Hello all,
There is this 1992 SC400 I am interested in buying. However, the instrument display panel may have a problem. The red illumination of the needles on the tach, speedometer, etc. is flickering and uneven. Is this problem easily fixed by replacing the two capacitators on the circuit board, as described on the "Faulty Combination Meters" page at the UK Soarer website (http://www.jkwebdesign.co.uk/lexuscl...ationmeter.htm[/url])? Or should I pass on this car? Thanks.

 

HI, cloudnine
I just got my sc400, '93. and have exact same problem. This is common problem for lexus and I heard this is related to the high temperature. It is annoying to drive without red illumination since you have no idea how fast you are driving at night, but i'm getting used to it.
here is links, they might help.
https://www.clublexus.com/vb/showthr...ghlight=needle
https://www.clublexus.com/vb/showthr...ghlight=needle

You can just change the needle but the Lexus dealers dont sell those single needle instead you have to purchase whole unit, which will cost around $500-600.
You can go to one of local junk yard and look for it. no guarantee!

I have seen the UK soarer website before but I'm not sure if it's same issue.

Btw, did you check if there are any other problems other than this needle problem on your car? Power Steering pump, alternator, A/C, tires, belts, brakes, etc..
How many miles on it? mine has high miles but runs really good.

Let us know

 

It is great to be able to talk to you guys! My needle was dead just in the middle section and the gas gauge was dark too, but somehow they started working again. I have only had the car for 2 weeks, so I am just learning.

So far I have had to "reboot" my car 3 times, and I am worried I was sold a SC with electrical problems... just great considering my aftermarket warranty does not cover the diagnostic time!!

I go in the car went to turn the key and nothing. radio played fine map light fine, no turnover. I got out of the car hit the lock button on the key... unlocked the car, got in and it started fine...

Then another time, the car started just fine, but no power door locks, no trunk release and no seat motors... they are all on different circuits... what is up with that. I screwed with everything- the valet key, the fuses, etc.... finally I took the negative terminal off of the battery, waited a minute and put it back on... everything was back to normal.

I also can't explain why my seat heaters don't work, my dome light, and the floorboard light on just the passenger side.

Any ideas?? Poltergeist?:eek:

P.S. Try taking off the battery lead... maybe that would fix your problem... I am not kidding. It is the equivalent of a computer reboot...

 

Taka, the various systems in this car seem just fine, since the owner is religious about taking the car to the local Lexus dealer for all services. (This is a car I'm thinking of buying, and I will obtain the service record from the dealership, as soon as it opens Monday morning.) The only problem is with the gauge needles. They're still clearly visible; it's just that they flicker, and the intensity of the red illumination varies along the length of each needle. By the way, I found out that the discussion on combination meters on the UK Soarer club's site is irrelevant to us, since the gauges in US and non-US cars are completely different. I have, however, read the links you referred to, and will now look for an instrument cluster from a crashed Lexus. You've been a great help already; thanks.