Hi Everyone,

I understand this is a somewhat common issue on the LS430 - dash lights not turning on with the headlights. Instruments all work fine etc but no lights on climate controls or stereo controls etc.

I have read other threads where owners went down a rabbit hole of day/night sensors and adjusting settings in Tech Stream and others who are happy enough with the "kick the panel on the drivers side" solution with one owner reporting that only replacing the offending board fixed the issue.

I have this issue. Everytime I turn the lights on I get no dash lights but a swift kick to the panel beside my foot and lights come on. I am not satisfied with this solution. There must be a very specific issue that is consistent across the models and I want better than just replacing a board with another that will likely fail too.

As I understand, the issue lies with the electrical junction box/fuse box on the drivers side kick panel. Kicking it gets it working so it must be a relay or a dry solder or a bad connection that every (probably) LS430 has.

What I want to know is - what exactly is the issue? I'm more than capable with a soldering iron and have decent electrical knowledge but if someone out there already knows that it is a specific bad solder on a board or the "X" relay on the "X" board then I'm all good to dive in and repair or replace the part. I want to get to the bottom of this and know for certain that the repair I make is a permanent fix.

If no one has the specific solution I will start diagnosing myself and I will report my findings here BUT I would really appreciate some input from those who have already investiged this issue.

FYI I'm working with a 2003 Pre-Face Lift RHD LS430.

Thanks!

 

Pull cover from fuse box and tap each relay to find bad one. They are apparently soldered in.

 

Unfortunately you'll probably have to do as you said and pull it apart and test. I'm wondering if these have a similar problem as some of the early LC100s have with one of their main fuse boxes where a terminal connection becomes loose over time and causes intermittent issues. If you can narrow down the issue these terminals can be replaced, or hopefully it's just a relay going bad.

 

BASED ON A 2004-2006 LS430

On the lower left side of the kick panel, locate the junction box, when you tap or kick it you are getting the relay to connect. I have attached pictures of the junction box. Remove and disassemble, locate relay and if you have good soldering skills replace the relay, I forgot which relay it was, but part available online.

Song Chaun 895-1C-C
Song Chuan 895-1A-C


five pins one on the left and two on right

 

Found the article months ago, I included a picture of it the single one towards the center.....

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you @RakNaks ! This is exactly the information I'm looking for! I've already found exact replacement relays on-line. I'll buy one and replace it. Looks nice and easy to swap out at least.

Love the wealth of knowledge on here!

 

Here is a fun little bit of information I found out that makes no sense but is definitely actually a thing:

If your dash lights are not turning on when you turn the headlights on, turning on the hazzard lights for just a moment get's them working. This has been 100% for me so far. Admittedly it's not a "fix" but it's somewhat more refined than kicking the car to get things working.

Anyway, I will fix my board properly and update here once done but it may be a week or two before I get round to it, I have a list of more pressing issues that need my attention first.

 

[QUOTE=WansLS;12013531.

Anyway, I will fix my board properly and update here once done but it may be a week or two before I get round to it, I have a list of more pressing issues that need my attention first.[/QUOTE]


1000% lol, as time permits!!!
Go on Amazon, get yourself a French thesaurus and learn a few cuss words while you wait and take it out.

disconnect battery of course

Two 10mm bolts, get a metal long trim panel remover, and yes the fuse panel trim is flexible and yes bend that MF around the parking brake. The yellow cap is like a door, pinch both end and swing up!! (you will know when you get there) various connectors and small screwdriver will help!

 

Sorry I did not realize they were soldered relays in my post.

 

You could be right, My cars are 2004, 2005 and 2006, there could be a difference, not sure!