Right Front Seat Belt Buckle Status Switch Replacement (L-CP-4LI)

Condition

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently conducted a front passenger seat airbag suppression test on a Lexus ES 330 platform vehicle. NHTSA discovered that, when installing certain rear-facing infant child seat bases onto the front passenger seat, it was possible to unseat a component called the buckle status switch (switch) from the seat belt buckle. If the switch becomes unseated, the front passenger occupant classification system may mistake the rear-facing child restraint for an unbelted adult occupant, and may not suppress the deployment of the front passenger air bag.

If this condition were to occur when using a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat, you would be alerted by both the flashing red seat belt warning lamp, and the yellow passenger "Airbag ON" lamp on the vehicle dashboard. In this condition, do not operate the vehicle with a rear-facing child restraint installed in the front passenger seat. In the event of a crash, the force of the rapid inflation of the front passenger airbag can cause death or serious injury to the child if the rear-facing child restraint system is installed on the front passenger seat.

Please note that Lexus recommends that customers never  install a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat, even if the passenger "Airbag OFF" lamp is illuminated. The safest place for children is in the rear seat.  Please refer customers to their Owner's Manual for additional details.

SSC 4LI Repair

SSC 4LI involves replacing the right front seat belt buckle status switch.

For further information refer to the attached Lexus Q&A and customer notification letter.

Owner Notification Date

Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases to the owners of affected vehicles starting in late December 2004.

Identification of Involved Vehicles

Special Service Campaign 4LI only applies to specific 2004 to early 2005 model year ES 330 vehicles within VIN ranges listed below.

Implementation at Dealerships

The SSC dealer package contains the SSC 4LI dealer handbook explaining warranty claim procedures, parts information, and technical instructions. Please make sure that Service Department staff (especially Service Managers, Service Consultants, Warranty Administrators, Technicians, and Diagnostic Specialists) review the SSC 4LI handbook and understand their role in this campaign.

Tools and Equipment

Your dealership will need standard hand tools, a torque wrench, and a Lexus scan tool to perform this repair.

Parts

This part has not been put on the Dealer Stocking Guide (D.S.G.). Please encourage your parts department to order only those parts needed to repair vehicles with service appointments. Individual dealer tracking will be done and irregularities in quantity ordering will be passed on to Lexus Area Offices for follow-up and correction. There will be sufficient inventory to accommodate this SSC.

Customer Care

• Customer lists are not  being sent to you due to various privacy regulations in effect throughout the nation. However, you have the ability through your DMS system to query your database and create your own customer list for use in contacting customers in regard to this Special Service Campaign.
• Lexus Touch Amenities - The usual customer care amenities (car wash, fuel fill-up and loaner vehicles) apply to this SSC.

Reimbursement Procedures

Dealers are required to submit SSC claims following the procedures described in the SSC 4LI handbook.

Dealer System Communications

The VIN number information download has been performed. The operation code has been downloaded and is available for your dealership to use. DMS dealer files are automatically updated and no further action should be required.

Dealer Support Materials

Additional quantities of the SSC handbook (m/n 00241-10006-4LI) are available at no cost to order from the Materials Distribution Center (MDC).

Thank you for your understanding. Your attention to these owners during this campaign protects our customers and their image of Lexus.

Sincerely,

Jerry Marcotti

Service and Parts Operations Manager

Attachments

Cc: Customer Satisfaction Manager

General Manager

Parts Manager

Service Manager

Special Service Campaign (SSC) Q&A

2004 to early 2005 Model Year Lexus ES 330 Right Front Seat Belt Buckle Status Switch 

Q1: What is the condition? 

A1: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently conducted a front passenger seat airbag suppression test on a Lexus ES 330 platform vehicle. NHTSA discovered that, when installing certain rear-facing infant child seat bases onto the front passenger seat, it was possible to unseat a component called the buckle status switch (switch) from the seat belt buckle. If the switch becomes unseated, the front passenger occupant classification system may mistake the rear-facing child restraint for an unbelted adult occupant, and may not suppress the deployment of the front passenger airbag.

If this condition were to occur when using a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat, you would be alerted by both the flashing red seat belt warning lamp, and the yellow passenger "Airbag ON" lamp on the vehicle dashboard. In this condition, do not operate the vehicle with a rear-facing child restraint installed in the front passenger seat. In the event of a crash, the force of the rapid inflation of the front passenger airbag can cause death or serious injury to the child if the rear-facing child restraint system is installed on the front passenger seat.

Please note that Lexus recommends that you never  install a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat, even if the passenger "Airbag OFF" lamp is illuminated. The safest place for children is in the rear seat.  Please refer to your Owner's Manual for additional details.

Q2: What is the function of the seat belt buckle status switch? 

A2: The buckle status switch located on the seat belt buckle, detects whether the seat belt is fastened or unfastened.

Q3: What is the cause of this condition? 

A3: If the child seat base is installed onto the front passenger seat with excessively high belt tension, the combination of the child seat base and the right front seat cushion height setting could deflect the seat belt buckle from its normal position. As a result, the status switch retaining clip could release, and the switch could disengage from the buckle.

Q4: Are there any warnings that this condition exists? 

A4: Yes, if this condition were to occur the driver would be alerted by a flashing red seat belt warning light and the yellow passenger "Airbag On" light located on the dash.

Q5: Which and how many vehicles are involved? 

A5: Certain 2004 to early 2005 Model Year ES 330 vehicles. Also certain 2004 to early 2005 Model Year Toyota Camry vehicles equipped with a right front power seat are involved. There are approximately 81,000 ES 330 vehicles and 68,000 Camry (TMC and TMMK production) involved in the U.S.

Q6: What is the production period of the affected vehicles? 

A6: The affected Lexus ES 330 vehicles where produced from July, 2003 through September, 2004.

Q7: Are there any other Toyota or Lexus vehicles involved? 

A7: Yes, this condition also affects certain 2004 to early 2005 Model Year Camry vehicles.

Q8: How many incidents of this condition have been reported? 

A8: There have been no cases reported in for this condition in the affected vehicles.

Q9: Have there been any accidents reported? 

A9: There have been no reported cases of accidents related to this condition.

Q10: What is Lexus going to do? 

A10: Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a Special Service Campaign notification by first class mail beginning in late December, 2004. Lexus dealers will replace the right front seat belt buckle status switch at NO COST  to the vehicle owners.

Q11: How long will the repair take? 

A11: The repair will take approximately one hour. However, depending upon the dealer's work schedule, it may be necessary to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.

Q12: What should an owner do if they experience the condition? 

A12: Owners are requested to contact their local Lexus dealer for diagnosis and repair.

2004 to early 2005 Model Year ES 330 Owner Letter Sample

Special Service Campaign 4LI -Right Front Seat Belt Buckle Status Switch 

Dear Lexus Owner:

Thank you very much for your patronage of Lexus. We are dedicated to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. As part of our continuing efforts to provide superior customer satisfaction, Lexus is announcing a Special Service Campaign Program on 2004 to early 2005 model year ES 330 vehicles.

What is the condition? 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently conducted a front passenger seat airbag suppression test on a Lexus ES 330 platform vehicle. NHTSA discovered that, when installing certain rear-facing infant child seat bases onto the front passenger seat, it was possible to unseat a component called the buckle status switch (switch) from the seat belt buckle. If the switch becomes unseated, the front passenger occupant classification system may mistake the rear-facing child restraint for an unbelted adult occupant, and may not suppress the deployment of the front passenger airbag.

If this condition were to occur when using a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat, you would be alerted by both the flashing red seat belt warning lamp, and the yellow passenger "Airbag ON" lamp on the vehicle dashboard. In this condition, do not operate the vehicle with a rear-facing child restraint installed in the front passenger seat. In the event of a crash, the force of the rapid inflation of the front passenger airbag can cause death or serious injury to the child if the rear-facing child restraint system is installed on the front passenger seat.

Please note that Lexus recommends that you never  install a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat, even if the passenger "Airbag OFF" lamp is illuminated. The safest place for children is in the rear seat.  Please refer to your Owner's Manual for additional details.

What will Lexus do? 

Any Lexus dealer will replace the front passenger seat inner seat belt buckle status switch with an upgraded one at NO COST  to you.

This offer is only available from your local Lexus dealer.

What should you do? 

Contact any Lexus dealer and make an appointment to replace the buckle status switch with an upgraded one as soon as possible.

The actual repair will take approximately one hour. However, depending upon the dealer's work schedule, it may be necessary to make your vehicle available for a longer period of time.

Please present this notice to the dealer at the time of your service appointment. 

If you no longer own the vehicle, please indicate so on the enclosed postage-paid form, providing us with the name and address of the new owner.

What if you have any other questions? 

Please contact any Lexus dealer or call the Lexus Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-255-3987.

We have sent this notice in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products, and we sincerely regret any inconvenience this condition may have caused you.

Sincerely,

LEXUS DIVISION

TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

2004 - Early 2005 ES 330 

Right Front Seat Belt Buckle Status Switch Replacement 

Special Service Campaign 4LI 

M/N 00241-10006-4LI 

December 2004

PREPARING FOR THE 4LI SSC 

Overview

Lexus is initiating a Special Service Campaign (SSC). The 4LI SSC is for 2004 to early 2005 model year ES 330s. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently conducted a front passenger seat airbag suppression test on a Lexus ES 330 platform vehicle. NHTSA discovered that, when installing certain rear-facing infant child seat bases onto the front passenger seat, it was possible to unseat a component called the buckle status switch (switch) from the seat belt buckle. If the switch becomes unseated, the front passenger occupant classification system may mistake the rear-facing child restraint for an unbelted adult occupant, and may not suppress the deployment of the front passenger air bag. Specific campaign details are contained within this handbook.

4LI Condition

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently conducted a front passenger seat airbag suppression test on a Lexus ES 330 platform vehicle. NHTSA discovered that, when installing certain rear-facing infant child seat bases onto the front passenger seat, it was possible to unseat a component called the buckle status switch (switch) from the seat belt buckle. If the switch becomes unseated, the front passenger occupant classification system may mistake the rear-facing child restraint for an unbelted adult occupant, and may not suppress the deployment of the front passenger air bag.

If this condition were to occur when using a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat, you would be alerted by both the flashing red seat belt warning lamp, and the yellow passenger "Airbag ON" lamp on the vehicle dashboard. In this condition, do not operate the vehicle with a rear-facing child restraint installed in the front passenger seat. In the event of a crash, the force of the rapid inflation of the front passenger airbag can cause death or serious injury to the child if the rear-facing child restraint system is installed on the front passenger seat.

Please note that Lexus recommends that you never  install a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat, even if the passenger "Airbag OFF" lamp is illuminated. The safest place for children is in the rear seat.  Please refer to the Owner's Manual for additional details.

4LI Repair

The SSC 4LI involves replacing the right front seat belt buckle status switch.

Customer Notification

Notification letters will be sent to the owners of affected vehicles beginning in late December 2004. This letter will advise owners of the need to have the right front seat belt buckle status switch replaced.

SSC and Customer Satisfaction

This Special Service Campaign provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate the Lexus commitment to total customer satisfaction. Lexus requests that dealers use the fundamental principals embodied in the Lexus Covenant when servicing these owners and their vehicles. By implementing the 4LI SSC in an organized and efficient manner, we can nurture our on-going relationships with these customers and strengthen these associations. Throughout the campaign, we need to let our customers know that we are genuinely interested in resolving the matter in a timely fashion with as little inconvenience to them as possible.

Identifying Affected Vehicles

The 4LI Special Service Campaign only applies to specific 2004 to early 2005 ES 330s within the VIN ranges on the following page. Not all vehicles in the VIN ranges are involved in this SSC. No other vehicles before or after this range are to be repaired under the provisions of this SSC.

Manpower and Facility Requirements

Your dealership must plan carefully to accommodate the additional service volume generated as a result of this SSC. In reviewing your dealership's manpower and facility requirements for this Special Service Campaign, there are several items you need to consider.

• Do you need to develop ways to increase your service capacity?
• Do you need to hire additional support staff for pick-up/ delivery, car washes and fuel tank fill-ups?

You will need to hold a meeting with all dealership associates to discuss:

• Importance of Lexus customer care for each SSC customer.
• Various procedures such as phone inquiries, pick up and delivery, loaners, etc.
• Campaign specifics including your dealership's assigned quantity, completion objectives, and technical details.

We recommend that one person at your dealership be designated as the campaign coordinator.

Your District Service and Parts Manager will meet with you to answer your questions and monitor the progress of this SSC.

Tools and Equipment

The following tools and equipment are needed for the repair.

• Standard hand tools
• Torque wrench
• Lexus scan tool

Technical Training

The back of this handbook contains the campaign specific repair procedures. We suggest that all service department staff who will be directly involved in completing the repair or supporting the SSC should review the repair procedures to prepare for this SSC.

Parts

You are encouraged to order only those parts needed to repair vehicles with service appointments. Individual dealer tracking will be done and irregularities in quantity ordering will be passed on to Lexus Area Offices for follow-up and correction. There will be sufficient inventory to accommodate this SSC.

DMS Systems

The labor operation code has been transmitted to your dealership. (See page 12 for opcode). DMS dealer files are automatically updated and no further action should be required.

Planning Your Communication Strategy

It is important that you develop a strategy to communicate effectively. The following are some general statements that can be used when explaining the SSC.

Q1: What is the condition? 

A1: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently conducted a front passenger seat airbag suppression test on a Lexus ES 330 platform vehicle. NHTSA discovered that, when installing certain rear-facing infant child seat bases onto the front passenger seat, it was possible to unseat a component called the buckle status switch (switch) from the seat belt buckle. If the switch becomes unseated, the front passenger occupant classification system may mistake the rear-facing child restraint for an unbelted adult occupant, and may not suppress the deployment of the front passenger air bag.

If this condition were to occur when using a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat, you would be alerted by both the flashing red seat belt warning lamp, and the yellow passenger "Airbag ON" lamp on the vehicle dashboard. In this condition, do not operate the vehicle with a rear-facing child restraint installed in the front passenger seat. In the event of a crash, the force of the rapid inflation of the front passenger airbag can cause death or serious injury to the child if the rear-facing child restraint system is installed on the front passenger seat.

Please note that Lexus recommends that you never  install a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat, even if the passenger "Airbag OFF" lamp is illuminated. The safest place for children is in the rear seat.  Please refer to your Owner's Manual for additional details.

Q2: What is the function of the seat belt buckle status switch? 

A2: The buckle status switch located on the seat belt buckle, detects whether the seat belt is fastened or unfastened.

Q3: What is the cause of this condition? 

A3: If the child seat base is installed onto the front passenger seat with excessively high belt tension, the combination of the child seat base and the right front seat cushion height setting could deflect the seat belt buckle from its normal position. As a result, the switch retaining clip could release, and the switch could disengage from the buckle.

Q4: Are there any warnings that this condition exists? 

A4: Yes, if this condition were to occur the driver would be alerted by a flashing red seat belt warning light and the yellow passenger "Airbag ON" light located on the dash.

Q5: Which and how many vehicles are involved? 

A5: Certain 2004 to early 2005 model year ES 330s vehicles. Also certain 2004 to early 2005 model year Toyota Camry vehicles equipped with a right front power seat are involved. There are approximately 81,000 ES 330 vehicles and 68,000 Camry (TMC and TMMK production) involved in the U.S.

Q6: What is the production period of the affected vehicles? 

A6: The affected Lexus ES 330 vehicles were produced from July 2003 through September 2004.

Q7: Are there any other Toyota or Lexus vehicles involved? 

A7: Yes, this condition also affects certain 2004 to early 2005 model year Camry vehicles.

Q8: How many incidents of this condition have been reported? 

A8: There have been no cases reported for this condition in the affected vehicles.

Q9: Have there been any accidents reported? 

A9: There have been no reported cases of accidents related to this condition.

Q10: What is Lexus going to do? 

A10: Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a Special Service Campaign notification by first class mail beginning in late December, 2004. Lexus dealers will replace the right front seat belt buckle status switch at NO COST  to the vehicle owners.

Q11: How long will the repair take? 

A11: The repair will take approximately one hour. However, depending upon the dealer's work schedule, it may be necessary to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.

Q12: What should an owner do if they experience the condition? 

A12: Owners are requested to contact their local Lexus dealer for diagnosis and repair.

Calls to Your Customers

• Customers involved  in the SSC

  - Each affected vehicle owner will receive a notification letter. Please let them that this Special Service Campaign is being undertaken by Lexus to keep their confidence in the Lexus brand.

• Customers not involved  in the SSC

  - Assure any customers with vehicles outside of the involved VIN ranges that this repair is not needed.

Calls from Your Customers

It is important to institute a system to respond to customers calling for more information regarding the SSC. We recommend designating an individual to answer these inquiries to ensure that callers get accurate, consistent information.

Calls from the Media

We ask that you refer any calls from the media or government agencies directly to Lexus headquarters in Torrance, California. The contact at Lexus is:

Bill Ussery, Lexus Public Relations Manager 

Car Rental and Service Loaners

One of the ways we can demonstrate that Lexus cares is by honoring loaner car requests with the best loaner available for those customers unable or unwilling to wait for this repair.

Lexus Customer Convenience System (LCCS) 

Officially enrolled LCCS vehicles may be claimed at a rate of $44.00 per day. (Lexus vehicles only)

Lexus Dealer Fleet  (Lexus vehicles only)

A rate of $44.00 per day may be claimed if using this option. Be sure to follow customer supplied insurance guidelines.

The motivating factor for any of these options is the customer's convenience and consideration. Again please provide the best available vehicle. If extraordinary customer requests are made, please contact your DSPM. In addition, loaner car requests that exceed one day must carry proper DSPM authorization. 

Remote Area Service Plan

"Remote" is defined as those distances where a customer is 100 or more miles from the nearest Lexus dealership. Your DSPM will work with you to develop and authorize an action plan.

Guidelines to be used in performing remote repairs are:

• If the customer is within 100 miles of the nearest Lexus dealership, the closest Lexus dealership will perform the repair provided that prior authorization for related expenses has been approved by the DSPM.
• If the customer is more than 100 miles from the nearest Lexus dealership, Lexus area associates or, Lexus national associates may perform the repair. Dealerships may also make these repairs but only with the authorization of the Area Coordinator (most likely the F.T.S.).
• Each situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
• Lexus will only pay for authorized costs that have been approved by DSPM or area offices.
• Alternatives include pick-up and redelivery of remotely located vehicles.

The Service Write-Up

Listed below are some general guidelines to use when the customer arrives at your dealership for the SSC:

• Explain that the repair will take about one hour. Inform the customer that the special services (refueling, car wash) will require additional time at your dealership.
• Explain the type of repair involved.
• If the customer does not have an SSC notice:
  • Check the VIN against the national Service History File to see if the vehicle has been previously repaired under this Campaign.
  • Check the left front door hinge post for an SSC completion label.
  • If the vehicle falls outside of the above guidelines, explain that the vehicle does not require the Campaign repairs.
  • If the vehicle is eligible, explain the SSC to the customer; describe the procedure and the amount of time needed for the repair.
• If the customer has an appointment, pull the work order; otherwise, create a work order reflecting the need to complete the SSC 4LI repair.
• Issue the work order to the technician and include job instructions for the SSC.

Preparing for the Delivery After SSC Completion

• Wash/clean the vehicle inside and out.
• Fill the gas tank with the specified unleaded fuel
• Notify customer of completion and arrange for redelivery or return of rental vehicle.

Delivery of the Vehicle After the SSC Completion

The delivery of the vehicle is a very important part of ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction. Explain all SSC repairs to the customer and apologize for any inconveniences. Thank the customer for his or her time and their continuing patronage.

Follow-Up

Complete 100% after-service follow-up is critical to ensure complete customer satisfaction with the repairs performed and the service provided.

Work Order Closing/ Claim Submission

The following information explains the policies and procedures for preparation and submission of a warranty claim for reimbursement of a repair performed under the SSC 4LI.

Recap of Claim Submission and General Provisions of the SSC

• Lexus will pay for gas tank fill-up (actual cost)
• Lexus will pay for washing the vehicle (not to exceed $20 per vehicle)
• Lexus will provide a loaner vehicle if required (DSPM authorization required for more than one day)
• Lexus will pay for costs associated with remote repairs if required
• Lexus will pay for remote pick-up and delivery if required (DSPM authorization only)

Claiming Reimbursement for Special Services

You must use sublet to claim any special services required in conjunction with the SSC repair.

• Issue "TW"  (Tow Vehicle)
  • Applicable to every vehicle if required
  • Claim actual receipt amount as a sublet
• Issue "RT"  (Rental)
  • Applicable to every vehicle if required
  • The loaner vehicle reimbursement rate cap is one day  per repair unless otherwise authorized by DSPM
• Issue "GA"  (Gas Tank Fill-Up)
  • Applicable to every vehicle
  • Claim actual fill-up amount
• Issue "CW"  (Car Wash/Administrative Time)
  • Applicable to every vehicle
  • Amount not to exceed $20.00 per vehicle
• Issue "DE"  (Pick-Up and Delivery/Remote Repairs  )
  • Applicable only under special circumstances (e.g. more than 100 miles from the nearest Lexus dealership)
  • Claim actual dealer cost
  • F.T.S/A.O.M.  authorization is required for this expense
• Issue "DE"  (Pick-Up and Delivery  /Remote Repairs)
  • Applicable at dealer discretion
  • Claim actual dealer cost

Claim Preparation Instructions

• Unique invoice number
• Description
• Sublet Type
• Dollar Amount

Customer Letter

2004 to early 2005 Model Year ES 330 

Special Service Campaign 4LI -Right Front Seat Belt Buckle Status Switch 

Dear Lexus Owner:

Thank you very much for your patronage of Lexus. We are dedicated to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. As part of our continuing efforts to provide superior customer satisfaction, Lexus is announcing a Special Service Campaign Program on 2004 to early 2005 model year ES 330 vehicles.

What is the condition? 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently conducted a front passenger seat airbag suppression test on a Lexus ES 330 platform vehicle. NHTSA discovered that, when installing certain rear-facing infant child seat bases onto the front passenger seat, it was possible to unseat a component called the buckle status switch (switch) from the seat belt buckle. If the switch becomes unseated, the front passenger occupant classification system may mistake the rear-facing child restraint for an unbelted adult occupant, and may not suppress the deployment of the front passenger airbag.

If this condition were to occur when using a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat, you would be alerted by both the flashing red seat belt warning lamp, and the yellow passenger "Airbag ON" lamp on the vehicle dashboard. In this condition, do not operate the vehicle with a rear-facing child restraint installed in the front passenger seat. In the event of a crash, the force of the rapid inflation of the front passenger airbag can cause death or serious injury to the child if the rear-facing child restraint system is installed on the front passenger seat.

Please note that Lexus recommends that you never  install a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat, even if the passenger "Airbag OFF" lamp is illuminated. The safest place for children is in the rear seat.  Please refer to your Owner's Manual for additional details.

What will Lexus do? 

Any Lexus dealer will replace the front passenger seat inner seat belt buckle status switch with an upgraded one at NO COST  to you.

This offer is only available from your local Lexus dealer.

What should you do? 

Contact any Lexus dealer and make an appointment to replace the buckle status switch with an upgraded one as soon as possible.

The actual repair will take approximately one hour. However, depending upon the dealer's work schedule, it may be necessary to make your vehicle available for a longer period of time.

Please present this notice to the dealer at the time of your service appointment. 

If you no longer own the vehicle, please indicate so on the enclosed postage-paid form, providing us with the name and address of the new owner.

What if you have any other questions? 

Please contact any Lexus dealer or call the Lexus Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-255-3987.

We have sent this notice in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products, and we sincerely regret any inconvenience this condition may have caused you.

Sincerely,

LEXUS DIVISION

TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS 

FOR 

SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 4LI 

2004-2005 ES 330 RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE STATUS SWITCH REPLACEMENT 

I. OPERATION FLOW CHART

Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

II. IDENTIFICATION OF AFFECTED VEHICLES

III. PREPARATION

C. COMPONENTS

Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

IV. WORK PROCEDURE

1. REMOVE THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT 
   1. Remove the headrest.
   2. Place the backrest in the upright position.
   3. Move the seat fully to the rear.
   4. Disengage the 3 claws for the front outer seat track cover.
   5. Remove the seat track cover.
   6. Remove the front inner seat track cover.
   7. Remove the 2 front seat bolts.

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

   8. Move the seat fully forward.
   9. Disengage the 2 claws for the outer seat track cover.
   10. Remove the seat track cover.
   11. Remove the rear inner seat track cover.
   12. Remove the 2 rear seat bolts.

       Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

   13. Record audio station presets.
   14. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
       NOTE: Wait a minimum of two minutes before working on any part of SRS system. This allows the SRS reserve system to power down.

       Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

   15. Disconnect the clamp and the 2 connectors located under the seat.
   16. Disconnect the clamp and connectors for the power seat motors and SRS system.
   17. Remove the seat.
       NOTE: The yaw sensor is mounted to the floor under the right front seat and could be damaged during seat removal and installation.

       Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

2. REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE SWITCH 
   1. Remove the seat belt buckle nut.
   2. Remove the seat belt buckle.

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

   3. Remove the tape holding the wire harness to the buckle.

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

   4. Using a small pin punch, release the clip holding the switch assembly to the buckle.
   5. Remove the switch assembly from the buckle.
      NOTE: Pull the switch straight back from the buckle.

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

   6. Install the new switch assembly into the buckle.
      NOTE: Ensure that the new switch assembly engages into the buckle. There will be an audible click when the switch is correctly engaged into the buckle.

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

   7. Ensure that the tab is securely inserted into the hole in the seat belt buckle.

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

   8. Re-tape the harness to the buckle as shown.

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

   9. Reinstall the seal belt buckle.
   10. Reinstall the nut.

       Torque: 

       42 N.m (420 kgf.cm, 31 ft.lb) 

       Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

3. REINSTALL THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT 
   1. Reinstall seat into the vehicle.
   2. Reconnect the 2 connectors and the clamp.
   3. Reconnect the clamp and connectors for the power seat motors and SRS system.

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

   4. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
   5. Move the seat fully to the rear.
   6. Reinstall the 2 front seat bolts.

      Torque: 

      37 N.m (377 kgf.cm, 27 ft.lb) 

   7. Reinstall the 2 front seat track covers.
   8. Move the seat fully forward.
   9. Reinstall the 2 rear seat bolts.

      Torque: 

      37 N.m (377 kgf.cm, 27 ft.lb) 

   10. Reinstall the 2 rear seat track covers.
   11. Reinstall the headrest.

       Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

4. INSPECT POWER SEAT OPERATION 
   1. Using the power seat controls, check that the following seat functions operate properly:
      • Fore and aft movement
      • Front vertical
      • Lifter
      • Backrest recline
      • Lumbar support (if equipped)
      • Seat heater (if equipped)

        Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

5. INITIALIZE THE FRONT RIGHT FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM 
   NOTE: The zero point calibration and sensitivity check must be preformed after this repair has been completed. Refer to the appropriate repair manual for front passenger seat initialization.

V. SSC COMPLETION LABEL INSTALLATION

After completing the repair and before returning the vehicle to the owner, an SSC completion label, which is enclosed in the owner's notification, must be affixed to the left front door hinge post, near the check strap.

1. The label is to be filled out as follows:
   • Write in SSC 4LI.
   • Write in date of repair.

     Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

   • Write in your dealer code.
2. Additional SSC completion labels, in sheets of 50 (P/N 00410-01917), may be ordered through the non-parts application on your DMS system.