So, I finally attempted to fix my AFS sensor yesterday. It didn't go as planned, and I'll have to buy a new one. I think I also discovered the aiming issue while I was tinkering with it.

The part that pivots was very tight, and I believe the bracket somehow popped off the indentation just enough so it wasn't actually spinning with the suspension movement. It was way too tight, so I don't believe for a second it's really moved in a long time.

The small contact tabs ended up breaking off. I attempted to solder a fix, but it still didn't work.

If I can find out for sure if the springs are really gold, I might get enough money back to pay for a new aftermarket sensor... LOL



Looks like some sort of carbon-like dust.

Donor tabs
Pen springs
Appears to be made of gold

A broken tab
Attempted fix.

 

If I can find out for sure if the springs are really gold, I might get enough money back to pay for a new aftermarket sensor... LOL .......

Appears as another $100.00 Bill will have to come out of your wallet, the bracket if needed, you can try the Wreckers.
Actually your Sensor looks as new compared to mine, mine had a missing contact pin since it turned to rust dust as did the female connector.
Thinking of purchasing another Sensor while they are still $20., for down the road..... $20. now or $80. later on.

 

The bracket is fine, nothing wrong with it. I tried to take the nut off of the rod for removal, but it did what an old sway bar link would do... just spun. Next option was to take off the nut that holds the arm to the sensor. That worked.

I found a seller who has them for $17, so I ordered one. I'm hoping it'll be here before the weekend. I really want my headlights fixed. I'm tempted to take it apart to add some silicone around the seal before I install it, just as a preventative measure.

From the the looks of the old one, I'm guessing water gets in from 2 areas. The cover, which is obvious from the water/rust stains, and the seal around the shaft, seem to be entry points. The shaft theory is based on the fact of how tight it was when I tried to turn it. The cover seal is easy to prevent, the shaft is not. Taking the new one apart for silicone might be telling wether the springs are gold, because if the new sensor has different color springs (assuming white metal), then I'll be ripping the old one apart to get that last spring out before it goes in the trash. Next step is to clean up the pieces of the other 2 springs, and head to a gold buyer to have them tested. They're probably only plated, but it sure is a light and delicate feeling spring for as thick as it is.

From the repair videos I found, it seems it's normal for at least 2 springs to be gunked up beyond reuse.

 

If you purchased the sensor from the seller in NY state, you should receive it quickly, I received it in 5 days, mailed to Canada.
Considering the fact the original Lexus sensor assembly sells for $300. +, the odds are better than average the spring is at least gold plated....
one step closer for: You get what you pay for.

 

It's a different seller, out of NJ. eBay was showing delivery by the 31st, so we'll see. I didn't get a ship notification yet.

 

Sensor arrived, and it's installed. No more flashing AFS OFF light.

Out of curiosity, I did take the cover off the new sensor. The springs are copper... Better than white metal, as I previously predicted. That's leading me to believe the OEM sensor does use gold or gold-plated springs. I didn't apply any further silicone, as the rubber o-ring seemed nice and plump, to the point that the cover started popping up as I removed the screws.

I did have trouble getting one of the three screws out that holds the sensor to the bracket. The head stripped. I took the old sensor apart and started drilling out the plastic where the screw was. I reused one of the old screws that held the cover on the old sensor. All better now.

 

At $300. + a pop the OEM Sensor better be made of gold.....
I have had good experiences with Dorman Sensors in general, excellent quality for aftermarket.
Purchased various Dorman Sensors for a previously owned 05 Equinox.
Great to hear the issue is finally resolved.
So far no issues as my sensor was installed about a month ago.

 

Headlights finally worked great last night... perfect aim, which was a big complaint before. I discovered a high beam bulb is blown, yesterday, so now I'll have to replace those.

I really hate doing anything with these headlights until I can get the moisture problem figured out. Maybe something will come along and hit the tip of the nose just enough for my insurance to pay for new headlights... LOL Ugh, wishful thinking. $3,800 for the pair is NOT anywhere near my budget.

 

Great to hear another issue resolved.
Ebay has various OEM headlights used for about $200. for both.

 

I do check from time to time, but the AFS headlights are a little more difficult to find in good condition without spending at least $200 each. I'll get a day soon to spend time going over them thoroughly. It will be an all day endeavor.

 

Hi
I had afs light flashing but it stopped after few days. but my light stays pointed downwards.
when I start the car it goes and up and down and it stays down. any steps you recommenced before I get the sensor and replace it?
Thanks

 

Sounds like an intermittent issue, in electronics usually translates to a faulty connection most likely due to corrosion or a possible short (maybe water penetration.)
Have a mechanic scan for codes.

 

gawd i hope this doesnt happen to me! I cant afford 300 bucks a pop for oem sensors! As it is i need new or refurbished or something headlight assemblies. (hid afs lights) $$$$$.

 

Thanks
I did scan for the code but nothing. car even passed the inspection.
do I need to just unplug and re plug sensor ? if not I will take it to auto zone for another code scan.

 

I can tell you from experience buying a used headlight (not bulb) there is LOTS of confusion regarding which cars have AFS! My RX330 has One sensor that only tilts projector up and down, leveling. Works with sensors in rear end to keep headlights level when a load is on SUV or towing a boat I guess.
The other type of system has another sensor on bottom of headlight for left and right. And that system is known as AFS and is the expensive $1500 headlights (new). I got lucky and got a great used headlight, with a broken tab (had to buy crazy tab repair piece for $30!) $100, which seller advertised as AFS but only had the one sensor on back of headlight (leveling). I have the old leveling sensor from my old headlight if you need one (they are all over eBay for $40).
my AFS light would occasionally come on when parked on a slight hill, unplugging battery negative to reset ecu always fixed problem....very intermittent.


Sav