Howdy,

I'm relatively new to Club Lexus, and the RX300. Back in December we traded our '94 LS400 for a 2000 RX, AWD, 38K miles. So far so good, but I do have a question. The instrument panel lighting seems very dim, very hard to read in the bright sun light. I have the brightness control **** turned to the brightest position, but it still seems dim. Is this normal? I had to have the instrument panel circuit boards replaced in my LS, so I'm very "sensitive" to any instrument panel issue. The problem in the LS was that the instrument panel wouldn't come on at all when the temp was cold, but would eventually come on after the car warmed up. This is a common problem in the 1st gen LS and has been discussed thoroughly in the LS forum. But when illuminated the instrument panel in the LS was very bright and clear, even in the brightest sunlight.

I'm going to take it in shortly for some other warranty consideration issues such as the tailgate struts which won't raise the tailgate without help, and the transmission seems to make a whining noise, mostly noticeable just prior to changing into second gear. Anyway, would appreciate any comments or suggestions.

Thanks ...

 

I haven't read anything about instrument cluster brightness but you might try using the search function on this site - It's a pretty good feature.

My own experience on my '99 has been as I would expect, readable in sun light unless sun is streaming in directly on the instruments.

Anyone else?

 

My own experience with my '01 RX is the same. Under bright lighting the screen becomes illegible. Also, if you turn on your headlights during the day forget it, the screen disappears. This is the only feature I dislike with the RX and wish they had done something different. I'm also sick of the blue color that reminds me of a computer crash. Any way to change the color?

 

roger,

I agree. I drive with lights on all the time (guess I've driven too many miles to not want all the visibility I can get) and the dimmed screen is a problem - it's on my list of things to alter if possible.

However, I'm afraid we are stuck with blue!

 

Hey guys, thanks for responses. I did a search and found one prior thread that "touched" on the subject. Seems that not much has been written on the instrument panel brightness, but there are several posts about the brightness (or lack thereof) of the computer display. I have also noticed our computer display seems weak at times. I guess I've got nothing to lose, so I'll go ahead and bring it up when I take it in. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get the "that's normal for this year/model" routine , but what the heck.

Thanks again ...

 

from your reply I guess I misunderstood your question. I have had no problems with the gauges in front of the steering wheel just the computer display as you call it. In fact the brightness can be set way too bright for my liking. I would think you have a problem that needs attention.

 

Sorry for the confusion. Yes, the speedometer, tach, fuel gage, etc. is what I'm talking about. Thanks to your response, I am now reassured and feel I can "push" the issue at the dealership. Thanks again ...