Catastrophic electrical issues LS430
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5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 5
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From: OR
Catastrophic electrical issues LS430
Hey y’all, I recently picked up a 2003 Lexus LS 430 I was having a couple lights going off on the dash and once I attempted to plug in the OBD2 plug in I lost all power to the gauge cluster all tail lights including brake lights in turn signals radio AC and heater, I’ve gone through two of the fuse panels (both kick panels) and nothing got better. Any ideas? It’s my only mode of transportation
Driver
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 89
Likes: 36
From: Brooklyn, NY
As Infojunky said...there is a big fuse block in the trunk on the left/driver's side that controls many things, especially the rear lights - lift the mat and carpet and you will see a panel held on with a couple push-pin plugs. Remove that and check that fuse box - notorious for getting water inside if you ever had/have a leaking trunk on that side since it is directly under the trunk weatherstrip area
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: OR
there’s a refurbished battery in it dated 7/22 but I can test it either way. I’m pretty sure the radio is shot
because I read on here it’s pretty common.
because I read on here it’s pretty common.
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Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: OR
I found the issue, it’s a Female 80 amp fuse that is needed that blown that’s under the hood on the upper left side. The next step is fixing the brakes, rotors, suspension and taillights need to be replaced and it’s ****.
As Infojunky said...there is a big fuse block in the trunk on the left/driver's side that controls many things, especially the rear lights - lift the mat and carpet and you will see a panel held on with a couple push-pin plugs. Remove that and check that fuse box - notorious for getting water inside if you ever had/have a leaking trunk on that side since it is directly under the trunk weatherstrip area
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Driver
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 89
Likes: 36
From: Brooklyn, NY
Those large amperage fuses under the hood are the master fuses for various combinations of things in the other fuse boxes - kind of like the big 200 amp breaker on your home breaker box which is the master breaker under which are numerous individual 15-20 amp circuit breakers. So for that one to blow something else or combination of something else's in some other fuse block(s) must have also gone heavy on the load at some point - like a bunch of water flooding the trunk box perhaps... Once you replace it be sure to look for smoke or sparks at the other fuse blocks unless it blows itself again. If it was a sudden water condition in the trunk box, for example, hopefully it's all dried out by now. Keep us posted!
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: OR
it’s a bad alternator it’s overcharging. And causing the fuse 62 80 amp female to blow so I have to replace that as well. So all in all my radio, gauge cluster and ac/heater all work now. And maybe after I fix all these little things I can start modifying it to suit my preference. Wide body kit, Godspeed Coilovers, twin turbo kit, and some wheels. Probably do some custom wraps as well.
Those large amperage fuses under the hood are the master fuses for various combinations of things in the other fuse boxes - kind of like the big 200 amp breaker on your home breaker box which is the master breaker under which are
numerous individual 15-20 amp circuit breakers. So for that one to blow something else or combination of something else's in some other fuse block(s) must have also gone heavy on the load at some point - like a bunch of water flooding the trunk box perhaps... Once you replace it be sure to look for smoke or sparks at the other fuse blocks unless it blows itself again. If it was a sudden water condition in the trunk box, for example, hopefully it's all dried out by now. Keep us posted!
numerous individual 15-20 amp circuit breakers. So for that one to blow something else or combination of something else's in some other fuse block(s) must have also gone heavy on the load at some point - like a bunch of water flooding the trunk box perhaps... Once you replace it be sure to look for smoke or sparks at the other fuse blocks unless it blows itself again. If it was a sudden water condition in the trunk box, for example, hopefully it's all dried out by now. Keep us posted!
Please do not use g-dspeed coilivers this isn't a civic, also there is not a lot of bolt on off the shelf parts for this car, the only widebody kit was discontinued 3-5 years ago. This may not be the car for you a 350z, g35, or charger sounds like it may be more suited to your end game.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: OR
unfortunately I’m to tall for a coupe, otherwise I’d get a M3 or m5. Being unique is my specialty. I love the full body style like the GS but there was no GS’s available for sale when I was in the market. But here I am trying to make the most of it. The only other suspension I’d be considering would be P3 airlift.
Please do not use g-dspeed coilivers this isn't a civic, also there is not a lot of bolt on off the shelf parts for this car, the only widebody kit was discontinued 3-5 years ago. This may not be the car for you a 350z, g35, or charger sounds like it may be more suited to your end game.
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