ES300: Replacing Cluster Backlighting Bulbs
#151
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (4)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Haha, I actually met up with him in Hong Kong over the summer. Nice guy but I had to talk to him in Cantonese most of the time though so the language barrier. Well, in his defense, its generally accepted that most lighting elements in a car operate at 12v. So I guess thats his knowledge of electronics or something.
I believe VLED carries the higher rated bulbs if you are interested in the future. But I agree that its probably easier to keep replacing them
I believe VLED carries the higher rated bulbs if you are interested in the future. But I agree that its probably easier to keep replacing them
#152
Driver
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Northern Westchester, NY
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yeah, LED's only cost like $8.00 & he's reliable in his goods & getting them to the USA (in 7-10 days). After the work I've done to the instrument cluster replacing a few now is only like 10 minutes.
As infrequently as they need to be replaced, I'll just do it once more than one is shot...and now I'll have some inventory![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
It ain't broke (warden_jp2002) why try and fix it?
As infrequently as they need to be replaced, I'll just do it once more than one is shot...and now I'll have some inventory
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
It ain't broke (warden_jp2002) why try and fix it?
![Uhh...](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/1387914497.gif)
#153
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: nj
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Unhappy](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon9.gif)
my temperature gauge inside my cluster stooped working after I did this process ....any ideas what can be done? IM very scared since I just fixed my radiator and I need to know if it's over heating. I plugged everything back up real tight im not sure why this happened.
#154
Lexucanafer
![](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/ranks/rank-mod2.gif)
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
IMPORTANT TIP: When re-assembling the cluster once the backlighting bulbs are replaced, be sure that all 16 screws are snug again, but don't overtighten them. Leaving any of these screws loose when re-assembling the cluster could result in one or more of your gauges not functioning.
Those 16 screws are in the area of the four gauges. There is a photo in the write-up showing exactly where they are. They need to be snug but not too tight for the gauges to work properly.
#156
Driver School Candidate
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Hey Lexucan, I found these bulbs with the twist lock already one them, I was wondering if they would work for this project? http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...ecs/74_t15.htm They have the same specs but I was wondering if that twist lock was going to work or not. Thanks.
#159
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thank you for the great explanation of how to get to the instrument backlighting bulbs. But I have another problem with a 1992 ES300 that I am working on. The digital odometer does not illuminate. All the other gauges work and of course I still have to replace the backlighting bulbs. Is the odometer also a bulb or what must be done to restore it?
#160
Lexucanafer
![](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/ranks/rank-mod2.gif)
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The digital odometer is an LCD screen which is back-lit by a bulb or bulbs. I've never had a problem with my ODO so I haven't investigated how the bulb/s might be replaced. However, I'm pretty sure I've read other posts/threads on the subject so I would do a search for something like "Odometer LCD" in the ES300/330 section of the forums and see what results you get. Good luck.
Last edited by Lexucan; 11-02-10 at 07:12 AM.
#161
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: CA
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Okay, I know a few people who have asked questions on this but I want to clarify. My gas gauge isn't working. It's like dead on the tip. Let's just say if I tighten it too much or if it wasn't tight enough... And that I looked at is again would it work?
#162
Lexucanafer
![](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/ranks/rank-mod2.gif)
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
If this doesn't answer your question, try to state it more clearly.
#163
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: s.c.
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Lexacan, why didn't you go with the factory size leds? You stated use a #286 but the factory size is #194. I'm going to upgrade to leds but want to ask you that question before ordering the leds.
#164
Lexucanafer
![](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/ranks/rank-mod2.gif)
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
When you order the LEDs you'll probably find that #286 and #194 are essentially the same thing.
Last edited by Lexucan; 03-04-11 at 05:04 PM.