Headlight Levelers
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 15
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From: New York
Headlight Levelers
My headlights on my '04 RX330 are "dipped" and won't come up. I'm assuming it's a sensor problem and my mechanic would like to know where the module for that is located. The engine light is on most of the time. Any help is appreciated.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 216
From: PA
Here is my layman understanding of the system:
For vehicles with HID headlights, there is a sensor on the rear suspension to determine how much the rear suspension of the RX is squatting from heavy cargo. Without the sensor, rear suspension squat would cause the headlights to shine in the eyes of oncoming drivers. The suspension sensor tells the headlights to angle downwards to compensate for the squat. When the suspension linkage to the sensor rusts and breaks the headlights default to a full downward angle.
For vehicles with HID headlights, there is a sensor on the rear suspension to determine how much the rear suspension of the RX is squatting from heavy cargo. Without the sensor, rear suspension squat would cause the headlights to shine in the eyes of oncoming drivers. The suspension sensor tells the headlights to angle downwards to compensate for the squat. When the suspension linkage to the sensor rusts and breaks the headlights default to a full downward angle.
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
From: on
Also you can take apart the little box that the arm is connected to. Water gets in and rust starts screwing up the sole purpose of the expensive part. See above NVAKeith has nailed the arm down quite well. Clean up any rust found and it should work as new. If not let me know and I can supply you with information about ordering you the LEXUS part for around 2 hundred free shipping from some place in Dubi. That's what I did.Jamie
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Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 274
Likes: 29
From: PA
Sorry to revive an old thread, but I have an odd issue with my AFS system.
When AFS is working, which doesn't seem to be too often these days, the aim is very low, like the cutoff is literally about 15' in front of it on the road. When the AFS light is flashing (malfunctioning), it seems the aim is at a normal position, and I'm actually able to see road signs and the road ahead, like normal headlights.
I'd check the connecting bar again, but the system does occasionally work, which is leading me to believe it's strictly the sensor (which I plan to R&R soon).
I've tried turning AFS off, and it does not bring the headlights back up to the same level as they are when it's malfunctioning.
Any idea if performing an R&R on the sensor will fix the aiming issue, or should I just get a new one?
When AFS is working, which doesn't seem to be too often these days, the aim is very low, like the cutoff is literally about 15' in front of it on the road. When the AFS light is flashing (malfunctioning), it seems the aim is at a normal position, and I'm actually able to see road signs and the road ahead, like normal headlights.
I'd check the connecting bar again, but the system does occasionally work, which is leading me to believe it's strictly the sensor (which I plan to R&R soon).
I've tried turning AFS off, and it does not bring the headlights back up to the same level as they are when it's malfunctioning.
Any idea if performing an R&R on the sensor will fix the aiming issue, or should I just get a new one?
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Sorry to revive an old thread, but I have an odd issue with my AFS system.
When AFS is working, which doesn't seem to be too often these days, the aim is very low, like the cutoff is literally about 15' in front of it on the road. When the AFS light is flashing (malfunctioning), it seems the aim is at a normal position, and I'm actually able to see road signs and the road ahead, like normal headlights.
I'd check the connecting bar again, but the system does occasionally work, which is leading me to believe it's strictly the sensor (which I plan to R&R soon).
I've tried turning AFS off, and it does not bring the headlights back up to the same level as they are when it's malfunctioning.
Any idea if performing an R&R on the sensor will fix the aiming issue, or should I just get a new one?
When AFS is working, which doesn't seem to be too often these days, the aim is very low, like the cutoff is literally about 15' in front of it on the road. When the AFS light is flashing (malfunctioning), it seems the aim is at a normal position, and I'm actually able to see road signs and the road ahead, like normal headlights.
I'd check the connecting bar again, but the system does occasionally work, which is leading me to believe it's strictly the sensor (which I plan to R&R soon).
I've tried turning AFS off, and it does not bring the headlights back up to the same level as they are when it's malfunctioning.
Any idea if performing an R&R on the sensor will fix the aiming issue, or should I just get a new one?
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 556
Likes: 48
From: Quebec
Sorry to revive an old thread, but I have an odd issue with my AFS system.
When AFS is working, which doesn't seem to be too often these days, the aim is very low, like the cutoff is literally about 15' in front of it on the road. When the AFS light is flashing (malfunctioning), it seems the aim is at a normal position, and I'm actually able to see road signs and the road ahead, like normal headlights.
I'd check the connecting bar again, but the system does occasionally work, which is leading me to believe it's strictly the sensor (which I plan to R&R soon).
I've tried turning AFS off, and it does not bring the headlights back up to the same level as they are when it's malfunctioning.
Any idea if performing an R&R on the sensor will fix the aiming issue, or should I just get a new one?
When AFS is working, which doesn't seem to be too often these days, the aim is very low, like the cutoff is literally about 15' in front of it on the road. When the AFS light is flashing (malfunctioning), it seems the aim is at a normal position, and I'm actually able to see road signs and the road ahead, like normal headlights.
I'd check the connecting bar again, but the system does occasionally work, which is leading me to believe it's strictly the sensor (which I plan to R&R soon).
I've tried turning AFS off, and it does not bring the headlights back up to the same level as they are when it's malfunctioning.
Any idea if performing an R&R on the sensor will fix the aiming issue, or should I just get a new one?
Also my mechanic has a Lexus friendly high end scan tool which detected the faulty sensor. (He doesn't charge me for scans)
When the new sensor was finally placed, no adjustments were needed for anything else.
Maybe best to find someone that can at least scan the condition of the sensor or purchase one (as I did for $20.) & install it, if that is a cheaper route than paying for a scan.
Then at least you have that out of the way & focus elsewhere afterwards if needed be. Been there, done that many times for trial & error experiments.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 556
Likes: 48
From: Quebec
This outfit has sold 108 of them when I purchased mine.
Link here:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Headlight-Level-Sensor-Toyota-Prius-Tacoma-Lexus-Mazda-RX8-89405-48020-924-755-/152455703348?hash=item237f116b34:g:lIMAAOSwal5YFO~~&vxp=mtr
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 274
Likes: 29
From: PA
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 556
Likes: 48
From: Quebec
If there is a defect, the only way is to scan the sensor with a high end Lexus friendly scanner or replace the sensor & hope that resolves the issue.
Instructions from the manual...