I haven't been on here in years, but my 2006 GS430 did something out of character the other night. This car has been bulletproof up until this point. Anyways, Saturday afternoon the battery light illuminated, but I didn't think much of it. Decided I would deal with it on Monday. Saturday evening I was driving home from dinner and was about a mile from home when the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. The Check VSC and Check ECB message popped up as well as the ABS light, battery light. yellow exclamation light and traction control light. The car was also emitting a beep at this point. I went to stop at the red light ahead and had to slam on the brakes to get the car to stop. At the light, the Nav started resetting over and over with the Lexus home screen appearing. I thought I could make it the 2 blocks home, and luckily I did, but as I was pulling into the garage, the power steering went out. I turned off the car to see if the codes would reset, but the car wouldn't restart. Sunday morning I went out and the car started just fine, although the batter light was still illuminated. I didn't try to drive the car. I have an appointment at Lexus this afternoon and will have the car towed just to be safe. I'm hoping it's just the alternator. Anyone have any input on what else could cause this?

 

It's the alternator.

The battery gained enough voltage overnight to allow you to start it temporarily, but with the engine running ALL the electricity for the ignition, accessories, computers, and power steering is being pulled from the battery ONLY and if the headlights and other misc electronics are being used - it will be worse.

 

Yep sounds like the ECUs all lost power or a voltage below 11 volts.

 

You can easily change this yourself if you are somewhat mechanically inclined.

Its just loosening the belt, and I believe loosening 5 bolts total? (3 being the alternator and 2 being the positive and negative posts).

 

yeah i just did the alternator on my 06 gs430 a week ago. i have pictures if you need references

 

It was the alternator. Had it done for $700 with OEM parts. I'm not mechanically inclined, so was happy to pay that.

 

wow, i understand that you may not have been able to do it yourself but that's extremely over priced.

 

I called around and that seemed about the going rate at an independent shop. One Lexus dealer quoted me $1400 and the other $1200. $700 seemed like a bargain.

 

For an OEM alternator that's cheaper than what my dealer quoted on my 300. They quoted me $1200

 

$800 for my 06 300 awd.

 

sheesh i would've done yours for a paid bar tab bro, but im in florida

 

Please what was the problem when you took it for fixing? My car just suddenly exhibiting thesame symptoms listed by you, beeping sounds, check vsc check ecb, the navigation restarting and my steering just suddenly got stiff. Pls help

 

Please post pictures of DIY for alternator bro. I'm having same problem. I think I might change it myself Friday and have my mechanic clear the codes afterwards.

 

I would try my luck by swapping out the alternator brushes first before replacing the whole alternator

 

Giving you a heads up, this is for GS430 ONLY.... Each of these engines are different when changing their alternators. (I'm not sure if GS300 and GS350 share the same alternator removal and installation procedures).

The GS430 is very simple compared to the other variants from what I've seen.