LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

Auto Leveling Headlight not working

Old 10-20-08, 10:29 PM
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bigcory
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Default Auto Leveling Headlight not working

Both head lights are suppose to auto level correct?

Only my left headlight it auto leveling when the car is turned on. I'm 35 miles outside of my warranty.
Old 10-21-08, 02:36 AM
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GRAND_LS 4
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Yes, both should be auto leveling. I'd schedule something and have them look at, i'm sure Lexus would be willing to help with only 35Miles. Just hope your service manager is in a good mood.
Old 10-21-08, 07:39 AM
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general98
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Does the 2001 LS430 have auto-leveling headlights? I just had mine replaced and they do not appear to be auto-leveling.
Old 10-21-08, 10:43 AM
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bigcory
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Does anyone know if the auto leveling unit is built into the actual head light housing, or if it is a separate piece. I see head light housing used on ebay for about $250.
Old 10-21-08, 11:19 AM
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NYC/FL Lex
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I don't think the 2001 LS had auto leveling headlights. In 04 when they changed to the projector type lights they added that and prior to it, they were fixed units.
Old 10-21-08, 11:44 AM
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bigcory
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My brother 2001 had auto level lights..... (if my memory serves me correctly). I distincly remember being impressed by that.
Old 10-21-08, 01:37 PM
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My '02 has auto leveling headlights. At only 35 miles out of warrantee, I would think the dealer and or Lexus would fix it. I had the trunk struts replaced on my '02 when it was 2 months out of warrantee and it was covered by the dealer. The argument was the struts were going bad months before but I didn't bring it to their attention until I brought the car in for service. You might try a similar argument in your case.

GT
Old 10-21-08, 05:43 PM
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All Lexus with factory HID comes with auto leveling.

Even our 01' ES300, pretty much the oldest, cheapest Lexus that has factory HID, has auto leveling.
Old 10-21-08, 05:53 PM
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bigcory
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Well it actually was something that I noticed since i got the car three months ago, i just didn't put two and two together until last night on the way home. I was driving next to a center divide and I could see the beam pattern for the right light went straight down to the street.

It's kind of a saftey hazzard as well. it doens't illuminate the road in front of the car very well and it is a bit of a distraction with teh bright cut off 5 or 10 feet in front of the car.
Old 10-21-08, 06:36 PM
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general98
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OK, so now I am getting suspicious. The body shop replaced the front lights on my 2001 LS430 UL and they are not auto leveling. To be honest, I am not sure if the originals were or not. Do you think the body shop took me for a ride?
Old 10-21-08, 07:43 PM
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big_blzr94
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if you take the headlights out you can see the auto adjust motors mounted to the back side of the lens. it is replaceable without having to replace the whole housing.
Old 10-22-08, 06:29 AM
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Originally Posted by bigcory
Does anyone know if the auto leveling unit is built into the actual head light housing, or if it is a separate piece. I see head light housing used on ebay for about $250.
Its built in... but you can take out the motors if you want.

Originally Posted by NYC/FL Lex
I don't think the 2001 LS had auto leveling headlights. In 04 when they changed to the projector type lights they added that and prior to it, they were fixed units.
Actually, most countries require auto-leveling with the use of HID headlights (Europe as well). So they were included with every HID equipped Lexus as far as i know. My old 98LS400 had them.

Originally Posted by willhershe
OK, so now I am getting suspicious. The body shop replaced the front lights on my 2001 LS430 UL and they are not auto leveling. To be honest, I am not sure if the originals were or not. Do you think the body shop took me for a ride?
If your auto levling is not working, or unplugged, you would get a message on your dash. Turn your headlights on, then start your car, you should see your headlights move up and down.
Old 10-24-08, 08:04 AM
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general98
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You are correct - I do see them move up and down. I confirmed with the dealer that they were the correct headlights so I am in good shape now. Thanks for the feedback.
Old 10-24-08, 11:26 PM
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bigcory
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So I went by the dealership Thursday evening and spoke with a service rep. The car was 184 miles over the 50k warranty. Dealership is going to replace the head light for me! I was so happy. They needed to order the part so it sounded like it was going to take them a few days. They even kept the car while they are waiting and gave me a loaner ES!!! Very happy with this dealership!

The ES is pretty nice btw. I'd still rather have my 3 year old LS though. ES just feels cheap, literally. Loose parts, plastics, ect.
Old 10-31-08, 05:55 AM
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Originally Posted by general98
Does the 2001 LS430 have auto-leveling headlights? I just had mine replaced and they do not appear to be auto-leveling.
Yes, the 2001 does, my car has them...

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