Liquid Behind Radio Screen?

ShineTimeDetail

ShineTimeDetail

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So I detailed a Lexus yesterday and when I was doing the interior I noticed that there were specks of water behind the screen of the radio. I tried to use my tornador to blow it out but nothing happened. Well the guy just reached me today and told me his wife is 100% sure it wasn't there before I detailed it. What should I do and how can I fix this? Could this be my mistake or do you think they are trying to get one over on me?
 
I never use any liquid directly on the electronics, instead I apply to a microfiber and use that. Also, it would help to go over the car before detailing with the owner present to prevent situations like these.
 
they may be trying to get one on you. Maybe try a blow dryer to it??
 
Sit it out in direct sun for a few hours and hope it evaporates.
 
did you notice it before you started using the tornador? If so, they are trying to get one over on you.
 
Honesty I can't say. I really do feel it was there before hand. I have got fluid from the tornador behind face plates before but its always comes right out...never had a problem and I use this technique on every single car I do..full detail or basic wash.
 
While not a quick fix, the radio could be removed, and put in a big zip lock bag with un cook rice, or silica, put it away for 5-7 day and it should take care of it... This is done by people that get water on their phones and it works out great... (But I'm guessing that the customer will not want to be without a radio for a week...)
 
So I went out to look at this today. He thinks it was me. He took it to Lexus and they told him it was probably my fault. A new radio is like $700! I'm not sure what I should do. Is there a way that I can clean this out? It's a few dried up spots. I should've taken pics while I was out there today. Anyone have any ideas what I can do to fix this?
 
ShineTimeDetail said:
So I went out to look at this today. He thinks it was me. He took it to Lexus and they told him it was probably my fault. A new radio is like $700! I'm not sure what I should do. Is there a way that I can clean this out? It's a few dried up spots. I should've taken pics while I was out there today. Anyone have any ideas what I can do to fix this?
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Not to say it wasn't you, but I can imagine this was the extent of Lexus' detective work:

Lexus: Have you done anything to your car recently?

Customer: Yeah, I got it detailed

Lexus: Well, that's where it probably came from.
 
You say moisture behind the screen. What is your definition of screen. Do you mean inside the LED read out? If so, how could you or anyone get moisture in there, it's sealed. If it had moisture behind the screen or in the LED read out, it had to come from the factory with it already there and the owners are looking for someone to blame it on. This really doesn't smell right.

I'd call their bluff and tell them it wasn't there when you detailed the car and you don't appreciate the accusation and that you'll have your attorney contact them.
 
eanelson said:
Not to say it wasn't you, but I can imagine this was the extent of Lexus' detective work:

Lexus: Have you done anything to your car recently?

Customer: Yeah, I got it detailed

Lexus: Well, that's where it probably came from.
Click to expand...

:iagree:
 
ShineTimeDetail said:
So I went out to look at this today. He thinks it was me. He took it to Lexus and they told him it was probably my fault. A new radio is like $700! I'm not sure what I should do. Is there a way that I can clean this out? It's a few dried up spots. I should've taken pics while I was out there today. Anyone have any ideas what I can do to fix this?
Click to expand...

Here are your options:

1) Let Lexus replace the radio

2) Start Googling to try to find one thats been salvaged

3) Go to a local custom car audio store and ask if they can R&R and also dismantle and dry out the radio. The only problem here is, if its not perfect, your still going to be screwed. Plus out the money they charge you

4) Ignore the problem and suffer the consequences


If it were me, I would just dish out the $700 and call it a day. If you don't have the money, explain this to them and work out a payment plan

Sorry to here of your misfortune


Flash
 
The first time i saw the Tornador the first thing i thought was "No way, is this a joke?" lol

Personally i'm not sure i would blast high pressure aerosols on electronics or surfaces with lots of crevices when you dont know where infiltrations might end up...

Not saying that this is what caused it, though.
 
I doubt it was there before, looks like its time to man up and get it fixed or replace it.
 
ShineTimeDetail said:
It's been 3 days wouldn't it have evaporated by now?
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Not if it has been sitting in a cooler garage out of the sun...

eanelson said:
Not to say it wasn't you, but I can imagine this was the extent of Lexus' detective work:

Lexus: Have you done anything to your car recently?

Customer: Yeah, I got it detailed

Lexus: Well, that's where it probably came from.
Click to expand...

I have worked for stealerships and that about sums it up...

skipper1 said:
You say moisture behind the screen. What is your definition of screen. Do you mean inside the LED read out? If so, how could you or anyone get moisture in there, it's sealed. If it had moisture behind the screen or in the LED read out, it had to come from the factory with it already there and the owners are looking for someone to blame it on. This really doesn't smell right.

I'd call their bluff and tell them it wasn't there when you detailed the car and you don't appreciate the accusation and that you'll have your attorney contact them.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't get to stern with them... I don't think that they are going to wait a longer time and then blame the detailer... And I would not bring it to an attorney level as that can get you in deeper than you would want...

Flash Gordon said:
Here are your options:

1) Let Lexus replace the radio

2) Start Googling to try to find one thats been salvaged

3) Go to a local custom car audio store and ask if they can R&R and also dismantle and dry out the radio. The only problem here is, if its not perfect, your still going to be screwed. Plus out the money they charge you

4) Ignore the problem and suffer the consequences


If it were me, I would just dish out the $700 and call it a day. If you don't have the money, explain this to them and work out a payment plan

Sorry to here of your misfortune


Flash
Click to expand...

I would offer #3 and go from there

Dubbin1 said:
I doubt it was there before, looks like its time to man up and get it fixed or replace it.
Click to expand...

I have had a few Toyotas and a few Lincolns come in that have had spots on the inside cover for the radio screen and even on the HVAC screen... I make sure I look over the vehicle real well before I take the car from the customer and note EVERYTHING on the invoice before starting... A lot of times I have found that liquids get in those areas by humidity ie. I have a 2001 Land Rover Discovery that had some spots on the inside lens of the radio face I did not spray it down with anything what had happened was I had gone camping and had been wheeling all day then I set up camp it was hot during the day then cooled off real good that night... In the morning I woke up to find the interior of the Rover moist as if it had rained inside the truck... I then noticed that there were some spots on the face of the lens I tried to clean them but to no avail I took the radio out and popped the face off and cleaned it... GONE...
The moral of the story is I would not go pushing blame on anyone... First off it is not right, polite, or friendly to shove blame and secondly YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO GET THEM THERE...

OP
Are you mechanically inclined? if so I would see what tools it takes to remove the head unit (make sure you know how it goes back in) the face plate should come off with either a few clips or a few small screws wipe down the inside with a soft clean MF and put it back together...
And for future uses of the tornador make sure you stay away from the electronics as much as possible...
 
I have 1 more option :idea:

Go to the Lexus dealer and look for the shadiest looking service advisor. Offer him/her 100 dollars if he/she can somehow put this under warranty
 
Why do the owners expect you to do? This whole ordeal seems a little odd and fishy to me.
 
OP; A question I have for you is what year and model of Lexus is it?
 
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