Driver's Side Door Problem?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: California
Driver's Side Door Problem?
I've got a strange problem with my 98 GS300. Usually when you open the driver's door the dome light illuminates. This does not happen. Also, the dome light feature seems to work fine on the other doors. Relay problem only associated with the driver's door? I'm not sure if this is linked to another problem I am having with the factory alarm. If you have the headlights on auto and arm the vehicle the head lights should go off after 30 seconds, but don't. Two separate problems or are they related?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,309
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Its sounds like something is telling the Alarm system that something is open. I would check every door switch. Also try and hit the alarm set button twice when you leave your lights on and they should go off right away.
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: CT
"Kevs" is right. We discussed this topic a few weeks ago and member "VVTI" gave us all the info with his reply. Sounds like you need new door actuators. Do a search and give the dealer the info so you can get the repairs for free.
Let us know how everything turns out.
Let us know how everything turns out.
Pit Crew
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 133
Likes: 3
From: Los Angeles
Finally got this fixed with new actuators/pins on my '98 GS 300. Dome light would sometimes/sometimes not go on when I opened the door. Dealer couldn't duplicate the prob.
Also had the problem with the lights not going off when alarm armed. Funny thing though, the alarm would still arm indicating there was nothing "open".
Dealer indicated that based on my VIN the recall/TSB or whatever it was didn't apply.
Another funny thing was that when I was at the dealer the tech and I cruised through all the TSB/recall info on his computer and we couldn't find the door actuator/door pin one. He had to check with his service manager to get the info.
Finally, I also had the settings changed so my lights would go off when I opened the driver's side door. Not as safe as before, but better than not notcing the lights didn't shut off and end up stranded with a drained battery.
Also had the problem with the lights not going off when alarm armed. Funny thing though, the alarm would still arm indicating there was nothing "open".
Dealer indicated that based on my VIN the recall/TSB or whatever it was didn't apply.
Another funny thing was that when I was at the dealer the tech and I cruised through all the TSB/recall info on his computer and we couldn't find the door actuator/door pin one. He had to check with his service manager to get the info.
Finally, I also had the settings changed so my lights would go off when I opened the driver's side door. Not as safe as before, but better than not notcing the lights didn't shut off and end up stranded with a drained battery.
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Pit Crew
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 133
Likes: 3
From: Los Angeles
Prior to my warranty expiring I complained of this issue and kept the documentation. Later, when they fixed it, I didn't have to pay. Not sure if it was categorized as warranty or goodwill.
I don't have any recall ID info or anything else to help you. Sorry. The service manager knew about it because he has a GS400.
I don't have any recall ID info or anything else to help you. Sorry. The service manager knew about it because he has a GS400.
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Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 3
From: California
guys,
i just called lexus corporate and they confirmed to me that there was no such recall for the door actuators. i'm assuming you guys still have your cars under 50K miles, so probably that's why they fixed it for you.
i just called lexus corporate and they confirmed to me that there was no such recall for the door actuators. i'm assuming you guys still have your cars under 50K miles, so probably that's why they fixed it for you.
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