Hello everyone- I have a 2002 SC430 with about 150000 miles. I have never had a problem with the top until now... I tried to open the top and nothing not even the button will light up. Went to the dealer and was told I needed two parts:
1. part number 84742-24040 (switch, slide roof) $128.04
2. part number 64301-24020 (bracket sub-assembly) $1948.76

I was able to find the first part for $60 and the second for $1200
My issue is not being able to find a diagram to see where these two parts go?
Has anyone tried fixing anything close to this?
Thanks for any help!

 

No need to spend 1200 dollars on the racket sub-assembly. Here on eBay http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...24020&_sacat=0

 

Can you ask the dealer what DTE codes were logged? We might be able to help diagnose your specific problem.

The dealer is not going to "sub-diagnose" a problem. They are going to replace an entire assembly. This is not evil, its practical. A DIY person has the time to take assemblies apart and replace sub-components or attempt to diagnose a physical problem. It is always going to be faster and more likely to fix the problem to just replace the whole assembly, so just replacing the whole thing in the dealer's interest, but not the interest of your wallet.

Check out this post for a perfect example of the Lexus dealer wanting to replace an ECU (and rightfully so, given the shop manual protocol) but where some DIY sleuthing (that the dealer would never be expected to do) meant that the problem was fixed for a hundred bucks and change rather than the two thousand plus that the dealer wanted.

BTW, no light at all can mean the ECU is getting conflicting information about the status of the top (e.g. sensors are telling it different things like "trunk open" AND "trunk closed."

 

Thank you both for the great advise!
Unfortunate, I did not request the codes at the time of service and now the service adviser is telling me that he does not have them.

 

I have decided to take "coleroad's" advise and buy the part from the link he posted so both parts will cost me around $150.

Can anyone point me in the direction of any videos or DIY pictures?

 

the biggest problem is that without a specific trouble code, there is no telling what is broken or the real problem with the top. and the top is very complicated. My 02 experienced the same symptom, not opening with no lights showing on the switch. turned out that the code indication a switching problem. and the switch was deep in the bowels behind the seat. the entire seat had to be removed to access the indicated switch. turned out the switch was good, however, the spring mechanism that slaved the switch on and off had broken causing the spring to be inactive. The switch told the ecu that is was ok to open the top and then during the movement closed to allow the top to complete the movement. according to my Lexus mechanic (a very good one) Lexus wanted the $1900 for the sub assembly but did not know if that would include the broken part. finally was able to find the bracket at a salvage yard. parts $150, labor $800

I would not attempt this fix on my own, and would not want to have a dealer do the repair, too much $$$$. the fix will in all likelihood be expensive, be prepared.

previous post with picture of part was posted by Jimbo409 on 2-26 " convertible top problem"

 

Definitely agree. I've done a successful top fix, but knew at the time that it was sort of a crap shoot.

We all may get to the point where this car is no longer a convertible. Dealer trade-in value for a 2002 with 150K miles is about $5,000. The repair would be 25% to 50% of the car's value.

 

I have a 1992 cs400 that is used as a way for me to learn how to change brake pads, rotors, oil, radiator, head unit and so on. That car gave me the confidence to tackle any repair because my thinking is, "what is the worst thing that can happen"? the car does not get fixed and I need to total it. I'm at that point with the SC430, If I can't fix it then I might have to total the car. But for now I'm going to keep playing mechanic.

I ordered the parts, and it looks like one is in the front above the rear view mirror...I will start my search on "how to remove the inside trim around the windshield". If anyone can point me to videos or DIY pictures that would be great.

The second part looks like it is on the left side in the trunk, again if any one can point me to some help that would be great.

I will be documenting my DIY once I get the parts and hope that $150 and a few hours will get the top to function.
Thanks for the help!

 

The YouTube videos on sc430 antenna repair can show you how the trunk panels come off to make it easier. I know the antenna is on the opposite side, but it comes off the same on the drivers side. I don't remember seeing a video on the motor replacement. Lookup interior led light replacement for removing the panel above the mirror.

 

go for it, I know that my mechanic was able to jump two terminals and by pass the switch that malfunctioned in my sc. that simple jump showed him that it was that switch and it was located on the left side of the top behind the rear seat. He had eight hours of labor for my fix! if it were I, the windshield switch is not where I would start, when you get the larger part look to see if the switch assembly in my post pic is included, however, the trouble code would help and to get that req the big analyzer not just the simple obd2