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

Idea to modify the rear sunshade operation

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-11-12, 09:16 PM
  #1  
stemirra
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
stemirra's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: TX
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default Idea to modify the rear sunshade operation

I love the rear sunshade in my car and use it a lot when parked. I do not really feel the need for it to retract each time the car is put in reverse because I can see through it easilly. I noticed that on some Mercedes it does not auto retract at all (they just stay up until commanded to go down by the driver) which gave me an idea. What if I put a NICE black toggle switch cleverly installed inside the center console to kill power to it to allow it to stay extended almost all the time but also have the ability to restore the fully automated function with the flip of this switch. It would not be seen so it will not detract from the look of the dashboard and may extend the life of the system. Has anyone done this? Do you think it is a good idea?
Old 09-11-12, 10:40 PM
  #2  
VIPDrizzy
Driver
 
VIPDrizzy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: TX
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

This is one of those this bugs me i'm going to fix it myself projects that can turn out great or not so great. If the switch wont be seen and you can accomplish this and its really that big a deal do it why not it cant hurt, or the alternative deal with it....your call my good man but if it bugs you fix it imo.
Old 09-12-12, 12:14 AM
  #3  
Playdrv4me
Lead Lap
 
Playdrv4me's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: KS/MO
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

I can already see it now... 5 years from now the subsequent owner posts a new thread entitled "What's this switch for?".
Old 09-12-12, 04:36 AM
  #4  
AlexusAnja
Lead Lap
 
AlexusAnja's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: NY/NJ
Posts: 4,178
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

If you just want it up, I would think the rear sunshade has a fuse too. So, when parked and shade up, pull the fuse and it's permanently up.
Old 09-12-12, 08:21 AM
  #5  
yuri.ber
Lead Lap
iTrader: (7)
 
yuri.ber's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: NY
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

Fuse is located in the trunk on the drivers side in the fuse box.
Old 09-12-12, 06:22 PM
  #6  
Slvr surfr
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
 
Slvr surfr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: dc
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

The toggle switch is a good idea i must say. Make sure you put it on the wire that gives the sunshade motor the signal that tells it when to go up and down.
Old 09-12-12, 06:36 PM
  #7  
tcbted
Driver
 
tcbted's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Ontario
Posts: 136
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by Playdrv4me
I can already see it now... 5 years from now the subsequent owner posts a new thread entitled "What's this switch for?".
Now, that's funny!
Old 09-12-12, 09:35 PM
  #8  
Pamperme
Lead Lap
 
Pamperme's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KY
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

I just have to ask: "what's the big deal with it auto retracting bothering you? Does it annoy you that much? Really?"
Old 09-13-12, 08:11 AM
  #9  
dsrxloreto
Driver
 
dsrxloreto's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: ca
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default

the same i dea has popped into my head, i was just thinking about disabling the wire on the reverse switch. theoretically the original switches would still work just not automatic when put into reverse
Old 09-13-12, 08:48 AM
  #10  
eggtart
Pit Crew
 
eggtart's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: wa
Posts: 109
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Reviewing the wiring diagram reveals that there is a wire that picks up a signal when you put it in reverse. Cut that wire and it will never see the reverse signal. The UP and DOWN will still work when you push the button.
Old 09-13-12, 12:53 PM
  #11  
Viper6
Pole Position
 
Viper6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: TN
Posts: 225
Received 14 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Pamperme
I just have to ask: "what's the big deal with it auto retracting bothering you? Does it annoy you that much? Really?"
If you want to save on wear and tear... I will say that for mine that it fatigued in tension from being extended up in the sun for most of it's life... it wagged off the window over bumps and braking and was very distracting.,. the auto up/down feature operated fine. Disabling auto up/down would not have extended the life of my screen, and being up more than most actually contributed to it's early demise... something to think about for your plans!

Stay thirsty my friend!
Old 09-13-12, 04:27 PM
  #12  
jayclapp
Lexus Champion
 
jayclapp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: AZ
Posts: 2,489
Received 106 Likes on 85 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Viper6
If you want to save on wear and tear... I will say that for mine that it fatigued in tension from being extended up in the sun for most of it's life... it wagged off the window over bumps and braking and was very distracting.,. the auto up/down feature operated fine. Disabling auto up/down would not have extended the life of my screen, and being up more than most actually contributed to it's early demise... something to think about for your plans!

Stay thirsty my friend!
I think I can confirm that. In Sep 2011, with 75,000 miles on my 04UL, the rear window shade wagged off the window, bounced around, and was distracting. It was replaced under my Platinum Warranty at no cost to me. But I used it in auto mode all the time. Will continue to do so.
Old 09-14-12, 06:58 AM
  #13  
Viper6
Pole Position
 
Viper6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: TN
Posts: 225
Received 14 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by jayclapp
I think I can confirm that. In Sep 2011, with 75,000 miles on my 04UL, the rear window shade wagged off the window, bounced around, and was distracting. It was replaced under my Platinum Warranty at no cost to me. But I used it in auto mode all the time. Will continue to do so.
Luckily mine was under CPO as well... the only insurance policy that has ever paid off for me...
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gus73
GX - 1st Gen (2003-2009)
3
10-20-17 01:56 PM
HokieCJ7
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
10
12-13-12 02:36 AM
KKRlexus
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
10
11-12-08 08:06 PM
evolon5150
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
1
06-05-03 02:56 PM



Quick Reply: Idea to modify the rear sunshade operation



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:18 AM.