ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion - What's the difference between Optitron and Electroluminescent?

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What's the difference between Optitron and Electroluminescent?

I was skimming though some Lexus brochures and noticed that the first RX and current ES state "optitron" gauges. I thought optitron was the greenish display in the GS?

An electroluminescent instrument gauge is like HID (high intensity discharge) lighting, in which there is emission of light caused by an electric discharge. My '01 ES has a factory electroluminescent instrument gauge.

I could be wrong about this, but I believe an Optitron gauge describes the circular exterior design of the gauges themselves, and doesn't refer to the lighting of the gauges. The current Altima has this Optitron gauge design as well.

Quote:

Originally posted by lexusk8
An electroluminescent instrument gauge is like HID (high intensity discharge) lighting, in which there is emission of light caused by an electric discharge. My '01 ES has a factory electroluminescent instrument gauge.

I could be wrong about this, but I believe an Optitron gauge describes the circular exterior design of the gauges themselves, and doesn't refer to the lighting of the gauges. The current Altima has this Optitron gauge design as well.

Actually 97-on ES's have Optitron gauges. They have been dumping the Electroluminescant gauges on more cares because of the high cost of replacing them and the neon needles tend to go out quite early.