Spots on dash glass - is it possible to be inside the glass?
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
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
#2
Lexus Fanatic
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 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.
#3
Pit Crew
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
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kthurman (06-22-17)
#4
Lead Lap
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.
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kthurman (06-22-17)
#5
Lexus Champion
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.
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kthurman (06-22-17)
#6
Lead Lap
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.
#7
Lexus Fanatic
Before people get too worked up about "potentially damaging the lens"...a new lens is only $36.
http://parts.iralexusofmanchester.co...wd=&origin=pla
http://parts.iralexusofmanchester.co...wd=&origin=pla
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#9
Lexus Champion
Before people get too worked up about "potentially damaging the lens"...a new lens is only $36.
http://parts.iralexusofmanchester.co...wd=&origin=pla
http://parts.iralexusofmanchester.co...wd=&origin=pla
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kthurman (06-22-17)
#10
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by dchar
But switching out the lens will probably be a lot of work.
The following users liked this post:
kthurman (06-22-17)
#11
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
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.
#12
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
I will call the dealer and ask for their assistance with this too, especially if I cannot remove it myself with the products others have recommended.
#13
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Before people get too worked up about "potentially damaging the lens"...a new lens is only $36.
http://parts.iralexusofmanchester.co...wd=&origin=pla
http://parts.iralexusofmanchester.co...wd=&origin=pla
#14
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
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 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.
#15
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
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.