I have a 2001 LS-430 with an Ultra Luxury package. One of the button from the controller unit fell of and is now missing. I contacted the local Lexus dealer and Lexus manufacturer and they all said I have to buy the whole unit for $ 1100. I just can't believe that I am being asked to replace the whole unit when all I am missing is a button that controls the A/C. Any suggestions?
The picture is attched for clarification.

 

...ahh the joys of the modern age.

I would look for junkyard parts - especially for units that were broken or dirty/scratched/etc (and therefore cheap) but had the button intact. That kind of search can take a while but it will eventually produce a part for you.

 

yep, this is what i hate most about most lex dealerships (especially the one in annapolis). they push for something to be completely replaced rather than putting in 30 mins of labor (if that) and a piece or two of plastic. i've had at least 3 instances where something was quoted at over 1000 that just needed something less than $1.

FYI I used zip ties under my car to hold in a piece of undercarriage plastic that they told me would have to be completely replaced, when 2 of the little clips broke off. I asked the dealership if I could get 3 zip ties; they gave them to me; i took out a pocket knife, crawled under the car, made a couple holes, and zip tied the biatch together myself. 2 out of 4 of the lex techs looked stunned like they had never seen of such a thing before.

i'm not suggesting that you use zip ties but maybe some plastic and a little ingenuity, possibly duct tape (i always look for an excuse to bust out the duct tape or super glue), and you will have your self a good ol do-it-your-self fix but yeah that really sucks man, and please don't take my advice with the duct tape

 

I have used plenty of duct tape in the past. The first time I took my car into a real garage after four years of being a completely penniless college student, the shop manager laughed and then called his guys over to look at my car - opening the hood of my car he was amazed to see so much coat hanger wire and duct tape holding stuff together and also used to patch leaking hoses.