The following is an intermittent problem with the backlighting for the Multi-Display in a 2004 RX330 without navigation. This has been going on for at least a year and does not seem dependent on weather nor temperature as it happens at the most random of occurrences.

The Multi-Display is where the outside temperature, clock, HVAC temp controls, cruising range, etc. are shown in the non-navigation equipped RX.

Every now and then when I hop in my RX at night I will notice that the backlighting for the Multi-Display is not working and therefore I cannot see the information shown there. I can tell the data is being displayed and all the buttons function as they should if I shine a flashlight on the matter. Pressing the INFO button does toggle through the system as it should. Pressing the BRIGHTNESS button does nothing. The Instrument Panel Light control does its job in adjusting the brightness of the gauges and is separate from my problem.

Eventually, the backlighting just decides to start working again. Usually just a few miles down the road. For months afterwards there will be no problem until for no reason it will happen again.

My guess is that time has taken its toll on the bulb(s) or other parts involved in the backlighting for this area much like what happened with the backlighting for the PRNDL display for the gear shift. Is anyone familiar with this particular assembly and what would be required to get at the lighting? What bulb(s) might be in use here? Has anyone else had a lighting problem with the Multi-Display? Am hoping this is not a major project.

 

I vaguely remember reading somewhere that the back-lighting on the Multi-Info Display (MID) is Thin Film Transistor (TFT). I don't have any experience with them, but I think some of the guys on the 2nd gen GS forum were discussing it, as the gauges on the 2nd gen GS are also TFT back-lit? They might have some ideas as to why this might be happening. I personally haven't had any problems with my MID.