WT-i, tks - never had this problem on the '99, hopefully Toy fixed it in later years with a 50-year grade bulb!

 

And remember not to turn the key on while the cluster is out, else you get an airbag warning light that won't go away until it is reset.

 

BGRX: this is why I take this stuff to the dealer if I can, and can afford it. tks

The 2 screws are obvious, how is the ignition trim removed? these trim pieces always drive me nuts.

 

The iginition trim has 2 clips that hold it in place. One is to the bottom left of the piece, just below 8 o'clock on the ignition ring. The other clip is to the upper-left of the ignition ring(around 11 o'clock. According the the manual, there are no clips on the right side. FYI, there are 3 clips on the mirror control/seat memory trim piece. One is directly above the mirror controls, another is between the bottom of the mirror control and the security light and the last is to the upper-right of the seat memory buttons.

 

Thanks.
Finally got it replaced!

Eph

 

BGREX, great, tks,
hoping I never need it though!

 

Me too. I have the intensity on my cluster turned down as far as it will go and still be lit. Hopefully the bulb will still be burning in another 5 years.

 

I keep mine turned down also, I don't like the overlit instrument area - yea hope it keeps the bulb lit -

geez Lexus put in some higher rated bulbs. If they used a bulb rated for a higher voltage they could get a bulb that'd last ages. Hope they did for the '03! Time will tell.

 

At least it's just one bulb and not the whole cluster like some of the older SC's. Could be worse.

 

Normally, these lights go out on older or higher mileage cars. "D" goes out first, as that is the gear it is in most often. I have never seen a car/SUV that new, with the light already out. My old 1993 Toyota Camry with 212,000 miles had "D" light out on the instrument panel. Luckily, my 1990 Lexus still has the "D" light working properly. Seems like they would have a recall on them, but I guess they do not consider it a safety issue.

 

I played around with the cluster light control, it doesn't seem to affect the drive bulb light or other shift status lights. Hoping Lexus has learned to upgrade this light!

 

My wifes 01 with 97k on it has just gone out. It took 10 minutes and $2.00 to replace. Come on people dont be so critical, its a bulb for gods sake. look at it this way, it is more than likely a U.S company that makes them. Ever see how many Chevy trucks that the drl light is out on one side? It's kinda funny, every other one I see is burned out.

 

May be I missed something here...but did anyone mention what the bulb type or number it is that needs to be replaced? I had the service dept from local Lexus dealer on the phone yesterday and I asked about it. He told me he couldnt quote me cause some of the panels are more complicated to remove. He also told me he didnt have the bulb in stock. Although he didnt tell me which bulb it was.

Anyone who already did it please let me know.

thanks

J

 

toyo, do you have advice how to quickly change the bulb? Several have indicated it is a major job.

 

That's right. Com'on Toyo, tell us how you get the instrument cluster and 3 pieces of trim out and back in ten minutes...