trevenarj

You probably already know this, but homemade CDs with paper labels often get jammed in the player and have to be removed. Expensive proposition from the dealer.

Hey Trevenarj, Have you tried to replace the switch yet? I had the dealer tell me that I need to replace the switch as well, and can see the switch, like you mentioned, but it's awfully tight to get to. I just wanted to see if it's something I need to have someone else do, or if I can tackle it myself. Thanks. I replaced it today. I suspect it is easier as you do more of them, but the biggest problem is the lack of space. Here's how I did it: 1. Release the spring that attaches to the brake pedal for better access. 2. Using a 14 mm wrench, loosen the nut that holds the switch next to the mounting bracket. This is difficult because other items in the vicinity prevent you from having any swing length for the wrentch. I had better luck placing the wrench from above. 3. Disconnect the wiring harness 4. Turn the cylinder portion of the switch until it backs out of the mounting bracket. 5. Replace the new switch by doing everything in reverse. I had a very difficult time reconnecting the harness due to lack of space. I then realized that more space is gained as you turn the switch farther in the bracket. Tightening the nut was also a challenge during reinstallation. The switch works, but I do need to check to be sure the light goes on with minimal depression of the brake pedal (i.e. that I didn't screw the switch in too far).

I bought the switch at Partsgeek.com for about $32. I'm still trying to figure out how to install it. I can see where it is located, but haven't had time to sort out how to get to it.

Trevenarj, We just had a Stop Light Switch Assembly replaced today on a 2002 SC430 with 34,000 miles. I don't have any real details beyond the fact that it was diagnosed by the dealer after a Check Engine light appeared the other day. Damages were as follows: parts $245.56 / Labor $301.50. No DIY links I'm afraid . . . good luck and keep up the posts! I bought the stop light switch for $32.00 from partsgeek.com

I need to replace the stop light switch in my 2005 RX-330. This is apparently a common problem. I believe I see the switch near the brake rod while lying on the floor of the car. It appears to be kind of hard to get to and is held in place by a nut on the shaft of the switch. Has anyone replaced one? Any DIY links? Thanks in advance.

Thanks. I used a computer to read the ABS codes and, sure enough, it is the brake light switch ("stop light switch" on the computer read out). I called the dealer about the TSB. I was under the understanding that this is like a recall and would be repaired at no cost. I was told otherwise; the TSB just means that an improved part has replaced the original. Is that correct? I called Lexus and they refused to replace the part since my car is a 2005 and out of warranty. They said it was not a recall campaign, but a replacement for that year model if still under warranty. Sounds like a defective part to me regardless. Does anyone have a DIY to replace the switch in a 2005? I just ordered one online. Thanks

Thanks. I used a computer to read the ABS codes and, sure enough, it is the brake light switch ("stop light switch" on the computer read out). I called the dealer about the TSB. I was under the understanding that this is like a recall and would be repaired at no cost. I was told otherwise; the TSB just means that an improved part has replaced the original. Is that correct?

Sorry, but what is a "TSB?" TSB = "Technical Service Bulletin". Toyota uses the term "Technical Service Information Bulletin" or TSIB. I seached the TSIB list for the 05 RX in the Chilton online system (usually complete) and I don't see a TSIB for the brake light switch on the 05 RX. I feel like a "broken record" since I seem to be giving the same advice over and over .... if the problem is not obvious (e.g. a failing battery), take your car to a repair shop or store (Autozone?) that has an ODBI reader and see if there are any stored error codes -- sure beats guessing and blindly replacing parts. Thanks. I thought of using the ODBI reader, but assumed that the car's computer stores information for a "check engine soon" warning only. These issues can also generate a code?

Sorry, but what is a "TSB?" Thanks

Not yet. That was my thought because I remember our Sienna van doing crazy things when the battery was dying. Do you suggest that this will go away if I remove and restore the cables, or that the battery is going bad?

I have a 2005 Lexus 330 that is driven primarily by my wife. Recently, she has noticed that the following warning lights will suddenly illuminate with no audio alarm: BRAKE, ABS, VSC, TRAK OFF and the TIRE PRESSURE indicator. The car seems to operate normally and then the lights will go off. This was infrequent at first, but now seems more to be occuring more often. We have owned the car less than one year and it has about 55K miles. I have added brake fluid, but the level was acceptable. Is this an ABS module going south? Any other ideas? Does anyone know of anyone that rebuilds the modules for this car? Thanks in advance!