Lexus ES330 Ballast Resistor Replacement at your home or office.

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Ballast Resistor Replacement Service

How much does a Ballast Resistor Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Lexus ES330 Ballast Resistor Replacement is $467 with $315 for parts and $152 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2004 Lexus ES330V6-3.3LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$813.52Shop/Dealer Price$998.91 - $1492.07
Show example Lexus ES330 Ballast Resistor Replacement prices

What is the Ballast Resistor all about?

Modern ignition systems use electronic circuitry to control voltage during engine starting and operation, but it wasn’t always this way. Older vehicles with points and coils did not have the benefit of circuit boards and computers, so another way to control voltage was needed. The ballast resistor coil was the solution. Think of it as a giant fuse in a way, although it serves a much greater purpose.

The ballast resistor coil plays several roles in your engine and charging system. In terms of position, it’s located between the ignition switch and the positive battery cable. During engine operation, the ballast resistor is responsible for lowering voltage applied to the coil to ensure that it doesn’t overheat and burn out, or damage the battery. During cranking, the ballast resistor allows normal battery voltage into the coil to ensure a good, strong spark for starting the engine.

The ballast resistor is subjected to significant amounts of heat during operation (the resistor’s resistance level increases or decreases with the application of heat and voltage). Over time, it will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.

Keep in mind:

  • The ballast resistor is not inspected during normal maintenance.
  • The ballast resistor is subject to significant amounts of wear and tear.
  • Ballast resistors are not generally found on fuel-injected engines.

How it's done:

  • The Ballast Resistor is verified that it needs to be replaced. The battery and battery tray are removed.
  • The defective Ballast Resistor disconnected and removed.
  • The new Ballast Resistor is installed, secured, and connected.
  • The battery tray and battery are reinstalled. The Ballast Resistor is tested for operation.
  • The vehicle is tested to ensure proper operation of the Ballast Resistor and road tested to ensure fan operation.

Our recommendation:

Over time and through normal use, the ballast resistor is subject to a great deal of wear and tear, and heat. This can cause it to fail unexpectedly. When this happens, your vehicle will experience unwanted, and perhaps dangerous, operation. It may crank but then stop running immediately after. Have any starting problems immediately diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Ballast Resistor?

  • Engine cranks, but dies immediately when the key is moved back to the run position from the start position

How important is this service?

Without a ballast resistor, your engine will not operate unless you jump the resistor, which is dangerous, as it will eventually burn out the points, and is not recommended. If your engine dies immediately after turning the key back to run from start, likely the ballast resistor needs to be replaced. If the engine runs with the key in the run position, you may have another issue. Have it properly diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics immediately.

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Meet some of our expert Lexus mechanics

Real customer reviews from Lexus owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(232)

Rating Summary
216
9
0
1
6
216
9
0
1
6

Dustin

8 years of experience
21 reviews
Dustin
8 years of experience
Lexus ES330 V6-3.3L - Check Engine Light is on - Tucson, Arizona
Very nice young man, and knowledgeable.

Chris

22 years of experience
2241 reviews
Chris
22 years of experience
Lexus ES330 V6-3.3L - Power Steering Pressure Hose - Santa Ana, California
Great service! Knowledgeable and very experienced.

Peter

43 years of experience
1321 reviews
Peter
43 years of experience
Lexus ES330 V6-3.3L - Check Engine Light is on - Phoenix, Arizona
Peter is a total professional. He knows a motor vehicle inside and out. He is punctual, courteous and honest. He will tell you if the work booked for your car is needed. I am totally satisfied with Peter's work ethic, and would recommend him to anyone.

Ramon

20 years of experience
166 reviews
Ramon
20 years of experience
Lexus ES330 V6-3.3L - Battery - Tucson, Arizona
Ramon arrived a few minutes prior to scheduled time, which was fine, did check battery and definitely had to replace it. He did his 50-point check and was finished well in advance of hour allowed for appointment, gave me a verbal summary of his work and check findings. Gave him my thanks for his efforts.

Excellent Rating

(232)

Rating Summary
216
9
0
1
6
216
9
0
1
6
Number of Lexus ES330 services completed
2552+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Lexus MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

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