dkinzer

I replaced all 13 bulbs in the Nakamichi deck of my '91 LS400 today using the Radio Shack T1 bulbs. Now I'll be able to see the buttons in the dark.

The next task is to pull the instrument cluster and replace the bulbs in it. I also need to replace the speedo because the needle is only half illuminated. I have a salvaged instrument cluster with a good donor speedo and I checked it see what type of bulbs are needed. It appears there are two different sizes of the wedge-type bulbs; 8 of the smaller ones and 10 of the larger ones.

The websites that I've seen indicate that a 194 bulb is the right one but the ones that I looked at at the parts store are way too large. Does anyone know the right numbers for these?

Also, I'll have the extra parts from the donor cluster available, soon. The fuel and temp gauges appear to be good as is the pwer supply, circuit boards, faceplate, cover, odometer, etc.

Don Kinzer

dkinzer

I called the Lexus dealer today to see what I could find out about the bulbs. The parts guy told me that the 1991 models can take several different bulbs and needed the VIN in order to determine which bulbs were required. For my VIN, here are the numbers:

83-10930070
83-11950050

The same situation may prevail for other model years.

As might be expected, they are very expensive: $11.31 and $9.66 each. "Normal" wedge type bulbs in your typical parts store are usually less than $1 each.

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

coulda just used this, http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/light...stercolor.html

dkinzer

I found that the local Toyota dealership can get the same bulbs for me (using the Lexus part numbers) for a lot less: $5.14 and $3.54. I can also get them using the Lexus part numbers at http://www.mylexparts.com for $4.01 and $2.75. They show list prices the same as the Toyota dealer quoted me.

fsuguy

dkinzer,

I am interested in knowing whether you have the tach and if it is working, would you be interested in parting with it? I have a '92 LS400, and mine does not move at all!

Thx

mike

dkinzer

No, sorry. The tach needle was broken on the donor cluster.

Sorry for the late reply.

dkinzer

On further research, I believe that the only difference in the '90 to '92 year range is the number of bulbs which depends on the options installed. With all options, this is the number of bulbs required for each part number:

These are the larger wedge-type bulbs for the directional signals, high beam indicator, transmission gear, and fog light indicator.
83109-30070 12 each

This is a larger wedge-type bulb with a blue plastic cover used to illuminate the odometer.
83119-50030 1 each

These are the smaller wedge-type bulbs across the bottom of the cluster: air suspension height, coolant temp, ABS, traction control, overdrive, ECT, cruise control, oil level.
83119-50050 10 each

These are the "tell tale" bulbs for the lights above the instrument cluster that project down onto the instrument cluster's dust cover, e.g. seat belts, door ajar, ABS, etc.
84999-50270 8 each

fencera

Thank you very much for this useful and precise post. It is extremely helpful.

If you don't mind, could you provide a little more information about the T-1 bulbs you used from radio shack?

These are the only T-1 bulbs I could find online: http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2103785

However, from what I recall before, the head unit requires bulbs that have wire ends more like these:

http://www.bulbtown.com/2181_MINIATU...ASE_p/2181.htm

Could you provide a part number or specifications of the bulbs you used?

Thank you very much!

dkinzer

They are Radio Shack p/n 272-1092 and they come in a 2-pack for $1.79 each. I had to go to two different stores to get enough to replace all of the bulbs in the radio control panel. If you live in a larger city you can probably call ahead to see how many they have in stock. Alternately, you can just order them online.

It is not a simple task to replace these unless you have some basic electronics assembly/rework skills. The bulbs are soldered into the PC board so they have to be de-soldered and the new bulbs soldered into place. You'll need a medium duty soldering iron (15-30 watts, perhaps), a solder sucker and/or solder wick, solder, side cutters, etc.

For each bulb, there is a small plastic "holder" that serves to keep the leads spaced properly and keep the bulb perpendicular to the PCB. Also, the bulbs in the radio have a green soft plastic cover (a condom, if you will) that needs to be removed and installed on the replacement bulbs.

If you don't have the requisite electronics rework skills you can probably find a friend who does. It takes about an hour to replace all of the bulbs on the PCB.

fencera

Thanks for the link!

I was aware of the process... but thanks for the great explanation. That will be really helpful.