AFS Headlight Problem on 2006 GS300

[Jay Somerset]

2006 GS300 AWD: My AFS headlights do not swivel when turning. The
dealer has looked at the problem, and run an "active test" and says
everything is OK. But they do not swivel.

With every AFS-equipped Lexus I have been in, the swiveling was easy
to see by turning into a driveway at night, and watching the headlight
beam recenter as the vehicle was brought to a stop. My GS300 beams do
not move!

The headlights are also aimed too low for safe highway driving at
night (low beam). When projected on a wall, the beam cutoff is
noticeably lower than on similar Lexus models. Again, the dealer says
"everything OK -- there is no way to adjust".

Should I be looking elsewhere for continued warranty service? I am
losing confidence in the dealer where I bought the car.

[Ray O]

Post by Jay Somerset
2006 GS300 AWD: My AFS headlights do not swivel when turning. The
dealer has looked at the problem, and run an "active test" and says
everything is OK. But they do not swivel.
With every AFS-equipped Lexus I have been in, the swiveling was easy
to see by turning into a driveway at night, and watching the headlight
beam recenter as the vehicle was brought to a stop. My GS300 beams do
not move!
The headlights are also aimed too low for safe highway driving at
night (low beam). When projected on a wall, the beam cutoff is
noticeably lower than on similar Lexus models. Again, the dealer says
"everything OK -- there is no way to adjust".
Should I be looking elsewhere for continued warranty service? I am
losing confidence in the dealer where I bought the car.
--
Jay (remove dashes for legal email address)

Did you get the dealer's evaluation in writing on a repair order? If not, I
would ask for a written evaluation and an explanation of the steps taken.
If you are not satisfied, you can ask to meet the zone parts and service
manager or take it to another dealer for a second opinion.

[Jay Somerset]

On Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:22:36 -0600, "Ray O"

Post by Ray O

Post by Jay Somerset
2006 GS300 AWD: My AFS headlights do not swivel when turning. The
dealer has looked at the problem, and run an "active test" and says
everything is OK. But they do not swivel.
With every AFS-equipped Lexus I have been in, the swiveling was easy
to see by turning into a driveway at night, and watching the headlight
beam recenter as the vehicle was brought to a stop. My GS300 beams do
not move!
The headlights are also aimed too low for safe highway driving at
night (low beam). When projected on a wall, the beam cutoff is
noticeably lower than on similar Lexus models. Again, the dealer says
"everything OK -- there is no way to adjust".
Should I be looking elsewhere for continued warranty service? I am
losing confidence in the dealer where I bought the car.
--
Jay (remove dashes for legal email address)

Did you get the dealer's evaluation in writing on a repair order? If not, I
would ask for a written evaluation and an explanation of the steps taken.
If you are not satisfied, you can ask to meet the zone parts and service
manager or take it to another dealer for a second opinion.

The "active test" was making the lights swivel by accessing the
computer, with the vehicle stationary. I did not witness thios test.

I took the car back, and was later told that "the GS models do not
swivel their lights the same way as ES and RX models". I havce driven
both ES and RX vehicles, and their lights visibly swing when moving
forward at walking speed. Mine do not.

Is it true that GS model AFS headlights work differently than other
Lexus models? I find this somewhat illogical, but who knows.

[Ray O]

Post by Jay Somerset
On Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:22:36 -0600, "Ray O"

Post by Ray O

Post by Jay Somerset
2006 GS300 AWD: My AFS headlights do not swivel when turning. The
dealer has looked at the problem, and run an "active test" and says
everything is OK. But they do not swivel.
With every AFS-equipped Lexus I have been in, the swiveling was easy
to see by turning into a driveway at night, and watching the headlight
beam recenter as the vehicle was brought to a stop. My GS300 beams do
not move!
The headlights are also aimed too low for safe highway driving at
night (low beam). When projected on a wall, the beam cutoff is
noticeably lower than on similar Lexus models. Again, the dealer says
"everything OK -- there is no way to adjust".
Should I be looking elsewhere for continued warranty service? I am
losing confidence in the dealer where I bought the car.
--
Jay (remove dashes for legal email address)

Did you get the dealer's evaluation in writing on a repair order? If not, I
would ask for a written evaluation and an explanation of the steps taken.
If you are not satisfied, you can ask to meet the zone parts and service
manager or take it to another dealer for a second opinion.

The "active test" was making the lights swivel by accessing the
computer, with the vehicle stationary. I did not witness thios test.
I took the car back, and was later told that "the GS models do not
swivel their lights the same way as ES and RX models". I havce driven
both ES and RX vehicles, and their lights visibly swing when moving
forward at walking speed. Mine do not.
Is it true that GS model AFS headlights work differently than other
Lexus models? I find this somewhat illogical, but who knows.
--
Jay (remove dashes for legal email address)

I am not familiar with how the GS AFS headlights work. I would ask the
dealer to demonstrate how they are working properly. It is possible that
they are working properly when the computer is accessed but not when the
steering wheel is turned, so I think a demonstration is in order, either in
your car or another AFS-equipped GS.

[Carroll Boardway]

Post by Jay Somerset
On Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:22:36 -0600, "Ray O"

Post by Ray O

Post by Jay Somerset
2006 GS300 AWD: My AFS headlights do not swivel when turning. The
dealer has looked at the problem, and run an "active test" and says
everything is OK. But they do not swivel.
With every AFS-equipped Lexus I have been in, the swiveling was easy
to see by turning into a driveway at night, and watching the headlight
beam recenter as the vehicle was brought to a stop. My GS300 beams do
not move!
The headlights are also aimed too low for safe highway driving at
night (low beam). When projected on a wall, the beam cutoff is
noticeably lower than on similar Lexus models. Again, the dealer says
"everything OK -- there is no way to adjust".
Should I be looking elsewhere for continued warranty service? I am
losing confidence in the dealer where I bought the car.
--
Jay (remove dashes for legal email address)

Did you get the dealer's evaluation in writing on a repair order? If not, I
would ask for a written evaluation and an explanation of the steps taken.
If you are not satisfied, you can ask to meet the zone parts and service
manager or take it to another dealer for a second opinion.

The "active test" was making the lights swivel by accessing the
computer, with the vehicle stationary. I did not witness thios test.
I took the car back, and was later told that "the GS models do not
swivel their lights the same way as ES and RX models". I havce driven
both ES and RX vehicles, and their lights visibly swing when moving
forward at walking speed. Mine do not.
Is it true that GS model AFS headlights work differently than other
Lexus models? I find this somewhat illogical, but who knows.

According to the owner's manual the lights swivel only at speeds of 6mph
or higher. They are not the same as the ES.

[j***@hotmail.com]

If there are other dealers in the area, you should consider changing.
Check references first if possible. Dealer service departments'
quality do vary. I'm surprised that they let you out without making
the beams swivel like they were designed to do.

Post by Jay Somerset
2006 GS300 AWD: My AFS headlights do not swivel when turning. The
dealer has looked at the problem, and run an "active test" and says
everything is OK. But they do not swivel.
With every AFS-equipped Lexus I have been in, the swiveling was easy
to see by turning into a driveway at night, and watching the headlight
beam recenter as the vehicle was brought to a stop. My GS300 beams do
not move!
The headlights are also aimed too low for safe highway driving at
night (low beam). When projected on a wall, the beam cutoff is
noticeably lower than on similar Lexus models. Again, the dealer says
"everything OK -- there is no way to adjust".
Should I be looking elsewhere for continued warranty service? I am
losing confidence in the dealer where I bought the car.
--
Jay (remove dashes for legal email address)