xl8rguy

Ok, so I am just as particular as the other guy when it comes to scratches and worn out radio fascia. The dealer does not sell this as a separate part so it looks like removing it and repainting it would be the most cost-effective solution. Now for the million dollar question: How do you remove the fascia/bezel part from an 02 SC430 radio? I remember the old time radios had two nuts holding it in place when you took off the knobs. But I haven't tried this yet. And I'm scared... :( Anyone know? Anyone? Anyone?

I had the starter replaced. I was just going to have the solenoid done but I figured since they have to take the whole thing out anyway, might as well. It cost $308. Works GREAT! Starts right up now. Thanks for all your help!

That is good news! Is there a good place I can go to for instructions? Maybe a good manual? I honestly rarely open the hood of that car and I wouldn't know where to begin.

I believe I'm having a starter problem with my '97 SC300. I was having problems starting the car - clicking but not turning over - so I replaced the battery. It seemed to work fine for a couple of weeks but started doing the same thing. I don't think it's the battery/alternator because all the accessories work. When I go to start, I get the clicking noise (which I assume is the starter solenoid). But it just doesn't turn over. If I keep trying, eventually it will kick in. But that's after 5 or 6 times of turning the key. I suspect it's my starter. First of all, any thoughts on what else it could be? Secondly, what should I expect to pay to have it replaced? Thirdly, is it something that I can do myself (in a few hours)? Or is it one of things that requires the engine to be taken apart? :cries: BTW, it has 170k miles on it. Anyone? Anyone?

I noticed when my a/c is running on my 97 SC300, the engine idle is high-up around 2k. But as soon as I switch it off, it drops back down to normal. What needs to be replaced and how much is it going to cost me? Anyone? Anyone?

See if you have a coin in your cigarette lighter. That happened to me once and shut down my HVAC display. I felt pretty stupid when the dealership found it.

Sounds like your merry-go-round is about to break. hehe Can you take a dig picture and post it? And what about your owner's manual? That should show all the lights.

One of mine came off somewhere on I-45 and I need to replace. It's the gold one and I'm looking for one. Any suggestions?

I agree with the front license plate thing. I have a '97 (white too) and I live in Houston. I love my car. Mine has 130k miles on it and it runs like new. I've actually test-driven new cars and prefer my SC300. You're lucky to have a 5-spd. Good luck with it.

There are four nuts that hold the bezel in place. You'll have to pull back the lining material and you'll see them. Make sure you take out all four. There is one that is kinda hard to see as it's close to the top and hidden by the metal of the trunk lip. I believe I used a 10mm socket. Once you remove the four nuts, the bezel can come out but it's TIGHT. What I did was gently tap on the bolts (from where you took off the nuts) and it should come out. Pull it straight back or else it's really difficult to get out. The right side has the trunk keyhole so make sure that's lined up when replacing it. Once it's out, changing the bulbs is a snap. I would recommend getting the bulbs from the dealer as the ones from AutoZone, etc., aren't right. I had the wrong parking light (peanut) bulbs and it caused the dash light to come on. ONce I put the right ones in, it solved the problem. Also, I have a 97 which doesn't use the double-filament bulbs for the brake but AutoZone called for it. In fact, the reverse, stop, and turnsignal bulb were all the same (single filament). Let me know if this helps.

Wow! Simply amazing. I went to the dlrship and purchased the bulbs they list, which are a total of 12 for the back. When I got home, I took out the bezels and removed all the bulbs. Of course, the light is on at that point. Then I plugged each in one at a time. When I got to the LAST one, I plugged it in, and VOILA, the dashlight turned off. Thank you so very much for your help!

So I have this 97 SC300. I love this car. Lexus simply rocks, except for one little thing. My brakelight out indicator light comes on. I think it's orange. The problem is that it ONLY comes on when the headlights are on. Sometimes it'll go out but when I press the brake, it comes on again. I've replaced all the bulbs in back but it still does it. Now I did notice that it started around when the LED spoiler light went out, which I've replaced recently. I thought that would solve it but it still comes on and off....but only with the headlights on. Has this happened to anyone else? If so, what'd you do to fix it?

I had the exact same thing happen to me and I took my SC into the dealership. You can imagine how stupid I felt when they discovered a dime in the lighter!!! If you keep change in the ashtray next to the lighter, be careful.

I need to get my timing belt replaced (and some other stuff done) on my SC300. It's a 97 with 130k miles. I know the dlrship will kill me so I'm checking to see if anyone in the Houston area has a reliable, not-so-expensive mechanic they can recommend for me.