gaitch32

My cluster has gone dim. I suspect that some of the LEDs have gone bad. All of the gauges and warning lights work but it is very dim and can't really be seen during the day. i took it out and it doesn't look like you can replace the LEDs. I can't figure out how to get inside to even see where the backlight LEDs are.

I am probably looking at putting in a new cluster. My biggest question is can I just swap out the cluster without worrying about anything else other than the mileage difference? I will deal with the state or look into reprogramming. I can get it reprogrammed for about $100.

I just don't want the car to reject the new one and not operate until I get the odometer straightened out.

LeX2K

If you're going to pay to have the mileage matched why not send your cluster off to get repaired.
https://www.taninautoelectronix.com/...gnosis-repair/

Downside is you'll be without your car for 2-3 weeks. Don't turn the key to ON or drive the car with the cluster removed or you'll trigger the airbag computer.

gaitch32

Thanks for the quick reply and the heads up about running the car with it out. I have had the cluster out twice but never tried to run the car.

Thanks for the link but as far as I can tell the price is just for diagnosis and doesn't include repair. I can get a used one from Ebay for $75 or so and reprogram for $100. My other thought is keep checking for one that has miles slightly above mine and just drive as I am now until the miles match.

As long as I know I can just swap them then I have a few options

LeX2K

In theory you can dismantle the cluster and swap the odometer module from your cluster to the new one. I've done this on other clusters not your year of ES.

gaitch32

I don't think that you can do it with the clusters after 2001. I had this one apart as far as I could take it and once I got inside I found that everything is soldered to one PCB. The mechanisms for the speedometer and tach stick out the back of it but they are soldered on. I was hesitant to try to go any further because I would have to remove the needles and go through the front.

Jetmech1

I've got the very same problem with my '02 ES300. It only has 84K on the clock. It's fine at night, I can barely see the speedometer needle or anything else during the day esp. in bright sunlight. Can anyone else chime in and tell me if this is a common issue even when new? I'm wondering if this is a characteristic with this model year(s)?

LeX2K, Have you used this repair service you linked to. Any feedback on how much improved these are after they rework them? Thanks!

LeX2K

I have not (I do board level repair myself) but other members here have with good results. They are legit.

Jetmech1

Thanks. Seems odd that mine is this way after only 84K miles. My 98 Avalon at 260K+ still bright as new.

gaitch32

I went ahead and bought a used one on eBay that had similar miles as my car and I can definitely say that it is brighter than my old one. It was cheaper than getting mine repaired and with the miles only being a few thousand off, I am not worried about the odometer. My state is exempt from mileage reporting on the car because of the age and I will probably run it until the wheels fall off anyway.

LeX2K

For a car this age no one cares if the odo reading is not exact. Now dismantle your old cluster to find out why the back lighting became so dim.

gaitch32

I am going to run this new one a while to make sure there are no issues before I tear apart the old one. My guess is that there is a group of LEDs with a diffuser and one went out because there wasn't a single dim spot. I will update when I take it apart.