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LS430 Power Folding Mirror Problem fixed for .05 cents

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Old Jun 6, 2012 | 09:09 PM
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Default LS430 Power Folding Mirror Problem fixed for .05 cents

The power folding mirror on the driver’s side of my otherwise perfect 2001 LS430 (which I purchased on Saturday from Lexus of Austin) would click and stumble when moving and would be loose most of the time when extended. Here is how I fixed it for .05 cents. 1. I carefully used a screwdriver to pry away the lower portion of the glass mirror snapping it out of the two lower tabs then pulled it down and out from it's top clips. 2. I disconnected the wiring to the glass, and removed it. 3. I removed the four screws holding the outer mirror shell to the inner ring like shell portion and separated it like pulling a clamshell apart. 4. I studied the problem and found that the plastic encasement to the motor that drives the folding mechanism pops up and out of place when in motion causing an insufficient detent in the open/extended position therefore over/under extending and it is not fully locking unto place after unfolding or just loosely moving around a bit in the extended position even if not folded/unfolded electrically). I put my finger on top of the encasement and operated it to find it works fine if it would just stay in place. So here is where I spent some money. I cut about 1.5 inch of 1 inch coolant hose and filled the gap between the top of the encasement and the inside metal support. NOW the motor encasement can not move upward when operated and all is good. 5. I re-assembled the mirror and it works like new. Look for the small piece of coolant hose in the photo attachment. I know this saved me $$$ and I hope it does for you too. Regards, Stephen
Attached Thumbnails LS430 Power Folding Mirror Problem fixed for .05 cents-mirror.jpg   LS430 Power Folding Mirror Problem fixed for .05 cents-mirror-2.jpg  

Last edited by stemirra; Oct 13, 2012 at 02:32 AM.
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Old Jun 7, 2012 | 03:51 AM
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5 cents...and a lifetime of learning the kind of skill required to do the job. Well done; I have 2 Master's degrees and wouldn't know where to start, how to continue, or have the slightest clue about finishing.
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Old Jun 7, 2012 | 08:39 AM
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A fellow Austin forum member! Any others located in Austin or the nearby surrounding areas? Congrats on your purchase! Pics?
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Old Jun 7, 2012 | 09:26 AM
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Default Folding Mirrors

Originally Posted by Quipper
5 cents...and a lifetime of learning the kind of skill required to do the job. Well done; I have 2 Master's degrees and wouldn't know where to start, how to continue, or have the slightest clue about finishing.
There's a man that likes a challenge. In hopes I have none, to little mirror problems on my 2005 LS-430, I never use the folding function unless I am parked where I'm afraid somebody is too close and I wil fold them in. Otherwise, I do not ever fold them in order to no wear them out. Just saying................
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Old Jun 8, 2012 | 12:27 PM
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Can you highlight it, I don't see it. I'm not picking it up...
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Old Jun 8, 2012 | 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Viper6
Can you highlight it, I don't see it. I'm not picking it up...
I didn't post it, stemirra, did. I woldn't know where to start.
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Old Jun 9, 2012 | 06:26 PM
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Default UPDATE with retrofit identified

Here you go, I circled the coolant hose piece in red. Best wishes, Stephen
Attached Thumbnails LS430 Power Folding Mirror Problem fixed for .05 cents-mirror-2.jpg  
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Old Jun 17, 2012 | 04:30 PM
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Default Car Photo

Here is a photo.
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Old Jun 17, 2012 | 06:23 PM
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Great post, great pic's of fix. I have same problem, will attempt to duplicat fix. Thanks
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Old Jul 14, 2012 | 05:30 AM
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Has anyone used this fix?
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Old Jul 14, 2012 | 09:38 AM
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Default Folding Mirror Fix

Originally Posted by stemirra
Has anyone used this fix?
This is way over my knowledge or mechanical knowledge. My pristine LS-430 got totalled in the hail storm that hit Dallas so I've traded up to a LS-460, 32,000 miles. Nice ride but I sure am considering a Lexus Extended Warranty. Lot's of "gizmo's" to go wrong and my factory warranty runs out in about 3 more months. I plan to keep the car about 4 years, so if nothing else, "Peace of Mind".
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Old Jul 14, 2012 | 10:39 AM
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Thanks for the DIY

There are threads about the switch contacts and lubricating the gears of the assembly but not this fix. Will be added to the FAQ.
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 02:11 PM
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Good post. Thank you.
However, I could not even separate the mirror from the attached base. Any trick to do that?
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 02:32 PM
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Originally Posted by pjlee42
Good post. Thank you.
However, I could not even separate the mirror from the attached base. Any trick to do that?

my mirror was broken and I tried to pop it of but it is glued to the bracket so I had the dealer replace it for $50..FYI I bought the mirror of eBay for $150



Posted from ClubLexus.com App for Android
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Old Apr 5, 2013 | 04:17 AM
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great post...can you stop by an fix my cd player...lol
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