Low Budget DIY Solution for Burnt Out Needles
#168
Lexucanafer
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I don't own a 1st generation SC but I do know they used the same technology for the needle illumination as did the '92-'96 ES300. So, although the physical size of the needles on the SC are bit shorter than those of the ES, the DIY fix will work just as well. I happen to have a set of four already modified SC needles. They are now sporting red LED tips like my ES needles. If anyone is interested in obtaining the set, send me a PM.
#170
Lead Lap
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My guess is this also works for 93-97 gs300? Cuz needles are the same, but I might give that EL wire a shot (electronics teacher is always down for challenges and I have full access to the lab, not to mention parts and such)
#172
Lexucanafer
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Hey Lexucan --- I just read your entire thread. Great DIY, write up, and patience responding to questions. My hat's off to you, and I plan to try it on 94 SC needles in the car I bought my daughter. Thanks!
#174
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I recently got a 1992 sc400 (about 4 months ago) and have been fixing this and that. I purchased a used instrument cluster, what a mistake that was. I was looking into sending the needles off to lextech lighting guys. There gages look good, but I am big fan of fixing my own stuff. I bought all the parts for the needles for under $10 with shipping from digikey and bought the leds to do the back light as well. It does not look as good as some of the photos from lextech guys but I love that did it and I LOVE THE SINGLE LED at the tip. Thanks for a great guide. Love my sc400.
#175
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hi i recently saw your thread and re did me burnt out needles now i was wondering if you could help me now they wont move there not stuck or anything there is free movement any guess?
#178
Lexucanafer
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I recently got a 1992 sc400 (about 4 months ago) and have been fixing this and that. I purchased a used instrument cluster, what a mistake that was. I was looking into sending the needles off to lextech lighting guys. There gages look good, but I am big fan of fixing my own stuff. I bought all the parts for the needles for under $10 with shipping from digikey and bought the leds to do the back light as well. It does not look as good as some of the photos from lextech guys but I love that did it and I LOVE THE SINGLE LED at the tip. Thanks for a great guide. Love my sc400.
#179
Lexucanafer
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#180
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I did this last summer, and learned much from this DIY [Thank you Lexucan!!]. Funniest part of my experience; my mechanic highly suggested AGAINST doing this--"LEDs run hotter and use more energy..." After I completed it, he came by a couple weeks later to check something and IMMEDIATELY noticed the cluster...and exclaimed, "DAAAAYUM!! Did you replace the whole cluster?? How much did it cost??!! DAYUM!!...that looks sooo much better!!" I just soaked it all up especially when I told him I did it all myself. ![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
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