

Hi Ian - No - there is no buzzer - just the continuous warning light on the dashboard display. Your info on life of sensor interesting, presumably they would all go over a shortish period (couple of yrs) - expensive. Without the buzzer I am thinking the sensor is saying a small loss of pressure detected, not alarm situation yet, even tho pressure is equal all round. However i'm guessing slightly broken sensor is still broken.

thanks chris - i'll get them looked at, really wondering if it was a very unusual /or fairly common condition. appreciate the reply

with all my run flat tyres pumped to 33 psi, i am getting a low pressure warning. The book seems to say that run flat tyres can still be faulty even if the pressure gauge shows correct tyre pressure. Anyone had this problem - i'm worried i'm not safe even though the tyre gauge says OK.

ON the question of Octane Number - be aware that the Number refers only to the fuels ability to withstand knocking, and the fuel specified by the manufacturer is the one the engine is designed specifically to work most efficiently with. The common misconception is that a higher octane is somehow a more 'super fuel grade' that will clean the plugs, give huge acceleration gains etc etc. Equally whilst higher octane doesnt give huge gains in anything except cost, a much lower grade can do damage - in some countries (USA) for instance 89 and 92 octane are common. Meant for big engines. lower compression and allowing for some contamibation when distributed by their Nation Grid Petroleum Pipeline Systems where everything is 'fungible' in the line (ie similar in spec). I have run labs testing Gasoline all round the world for manufacturers - the advice is - use whats recommended, higher than that is a waste. Dont use lower if you can help it, top up soonest on a simple octane and volume ratio soon as you can to get back to manufacturers spec (approx).

Hello all - My first post here. I have an SC430 that has had a lot of problems with a Flat Battery. Just bought preused, had a flat battery 6 times in one year. Lexus replaced battery once, kept testing testing, said no unusual drain showed up on tests, I insisted on the last time thewy had it that they stand it still for 5 days, test voltage everyday and show me the results - in 3 days the battery ran down to 3 volts. They started comparing voltage drains on various equipt / motors with a similar car. They found a huge drain when using the retractable hood motor (compared to other car). Note however we had not used the retractable hood. However they took out the motor, looked it over, put it back - and hey presto - on the next test the voltage drain was normal. The maintenance mgr called to say they had fixed it, tested drain over 3 days with only minimal drain showing- he also said he was embarressed because they had no idea how they had fixed it, but somehow by removing the motor and replacint it - it giot fixed. The money is on a bad earth or short of some sort, bearing in mind the motor was draing power even when not being used. I have stood the car in the garage for 5 days, measured voltage drop every day at same time and it shows average of 0.04 v drop per day from 12.25v start. I am assuming this is normal security system usage level unless anyone advises differenty. Hope this is usfull to someone. Best Regards.