1993 Lexus LS 400 CD sound only from right speakers

INVESTWITHDANE

MEMBER
1993 LEXUS LS 400
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

When I set the radio to AM or FM the sound comes from all speakers equally with very good quality. Only when I use the trunk mounted 6 CD Changer does the sound only come loud and clear from the right side of the car. The left side plays at about 10% of the volume of the right and pops and cracks like an old vinyl record.

With the AM/FM all speakers work including the small treble speakers near the mirrors and and bass speaker in the rear deck.

7 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,871 POSTS

Check the connections on the extension cable from the cd changer. If no corrosion is found on the terminals, wiggle the cable where it goes into the connectors. If wiggling the cable causes a change, first try to replace the cable ends. The complete cable can run over $70.00. Universal replacement cables are not recommended because two of the wires inside are shielded to prevent the audio wires from picking up interference from adjacent wires.

Caradiodoc

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Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 AT 12:54 PM

INVESTWITHDANE

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How do I get to the cable? Do I remove the metal cover, and if so, how, or do I remove the trunk lining, and if so, how?

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Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 AT 1:57 PM

CARADIODOC

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If your radio has controls for the cd changer, the cable plugs into the back of it. If you have a wired remote, and the radio must be tuned to an FM station to hear the cd player, there will be a box in the dash that the cable plugs into.

Depending on the model of changer, the cable could plug into it directly, or there could be a short pigtail wire that the cable plugs into. Follow the cable from the changer to the connector. It will seldom be more than 12" away from the changer.

Caradiodoc

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Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 AT 3:24 PM

INVESTWITHDANE

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Yes, the radio controls the CD player and there is no remote. This is the Lexus premium sound system from the factory. So I understand that the issue may be the connection behind the radio and not in the trunk with the changer. Thanks!

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Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 AT 5:06 PM

CARADIODOC

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You're welcome.

Unless you read something such as a service bulletin or other people having the same problem, I would start in the trunk. A connector there is more vulnerable to mice, luggage, moisture, etc. Just because it's more exposed and can vibrate around more. The connector on the back of the radio will be held in place better but certainly can cause a problem too.

One more thing to not overlook is a connector in the middle of the car. Some changers can be mounted in other locations, such as between or under the seats of a minivan, and the standard cable is just long enough to reach the radio from there. An extension cable is used then to reach all the way to the trunk. Shorter cables are always better to prevent signal loss, and they're less expensive, so they won't automatically provide the longer cable unless it's needed.

I have a factory trunk-mounted changer in my Dodge Dynasty that plugged right into the radio. It actually came with the longer cable. A shorter cable could have been ordered. Seems backwards, but oh well. Ir works just dandy.

Caradiodoc