Car Fix DIY Videos

http://clublexus.com/how-tos is the leading Lexus IS, RX, ES, and GS resource for technical DIY guides. Upgrade your engine start/stop button with a red one from Toyota Racing Development in a few simple steps! For the full step-by-step guide, please visit http://www.clublexus.com/how-tos/a/lexus-3is-how-to-install-engine-start-stop-button-366744

For something that plays such a major part of operating a car, the stock engine start/stop button on the Lexus IS is not too exciting. An easy way to remedy this is to install a bright red one from Toyota Racing Development. Follow these steps and it’ll be up and running in no time.

This easy job takes twenty minutes and costs $40. The professional cost ranges from $80 to $130 in comparison.

For this job you’ll need plastic trim removal tools, a small, flat-bladed jeweler’s screwdriver, a Toyota TRD start/stop button, and two-part epoxy.

Step One – Get the TRD start/stop button assembly

TRD parts can be sourced through your local Lexus or Toyota dealer’s parts department or online. Ask for the button with the part number MS422-00003.

There are knock-off switches for sale online that may look like a bargain. Beware that they may have the wrong plug-in configuration or are made of lesser-quality parts that don’t meet Toyota’s specifications. No modification should be needed to plug the TRD button into the existing wiring harness.

Step Two – Pull instrument panel shroud away from dash

Grab the instrument panel shroud where it joins the dash and pull it towards you. Make things easier by using a plastic pry tool to push down on the mounting clips.

Step Three – Remove switch from panel

Reach behind the panel and the start button. Push the button out of the panel. Pull it out enough to get to the wiring connector.

Step Four – Unplug the wiring connector

Pinch the retainer clips on the wiring connector and pull it out from the switch body.

Step Five – Swap the switch bezels

The TRD switch’s bezel is smooth with a bright chrome finish, while the original switch has a recessed ring and a satin finish. If you’d prefer to swap them, carefully pry off the bezels from both switches with a jeweler’s flat-bladed screwdriver and place the old bezel on the new switch. Use a few drops of two-part epoxy to mount the bezel. Re-crimp the back side of bezel back with pliers.

Step Six – Pop the new switch into place

Plug the wiring connector into the switch. Push the new switch into place, indexing it so that the text on the button is level when installed. Re-install the instrument panel shroud by pushing it in place. Now you can enjoy a sportier feel every time you start your Lexus IS.