2003 ES300 instrument cluster replacement questions
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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.
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.
#2
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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.
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.
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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
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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, Have you used this repair service you linked to. Any feedback on how much improved these are after they rework them? Thanks!
Last edited by Jetmech1; 07-22-21 at 06:09 PM. Reason: Additional question
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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.
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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.
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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.
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