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Hola from Panama, I recently purchased my first Lexus, a 2013 ES350, with only 31,000 miles. It's in very nice shape, with some minor needs; I replaced tires, changed fluids, changed and upgraded various light bulbs,.. and discovered for the first time in all my years of car ownership and restoration,.. puddle lights. Well, they didn't seem to work at all, so I assumed I had a couple of more bulbs out. I replaced them with LED's, only to discover that the issue wasn't bulbs. In perusing WAR & PEACE aka the Lexus Owner's Manual, it related that unlocking the doors using the fob "at night" would illuminate (amongst other lights) the puddle lights. So I assumed there is a photocell somewhere, and waited until dark to test my luck. Foiled again!! So, before I disassemble the mirrors again, to test the circuits; does anyone here know a reason why they won't illuminate? I'm hoping there's a simple solution that I don't know. Frankly, I never owned a car with such sophisticated electronics before. I'd sure appreciate any help
I also had a 2013 ES and also had issues with the interior lights coming on when I approached the car and along with those, the puddle lights. After reading (and re-reading the manual)
I found that there was a setting that somehow got changed and prevented the lights from coming on. I would suggest that you check the settings and go from there. These cars are incredibly complex and have so many settings that it's easy to miss. BUENA SUERTE!
Here's a link to the personalized settings menu. Some may be different for your 2013...
Yep, #27 footlights... but it says Lexus Dealer Only... not programmable through the Nav program. Do you recall what you did? Outside Foot Lights search in War & Peace has been fruitless.
Yep, #27 footlights... but it says Lexus Dealer Only... not programmable through the Nav program. Do you recall what you did? Outside Foot Lights search in War & Peace has been fruitless.
I have a Carista module but can't remember if I used it to remedy the issue... Sorry buddy.
For the 2014 manual it is located in the section 8-2 titled "Customizations". Right at the end just before the "Rear Sunshade". (Page 873/917 in the detailed manual if that helps). It is a "dealer customization setting" but you can set it yourself with the Carista OBD2 "dongle" and app. Sorry, don't have the 2013 manual but I'd expect it to be the same. that Carista should cost about $30 US and the first month you get full functionality which includes fault code tracing and programming of car features.
A couple of screen shots I just took:
Last edited by Tootsall; Aug 29, 2021 at 11:04 AM.
My memory is a bit foggy because it was 8 years ago (and my brain was 8 years younger), but I recall that, when I got my 2013 ES, the puddle lights turned on when the car was unlocked or if I approached the car only if one of the switches/buttons on the overhead console in front of the sunroof was in the right position. I can't remember which switch/button it was, but it was one of the ones in that location.
You guys are opening my eyes to a whole series of auto technologies that I never even knew existed. My IT Exec (wife) has agreed to assist me with computer/app issues when I order my Carista. One other small question: where do I plug the Carista in?! You are a resource that I truly appreciate, especially considering the closest thing we have here to a Lexus dealer here in Panama, is a Toyota dealer. .Muchisima gracias. Steve
Plugs in to the port under the dash. Just left side of steering column in ‘14. Probably same in ‘13. Download the app to a smart phone. Plug adaptor in to the car and turn on ignition (no need to start the car but you might want to shut off fan, heaters, lights, etc.).
Then open up app on phone and away you go. It will take a few minutes to scan the car’s computor(s). You can go to Carista website ahead of time and check out all the customizations available for your car so you can make a plan.
I’d recommend going to Lexus website and download the user manuals if you get tired of that 5lb. folder of books.
Last edited by Tootsall; Aug 29, 2021 at 08:47 PM.
puddle light issue
), but I recall that, when I got my 2013 ES, the puddle lights turned on when the car was unlocked or if I approached the car only if one of the switches/buttons on the overhead console in front of the sunroof was in the right position. I can't remember which switch/button it was, but it was one of the ones in that location.