Hi - any ideas where I can buy a replacement - mine isn't lighting up? Cheers.

 

When in doubt, check Sewell Lexus.

 

It lights up? I've never noticed; I'm going to try it next time I'm out at night.

 

I was not aware that it lights up but then again i never looked. Have to check it.

 

I don't think they light up either, certainly not a 2002 in the UK.

 

My 2006 does.

 

Sorry about the fuzzy pictures,too close to focus, but they do show the light on and off.

 

Yep. My 09 SC430 lights up just like your picture when headlights are on.

JR

 

is it bright enough to make a difference?

u could always take apart the unit and see whats wrong with it, that'd be the first step

 

It certainly isn't bright but in the dark, while driving, it sure makes is faster, easier and safer to open the cover.

Sewell Lexus has the same part number listed for 2002-2010 so all years must be compatible. To be sure that the light will light I'd pull the console trim and inspect the connector. Two wires are all that's needed to open/close the door but a third wire is needed for the light.

It's item #14, 84931B. It's right at $80 with the CL discount.

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If you look at VVTiBob's instruction on upgrading the radio, there is a picture of the back of the console removed showing the connector and the back of where the button is.

 

...my U.S. 2002 has the light & it's working

 

I've had my 2002 since the model went on sale in 2001, and I'm not sure I ever noticed that light. I may have, but when I first read this post, I could not recall whether my car had the illumination in that little, seldom used button. I did not think that it did. While in the car in the evening recently, I looked for it, and a careful inspection revealed that I do have LED illumination in the button that opens and closes the door that covers the audio controls. Mine looks to be a little more yellow than green, but it's there, and in the dark of night you can see it, although with no other button in the area, it's easy to find using the Braille method.
So for what it's worth, I think it's safe to say that all the SC430s have the illuminated button, whether their owners have noticed it or not. I might add that I seldom have that door down, and am always pleased when, upon the rare activation, it still works.
If this lamp were to burn out or otherwise cease to light up, I surely would not notice for a long time, and I surely would not pay more than about $5.00 or spend more than about 10 minutes to light it back up again.
Eighty dollars and a lot of time seem to me out of proportion to the benefit, if any, of a seldom-noticed button-location indicator light, and I'm pretty finicky about my car.
The priorities of others, of course, could be different.
Finally, I thought LEDs took a very, very long time to burn out.

 

Amazing, I noticed my 2002 has the button lit for the first time just last night and I had it almost one year.

 

I checked mine 2005 and it does illuminate not real bright but you can see it at night.