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SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

2003 Lexus SC430

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Old Apr 3, 2021 | 06:47 PM
  #1  
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Default 2003 Lexus SC430

Shifter Assembly center console light will not stay lit. When you turn the light switch off and turn switch on again it is not lit. Bulb has been changed. Any thoughts?
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Old Apr 3, 2021 | 07:57 PM
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Are any other lights off also? When you state that the "light will not stay lit", does that mean that sometimes it comes on?
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Old Apr 4, 2021 | 08:30 AM
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The first thing I would check is to see if you can shake the wires at the light socket and see if the bulb flickers. It might be a loose light socket connection. I would also look at the socket itself, is the point at the bottom broken? Does the bulb lock into the socket ok.
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Old Feb 5, 2022 | 07:12 PM
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After investigating more, seems this also gets all of the lights on the ac and heat controls lights, cigarette lighter lights and plug are not working. Fuses are all good. I am at my wit's end. Like I said in previous post switch on head lights. Go back and shut off headlights and immediately turn back on headlights the interior dash lights around around nav, ac,heater controls and at gearshifter light not working. After a while it will, I will say reset and work for a period of time
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Old Feb 5, 2022 | 08:13 PM
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Intermittent problems are really tough to diagnose. In my experience they are frequently caused by bad ground wires, loose connectors, or corrosion.

Given the lights you mention, and looking at the wiring for my 2002 (might not be the same for 2003), I would disconnect the battery. Then disconnect and reconnect all the wiring connections to the Driver's Side Junction Box ECU. In the 2002 it's in the kick panel to the left of the driver's foot. Check to see if any connections look dirty. Maybe give them a spray from something like CRC QD Contact Cleaner. Below is a location pic of the ECU from the 2002 FSM.

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Old Feb 6, 2022 | 04:03 AM
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Thank you for the reply, I will start digging. Thanks again
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Old Feb 6, 2022 | 04:08 AM
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I am guessing, just take the kick panel around the driver side fuse box away to access the plugs?
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Old Feb 6, 2022 | 10:11 AM
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tlambo, take a look at the below thread. I think I had a similar problem to yours. Start with my comment #7. As DshngDaryl suggested, I checked the connectors on the back of the HVAC control and that fixed the problem. Everything has worked since July.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...l#post11093527

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Old Feb 6, 2022 | 11:49 AM
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Thank you very much
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Old Feb 7, 2022 | 06:57 AM
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I tried to release the driver side carpet area panel to get to the J/B ECU. It is pretty tough to get to and remove. The emergency brake pedal is in the way. Any suggest how to reach each one of the plugs to clean with contact cleaner. Also the cigarette lighter center at ashtray is not working. Fuses are ok but no fire. This must be a grounding issue also. Any suggest where to check?

Last edited by tlambo; Feb 7, 2022 at 07:16 AM.
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Old Feb 7, 2022 | 08:49 AM
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Hey TLambo, was your car ever involved in a flood?
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Old Feb 7, 2022 | 03:10 PM
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I do not know. It was bought as a repaired wreck with a salvage title.
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Old Feb 7, 2022 | 03:15 PM
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I do not know. It was bought as a repaired wreck with a salvage title. It came out of South Carolina. The guy takes wrecked SC430 and repairs them with part cars and paints them. That is what I have. The car is great other then this pesky light issue and the cigarette lighter plug not working.
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Old Feb 7, 2022 | 09:34 PM
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You’re lucky with some minor issues. The worst thing to buy a salvaged title SC, especially it’s involved with rear ended collision, usually causing the top failure. Expensive repairs. Your problem may be just loose wires or connectors.
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