The light that illuminates the gears, next to the shifter ****, is out. I removed the wood trim and pried up the black plastic surround cover. I can see the bulb (it is a tiny green bulb) but don't see how to remove it. I wiggled it, and it lit up momentarily, but went back out. How do I remove the bulb?

Related subject - where do I find a replacement bulb?

 

Your question, though only partially answered, was asked earlier this month:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ulb-blown.html

 

Has anyone figured out how to do this? I got the wood trim pieces off but couldn't get the black plastic shifter gate off. Also, I haven't been able to find a part # for a replacement bulb.

Ideas?


Thanks...

Neil

 

Does anyone know how to replace the shifter light bulb? I can't figure out how to remove the black shifter gate. I know it snaps into place but can't get it lose.

Thanks...

 

To replace the bulb, first get a #74 bulb. They are clear because there is a green rubber sleeve on the bulb that you must peel off and transfer to the new bulb.. I bought two from Auto Zone for about $5.00.

Total time is about 10 minutes.

Insert your fingers under the wood trim, gently lift from the bottom until it releases. Remove wood trim. Apply parking brake, remove tab from gear shifter and move shifter into neutral. Insert fingers under wood trim piece that contains the lighter, seat heaters and headlight wash button. Gently pull this piece out. There is enough cable to allow it stay connected and hang on the side.

Looking down at the black shifting console, there are three tabs that need to be bent and the black cover lifted. One is on the top right, one on the lower right side and one on the lower left side. You can see the three tabs in one of the attached photos. Do this carefully or you will break off the tabs as i did. It requires some force to lift it. Once free, reach under and disconnect the connector on the upper left side.

Now you should see the clear plastic piece with the green light on the lower left side. There are four tabs that you must gently bend to lift this piece. Again, I accidentally broke one of the tabs. They are very brittle.

I used this as an opportunity to clean up the black plastic slide through which the shift lever protrudes.

Gently pull the green bulb straight out. It is like a christmas tree bulb. Peel back the green cover, apply to the new bulb and insert the new bulb. Turn on the car and confirm it works. Replace the clear plastic. replace the black cover, insert the trim piece with the lighter and seat heater, replace the wood trim around the shifter.

Good luck

 

Welcome to Club Lexus, Chicagojoe, and thank you for the the thorough write-up. Would you have any comments as to the thought of using an LED wedge bulb instead of a the standard 74 wedge bulb? Such as one of the following:

http://www.superbrightleds.com/searc...wedge-base/74/

Wondering if one was to purchase a blue LED if it would look better and go with the other blue interior lights. Or, if one were to purchase a green LED to give a stock look. In both cases just forgo the green cover over the bulb.

Just thinking out loud...

 

Only one way to find out.... Somebody has to be the guinea pig!

 

The ECT light in that area is a different light source and is also green(ish) I think, so one many want to stay with stock. If I have to order any LCDs I might have one of those thrown in to test with. Pointless to just purchase one bulb online.

 

Since were on this subject, does the 12v power outlet have a back light? I think mine burned out.

 

Class, anyone? ^^^^

 

With paitence, I'll check tomorrow and report back to you. Redoing all interior to LED's

 

Subscribing to see what the LED's look like vs stock bulbs. Thought about a blue or maybe white shift light.

 

Hey thanks man. I appreciate that. I think I remember it being lit at night, but it isn't now.

 

12v adapter (cig lighter socket) has a very low lumen lamp, updated the shifter to blue led, much better. Will post pics later

 

Thanks Cartman, I appreciate it.