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Test E: Operating Light Control Rheostat Does Not Change Light Brightness

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Lexus ES 300 and 2002 Lexus ES 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Check illumination:
    • Operate the rheostat and check that the quantity of light for the combination meter assembly, audio system and A/C control panel etc. are normally changed. See Fig 1.
    • If all lights do not change, go to the next step. If the combination meter does not change, check and replace the combination meter assembly. See COMBINATION METER SAFETY PAD SUB-ASSEMBLY  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  2. Check the combination meter assembly:
    • Remove the combination meter assembly with the connectors still connected. Turn the ignition switch ON. Measure the voltage (0.1-4.1 volts) between terminals No. C8-1 and C8-19 of the combination meter assembly connector. See Figure.
    • If the voltage is OK, go to the next step. If the voltage is not OK, check and replace the combination meter assembly. See COMBINATION METER SAFETY PAD SUB-ASSEMBLY  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
  3. Inspect the light control rheostat:
    • Check the continuity between terminals No. 1 (TC) and 3 (T) of the light control rheostat when the light control rheostat operation. See LIGHT CONTROL RHEOSTAT OPERATION  table. See CONNECTOR IDENTIFICATION .
      LIGHT CONTROL RHEOSTAT OPERATION

      Switch Position Terminal (Symbol) Continuity
      Most Brighten Position 1 (TC) To 3 (T) No Continuity
      Except Most Brighten Position 1 (TC) To 3 (T) Continuity
    • Check the light control rheostat resistance. Measure the resistance (approximately 10 kΩ) between terminals No. 1 (TC) and 3 (T) of the light control rheostat. Measure the resistance between terminals No. 1 (TC) and 4 (RV) of the light control rheostat when operating the light control rheostat. Check that the resistance value changes continuously. See LIGHT CONTROL RHEOSTAT STANDARD RESISTANCE  table.
      LIGHT CONTROL RHEOSTAT STANDARD RESISTANCE

      Condition Resistance
      Turned To Brightest Position Approximately 10 k Ohms
      Other Conditions Than Above Change Between 0-10 k Ohms
    • If the resistance is OK, go to the next step. If the resistance is not OK, replace the light control rheostat.
  4. Check the harness and connector. If the results are OK, check and replace the multiplex network body ECU. See MULTIPLEX COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS article in COMMUNICATION DEVICES. If the results are not OK, repair or replace the harness or connector.
Fig 1: Identifying Light Control Rheostat Circuit
G00178311Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002