How do I replace Gauge cluster lights 01 GS300?
01-02-10, 09:57 AM
#1
How do I replace Gauge cluster lights 01 GS300?
The gauge cluster on my car is not very bright. I just replaced the battery thinking a new one would help but it did nothing. I do notice at times it's brighter than others and I can't figure out why. For the most part it's pretty dull compared to what I think it's supposed to look like.
Is there any easy way to replace the bulbs or is this a several hour project?
Is there any easy way to replace the bulbs or is this a several hour project?
01-02-10, 09:32 PM
#5
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as a Lexus tech. there are 8 bulbs that gives that backlight behind the cluster aside from the warning lights like check engine, abs, & so on... to do this job first time could take up to 2hours at the most providing you have all the necessary tools: small pick or pocket srewdriver. #2 phillips screwdriver stubby & long. the whole entireombo cluster needs to come out. becareful when disconnecting plug outlet behind cluster. they are usually tight & often times hard to pull out. this may pull wires out of wire connector. soon as you have everything off. there are about 10 or so phillips screws you need to removed. the bulbs that you will need to replace are sometimes tricky to identify. there are exactly 8 that look all identical. if you are not sure of which one. you can find this info out when you buy the bulbs from your local Lexus dealer. just ask when purchasing if you can get a picture diagram of bulb location. trying to tell you this without picture in fron of you will further confused you. and lastly, when all bulbs are replaced & ready to install. make sure that you have the odometer & tach meter needle setting in correct location... for ie: speedo needle is siiting a zero (0) not the other side sam goes with tach. this will avoid you from removing combo cluster again. to further explain if you are not even more confused. if done incorrectly once you start your vehicle. you will see your speedo needle &/or tach in the other side. meaning you have peg it. another example... rather than idling at 800rpm, you will see your tach peg at 9000 rpm or more. goodluck with the installation.
01-03-10, 12:40 AM
#6
Seriously a Lexus tech? 2 hours? It should take no more than 10 minutes to remove the gauge cluster out of a 2GS and that's if you're working slow. I can pop it out of there in about 2 minutes flat. Also, if you've worked on the 2GS before, the CFL backlight in the 2GS gauge cluster is non-replaceable. Yes, on some of the other Lexus gauge clusters there are incandescent bulb backlights but the 2GS is a CFL tube.
As for the original poster, since it's a fluorescent light it will take time to warm up in cold weather. Mine is extra dim if I go to drive the car at night and it hasn't been driven all day. Also, another thing with these lights is that their light output drops as they age. Really there's nothing you can do about it other than try to source a replacement CFL tube that's exactly the same dimensions, but that's not an easy task.
As for the original poster, since it's a fluorescent light it will take time to warm up in cold weather. Mine is extra dim if I go to drive the car at night and it hasn't been driven all day. Also, another thing with these lights is that their light output drops as they age. Really there's nothing you can do about it other than try to source a replacement CFL tube that's exactly the same dimensions, but that's not an easy task.
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01-03-10, 03:16 PM
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WOW! JEFFTsai!!!! 2minutes really. more power to you then. very proud of you.
skiz88, there are about 21 bulbs that light up the warning icons & backlight. i had to replace all the bulbs per customer's request since 1/8 of his bulbs were blown causing some dark shades (dim) on his dash. customer rather invest 1 time to have all bulbs replaced & be done w/ it. rather than having to take it apart every time a bulb went out. it is not necessary for you to replace all of them but at least you know there are 21 bulbs. peace out
skiz88, there are about 21 bulbs that light up the warning icons & backlight. i had to replace all the bulbs per customer's request since 1/8 of his bulbs were blown causing some dark shades (dim) on his dash. customer rather invest 1 time to have all bulbs replaced & be done w/ it. rather than having to take it apart every time a bulb went out. it is not necessary for you to replace all of them but at least you know there are 21 bulbs. peace out
01-03-10, 07:41 PM
#12
Seriously a Lexus tech? 2 hours? It should take no more than 10 minutes to remove the gauge cluster out of a 2GS and that's if you're working slow. I can pop it out of there in about 2 minutes flat. Also, if you've worked on the 2GS before, the CFL backlight in the 2GS gauge cluster is non-replaceable. Yes, on some of the other Lexus gauge clusters there are incandescent bulb backlights but the 2GS is a CFL tube.
As for the original poster, since it's a fluorescent light it will take time to warm up in cold weather. Mine is extra dim if I go to drive the car at night and it hasn't been driven all day. Also, another thing with these lights is that their light output drops as they age. Really there's nothing you can do about it other than try to source a replacement CFL tube that's exactly the same dimensions, but that's not an easy task.
As for the original poster, since it's a fluorescent light it will take time to warm up in cold weather. Mine is extra dim if I go to drive the car at night and it hasn't been driven all day. Also, another thing with these lights is that their light output drops as they age. Really there's nothing you can do about it other than try to source a replacement CFL tube that's exactly the same dimensions, but that's not an easy task.
i think it had " hot spots though"
WOW! JEFFTsai!!!! 2minutes really. more power to you then. very proud of you.
skiz88, there are about 21 bulbs that light up the warning icons & backlight. i had to replace all the bulbs per customer's request since 1/8 of his bulbs were blown causing some dark shades (dim) on his dash. customer rather invest 1 time to have all bulbs replaced & be done w/ it. rather than having to take it apart every time a bulb went out. it is not necessary for you to replace all of them but at least you know there are 21 bulbs. peace out
skiz88, there are about 21 bulbs that light up the warning icons & backlight. i had to replace all the bulbs per customer's request since 1/8 of his bulbs were blown causing some dark shades (dim) on his dash. customer rather invest 1 time to have all bulbs replaced & be done w/ it. rather than having to take it apart every time a bulb went out. it is not necessary for you to replace all of them but at least you know there are 21 bulbs. peace out
x2
Last edited by sakataj; 02-19-10 at 02:54 PM.
01-04-10, 07:55 AM
#13
Correct I'm only wondering about the backlighting, not the warning lights. Sounds like it's a ccfl that is tough to replace. I do live in a cold climate, so maybe that's part of the issue. But I'm also guessing the bulb just doesn't get as bright as it once did. When it finally light up it looks great but I've only owned the car a few months and only seen it fully lit up once or twice.
01-04-10, 02:17 PM
#15
Correct I'm only wondering about the backlighting, not the warning lights. Sounds like it's a ccfl that is tough to replace. I do live in a cold climate, so maybe that's part of the issue. But I'm also guessing the bulb just doesn't get as bright as it once did. When it finally light up it looks great but I've only owned the car a few months and only seen it fully lit up once or twice.
hehe j/k jeff