Ashpoint

I will post you a T-Quick harness.with the recommendation that you install the Red, White and Blue wires of the harness into the car. The three connections by themselves will go nowhere in the car and won't cause any issue. Then, after your car issue is resolved and at your whim, you will only need to lift the Mirror/Window Control Panel off the door and enable or disable the Po-40. Less than a 5 minute exercise! BTW: Mail from Sydney to the Uk has been running about 6-7 work days. Michael

Yes, I agree that Lexus will like to rule out any situation where the Po-40 Folding Mirror Kit could be involved. John however, did replace the Po-40 control module with a fresh one without any difference in the behaviour of the car. I remain confident that the Po-40 is not involved. Removing the Po-40 would involve rejoining three cut wires and severing the merged leads off 4 others. John, if as I expect the Po-40 to be be proven benign, I would then replace the Po-40 harness with the T-quick harness that you were supposed to have used in the first place (but didn't because of a miss-read of the installation manual). I agree that the fault must lie outside the junction box and wonder what part is played by the extreme cold preventing the mirror motors from deploying. Then, possibly passing back the strain on the motor(s) in the form of an overload to the circuitry in the junction box. [it is possible to unlock the car but leave the mirrors folded by actioning <Unlock>+<Lock> rapidly from your key fob] It will be interesting to see the result of John's next visit to the Lexus dealer.

Thank you John for a comprehensive report. That is one VERY big mess albeit with an "ouch" price. I believe that you would acquire a fairly sizable warranty on that component to protect you in case the actual cause was outside the module. These days when one deals with electronic components the damage can be microscopic and indiscernible. Your technicians at the dealership were guided by the (presumably) rich smell of roasted electronic components. I have sent an email to a friend who may be able to find information about the damaged component. I've asked him if he could find the purpose of the module and perhaps guess the cause of the damage. It would be interesting if readers of this thread have some ability to also throw light on the component. I was interested in your comments regarding the atmosphere at the dealership and when I visit the UK (late June) I'm going to make it my business to visit a Lexus dealership and compare what we have here in Australia. My dealership (Lexus Chatswood) always makes me very welcome if I happened to drop by with a query. The car is always washed before being handed back to me (together with the small bag of chocolates). In the past they delivered me a loan car while mine was off the road. They have a pristine waiting room complete with nibblies, fruit, sandwiches and liquid refreshments. They really are customer focused and competitive even against other dealers! Cheers, Michael

I know this is off subject but please excuse my indulgence. For those of you who are using Dragon Dictate and have followed my prior reply. I can now tell you that the solution is simple – don't use Internet Explorer. I'm now using Firefox - problem resolved! I'm dictating this into the dictation box and when completed, I will press the "transfer" button and the dictation I've prepared should go into the web page. Only one minor problem, and that is that the formatting is a mess (no paragraphs or line feeds) but that's a small price to pay. Now in regards to the John's problem at the moment, it seems that it's been so cold where John is located that he's put on hold any further investigations till he can get out to the car. (I sitting here in Sydney with 28c weather <grin>) I am ready to supply him with a replacement Po-40 Folding Mirror Kit pending his request. At the moment he doubts if the Po-40 Folding Mirror Kit is the problem. Obviously he and I will keep you informed. Michael

My problem is I have a medical condition that makes it hard for me to type extensive messages - so I dictate (Dragon Dictation V13) into most PC applications (Outlok, Word, Excel, etc.) Because Dragon can't cope with taking dictation into the web nature of the forum, my message is created in a companion dictation box. When I'm done, Dragon is "supposed" to paste the content of the dictation box into the forum. It usually works well but not in the case of most Forums. I'm going to open a "ticket" with Dragon support and hope they will resolve the problem.

I have had issues responding to this thread and don't want folk to feel that I am hiding any criticism of the Po-40 kit. I can (and have) attach the text that I have sent to John. I the meantime I will research why I couldn't paste my reply here. Michael JC_Jan7.pdf

Do I read correctly that your difficulty was when you replaced the door liner with the the Po-40 module positioned under the door handle area? Pretty tight fit there!!! The ideal spot is under the arm rest. Replace the door liner with the Po-40 control module disconnected and the harness accessible through the hole for the window/mirror control assembly. After the liner is secure on the door, reconnect the Po-40 control module to the harness and slip it in behind the arm rest. (there is a pictorial in the installation manual) Yes, once the novelty wears off, the enduring utility is the ability to know from distance that "indeed, the car IS locked." Michael (MichaelR@ashpoint.com.au)

The IS range in the USA does not have folding mirrors. I've sold a few Po-40 kits to enthusiasts who import motorised mirrors from wreckers in Europe and retrofit them to their cars.

I don't think the chirp is a Lexus dealer programmable option - maybe a UK dealer employee could confirm that. The chirp is more needed in the Ford Ranger because it's a work vehicle and often parked in the noisy environment of a work site. I'm attaching the Installation manual and point readers to the (work in progress) Appendix E. ENG_Po-40_RCM_Lexus_is250_Nov_26_2014.pdf

My thanks to Steve for rekindling this thread. The Po-40 Folding Mirror Kit is still available to retrofit the facility (folding the mirrors) should you desire. Others might like to know that we have a new Control Module (actually it was designed for the Ford Ranger). The new Control Module now has wires available to connect to a cheap ( less than $10) piezo siren/buzzer to create a "chirp" sound when the car is locked/unlocked. Send an email to me at MichaelR@Ashpoint.com.au if you would like additional information.

Hi John, A couple of important points from your message. Nine wire Connector A: This is the forward connector on the Master Switch Panel. You SHOULD have been able to use the T quick harness that came with the kit. Did you test it? It is a tight fit but if you had 9 wires there, the T quick harness should have worked. Then, you would only have had 3 wires to accommodate. I wonder if you still have the connectors you cut off the harness and could try and see if it connects to the Master Switch Panel. I am not suggesting you should redo the installation , but it would be useful to know if you missed the opportunity to use the T quick harness in the 1st place. Maybe I need to highlight the initial test of trying the T quick 1st. Knowing where the clips are located: I have such a file but have never thought it would be useful to folk. I will revise the instruction sheet and include that information as an appendix. Thank you so much for bringing that to my attention. (I will appended to this thread for anyone else to download). Lock Lock needed to lock the car and fold the mirrors. Keep in mind that the Po-40 is designed to keep supplying 12v to the circuit after the car would have normally been shut down – so there is a latency period. Pressing the buttons in quick succession is only programmed for 2 instances. A ) Car locked and closed, Lock–Unlock will unlock the car and leave the mirrors folded. (they should open when the starter is activated) B ) Car unlocked, Unlock-Lock will lock the car and leave the mirrors unfolded. I think this could be two possibilities. The Po-40 red wire is supposed to be attached to a constant 12v in the car. Sometimes the 12v is not there until the car is brought to life. So, in your case, the 1st lock press triggers the central locking system to unlock the car and supplies 12v to the Po-40. the 2nd unlock unfolds the mirrors. The car's blue wire at the puddle lamp seems to be a constant reliable 12v. Alternatively it could have something to do with the way the car was programmed prior to the installation of the kit. A number of the cars are programmed so that one press of the unlock button opens only the driver door and 2 presses unlock all four doors. Try the following toggle – on your remote, hold the lock and unlock buttons together until the car beeps. Now, the car will be programmed to open all doors at one press of the unlock button. (Repeating the procedure reverses the situation). Location of the control box: You have picked the correct location to put the box and a note to that will be an appendix in the next revision of the instruction manual. By the way I found that you don't even need to wrap it in bubble pack. Mine is in the same spot, unprotected and I never hear it rattling or moving. It's quite a neat fit. Thank you for your well reasoned and descriptive report. Also for sparking some improvements in my documentation. Best regards from Down Under, Michael WhereToPutTheControlModule.pdf Lexus_DoorClips.pdf

JohnatG has made some very convincing argument for the use of the "clip lock" style of connector as against my recommended soldering. He is perfectly correct in saying that soldering is not permitted in airlines but then again other fastening systems are frowned. One needs to remember that the service life for a modern aircraft can be 25 to 30 years and so the style of wiring has more to do with the longevity than security of the loom. Both my sons (one graduated as a LAME and the other a LAAE) were telling me of the methods relating to aircraft wiring was owed to history. I have heard that the twisted wire around square pegs is the method of choice in vehicles that fly into space. If your car had been one of the IS range 2008 to 2010 you would have used the T quick harness which joined up to the existing harness with the proper connectors and you would have been left with just 3 wires to merge with the rest of the car. Unfortunately, the availability of aftermarket plugs and sockets are either not available or are of inferior quality and we wouldn't use them. Remember also that the Po-40 control box does not change only the connection method. The Po-40 and the universal cable works very well with Ford (Ranger), Mazda, Honda, Mitsubishi, etc. Generally when I am assisting an enthusiast installing the kit in his car, I've taken the easy way out and suggested the best way to teach a novice is to teach soldering. It's surprising how quickly they can produce an excellent soldered joint that will not come apart in spite of the vibrations within a motor car. I just loved the attachment. Next time you attack your door, have a look at the several wiring "no-nos" that you see in that single door. I also love the cable ties that the airlines use which has the ability to act as a fastener and as a mounting point. A valuable contribution John As a quick aside, it would be interesting to know how long it took you to install the kit and where did you stow the control box. Have you explored the remote control buttons sequences of lock-unlock and unlock-lock? I had to use the lock-unlock feature last week when my car got jammed in at the supermarket. Thank you, Michael

I'm going to be in England between (dates not fully firmed yet) October 14-22 staying in London N8 When I get closer to the date, I was thinking to meet some of my Po-40 friends for a beer (or two). Cheers, Michael

<< why is this feature not standard on a Lexus? Do the German marques have this?>> That is a very good question and was explained to me one time at a meeting with an Australian Lexus Product Manager. It seems that every market is offered the base car and a list of options (along with the Bean Counter's values). The Product Manager then designs the car for his market – which may or may not include features that appear in other markets. For example, the IS250 in the United States does not have motorised mirrors at all! By the way Eric, thank you for the pictures. I'm curious to know what the 3 switches (above the trunk and fuel release buttons) do. In my car the centre switch was a blanking piece. I have used that spot for a switch to enable/disable the hack on the satnav unit. The hack allows me to enter telephone numbers and configure the satnav while the car is moving (obviously by my passenger!!)

Gosh Eric, in all the years I have supervised installations I never seen anybody break the door liner clip. I've seen plenty of clips come off the liner but I never saw any broken. My son and I had an exciting day, we (actually he) did our first installation of the Folding Mirror Kit into the IS250 2014 model with photographs and diagrams. It's going to take me a week or so to create a working installation manual. Once again Lexus have changed the wiring system such that we now need two Po-40 Folding Mirror control boxes installed on the driver's door (one to control each front door mirror motor). I'm going to design a new control box and see if the Bangkok boffins will create it for me. Having said that, the 2014 is250 is one VERY impressive car! From a style point of view the side view is sensational. The front view is controversial but the rear view is a big disappointment!

<<how much does the kit for folding mirrors cost>> Contact me at MichaelR@Ashpoint.com.au and I will quote prices and send a copy of the instruction manual Michael

Regarding the question of how you join the wires! I have seen a number of fastening methods ranging from (3M) Clip locks, mounting blocks and simply twisting wires together (with and without insulation). I don't believe that we are fully understanding about the stresses and strains placed on car wiring harnesses from the extreme temperatures and road buffeting of the car environment. If you look at the Lexus range of connectors, they are all held in place by several securing methods. Almost every connector is locked into place with a moulded clip as well as being fastened to the car body. The "bean counters" would not encourage this added security without sensible concern. So, whilst I'm happy that people get their Po-40 control module working with their selected connection method I maintain that the best of joint is done by removing the insulation, wrapping the wires tightly, soldering and then insulating with either shrink plastic and/or insulation tape. Additionally I encourage you to bundle wires together so that you don't have them floating around behind the door panels. My favourite tool for doing the wiring preparation is readily available and cheap. I'm attaching a data sheet that may interest you. SplicingTool.pdf

<<do you have a video of the install procedure>> No, sorry, I don't. In the installation notes for the IS250, I have listed the URL of a YouTube video (from the USA) which is a good tutorial about removing the door liner of the IS250. I haven't worked out how to put the URL into this forum and take the liberty of uploading the current installation manual. Cheers, Michael ENG_Po-40_RCM_Lexus_is250_20140623.pdf

<<are the lexus 250s popular in ozzyland?>> VERY popular - especially with the younger, well paid singles. I love mine and find it a bit of a chameleon. On the one hand when I set the drive in sports mode and drive on the paddles, it astounds me with the performance. On the other hand in straight "drive" mode it seems like a luxury limousine. My dislike with the car is the very restricted entry/exit from the rear seat. With regard to the kit, start off while the kit is en-route by watching the YouTube video that's listed on the first page of the instruction manual. Getting the door liner off is probably the more difficult task you will do in the total installation of the kit. Michael

Working slowly and methodically you should complete in 90 minutes. SMS me your phone number to +61418229934 if you have issues (I have a 100% success rate). Watch the time differences between UK and Australia. Michael

Thanks toffie_pie. I note from the Australia Post tracking software that your kit left Sydney en-route to the UK 24 hours ago (05:18 Tuesday - its Wednesday here now!). Better clear the decks for an installation effort and report this weekend <grin> Michael

Hello from Sydney, Australia. Down here, the forum rules are that I am not allowed to write about commercial matters. I presume you are talking about the cost of the Po-40 Folding Mirror Kit which I ship out of Sydney. This kit takes your normally motorised mirrors to another level where you lock or unlock your car and the mirrors will fold or unfold accordingly. For the complete information can I suggest you send me an email (rather than a PM - I can't send attachments to PM's) My email address is: MichaelR@Ashpoint.com.au Cheers, Michael

Hi Eric I presume you are upgrading the satnav because the existing one is okay. Here are a few other mods to the car that you might like to consider. I presume also that you read some of the threads about hacking the satnav. If I have a passenger with me they can change the satnav while we are moving and dial a phone number on the mobile while removing – two very worthwhile modifications to the car. You should also look at the manual because a lot of the irritating settings can be adjusted by software. There's a few in the manual and a few you need to get done by the dealer. Off the top of my head here are a few I have implemented: My car unlocks all doors when I shift to park. I don't get annoying (seatbelt) beeps when my passenger gets out of the car while the engine is running. I don't get the annoying beeps when I drive off and the passenger is still fastening their belt. On my wish list: Auto accept the liability waiver screen that comes up when you start the car and automatically be in sports mode all the time (I LOVE the paddles) Michael

Hi All, Thank you Allan for waking up the thread. I have already responded to Allan and the others who were reading the same mail. Yes, the Po-40 is still selling well and still available. Geoff, the people who were warehousing the Po-40s for me have moved to bigger premises and asked me to hold back my UK stock until they settle in and get their shelving and all the other stuff ready. What I have discovered is that shipment Sydney to UK, Sydney to Europe is taking about six working days – not bad! The last time we spoke, you had sold your 250D! You may be interested in a guy in Florida (Folding mirrors are not installed in the US models) who purchased motorised mirrors from Europe and fitted them in his car together with a Po-40 so he has the only IS250 with folding mirrors in the USA. I can't imagine the complexity of supplying the electrical cabling. I believe he is going to write his adventures in some publication. I'll keep you informed. Best wishes to my (Po-40) friends in the UK Michael

To Ishaq and Exdee I have modified the Installation notes to reflect your "discovery"