One of the three bulbs (the left-most) which backlight my AC settings panel has died. So I'm left with a rather un-elegant looking sterio panel area.

I took it to Lexus, and was told that the bulbs themselves cost $12 each, but it would take 1.5 hours worth of labor (about $150)... after further inspection, the returned and told me that the bulbs could not be replaced, and I would need to replace the entire head unit ($550), plus labor.

Has anyone else run into this problem here?

How was it fixed? How much?

Is there a way to do this on my own (I'm not very mechanical, but I can't afford to replace everything)?

Thanks

 

WOW... This has been covered a few times

Try using the search function

 

I've tried searching for other threads addressing this (and will continue to do so), but I've been unlucky so far. Most other threads seem to address the dash lighting (speedometer etc.), which is fine on my car.

My problem lies with the backlighting where the AC controls and displays are.

Would you (or anyone reading this) be so kind as to post a link to another thread you may know of... or provide some information that may be helpful...

I'm thinking I'll just have to put up with the bad lighting for lack of cash...

But advice would be helpful.

Thanks

 

from what i remember, you could change the bulbs. try asking lex400sc. but for some reason, this other guy who works on lexus cars all day long said that you have to replace the whole AC face thing. but don't quote me on that

 

I sympathize - the center bulb is out in my AC control panel - I found some stuff on the UK Lexus Soarer site - the backlights in the unit are apparently soldered in, and the control module has to be disassembled once it is removed - a lot of work - I have the skills and the tools to fix it, but so far no time - it will probably be a winter project.

I found (somewhere) a procedure on replacing the bulbs, but the pictures were crappy (out of focus) and the guy's work was kinda sloppy. When I do my fix, I will do it carefully (I'm **** about that stuff) and will replace all 3 bulbs at once, and will take lots of digital pix and post 'em.

Another reason the Lexus dealer backed off is they can't find the right bulbs in their parts system - they are just supposed to sell you a whole new module ($$$) - the hell with that! I did read (somewhere!) that you can't drive the car without the AC module connected, since it talks to the engine ecu...

 

Mine died like 4 days ago, and I asked then

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=50754

You can see someone was able to help me out on how to do it. I ordered the bulbs today, and will do the install myself as soon as they come in.

Ill let you know how it goes

 

here's a thread that might be helpful.
a/c climate control lights

has the part number of the bulb(4-6$ea) that is pretty much the same except they come with a green sleve, but you can use your old sleve/color.
install isn't very hard imo.
good luck