Mirrors no longer adjust
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 77
Likes: 5
From: CA
Mirrors no longer adjust
Help, I have a 2002 430 and both my drivers and passenger side mirrors no longer adjust using the control. They do turn downwards when I shift into reverse. Since both are out I'm assuming that I need to change the switch? Hard job? Tips? Donations?
Last edited by RA40; Oct 17, 2018 at 07:00 PM. Reason: sp in title
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
I looked at quite a few LS430s before I found mine and oddly enough there were several that had the same issue. One was at a dealer and they said that it was really common for the switch to fail. Don't know how true that is, but they said switch right away.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 4
From: Ca
Mirrors don't adjust
I have an 02 Ultra lux that had the same exact problem. All you have to do is pop off the mirror control panel and clean the contacts (and be sure all of the pins are pushed into the connector). The panel is held on with clips, just grab one of the lips and pull towards you. Then depress the tab that holds the connector in place and pull off the connector (the one behind the adjustment switch). Reassemble and you're ready to go (make sure the key is on or it won't adjust.....). Hope the pictures uploaded.....
Thanks for the info. I have an 03 UL and had to go one step further to get mine to work. I took off the panel (disconnecting all three switches (parking sensor, mirror fold, and mirror adjustment switches)). Once I got the panel off, I proceeded to take apart the mirror adjustment switch (two screws in the back, then pop the tabs to remove from the casing) Its very simple, once you get the panel off you will see how to disassemble the switch...
Anyways, once I got the back of the switch off, you can see the internal contacts. Mine had quite a bit of dark oxidation on it, so I used a q-tip and electrical contact cleaner (available at RadioShack) to clean the contacts.
After I got the contacts clean on the board, I wanted to clean the gold contacts that actually make contact with the board. Again, I did this with Q-Tips and contact cleaner.
This is a VERY simple job, I am no where near being great with electronics and was able to get the job done in 15 minutes from removing the panel all the way through replacing the panel back in the car.
I hope this helps as I see this is a fairly common problem... knock on wood, mine is working flawlessly!
PS. by the time I thought to take pics of this procedure, I was already done...sorry guys. If I ever have to take this apart again, I will better document!
Anyways, once I got the back of the switch off, you can see the internal contacts. Mine had quite a bit of dark oxidation on it, so I used a q-tip and electrical contact cleaner (available at RadioShack) to clean the contacts.
After I got the contacts clean on the board, I wanted to clean the gold contacts that actually make contact with the board. Again, I did this with Q-Tips and contact cleaner.
This is a VERY simple job, I am no where near being great with electronics and was able to get the job done in 15 minutes from removing the panel all the way through replacing the panel back in the car.
I hope this helps as I see this is a fairly common problem... knock on wood, mine is working flawlessly!
PS. by the time I thought to take pics of this procedure, I was already done...sorry guys. If I ever have to take this apart again, I will better document!
Last edited by tcjeffri; Oct 1, 2009 at 08:59 AM.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad, CA
I started experiencing this same issue on the left mirror (drivers side). I was told that it is the switch as well, that the contacts are known to have problems. The dealer's simple fix is to just replace it. I suggest taking these DIY steps and following them. It is a cheaper way to go.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: GA
I have had problems with my outside mirrors since I purchased my 2004 LS430 a few months ago. I want to try this solution. I tried to pull out the panel but was afraid to try too hard, for fear I might break it. I want to verify that all I have to do to pull out the panel is to grasp it at the bottom (access by opening the change drawer) and pulling hard. (I also tried prying the sides with a screwdriver but was also afraid of damaging by prying too hard, so I quit that.)
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
I have had problems with my outside mirrors since I purchased my 2004 LS430 a few months ago. I want to try this solution. I tried to pull out the panel but was afraid to try too hard, for fear I might break it. I want to verify that all I have to do to pull out the panel is to grasp it at the bottom (access by opening the change drawer) and pulling hard. (I also tried prying the sides with a screwdriver but was also afraid of damaging by prying too hard, so I quit that.)
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: WI
I had a similar problem with my drivers side mirror and the Lexus service manager quoted "about $1,000 " for the job. I left the dealership and the mirror adjustment began to work properly without repair later that week.
I changed dealerships immediatly.
I changed dealerships immediatly.
Driver
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 152
Likes: 7
From: Quebec
Wow, great thread!!!!!!
I followed your advice and popped the control panel out.
Cleaned my connectors and still have the issue.
By doing so, I noticed that in my case it is not the pins on the main connector which are having the problem. But it’s actually the Right Left side selector switch in the middle.
I tried in vain to disassemble the switch itself. I’m afraid to break it. I need to find a way to get in there and clean the inside.
While playing with it, I found out that by applying the right pressure on the center switch, I’m able to adjust the mirror.
It's a temporary workaround.
I might also give up and buy the darn 280$ switch.
I followed your advice and popped the control panel out.
Cleaned my connectors and still have the issue.
By doing so, I noticed that in my case it is not the pins on the main connector which are having the problem. But it’s actually the Right Left side selector switch in the middle.
I tried in vain to disassemble the switch itself. I’m afraid to break it. I need to find a way to get in there and clean the inside.
While playing with it, I found out that by applying the right pressure on the center switch, I’m able to adjust the mirror.
It's a temporary workaround.
I might also give up and buy the darn 280$ switch.
This is one of those fixes that I believe 75% of the car loving population can handle. Its easier than changing oil, if you can handle oil changes, you can breeze through this fix. The key is making sure you have the right tools (small screwdrivers, contact cleaner, and Q-Tips). Let us know how it turns out!