fkhachi

Hello,
I would like to know what device \ relay \ ECU \ Computer controls the dimming process inside the cabin after 15 seconds.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
The reason I like to find out is to solve my short or ground problem I have within the entire gauge cluster. When doors are all closed and after 15 seconds, the lights turn off inside the car, it kills all lights and functions in my gauge cluster.
What's controlling the dimming process after 15 seconds ?

Thank you

Bgw70

can you please make a YouTube video of the issue…would be very helpful.

fkhachi

Yes, here it is

Thank you

Bgw70

That was an amazing video description of your issue.
Did the car do anything odd in the past few weeks before this problem started?

do the headlights operate correctly, any dimming?
Is the power steering leaking on the alternator and does it appear to be charging correctly?

did I hear an engine whine at the video 2:55 mark?

DshngDaryl

Here is a list of the grounding points, if that will help you:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...the-sc430.html

fkhachi

Thank you for your respond.
Absolutely no odd things.
I only drive this car on the weekends here in Sothern California and it's always garage kept.
Everything including the headlights operate and functioning perfectly fine while this issue is happening or even after I reset either the gauge cluster or battery.
After resetting the console gauge cable or battery, everything works just fine as long as I don't open and close the doors or the trunk and wait for 15 seconds for all lights to power OFF.
I have no leaks. Power steering is working just fine and no leaks at all.
I have a c-Tek battery charger connected to the car all the time so I haven't checked the alternator , but will this week.
May I ask why do you think the alternator have something to do with this issue ?
Engine is running perfectly fine. No whine or noise from the engine at all. :-)

Just a quick recap of this issue and what happens
1. I reset the batter by removing the negative terminal out and back in. Everything works as long as one door ( driver or passenger or trunk ) is open and all internal lights are ON. By the way, resetting works while the key is in the ignition
2. If I sit in the car with all doors closed, and ask my brother to reset the battery, everything starts working as long as I don't open any doors and closing them and wait for 15 seconds for the lights inside the cabin to power OFF. Turing the car on and driving everything still works just fine as long as I don't open and close the doors and lights inside power off after 15 seconds.
3. No issues at all, while resetting the battery, Gauge cluster fully functioning, I can open the door and close it within less than 15 seconds before letting the inside door lights power OFF.
4. Reset, everything works, open door, close door, wait 8-10 seconds, lights inside cabin still ON, everything works fine.
5. Reset, everything works , open door, close door, and wait after 15 seconds when all lights power OFF, kills the entire gauge cluster.

DshngDaryl

i think it might be your security module, but that is just a gut instinct and not based on prior experience

Bgw70

I mentioned the alternator because others have reported odd behavior when they are going bad.
it was just a thought…you have a very unique problem…Daryl may be correct…
I wonder if you could pull some fuses to try and isolate the issue.

DshngDaryl

The modules are pretty cheap because I think they have to be programmed to match the vin of your car.

BUT, if you want, you can risk $15 bucks and put in one of these used modules and see if the problem goes away.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/13297773498...Cclp%3A2047675

You won't be able to start your car, but you can use it as a diagnostic tool.

The other thing (the right way and not the hillbilly way) would to get a hold of a copy of tech stream and run a diagnostic on the security module

fkhachi

Any chance you know the location of the security modules ?
I am thinking if I can find it, I should be able to disconnected and test, right ?
Also, dose the security modules control the lights inside cabin and have a running time of 15 seconds maybe ?

I really appropriate the help here guys

fkhachi

I just tested the alternator.
I get 12.8Volt on the battery when car is OFF.
14.2 Volt when car is on.
13.9 Volt when car is ON + AC full blast, + all lights ON.

GmanSC

Any chance that you got rodent infestation ?

fkhachi

Not at all. Car is kept in the garage at all times.

Bgw70

I wonder if it is the cluster itself…watch these videos

You Tube

this guy shows how the seat belt ding causes the problem…I wonder if their is a relation to your problem. Instead of cutting wires, could you remove the pin from the connector?

You Tube

Bgw70

Interior light wiring diagram