Notices
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models
Old Jan 7, 2015, 04:29 PM
How-Tos on this Topic
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:

Browse all: Cleaning and Detailing Guides
Print Wikipost

Dashboard Melting!!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 13, 2010 | 06:59 PM
  #1  
ADVIS250's Avatar
ADVIS250
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: FL
Default Dashboard Melting!!

My dash seems to be melting in the sun after i took it to a car wash. The car wash owner said he has always cleaned my dash with water.I always noticed that my dash would be a bit sticky after leaving it in the sun but not to the point were it melts. What advice can i get in order to fixed this problem.
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2010 | 07:24 PM
  #2  
llamaboiz's Avatar
llamaboiz
Lexus Fanatic
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,030
Likes: 7
From: Windward, Oahu
Default

dont goto that car wash ever again?
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2010 | 07:29 PM
  #3  
PorSiempre's Avatar
PorSiempre
Instructor
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 907
Likes: 0
From: Niagara Falls
Default

Pics?67890
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2010 | 08:33 PM
  #4  
Jetfire's Avatar
Jetfire
Royale with cheese
15 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,098
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver
Default

pics would help. i doubt its only water if there's any damage.
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2010 | 06:48 AM
  #5  
cadfael_te's Avatar
cadfael_te
Rookie
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: KS
Default

So is it actually the dash that is 'melting' or could it be the 'armorall' stuff they didn't spray on it. Whichever it is I would clean it good with a diluted all purpose automotive cleaner (3 parts water, 1 part cleaner) - Meg's, Optimum, etc. Sounds darn strange for me, dashes usually don't just melt with water lol.
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2010 | 06:57 AM
  #6  
DaSyce's Avatar
DaSyce
Instructor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 820
Likes: 26
From: NY
Default

I wonder if a strong enough wheel cleaner could have caused this?
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2010 | 07:01 AM
  #7  
iSuxeL's Avatar
iSuxeL
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (21)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 9,302
Likes: 1
From: FL
Default

Actually you staying in the sun for a while the dash gets really soft. If you were to poke at it you'll take a chunk out. I marked mines already after a day in the sun.
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2010 | 07:15 AM
  #8  
516IS's Avatar
516IS
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 3
From: NY
Default

It can't be just water, please post some pics so we can see the melting places.
Reply
ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

story-0

Toyota and Lexus Join Mille Miglia For The First Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)

 Brett Foote
story-4

2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

 Michael S. Palmer
story-5

Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 14, 2010 | 08:01 AM
  #9  
cadfael_te's Avatar
cadfael_te
Rookie
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: KS
Default

Haven't really noticed my dask being that soft but haven't tried touching it hot. One thing to strongly consider is using a dash cleaner/uv protector. I personally use Prima Nero or Optimum Protectant. Use it to dust the dash 1-2 times a weak and it helps protect the dash. There are many brands and most do a good job - just determine if you want a gloss or matte finish.
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2011 | 10:37 PM
  #10  
Plumeria's Avatar
Plumeria
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: HI
Default

I have a 2007 ES350 and I am the original owner here in Hawaii. I have only used a water damp cloth to wipe dust off the dashboard. At 70,000+ miles there was no doubt about it: the dashboard was melting. Lexus said they would provide the new dashboard if I would pay labor (I'm out of warranty). Today I received my new dashboard. Lexus advised my mechanic I can expect the dashboard to melt again in another 70,000 miles. I asked how to prevent that from happening. I was told to use only water. Not much help as that is what I have always done. To prevent a recurrence all I can think of is to put a windshield sun shade up while parked. Any other ideas from hot parts of the country?
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2011 | 10:40 PM
  #11  
whitebeast's Avatar
whitebeast
Pole Position
10 Year Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,802
Likes: 69
From: CA
Default

When i talk to some guy do detailing car. He told me that never clean dashboard with water cause it could damage your dashboard in the long run (it also confirm by employee of local auto part)
Please forgive me if i was gone about not to use water to clean dashboard. In other hand, I use interior cleaner to clean all the car in my family and haven't have any problem so far.

Last edited by whitebeast; Sep 1, 2011 at 10:44 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2011 | 10:45 PM
  #12  
Black04IS's Avatar
Black04IS
Rookie
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Default

Hey plumeria , that is really dissapointing that you have experienced this on a 07, I came from a 04' IS 300 that had the melting dash problem and i refinished myself with SEM paint and in turned out good but if i had that problem on my 06 IS250 i would be livid, on the newer cars it can't be fixed by a simple paint job
Reply
Old Sep 1, 2011 | 10:58 PM
  #13  
llamaboiz's Avatar
llamaboiz
Lexus Fanatic
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,030
Likes: 7
From: Windward, Oahu
Default

Originally Posted by Plumeria
I have a 2007 ES350 and I am the original owner here in Hawaii. I have only used a water damp cloth to wipe dust off the dashboard. At 70,000+ miles there was no doubt about it: the dashboard was melting. Lexus said they would provide the new dashboard if I would pay labor (I'm out of warranty). Today I received my new dashboard. Lexus advised my mechanic I can expect the dashboard to melt again in another 70,000 miles. I asked how to prevent that from happening. I was told to use only water. Not much help as that is what I have always done. To prevent a recurrence all I can think of is to put a windshield sun shade up while parked. Any other ideas from hot parts of the country?
What island are you on? we have our own section here at CL:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/cl-of-hawaii-209/

For the dash i use a product by Chemical Guys called VRP Dressing, i buy it from a CL member (cl vendor) TrendyTodd, he sells it out of Revision Audio who is another CL member REV-01. Not only is it a good dressing its also a UV protectant, perfect for our Hawaiian sun. Feel free to pm me for more info. Many of us CL members here use it.
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2011 | 07:40 AM
  #14  
2slixx's Avatar
2slixx
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 803
Likes: 0
From: CA
Default

I've heard other people having same problems with the dash melting on this forum... Some have said its from the heat, others point their finger at the base cleaner they are using. I live in Fresno CA where 110 109 degree heat is normal in the summer time and I have used Armorall and Meg's dash cleaners and have had no problem. Logic would point to just a bad batch of dashboards?
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2011 | 02:31 PM
  #15  
SoulFreak's Avatar
SoulFreak
Instructor
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 41
From: Florida
Default

Hey Guys! I bought my first Is 250 in June 06, 2011, It's an 07 with 1 previous owner. I started noticing the same problem with my dash a month or so after driving the car. The vehicle is out of warranty but decided after reading this forum and becoming a little acknowledged with the problem, that I would call Lexus and file a complaint. After speaking to a few reps and giving them my speech about "Quality" and this really being unacceptable. They finally told me to take it my nearest dealer for inspection. I was very relieved that my service consultant was familiar with the problem. I described to him that the dashboard felt sticky, new scratches and smudges were appearing every other day...He simply told me "Your dashboard is melting!". He typed his assessment and filed it to Lexus. A few days later I get a call from the same consultant, notifying me that Lexus has agreed to replace the dashboard and in all fairness I will have to cough up the labor. I recently discovered that each dealership varies in price of their parts and labor. I've decided to just bite the bullet and pay for the labor. I know a lot of you are in the same situation, perhaps this can be a little of help to you. Just be persistent and don't take "No" for an answer. If all else fails offer to pay for the labor. I was very frank with them in letting them know as an owner of one of these vehicles this should be the last thing to worry about.
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:53 PM.

story-0
Toyota and Lexus Join Mille Miglia For The First Time

Slideshow: A five-car lineup spanning more than five decades of Toyota performance and engineering will tackle one of Italy's most celebrated automotive routes.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-15 16:53:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???

Slideshow: a quick review of the 2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport Handling

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-18 14:36:21


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Lexus daily drivers

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 11:14:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)

These five Lexus and Toyota models are the most sought-after on the market right now.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 10:47:52


VIEW MORE
story-4
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

Slideshow: the 2026 IS 350 isn't all that new, and that's why we love it!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-04 14:35:23


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

Slideshow: 10 most confusing things Lexus has ever done.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-04 09:40:55


VIEW MORE
story-6
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

Slideshow: Our First-Drive Review of the 2026 Lexus ES!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-29 20:30:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

Slideshow: 10 Lexus bargain that are cheaper than a new Toyota.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 10:28:20


VIEW MORE
story-8
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

Slideshow: From hoverboards to luxury yachts, these are the strangest projects Lexus has ever attached its badge to.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-16 11:34:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE