eyezack87

iTrader: (4)

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

LW ES300

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

It ain't broke (warden_jp2002) why try and fix it?

908973

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.

Lexucan

Did you remember to follow this important tip from the DIY write-up?

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.

yeskay

i just replaced the cluster Drive "D" backlight bulb. luckily the 99 es cluster doesn't require the removal of the 16 screws mentioned in the earlier models.

L3xTy

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.

Lexucan

Just from what I can see in the photos, it does appear to be the same base.

HFES300

Great thread! I vote Sticky

MsautoMD

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?

Lexucan

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.

norcalxES

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?

Lexucan

Having a little trouble understanding your question, but maybe you were wondering about those 16 screws inside the cluster that you need to make sure are snug after you've changed your backlighting bulbs. If your gas gauge was working before you took the cluster out and now it's not, chances are that some of those screws (as identified in the write-up) are still a bit loose. If you take the cluster back out to check them, don't tighten them too much or that could cause permanent damage to your gauge/s. Just tighten them until they are snug.

If this doesn't answer your question, try to state it more clearly.

grubguy18

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.

Lexucan

When you order the LEDs you'll probably find that #286 and #194 are essentially the same thing.

ArmyRanger

how do you black out the unleaded fuel only?