My 2002 SC430 with 100k miles went bonkers this weekend. All of the sudden while driving the temp gauge stopped working and the needle went to C. The low fuel light started blinking, the shift position light didn't show a lights in any position, and I think the fuel gauge is stuck. The A/C must have some interlock with the engine temp, because it doesn't even try to engage the compressor so no A/C. Tried disconnecting the battery overnight to reset, but didn't help. No codes on ECU. Any idea whats going on?

 

Did you Techstream to register the codes? How did you know ?

 

Please delete

 

Welcome Club Lexus…Are you from Cali LA or Louisiana

anyway, we just had a guy with similar problem and it was the instrument panel…he bought one on eBay and all is good again.
but your problem is a little different since the AC is not working.
does the car start and run, shift etc, all headlights, seats, window work okay?

have you had any work done to the car recently?
did you jump start it or change a battery?

 

I don't have Techstream, just a cheap code reader. 1 & 2 banks have been too lean for a while.

I am from Louisiana, the car is in Mississippi. No recent work done. I did clear the check engine codes for lean bank. Everything else seems to work as usual. Haven't tried it all to see. If the low fuel light wasn't blinking I would have thought the entire gauge cluster lost power.

 

The battery could be bad also. Do a load check on the battery to see what kind of shape it is in. If you don't have a way to check it, take it to an auto parts store, they typically will check it for free.

 

I agree with Harold. I think it is your alternator/battery.

Having your dashboard go bonkers and your ac shutting off is what happens when your alternator stops putting out power

 

The battery is about a year old and strong. The A/C controls all work, just no cold air because the clutch on the compressor is not engaging.

 

That is good to hear. I think there is a VERY good chance it is your alternator. Watch this video and you can see how to check it with a voltmeter.

 

I was also thinking of the battery or alternator but I thought the OP didn’t have any problem with starting the engine.

 

You might have two different problems…please look at this thread and watch the videos…
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...l#post11083155

 

Any Update @GCLEX430 ?

 

Thanks BGW70. The first Youtube video with the 2002 Camry worked perfect. Disconnected the cluster and reconnected with key in on position and everything started working again including the AC. Bought a newer cluster on ebay to replace. Thanks again. I'm sure I saved $$$$ staying away from mechanics.

 

sometimes I get lucky ;-)

there are plenty of really smart folks at CL…this is truly the best place with really nice people.
it must be the car.