headlight leveling system

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Dec 6, 2009 | 04:16 PM

dbronw000a

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From: Il

headlight leveling system

Just had to replace the sensors for the automatic headlight leveling system at a cost of over $1,100. No warranty coverage since it was corrosion. The car has always been garaged and it only has 25,000 miles.

Is this a common problem? Will Lexus offset any of the cost if so? Are there cheaper solutions if it happens again?

Dec 6, 2009 | 04:51 PM

Yes

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From: NM

that's the first time i've seen it posted. so i'd say it's pretty rare. i doubt lexus will pay anything towards it.

Dec 7, 2009 | 08:26 AM

laptop4dug

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From: MD

Dbronw00a - My dealer told me that both of my leveling sensors are bad too, but I have not replaced them yet (2004 with 32,000 miles). I have seen several posts here with regards to the headlight warning light being illuminated (occasionally), so probably a lot more have this problem then what is currently known. I found the sensors for $330.00 each (plus shipping ~ $10.00) compared to $447.30 each at my dealer. How much did they change you for the labor? I wonder if this repair can be a DIY????

Dec 7, 2009 | 09:24 AM

tromly

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From: VA

Welcome to CL, what year is your car, any warranty remaining??

Dec 7, 2009 | 01:53 PM

Harold57

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From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by laptop4dug

Any repair can be DIY. It depends on the complexity of the repair and the skills of the technician.

Dec 7, 2009 | 03:10 PM

Solman

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From: CA

How can you tell if they are bad-where is the warning light? Is that the only reason the light would be on?

Dec 8, 2009 | 04:41 AM

laptop4dug

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From: MD

Here's a few other reports of this problem:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...ing-light.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...ing-light.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...t-working.html

Nov 21, 2010 | 10:36 AM

ballain

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From: NB

For those who wants to save a few $$$, I found this which in my opinion could be use as a DIY fix for the sensor, instead of buying new ones.

I will try on mine as my light starting to illuminate lately,

Let me know if anybody already tried it.

I know the instruction are for a prius, but looks like the same sensor to me.

http://www.sector13.org/jason/prius/...ghtsensor.html

There you go

Nov 21, 2010 | 05:48 PM

#10

VVTiBob

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Joined: Dec 2009

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From: CA - San Diego

While I have not experience this problem, this was a very nice write-up on the issue.

Nov 26, 2010 | 11:13 PM

#11

scooby113

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From: newyork

hey i have that problem now an the dealer wants a arm an a leg to replace can you refer me to where your getting them at that price of $330 pm me please!!!

Nov 27, 2010 | 08:56 AM

#12

alamberth

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From: Sweet Home Alabama - Gulf Coast

I had a similar problem over the summer with my RX; ended up finding out that it shares the same sensor with other models...the only differences (that I can tell) are the mounting brackets. Basically it's a poorly designed electronic part that lets water and other foreign substances in and corrodes the guts of the sensor - great living in Chicago with the winters full of road salt!

Needless to say I found a used one on eBay for $100 or so from a scrapped ES in Texas, pulled the sensor, popped it into the bracket from the RX and it worked! (I should note, I caulked the hell out of the "new" one to try and preserve it.)

I was thinking of getting under the SC and LS to clean/check and possibly caulk those - basically a maintenance thing - to try and save those from becoming toast. I was lucky the RX only had one sensor, the SC has 2 and the LS has 4...this could get expensive quick!

Hope that helps a little anyway but if anyone has any ideas how keep these sensors clean and dry let me know.

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