ES300: Replacing Cluster Backlighting Bulbs
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Ga
Patience patience! Could be that no one has the answer, or they've been busy with other facets of their lives besides hanging around here all the time. 
As far as LEDs for the ashtray and shift console are concerned, I haven't read anything about that idea on here. Why don't you be the first? Do the research, get the parts, and post the DIY.
Not sure what you mean by "tabs" for the needles.
As far as LEDs for the ashtray and shift console are concerned, I haven't read anything about that idea on here. Why don't you be the first? Do the research, get the parts, and post the DIY.
Not sure what you mean by "tabs" for the needles.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Ga
Thread Starter
Lexucanafer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver, Canada
I don't know. I remember that question was asked of Ariyanna when he first posted the pics of his cluster months ago, but I don't think he ever answered the question. AFAIK, there is nothing to "calibrate" when installing backlighting LEDs, so you'll have to ask him. When doing the needle fix, you might need to adjust the position of the needles when you put them back on so that they read correctly. I suppose that could be termed as a form of "calibration". And in some cases, you might have to adjust the balance of a needle if, when repairing it, the weight distribution is thrown off a bit. That usually means just adding a bit of weight to the base of the needle to counteract the extra weight of the resistors used to repair the needle. But this is not always necessary.
Driver
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
From: Northern Westchester, NY
Here's mine a few months ago with blue led's. Got 'em from warden_jp2002 on eBay → 10pcs 286 Wide Angle LED (Spark Blue) Dash Wedge Bulbs Cost about $12/USD + freight (from Hong Kong)
Needles are blacked out with black felt tip marker. I saw quite a few remarks here mentioning something about weight being an issue and the needles not giving an accurate reading. Speed and fuel are kinda important so I just blacked em out. Hopefully the tips will last a looonnng time
otherwise that's when needle led's are replaced. 1996 ES300
Last edited by LW ES300; Oct 25, 2008 at 02:51 PM. Reason: added LED Part #
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Driver
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
From: Northern Westchester, NY
I couldn't (or wouldn't
) have done this without you Lexucan. The step by step instructions you provided were Awesome! I followed your originals back in July or August, but the revision you made recently with coloring/detailing should allow anyone to do this. Great Job! Thanks!!!ps You may want to say in the DIY after "try entering 286 LED (or) 74 LED into the e-bay search box" to look for seller warden_jp2002. And, also suggest people buy "10pcs 286 74 37 T5 Twist Lock Wedge Base." Buying these for like $3-$5 makes this job a lot simpler than someone breaking the factory LED's. Just my thoughts...
Last edited by LW ES300; Oct 25, 2008 at 10:03 PM.
Thread Starter
Lexucanafer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver, Canada
Thread Starter
Lexucanafer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver, Canada
Sometimes they are a bit stubborn to get out, so put a damp face-cloth (not soaking wet, just a bit damp) over the bulb and GENTLY squeeze it with a pair of ordinary pliers (just enough to get a grip on the bulb through the damp cloth) and wiggle and pull the bulb out. If the bulb breaks off inside the socket, carefully dig the remains out with some needle-nose pliers or tweezers.
Last edited by Lexucan; Nov 10, 2008 at 07:52 PM.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: IL
Sometimes they are a bit stubborn to get out, so put a damp face-cloth (not soaking wet, just a bit damp) over the bulb and GENTLY squeeze it with a pair of ordinary pliers (just enough to get a grip on the bulb through the damp cloth) and wiggle and pull the bulb out. If the bulb breaks off inside the socket, carefully dig the remains out with some needle-nose pliers or tweezers.