It's crazy how many individual ECUs a 430 relies on.
I don't remember the total number, but IIRC it's over 40, not counting the main ECU.
As an example, each door has its own ECU, the sunroof has its own ECU, the cooling fan has its own ECU...............

 

It's scary to think one can get killed if they aren't careful with those motors, no matter how low the odds are.
The person who asked if the battery should be disconnected only thought of the danger of airbag accidentally getting deployed, but little did we know there's 200 V lurking.
I almost think they should have a warning label on these devices considering we don't associate AC when it comes to cars. Precaution stated in the service manual is only good if you have the manual in the first place, but not many people do.

As for me, I'm mulling over whether I should replace my telescopic motor, or just live without. Decision decision....

 

"It's scary to think one can get killed if they aren't careful with those motors, no matter how low the odds are.
The person who asked if the battery should be disconnected only thought of the danger of airbag accidentally getting deployed, but little did we know there's 200 V lurking.
I almost think they should have a warning label on these devices considering we don't associate AC when it comes to cars. Precaution stated in the service manual is only good if you have the manual in the first place, but not many people do.

As for me, I'm mulling over whether I should replace my telescopic motor, or just live without. Decision decision...."

I finally switched out my tilt motor and was glad I did. Replacing these motors are relatively simple (compared to some of the other crap I've done). Do it, you'll be glad you did.

 

I guess a sense of LS430 brotherhood bestows upon me today. I successfully tackled the telescope motor! It wasn't too bad, I thank all the previous members and the OP. Overall, not too bad. The center steering column bezels need to come off, take the lower panel which the OBD connector is connected to (be careful on the re-install and make sure to hang on the hook on the rear towards firewall of the panel and then snap and screw the lower panel back up), Highly recommend several knurled 1/4 extensions, 10mm socket and a 10mm swivel or 1/4 u-joint. Remove the two bolts of the motor, unhook the wire and while removing the telescope motor don't loose that little u-joint!

Prior to fully install, like everyone said; make sure to hook the motor up and run it a few times and place it the extended position. Make sure to get that u=joint back in track while trying to get the little 10mm bolts back in, that's where the fun begins! Rest is lube and reassembly!

A general sense of accomplishment is great, knowing this type of repair can exceed in the thousands at the dealer!!!

 

Raknaks, where did you get buy the replacement motor?

 

Ebay ended up being a great resource. Dealership website have it as well, hover around $480 at the time of this post

 

just completed the telescopic motor replacement today. I am very grateful for all the information in this post as it made the job so much easier. Still took my about 3 hours from start to finish, but i was in no rush. Thanks to all who contributed, especially the OP.

 

Any tip and info you can share during your DIY?

 

yeah have small hands lol. My car is a 2004 so it has the knee airbag. I just unbolted it, left it plugged in and set if off to the side. I didn't really get in the way and i really didn't want to mess with the connector for the airbag. My only issue was the motor. I used the one for the land cruiser as it was cheaper and you just move the wire harness over very easily. My car doesn't have the cable connecting the motor to the jack shaft. I have a small ujoint configuration. The first time the motor was installed, I was unable to get the ujoint to slide in far enough. I removed the motor along with the ujoint and had to force the ujoint into the new motor. I used the end of a screwdriver to tap the ujoint all the way in. Once that was done, the ujoint easily slid in and out. After that, reinstalled the motor and buttoned everything up and now have telescoping ability.

 

Details on subbing the Land Cruiser motor would be great info to add to this thread.
Motor part number
Electrical connector part number