91LS400vgb

Before I start removing things, I was just wondering if anyone has replaced the light bulb behind one of the seat heater buttons on a 1st generation LS400. The buttons are located just above the ashtray. Is it straightforward? Also, does someone know the bulb part #? Thank you.

tbilisi79

I did it in my 98.
It was very easy. The bulb is a small bulb with the socket, it screws into the button housing. Its a little hrad to take it out, once unscrewed try to shake it out of the socket., dont bang to hard on the wood panel as the other lights will go out as well, like they did on mine.
Get the bulb from lexus as it comes with a little green sleve for the proper lighting effect.

$11 a piece

91LS400vgb

thanks tbilisi, appreciate it

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

its a #74 bulb iirc, should be more than 2-3 at ur local autoparts store.

pfantom68

It's NOT a #74 bulb for the three (or two) buttons above the ashtray on the first gen. It's a much smaller bulb in a tiny socket.

The #74 bulbs are the ones in the climate control, around the key bezel, in the shifter lighting, and I think also in the footwells.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

ahh, is it one of the "unique" bulbs that uses a twist-base?

tbilisi79

It is one of the bulbs with a twist base, plastic base. And they dont come out of that little base either.
Plus, when you get them from the dealer, they come with thouse little green rubber sleves. You will not be able to take the sleves off the old bulbs, they tear off and become useless.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

hmm, next time i order LEDs il pick up a couple of the twist-lock bases and see if i can fit it behidn teh VSC light

91LS400vgb

Sounds like a good idea, PD. Thanks again for the help, everyone.

omarg

Not True! The little bulbs are replaceable with bulbs from radioshack. 2 for $1.50 All you have to do is unhook the leads from the base and pull the bulb off. Then carfully remove the little green rubber sleeve.

When you get the radio shack bulbs slide the leads in the holes of the base and twist wrap the leads in the little tracks of the base. Cut off the extra wire and slide on the new rubber sleeve. Takes 2 minutes tops.

The 3 bulbs on my LS (trac off and 2 seat heaters) and my Mom's LS all went bad. So thats 6 bulbs total.
Dealer Price? $66 Radioshack price? $4.50
Satisfaction from saving saving $60 and not needing the dealer? PRICELESS

As soon as i get some Faster internet (I'm using my blackjack to connect my macbook pro) i'll find the radioshack item number.

I promise this is super easy. Don't waste $30.

91LS400vgb

That's interesting omarg. Let us know when you find the part #. Thanks for the info.

MadMax96

This is perfect timing - one of my seat heater illumination lights went out too..

Thanks for the great info......

Any tips on getting to the back side of the buttons? I've never disassembled anything in interior of this car.

omarg

radioshack catalog number 272-1092

make sure to check online and call ahead before you go and pick em up. some stores didnt have em in stock. good luck

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

flashlight bulbs

91LS400vgb

I happened to be near Radio Shack, so I picked up the bulbs ($1.69/pair). The whole job took me less than 15 minutes. I was able to save the green cover and use it on the new bulb, too. Thanks very much, omarg. That was awesome.