Hey guys sorry if this has already been addressed but I have searched the forum the last few days and didn't find anything.

I just got a 1999 ES and am about to start some work on her and had. Quick question. I found a thread about replacing the bulbs for the ac and radio lights which I am in the process of doing. Does anyone know if the panel that has the trunk, gas buttons and power mirror buttons should b illuminated?

Being a new lexus owner if I stop somewhere to get cas or something I would have to use the light from the dome to see which button I am pushing.............should it be illuminated or not? I don't want to start pulling things off before doing my homework.

Thanks and again I apologize if this has already been addressed

 

Hay, welcome to the club. I had the same question when I joined, and unfortunately the answer is that No, they are not illuminated. Lexus tried to save money on that one.

Enjoy your new car.

Phil

 

Thanks Phil!

I definitely will enjoy her once I get her up and running

 

Would be great if you could do some mods to add lighting to that area of the dash. Let us know how it goes!

 

So I was browsing on eBay last night and came across this picture. It does appear that this area is supposed to be illuminated. Sorry if I'm beating a dead horse but im gonna try popping that piece off and seeing if there are any bulbs or anything to replace.

Will report back

 

If you take apart the mirror switch [which I did], you will find a bulb... It's super easy to take out, pop that panel out, disconnect wire harness, then the switch will have small tabs [I suggest a very fine screwdriver, made for electronics] which you gently pry at all four sides and the back pops off, revealing the bulb.

It is VERY dim from the factory to begin with. Mine went out shortly after getting the car, not that it's a noticeable switch either!

A few failed attempts at putting in LED bulbs, I gave up. But it is a T4.5 bulb if I recall correctly.

 

Thanks for the info! Do you know if that is the same type bulb used for the radio controls?

 

similar, I don't remember anymore, as I ordered from a guide I found on a japanese website.

But the numbers; t4.2 & t4.5 seem to ring a bell. I suggest just ordering a bunch of those, like 10x of each.