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Spots on dash glass - is it possible to be inside the glass?
I bought my 2015 ES 350 yesterday. Today I noticed that there are spots on the dash glass (instrument panel). It's really distracting at night when the blue light illuminates everything. Here's a pic. I didn't notice it at first because the glass is clear directly in front of the gauges. I hope that is an indication the spots are on the outside and not on the inside. I've tried cleaning with water and a damp towel. Nothing helped. Could it be the spots are on the interior side of the glass? I don't want to scratch the glass. Any ideas?
Spots on the instrument panel glass
The panel lens is plastic not glass. More likely is that those spots are permanently etched into the plastic lens, likely something that was used as a spray cleaner or protectant on the interior and splashed there.
I would try a mild plastic cleaner like Plexus, and if that doesn't work move up to a plastic polishing system like Novus or even Meguiars PlastX.
If those don't work, you'll have to replace the lens.
I bought my 2015 ES 350 yesterday. Today I noticed that there are spots on the dash glass (instrument panel). It's really distracting at night when the blue light illuminates everything. Here's a pic. I didn't notice it at first because the glass is clear directly in front of the gauges. I hope that is an indication the spots are on the outside and not on the inside. I've tried cleaning with water and a damp towel. Nothing helped. Could it be the spots are on the interior side of the glass? I don't want to scratch the glass. Any ideas?
Spots on the instrument panel glass
Maybe the dealer will handle it under warranty or goodwill.
Be careful what you use in trying to remove the spots. That is soft plastic and will scratch very easily. If you scratch lines into the plastic it will cause refraction with light and make it even more difficult to view instruments. Looks to me like something was oversprayed onto the plastic and damaged it.
If it's really bothering you, you could check with a professional detailer and see if there is anything they can do. As mentioned the plastic is very soft and will damage easily.
Going along with what others have posted, I think that my first attempt would be to see if I could get the dealer to do something about either repairing or replacing the plastic. If that failed, I'd be inclined to go to a detailer and to see what he/she could do. As has been pointed out by several others, the plastic is very delicate, and there is potential for making it worse if you attempt a do-it-yourself repair. If it was my car, I don't think I'd want to take that risk.
Thank you for your detailed suggestions and for pointing out this is plastic and not glass. I will buy one or more of the recommended cleaners that you just mentioned. I found them on Amazon but am hopeful I can find them locally.
The panel lens is plastic not glass. More likely is that those spots are permanently etched into the plastic lens, likely something that was used as a spray cleaner or protectant on the interior and splashed there.
I would try a mild plastic cleaner like Plexus, and if that doesn't work move up to a plastic polishing system like Novus or even Meguiars PlastX.
If those don't work, you'll have to replace the lens.
Thank you for your detailed suggestions and for pointing out this is plastic and not glass. I will buy one or more of the recommended cleaners that you just mentioned. I found them on Amazon but am hopeful I can find them locally.
Going along with what others have posted, I think that my first attempt would be to see if I could get the dealer to do something about either repairing or replacing the plastic. If that failed, I'd be inclined to go to a detailer and to see what he/she could do. As has been pointed out by several others, the plastic is very delicate, and there is potential for making it worse if you attempt a do-it-yourself repair. If it was my car, I don't think I'd want to take that risk.
I called the service department today at Carmax and explained the problem. Setup an appointment to get the car looked at under the dealerships 30 day warranty. They told me not to spend money on cleaning solutions or replacement parts because they will try cleaning it themselves (and will replace it if that doesn't work). I'm optimistic that Carmax will take good care of this.
06-21-17, 10:00 PM
Spots on dash glass - is it possible to be inside the glass?
