I think my rear driver side door switch on a 98Gs400 is broken. When I open the door, the courtesy lights do not light up. The bulbs are ok and the rear reading light works if I turn it on manually. All the other doors work fine.

- Where can I find the door switch for the lights?
- How hard is it to replace the switch?
- Any other ideas on what the problem is?

My car is out of warranty so if it's easy, I will fix it myself.

Thanks.

 

The door switch you're talking about is come with the door actuator. It's a little tricky to DIY, but if you're a handyman then it's not a biggy. You have to call Lexus for the price of the new one, I think it's around $300. Do the search on' my door lock won't work' or something close to that.

 

I guess I'll open it up an make sure there are no loose wires first, but I think I can live without the lights turning on when I open that one door. $300+Labor? I got other mods to do first.

Oh well, I was hoping that it will be an easy fix. Of all the cars that I owned (even the cheap one), I never had a light switch went out on me.

 

I just fixed this same problem in my car, it's fairly easy, at least to do the front door switch. This thread might help you out.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=75301

All my problems went away once I replaced the switch itself which is called a "courtesy switch." I'm not sure what a door lock actuator is or does though? Chances are that your problem is simply the switch itself, and if replaced the problem will probably go away.

 

Earl..on the 98+GS is totally difference than the 91 LS. It's a complete door lock assembly and not just a coutersy switch.

 

I had the same problem on my 98 GS. The dealer replaced it, but it's recently started doing the same thing.

 

VVT-i, hey I didn't know, just tryin to give some input, now I know. Just my opinion, nothin more, I have learned soooo much from this site in the last few months so I try to contribute when I can, I should have specified LS in this reply ooops! Good luck to lexus4ever with your problems, you'll figure them out soon! Take care,
Earl!

 

I have to wait until the weather gets a little warmer before I'll take the door apart. I'll check for loose wires or something. Thanks for your help.