Hey all,

I have owned an 97+ SC400 for the last 2 years now and just had a random question about the gauge clusters. As we know the clusters always burn out on these cars. Needles and lights everything that can burn out will. I know the 5 speed auto Lexus's came with different clusters and used what seems to be a different gauge style. My question was do these gauges burn out as easily? I’ve been running brightness a couple clicks down to “preserve” my cluster but I don’t know if it is really needed since maybe this cluster doesn’t have issues. If it does have issues please include what they are

thanks fellas!

 

Although i don't have any hard evidence I owned my '00 for 4 or 5 years and never had issues with burnt lighting on the cluster whereas my '95 came with burnt needles and half the bulbs out. Regardless a 97+ cluster won't plug in to a pre-97 car, since pre-97 clusters have 3 connectors to the 97+'s 1 connector. Repairing the older clusters is easy though and can be done by anyone that knows how to solder. Bought needles and bulbs from Tanin and put them in within a few hours.

 

It seems to me that a lot of the little electrical problems from early years aren't really seem in the 97+ and really the 98+ cars.

 

97 plus use different backlighting and needles. They don’t burn out or break like the first gen’s

 

That has been my observation as well. I noticed this with other newer Lexus’ of that era like the later LS400’s and LS430’s. Those gauge clusters are much brighter.

 

Just a quick correction here, pre-97 has 4 connectors and 97+ have 3 connectors on the back. I know this because I replaced my original '92 cluster with a 97 cluster (had the mileage re-programmed to match). I patched the 97 harness in with my 92 so I can still go back between them if needed.