Hi people - my first post on this forum.

I have a 2004 LS430, which I bought from Performance Lexus in Cincinnati with 80,000 miles on it. Everything worked perfectly.

4 years later, I now have 196,000 miles on it, and while it is still driving really well, I am running into a bunch of little electrical gremlins, which I'd like to try and fix. I'm pretty mechanically inclined, so don't feel at all scared about diving in. Can anyone point me at how-to's or at least where I can find information on how to troubleshoot the following:

1) Trunk release switch at the rear doesnt work (the release under the dash and the keyfob both work), but pressing the rubber button on the trunk has stopped working.

2) Central locking on Passenger door also stopped working. When you lock and unlock, you can see the lock **** twitching, but it wont actually move as requested.

3) Parking proximity sensor constantly beeps. Nav Screen indicates that front right sensor is registering an object, when there is none.

4) Nav system has given up. Started by having "Unable to read data" messages, especially when weather was hot, which would go away after a couple mins. Now just says "Refer to Dealer"

5) Finally, I think I have blown the sub-woofer (Mark Levinson) - I have to turn the bass way down, otherwise it sounds terrible.

Still love the car, it's a beast at long distances, but the electrics are getting irritating. Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance!

 

Not sure about most of those issues but the sub can be re-foamed with a kit you can buy online, I've done it myself. I can't remember the website I got the kit from but a little searching here and it should turn up.

Toasted navigation is common, I tried to fix mine too but had no success. Some have been able to fix it themselves by lubricating the internal arm that the laser reader rides on. Either way, you'll have to take the unit out of the trunk and take it apart.

 

1 - Trunk release sounds like the button only. You may be able to pull it apart and check the contacts. I have had a button and a switch I have fixed by touching up a minor issue in the unit it itself. One was cleaning contacts the other a dab of super glue fixed great.

2 - Door lock actuators are very common and you can buy the motor for about $7. There is a big DIY thread on this. Saves you a ton of money.

3 - You can turn off the proximity system or look for a sensor on eBay and such.

4 - Probably the nav reader in the trunk. They can be fixed or swapped. eBay.

5 - Re-cone the sub or replace with at least an 8ohm sub. Aftermarket are very cheap.

Your issues are pretty common and not too expensive to repair. If you don't use the nav I would not bother with that.

Kind of funny, really none of those are electrical related. All component.

 

3 - I believe that there have been reports of the sensor being covered with dirt, paint, snow, etc.
Do a search, but I think that some problems have been fixed by cleaning off the sensor.