Helogadget

Rlp,

Try this part number for the switch 84290-24080 And here is a link for the switch quoted at 69 and some change if you want to go that route.

http://www.lexuspartsnow.com/parts/l...290-24080.html

By the way, I got that part number off Bgw's post about the parts catalog

http://toyotapartscatalog.com/lexus/...i-atm-2001-us/

Anyway, there are some options for you.

QUOTE=rlp1949;9126355]Wow!!! $275 versus $4,840.72 from the dealer. I get the impression this part does not often fail. So, it's definitely worth taking the chance.

If Lexus won't install it, I'll just have to get the installation steps (I already have some of them ) and either go after it myself or find someone else who's willing to try.

I did call Sewell and the parts guy needed to do some research. His parts list does not show the Luggage Front Lock Switch (LH) by that name but does show 3 roof limit switches selling for about $100 each. He's suppose to call me back. I'm curious what he comes up with.[/QUOTE]

rlp1949

Sewell called back. They identified the limit switch in the front lock hinge. They quoted me like $82 for that switch rather than the $4,840.72 quoted by Lexus of Bellevue for the assembled hinge. Of course, Helogadget's lead is for just $69.

I am so relieved by the eBay used hinge ($279 asking) and the quotes for the switch alone!! I think it was Johnny Cakes who said an SC without a retractable top is just another car. At the all-in price of $6,750 with the dealer, my SC would have been just another car for quite a while.

I have decided to buy the eBay assembled hinge. The eBay price sounds incredibly cheap now that I know what the whole hinge sells for. The complete hinge covers me in case the problem is actually more than just the switch. I'm going to do some searching in my home area for a gifted independent mechanic, who also enjoys a challenge and something new and different.

I sincerely thank all of you guys who have offered such welcome help.

Helogadget

Glad to hear we could help! This forum is truly a great resource I believe. Please keep us informed of your repair!

Bgw70

Rip, the company Helo listed looks very good but be sure to ask them if it comes with a warranty and have them confirm that the part was tested.
Many tImes, and think about it, these companies post many parts and I am sure they test them but you never know.
It can also be in your favor to call them, just google there name and it might show up.
When you are on the eBay site, do a search for this part, sc430 roof hinge, check out all of the vendors.
Last, make them an offer, unless you are just good with the price...

rlp1949

An update: I bought the complete hinge assembly with a limit switch on eBay for $275. It arrived several days ago. Lexus of Bellevue has decided it will not install a used part. I can understand their reluctance because they can't warranty a used part. I then asked if they would install a new limit switch and they said no. They said that sometimes the issue is more than just the switch. I have a hard time understanding that. $82 versus $4,800? That's a bit like replacing the entire front end instead of replacing just the ball joints.

The service advisor said to check with body shops about the part installation. I will do that. Bwg70, are there just a few more pages of installation instructions in the manual? If so, could you please copy those pages for me? I'd like to have them in hand when I talk to body shops.

mrblister

I don't see why the Lexus Dealer would not consider doing the part change . If you agreed to a flat per hour rate and signed a disclaimer not holding them responsible if the switch did not cure the problem , I would ask the Agency Service manager if he could intervene Not good customer relations to flat out refuse.

JohnnyCake

I agree with Mister Blister. I would make an appointment to see the manager. Have a written, signed statement in which you acknowledge that they are simply performing a part exchange per your instructions, there are no warranties express or implied, there are no representations of success, that this might make it worse, and yet you waive all claims and hold them harmless.

If that doesn't work, rather than a random mechanic, maybe they could refer you to someone or, alternatively, tell you who they send their body work to. A collision guy is going to know hinge replacement. Any job is easier the second time, so you want someone with experience.

Bgw70

And if those ideas do not work, wait for a mechanic to get off, then ask him if he would be interested in doing the work for you or ask him who he thinks might be interested in doing the work.

Just my two cents...

LexBrett

If you have the time, highly recommend you try to dissect the problem yourself. We are here to help on this forum, and are here to help!

Bgw70

I completely understand and will try look again tomorrow after work...

rlp1949

I have considered doing the job myself but reserve judgment until I can see the full extent of the work as shown in the service manual. I got a measure of the work required when the Lexus service rep told me the job required 10 hours to complete.

Have you ever run across anyone else with a problem involving this luggage front lock switch? It seems to be uncommon. That would explain why a $4800 new part sells for about $300 as used (more parts from wrecks than demand for the part).

I agree that I expected a more sympathetic response from a Lexus dealer. My contact with other Lexus dealers has usually been just that. I can only guess that most of the customers with this dealer are not put off by a repair bill that's almost $7000. The service rep did discuss my request with his manager and it was the manager's decision to decline. I would have liked to go in and talk with them but it's a 3 hour drive each way. I may have to consider offering a written waiver of the repair warranty.

We have house guests this week, but next week I will be talking with several of the better local shops and will know how limited my options are here locally.

I do very much appreciate the advice and counsel from all of you.

Harold57

Top problems are just somewhat rare in the first place, so there probably aren't many out there with the same problem. I think that I have an intermittent issue with a sensor related to my package tray/platform but have never diagnosed it.

Is there a Toyota dealer nearby to you? If so, you might ask them if they have someone qualified to work on it. Also look for an independent shop nearby that specializes in Lexus.

rlp1949

Good ideas. The Toyota dealer's service department has already told me they do not want to take on this repair. The Lexus service people suggested body shops and said they would provide names of some Seattle area outfits that they know do this work.

Bgw70

As requested rip1949, see post 3.
NOTE: a couple of pages are out of order.

rlp1949

Thank you, Bgw!!! I will print out the steps and show them to the local shops.

I scrolled through the instructions and they look intimidating! The SST looks like a positioning jig. Am I interpreting that correctly??