2005 LS430 Multi-Information Display blank
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 354
Likes: 46
From: North Carolina
Having the same issue on my new '06 430. Cluster-temperature shows, but "range/fuel eco, etc" doesn't. Tried holding it, tried resetting it, nothing. Any solutions are greatly appreciated. I used to have an '06 UL which I loved. I also had an '01 base, just got rid of my 460 swb that I nodded the **** out of. I love Lexus, but the little issues I have to fix are getting annoying.
So it blew a fuse (passenger footwell) for the multi display I cant remember what the book called it or the number. I can look later if its a big deal. But I had to replace the fuse and test. turns out when my son poked his courtesy light on, in back by itself fuse blew/ display died.
So check the passenger kick panel fuses-
Rookie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 80
Likes: 3
From: VA
I just went out and re-checked all the pass. kick panel fuses. They're all good. Everything electrical works on the car, except that multi-info display. It's bugging the crap out of me haha...
I really hope it's not the instrument cluster that's broken.
I do however feel like the car is set up differently. for example, when I go from Park to any gear, it locks all the doors, but when I return to park, it does NOT unlock all the doors. I feel like my other 430s did, though...
Also, I have the convenience package, so when I go near the car and touch the sensor behind the door handle, only that door unlocks. I feel like if I touch any other door other than the driver door, all the doors should unlock, right?
See, this is why I feel like there are some factory settings on the car that haven't been set up properly, that;s why I'm hoping that the instrument cluster isn't displaying the information either...
any and all help is appreciated...
I really hope it's not the instrument cluster that's broken.
I do however feel like the car is set up differently. for example, when I go from Park to any gear, it locks all the doors, but when I return to park, it does NOT unlock all the doors. I feel like my other 430s did, though...
Also, I have the convenience package, so when I go near the car and touch the sensor behind the door handle, only that door unlocks. I feel like if I touch any other door other than the driver door, all the doors should unlock, right?
See, this is why I feel like there are some factory settings on the car that haven't been set up properly, that;s why I'm hoping that the instrument cluster isn't displaying the information either...
any and all help is appreciated...
Rookie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 80
Likes: 3
From: VA
Ok, so quick update. (You might wanna put down your drink, I don't want you to spray it all over your device)
I went out to the car, to try and think of ways I can fix this multi-info display issue...
After having checked all fuses, connection, bells and whistles I was out of ideas, just staring at the blank display.
I even got myself a very powerful flashlight, to see if the numbers/letters are displayed, and maybe it's just the LED light that's out behind the display. At this point, I'm staring at the display, and I become uneasy at the sight. It doesn't seem right. The surface of the display doesn't match with the compass' display. So I take a closer look, and sure enough, it has bubbles and scratches... I get this weird feeling that it might be electrical tape. So I took the cluster out, removed the outer shaded plastic piece, and after examining the display, sure enough, someone had measured out a very precise cut of electrical tape, and covered the display with it...
...Yeah, I nearly soiled myself...
So I remove the tape, hook the cluster back up, turn the key, and Ta-Da!, lights up like it's brand new...
I don't know who would do such a thing, but I'm sure their interest in cars ran out after the brochure.
So, all is well, everything is good, thank you all for the inputs
I went out to the car, to try and think of ways I can fix this multi-info display issue...
After having checked all fuses, connection, bells and whistles I was out of ideas, just staring at the blank display.
I even got myself a very powerful flashlight, to see if the numbers/letters are displayed, and maybe it's just the LED light that's out behind the display. At this point, I'm staring at the display, and I become uneasy at the sight. It doesn't seem right. The surface of the display doesn't match with the compass' display. So I take a closer look, and sure enough, it has bubbles and scratches... I get this weird feeling that it might be electrical tape. So I took the cluster out, removed the outer shaded plastic piece, and after examining the display, sure enough, someone had measured out a very precise cut of electrical tape, and covered the display with it...
...Yeah, I nearly soiled myself...
So I remove the tape, hook the cluster back up, turn the key, and Ta-Da!, lights up like it's brand new...
I don't know who would do such a thing, but I'm sure their interest in cars ran out after the brochure.
So, all is well, everything is good, thank you all for the inputs
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
From: DE
Finally have gotten around to looking at this issue after running into every animal that is possible with my car. I want to thank @GaborL for the info on the black electrical tape as this is the same thing that has happened to my car. Someone had cut a perfect piece of electrical tape to hide the display. So once I removed the cluster and took apart the unit, I ended up pulling off the tape and cleaned everything up. Once installed tested the device with no issue. Only thing displayed was a Maintenance req message saying Low tire. Which I am going to reset here soon with TechStream software. Thanks to everyone who have helped with this process!
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 354
Likes: 46
From: North Carolina
Finally have gotten around to looking at this issue after running into every animal that is possible with my car. I want to thank @GaborL for the info on the black electrical tape as this is the same thing that has happened to my car. Someone had cut a perfect piece of electrical tape to hide the display. So once I removed the cluster and took apart the unit, I ended up pulling off the tape and cleaned everything up. Once installed tested the device with no issue. Only thing displayed was a Maintenance req message saying Low tire. Which I am going to reset here soon with TechStream software. Thanks to everyone who have helped with this process!
The volume **** for the alarm 'beep' is under the steering wheel vicinity too.
Last edited by biacs; Mar 8, 2017 at 09:15 AM.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Combo controller
Have Lexus test the combo controller, cold and at running temp. If problems emerge either way, have them inspect the wiring harness behind the engine. The harness should be secured away from the engine and of course wiring integrity evaluated. If anything corrective is done to harness, see if that took care of the combo controller. If not, replace it.
Enjoy your vehicle.
Enjoy your vehicle.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Been having the display going blank/dead ever since I had to change the battery other some Godforsaken place in Alabama as the battery died on a road trip. Have been looking for a solution ever since.
The issue is not the display unit itself as it does come on periodically. The trick to bring it back on -
1. disconnect battery and reconnect after a few minutes
2. Car is parked under extreme weather conditions, either too hot or too cold.
3. Drive over 150 miles. During a long trip the display will eventually kick in
4. I have had a couple of instances when a loud radio sound woke up the display but am not able to replicate it
The display is back on as usual and this is when I change to the temperature or climate settings I need for the next few days. The display will eventually die and I will have to wait for next opportunity to make any changes.
At times this issue is exasperating but my love for this model throws blinders on my rational side.
I have heard from some guy when I was trying to replace the display that the issue was actually the hard-drive and not the display itself. I am inclined to agree as the display does come on sometime....
The issue is not the display unit itself as it does come on periodically. The trick to bring it back on -
1. disconnect battery and reconnect after a few minutes
2. Car is parked under extreme weather conditions, either too hot or too cold.
3. Drive over 150 miles. During a long trip the display will eventually kick in
4. I have had a couple of instances when a loud radio sound woke up the display but am not able to replicate it
The display is back on as usual and this is when I change to the temperature or climate settings I need for the next few days. The display will eventually die and I will have to wait for next opportunity to make any changes.
At times this issue is exasperating but my love for this model throws blinders on my rational side.
I have heard from some guy when I was trying to replace the display that the issue was actually the hard-drive and not the display itself. I am inclined to agree as the display does come on sometime....
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: CA
2005 LS430 UL Multi Info Display Dead
Hello all. I am brand new to this forum as I just purchased a 2005 LS430 UL with only 26K miles on it. The only issue that I am having is the multi information display (MID) is completely dead. The only thing that shows up on the lower part of the dash display is the odometer, as well as both trip odometers when you press the appropriate buttons. All fuses in both kick panels and in the engine compartment test out perfectly so nothing is blown. Neither of the display buttons on the steering wheel do anything at all. When I turn on the cruise control the green cruise displays on the dash and the cruise control works fine, just not the radar part of it as you must hit the brakes when you catch up to someone since the car will not slow down. The radar unit in the grill appears to be in perfect condition and it is plugged in just fine. I have driven the car about 1000 miles now and nothing has ever appeared on the MID. The car has never been in an accident and there is no damage to the vehicle at this time. I am guessing that the problem lies with the display itself and not the buttons as absolutely nothing appears on the MID at any time. And yes, I checked to see if anyone put black electrical tape over the MID just in case (that would have been hilarious though). Does anyone have any advice on how to both diagnose and fix this issue? Please let me know as soon as possible. Thanks so much
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: CA
Hello all. I am brand new to this forum as I just purchased a 2005 LS430 UL with only 26K miles on it. The only issue that I am having is the multi information display (MID) is completely dead. The only thing that shows up on the lower part of the dash display is the odometer, as well as both trip odometers when you press the appropriate buttons. All fuses in both kick panels and in the engine compartment test out perfectly so nothing is blown. Neither of the display buttons on the steering wheel do anything at all. When I turn on the cruise control the green cruise displays on the dash and the cruise control works fine, just not the radar part of it as you must hit the brakes when you catch up to someone since the car will not slow down. The radar unit in the grill appears to be in perfect condition and it is plugged in just fine. I have driven the car about 1000 miles now and nothing has ever appeared on the MID. The car has never been in an accident and there is no damage to the vehicle at this time. I am guessing that the problem lies with the display itself and not the buttons as absolutely nothing appears on the MID at any time. And yes, I checked to see if anyone put black electrical tape over the MID just in case (that would have been hilarious though). Does anyone have any advice on how to both diagnose and fix this issue? Please let me know as soon as possible. Thanks so much
The issue is with the cluster itself and most likely some kind of solder connection or relay that has burned out.
- There are 3 ways to remedy this issue.
- Buy a new gauge cluster from Lexus.
- I believe Lexus Dealerships do not correct the mileage and just put a sticker on the door jam indicating that the mileage on the new cluster is not fully representative of actual vehicle mileage. This may potentially decrease value of care as accurate vehicle mileage is thus unknown.
- Buy a used cluster. Once you have the replacement cluster you have a shop correct the mileage (also called odometer correction or mileage correction) to your accurate mileage.
- Avoid companies that say they can swap out the mileage chip from your broken cluster to your new cluster as it more complicated than that
- Look for shops who do mileage corrections electronically via some kind of connection directly to the cluster or are familiar with vehicle electronics. There are a bunch of shops that require you to mail in your cluster, I did not feel comfortable doing that as most of the online google/yelp reviews say that these shops usually hold on to the cluster for 1-3 weeks and are not usually familiar with Lexus/Toyota. I found a local shop do the mileage correction in about 30 minutes for ~$120.
- Repair the original cluster
- This seems like the most expensive option, most shops are not familiar with Lexus/Toyota gauge clusters from year 2000+ other than basic needle swaps and parts are hard to obtain. Also, you might have to pay a diagnostic fee + a fee to fix the cluster if its fixable and the costs eventually rack up. I called a bunch of circuit board shops that are local and across the U.S. with most saying they did not work on Lexus or Toyota gauge clusters.
- Buy a new gauge cluster from Lexus.
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Rak
^since your radar shows up, your instrument cluster is fine.
R33, press the button that says DISP 1, and keep holding for a few seconds, you will see it bring up information, and you'd be able to cycle through different modes by pressing the DISP 1 button.
If you want to make the screen off again, just keep cycling through the options until it disappears(which is at the very last of all reading modes.)
If you were referring to the small box in the middle, where it is labeled "graphic information". Then you will need to press and hold on button DISP 2 for a a few seconds.
If your car has OEM NAVIGATION, then that small box will only read the outside temperature and display it for you.
If your car did not come with factory NAV, that small box will display the direction of which you're headed.(N, S, E, W, NE, NW, S, SW etc.)
AND the outside temperature. Separately.
R33, press the button that says DISP 1, and keep holding for a few seconds, you will see it bring up information, and you'd be able to cycle through different modes by pressing the DISP 1 button.
If you want to make the screen off again, just keep cycling through the options until it disappears(which is at the very last of all reading modes.)
If you were referring to the small box in the middle, where it is labeled "graphic information". Then you will need to press and hold on button DISP 2 for a a few seconds.
If your car has OEM NAVIGATION, then that small box will only read the outside temperature and display it for you.
If your car did not come with factory NAV, that small box will display the direction of which you're headed.(N, S, E, W, NE, NW, S, SW etc.)
AND the outside temperature. Separately.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 267
Likes: 3
From: Ny
Have the same issue once I disconnect the battery and reconnect it might come on then a bit later it turns back off. Can it be that the battery isn't powerful enough . Previous owner installed one from Walmart.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 188
From: Texas
Not sure what you mean by "not powerful enough" but if its a proper car battery of 12V and is charged and it starts your car....that is NOT your problem.
Sounds like a bad solder connection to me or a bad connector. I have a totally blank gauge cluster (never comes on) except for turn signals and am replacing the cluster to hopefully fix the problem.
Sounds like a bad solder connection to me or a bad connector. I have a totally blank gauge cluster (never comes on) except for turn signals and am replacing the cluster to hopefully fix the problem.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
From: DE
I realized I hadntt updated this thread but I fixed this in 2022. The issue was my navigation unit in the trunk was going up. If I disconnected the battery like you for a little it would fix the issue temporarily and would just get worse and worse until eventually nothing on the headunit would work at all. Black Screen, No buttons, nothing at all. So I would definitely check your navigation unit in the trunk to see if that is your culprit.
********FIXED**********
I realized I hadntt updated this thread but I fixed this in 2022. The issue was my navigation unit in the trunk was going up. If I disconnected the battery like you for a little it would fix the issue temporarily and would just get worse and worse until eventually nothing on the headunit would work at all. Black Screen, No buttons, nothing at all. So I would definitely check your navigation unit in the trunk to see if that is your culprit.
I realized I hadntt updated this thread but I fixed this in 2022. The issue was my navigation unit in the trunk was going up. If I disconnected the battery like you for a little it would fix the issue temporarily and would just get worse and worse until eventually nothing on the headunit would work at all. Black Screen, No buttons, nothing at all. So I would definitely check your navigation unit in the trunk to see if that is your culprit.
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