2002 Lexus RX 300 Replacing brake switch on Lexus RX-300

FRANK BABAYI

MEMBER
2002 LEXUS RX 300

Brakes problem
2002 Lexus RX 300 6 cyl All Wheel Drive Automatic

The gear shifter does not come out of part and into gear. The brake lights don'st worlk. I assume the brake switch is bad. How do I get to the brake switch behind the dash? Where are the screws to take out the dash panel?

1 Reply

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,383 POSTS

Also check the PNP (park/neutral position switch)

Removal (RX300)
The PNP switch is located on side of transaxle. Remove splash shield from underneath engine. Disconnect electrical connector at PNP switch. Remove nut from shift control cable and separate cable from shift control lever.
Remove nut, washer and shift control lever. Bend tab upward on lock plate, away from PNP switch retaining nut. Remove PNP switch retaining nut and lock plate. Remove PNP switch retaining bolts and PNP switch.

Installation
Using NEW lock plate, install PNP switch on transaxle. Install and tighten PNP switch retaining nut and PNP switch retaining bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Bend over tab on lock plate against PNP switching retaining nut.
Reinstall shift control lever, washer and nut on PNP switch and tighten nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Reconnect shift cable on control lever. Check that engine starts only with shift lever in Park and Neutral. If PNP switch adjustment is required, go to next step.
Ensure parking brake is applied. Place shift lever in Neutral. Loosen PNP switch retaining bolts. Rotate PNP switch so neutral base line aligns with groove. See Fig. 21 . Tighten PNP switch retaining bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Reconnect PNP switch connector. Install engine splash shield. If PNP switch still does not function properly, test PNP switch. See ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING article.
Fig. 21: Adjusting PNP Switch (RX300)

Brake Switch
On ES 300, IS 300, LS 430 and RX 300, remove undercover panel, lower pad and air duct.
On all models, disconnect stop light switch harness connector. Loosen stoplight switch lock nut, and remove stoplight switch.