LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

Headlight leveling issue? input

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Old 01-01-10, 09:50 PM
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bqLS430
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Default Headlight leveling issue? input

Hello-

I don't know if this is a common issue or not. I purchased my car with the problem and the error message on dash. For a while it seemed to have cured itself the problem went away. A harsh pothole one day and BING! the error came back. Any ideas? easy fix or have to replace something? thanks
Old 01-02-10, 02:52 PM
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bqLS430
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no air suspension but every other option. When It starts up the lights move up, then they intermittently go back down and it throws the "headlight leveling" error on the dash with the red exclamation mark.
Old 01-02-10, 04:12 PM
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TJW98LS
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Hmm, I would check the gears on the back of your headlight. That's about the only think I could think of. Im not sure why it would throw a code unless something enabled it from trying to level, or unless the headlight was removed of course.
Old 01-04-10, 03:45 AM
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sounds like the height levelins sensor. it located in the rear on the driver side.
mine went bad after i changed my rear strut. Very Very easy part to change out. but the part is like 250.00
Old 01-04-10, 05:01 AM
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AlexusAnja
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Default Parts

Originally Posted by buggs384
sounds like the height levelins sensor. it located in the rear on the driver side.
mine went bad after i changed my rear strut. Very Very easy part to change out. but the part is like 250.00
ha ha... I'm sure the two are not related.

$250, wow, rough.
Old 01-04-10, 02:09 PM
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Originally Posted by AlexusAnja
ha ha... I'm sure the two are not related.

$250, wow, rough.

well if his headlights are aiming very low and the AFS light flashing then this is hi problem.
The car has a sensor on the rear that checks the cars level--when the sensor goes bad the lights tip downward and dont cast light in front of the car like normal. I had the above problem right after I changed my rear strut. The movement caused by me removing the strut must have damaged the part. Sounds like this guy hit a hole, causing the problem,

sounds familiar....
Old 01-30-10, 07:09 AM
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Default Sensor Location

So where is this sensor located? Under the car or in the trunk? Is it a simple plug and play or something more involved. My wifes 2006 LS430 is having this problem. Also, where is a good place to purchase the part. Stealership or online?
Old 01-30-10, 01:33 PM
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AlexusAnja
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Default Wow...

Originally Posted by buggs384
well if his headlights are aiming very low and the AFS light flashing then this is hi problem.
The car has a sensor on the rear that checks the cars level--when the sensor goes bad the lights tip downward and dont cast light in front of the car like normal. I had the above problem right after I changed my rear strut. The movement caused by me removing the strut must have damaged the part. Sounds like this guy hit a hole, causing the problem,

sounds familiar....
Wow, I stand corrected. Bummer... another thing to watch out for when my baby gets older.

See, isn't this forum great. You learn something everyday that you would not have thought of otherwise...
Old 01-30-10, 08:18 PM
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buggs384
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yes it is a very easy part to change out...just need a 10mm I think...
once you lay underneath the driver side rear you can see the part.,
Yes it is a plug and play as far as the wiring harness goes. I does require you to be underneath the car to get a good grip on the wiring plug. It similiar tothe headlight type plug with a securing clip.

Hope this helps.

I guess Irontoad would be the best source for the part.
Old 02-07-10, 07:00 AM
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Default What's it look like?

OK. I slid under the drivers side rear of the car and noticed a gizmo with a lever attached to the suspension via a link to the torsion bar spanning from side to side. I also noticed another gizmo on the rear passenger side attached to the upper control arm. Not sure if I am looking at the right gizmo. I don't suppose you could take a picture...
Old 02-12-10, 09:11 PM
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bqLS430
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yea, pics would be awesome....please!
Old 02-15-10, 03:44 AM
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I will take a pic this afternoon.
Old 02-15-10, 09:28 AM
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Here's a link I hope!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27478399@N06/4359177083/

Ok here are a few pics. real wasy to remove once you get up under there and unplug the connector.

Last edited by buggs384; 02-15-10 at 10:45 AM. Reason: wrong link...fixed
Old 02-16-10, 09:32 PM
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Thanks! now I have an idea of what I am looking for.
Old 02-21-10, 02:09 PM
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Default Outstanding

That pretty much sorts that aspect out....

When you bought the switch did it come with all the pieces shown in the photo or did you have to reuse some of the original assembly? I don't suppose you know the part number???

I love this forum. It is soooo freeking handy.


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