Fix a 1993 Lexus SC400 Dash Light Bulb Replacement

[Metalunique]

The Lexus coup, be the 300 or 400, are the most beautifulest cars, outside of Jaguars, ever made. I'm currently on the market for one as the Coup has always been my dream car. I think I'm going to lean towards the 400. No sense on getting the 300 just to gain a few extra miles on gas...I know that these coups are notorious for bad power str. pumps, which in turn, leak fluid into the alt. killing it as well. How hard is this job. Do you have anything on this? What about the starter? great videos!

[micahj89]

Hey I have a 92 sc400 and I just replaced the battery but now the headlights stay on when the switch is turned to off and there's a constant beeping coming from the inside of the car even with the doors closed/locked. Do you know how I can fix this? Thanks

[TheRoadcarreview]

@micahj89 That's a new one for me. sounds like either a fuse blew or when replacing the battery you have some how pinched a wire to the ground which now completes a circuit. Unplug the battery and pull it looking for any damage to the harness.

[JOHNINCOLUMBUS]

Excellent instructions.

[TheRoadcarreview]

@jaydobem The good thing about Lexus is things are pretty easy to get to. Under the hood I believe on the right side of the car is the fuse box. Just pen it up and the diagram should tell you which fuse is which. If not the manual in the glove box will. Sorry I can't be more specific. I'm no where near the car right now.

[dknsoul]

hey man i like you videos, how much did u pay for the bulb?

[FeroshiaCourtora]

the needle lights for the gas gage and the speedometer went out (they are usually red). How do I fix that or is there a way to fix it?

[TheRoadcarreview]

@FeroshiaCourtora The problem is not the bulbs it's the neon in the gauges. .youtube.com/watch?v=zESeIRwHc­f0 take a look at this video on how to replace the gauges; however it may be a cheaper endeavor to send it off to lextech and have them rebuild the neon instead of replacing the gauges. Good luck

[form109]

@TheRoadcarreview the Needle Pointers themselves are LED in the ES,GS and SC of this Era while the LS 400 is Electroluminescent.

[form109]

@FeroshiaCourtora what kind of Lexus do you have and what year is it?

[FeroshiaCourtora]

@form109 I have a Lexus SC400 1992

[Metalunique]

@FeroshiaCourtora How you like it? I think they're one of the most bitchin' rides ever made.

[FeroshiaCourtora]

@Metalunique I love this car so much! I have a 92 SC 400

[Metalunique]

@FeroshiaCourtora I hear ya. I'm fascinated by them too. In fact, I'm in the market for one right now. I'll post my find.. Let me know how your makin' out with yours.

[FeroshiaCourtora]

@Metalunique mine is doing really well. I put in new radiator, it complains when you don't put in premium. Just listen to what it wants. always check the oil. simple little things keep it going. it is the best car I have ever had.

[FeroshiaCourtora]

@form109 

[Supraguy23]

This is a great video but do you have one to fix the needles on the gauge cluster so they will light up again??

[TheRoadcarreview]

@adg4499 No polarity issues in how it is put in. I'd only replace that holder if it is really burnt. Clean all connections so that they make good contact. I know this may sound stupid even since you have the knowledge to take your cluster out; however check the dimmer switch and make sure it is turned up.

[adg4499]

So do you have to be sure to get the polarity correct when putting the light bulb in? Or does it not matter which way the light bulb is placed? I replaced the light bulbs and the dash still looks dim. Also if the sockets are a little black from a burnt out light bulb should they be replaced also?

Thanks

[NeteruSC300]

What is the purpose of the little "bulb condoms" you pointed out? seems like they would actually hionder the light output, no?

what would happen if i removed them and just reinserted the bulbs without them? wouldn't the light output be brighter?

[TheRoadcarreview]

@NeteruSC300 I think it is more of a tint or something that defuses the light. That's just my opinion.

[itzmehsamsta]

I have a 1993 Lexus sc 400 and I want to put projector lights on mine... Is their a video you can make to show me how to put it in?

[TheRoadcarreview]

@itzmehsamsta Sorry to say these were my last videos I produced on the SC400. I had a ton of shoots ready for this summer,; however found myself needing to commute 110 miles a day. As you know the SC400 is not a good snow car. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make, but I let my baby go.

[jhamestan]

i've got 99 galant and the dash light is not working. the bulb number was 158 but i try to use # 161 and it didnt work but the bulb is fit.. i bought the 161 because they dont have 158 availble.. my question is.. am i really gonna use the same nummber of the bulb?? or there's a problem with my dash board besides the bulb? thanks hope you can help me with this.

[TheRoadcarreview]

@jhamestan Since the type of car and how the electronics works between the two are different, I'm really not sure, however I would look at the original bulb as close as you can. Check the filament..if it is broken then the bulb is bad and if your new bulb doesn't work compare the power that is needed to run the new one. If it is a 12v hook up a battery and run some power through both bulbs and see if they light...just make sure you throw the right power on it before you do it.

[NeteruSC300]

Do they sell those bulbs on ebay? what name/type of bulbs are they?

[TheRoadcarreview]

@NeteruSC300 I'm not sure I'd go that way if you only need the bulbs. They are like $6 each at the dealer, however a really good internet dealer is Bell Lexus in AZ. (800) 860-3716 ask for internet parts, they may be cheaper. They have been on all of the other pieces I've ordered from them. You do have shipping. I'd also check with Lextech.com your best bet is to send it to them.

[NeteruSC300]

@TheRoadcarreview thanks!

[antibootleg]

thanks!



[Rodbattle33]

hey i got a 92 sc300 and my my left 3 needles went out and i did what you did and change the bulb but nothing and i was wondering how you make the needle glow up again

[TheRoadcarreview]

@Rodbattle33 The needles are Neon. Sorry to say they are not bulb replacements. There are two methods to fix the problem. One replace the gauges...the other is to take it out and send it to lextech.org They can refurbish the neon. I have another how to on how to replace a gauge...but the best way is just to send it in. $169 plus shipping is a great deal. Best of Luck

[TheRoadcarreview]

@Rodbattle33 The needles are Neon. Sorry to say they are not bulb replacements. There are two methods to fix the problem. One replace the gauges...the other is to take it out and send it to lextech org They can refurbish the neon. I have another how to on how to replace a gauge...but the best way is just to send it in. $169 plus shipping is a great deal. Best of Luck

[241guppy]

Hi Lee,

Interested in buying a 93 SC400 and the one of the needles is flickering and hesitant on buying becouse of all the issues of the LCD lighting on dash cluster and temp controll screen as well. Wanted to know if you know of a perminant fix?

[TheRoadcarreview]

@241guppy Don't discount the car because of the neon issues with the cluster. As long at it is clean and hasn't been abused this is but a minor issue. I've had both of my major needles flickering now for a good 6 years without any other problem. I'll have them fixed once they burn out. When they do..you can't see a thing. I've replaced both the fuel and water temp gauges. But you can fix them. lextech.org The fix is cheap...

[KahnBB6]

Lee, I will be following your fuel gauge DIY next week when I am back in town. Again, I can't thank you enough for the instructions! Since I am going to be in there, I thought I'd replace my main bulbs anyway.

Question: I have obtained three Lexus SC cluster bulb part numbers from Carson Toyota for Blue, Green and one that is an unknown color. Do you happen to know if the bulbs you replaced in THIS video were any of these?

Green 83109-24040, Blue 83119-24570, Unknown 90099-53007

Thanks!

[TheRoadcarreview]

@KahnBB6 It was GREEN 83109-24040, however they refer to the GREEN as the bulb holder, what you will find...at least I found that everything looked correct. The bulb had a GREEN rubber condom on it like the original, but it was of a smaller size. I'm thinking there was either an issue with my bulb or there is an issue with the information Lexus/Toyota provided. I drove 150 miles round trip just to pick the part up and to make sure it was the correct bulb. Best bet...Order one of each.

[KahnBB6]

@TheRoadcarreview Got it. There seems to be no other way to be sure. I'll buy one of all three for comparison, thanks!

[TheRoadcarreview]

@KahnBB6 Tell them you know somebody who order one and made sure it was the perfect match but it was not. They should allow you to return what you don't need.  It's not normally a stock item...at least for me it was not. Best of luck!

[pimpedd]

i have a 2001 gmc truck all lights work except for the odometer ... any ides ?

[TheRoadcarreview]

@pimpedd I'm not familiar with GMC models, however the Lexus has numerous bulbs that illuminate the entire console. Because GMC models are not neon, it sounds as though it is a burnt out bulb. I would also consult with the dealer.

[pjkok3]

Lee

Thanks again for reply

Paul

[pjkok3]

Lee

Thanks again for the comments! The mystery is that BOTH motors failed almost together. There is no urgency. Will tear into it when weather is better. Any hints about a lazy seat belt retractor? (driver's belt)

Paul

[TheRoadcarreview]

@pjkok3 My wife's RX330 has that depending on the weather...mine has been fine. Those coiled springs inside could have lost their tension. You just gave me something else to look at.

[pjkok3]

Lee, Thanks for quick reply. (I tore into my antenna also--broken rack!!) Do you think switch or motors on seat problem? Cold here also (Fresno, CA) Take out seat and feed current to motor(s)? Just found your site! Thanks.

Paul

[TheRoadcarreview]

@pjkok3 That would be the first step, however make sure you feed the correct current to the motor. Most auto part stores can test your motor for free. Since you made the statement that it progressively slowed down. Sounds to me the motor was seizing. If the motor runs then just to make sure, bypass the switch. If the motor runs without the switch then it is the switch. Sounds as though you are not scared to get into your car. If it is the motor take it apart, what do you have to lose?

[pjkok3]

Hi Lee

I have 1996 SC400. Have changed bulbs before, good video. My driver side seat

control elevator switch won't work. Both up and down slowly gave out at the same time! Fore and aft works. No outward sign of foreign object(s) underneath. Any

ideas?

Paul

paulkasparian@att.net

[TheRoadcarreview]

@pjkok3 I'll have to look at mine a little closer this week, however I've found with most Lexus parts if you just take them out and apart you can figure out what makes them tick. I'd first just pull the seat out of the car. 4 bolts hold it in.  Be careful to cover the feet for they can scratch other parts. Duct tape works well.

Use this also a great opportunity to shampoo and clean your carpet. disconnect all of the electronics. Check to see if all your plugs are connected. Try that first.

[TheRoadcarreview]

@pjkok3 Paul, let's go one step further. This sounds like a problem I had with my antenna. It progressively got slower then stopped. I just got the guts and tore it apart and found that water had penetrated the motor and more specifically where the bushings met the power wheel. There was a rust build up that prevented the motor from turning. A little sandpaper, motor grease and I was back in business. It's below 20 degrees in the garage right now or I'd just film it.

[xevilninja]

GREAT video, wish this existed when I replaced my bulb with leds.

Just ran into a problem 2nd time I decided to change colors, i bought a tri led bulb and used trial and error to find polarity, within 5 seconds of replacing 4 bulbs with the leds, turning car on, it started smoking. Immediately pulled the cluster out, reopened everything, and saw some fried wires....

How do you determine the polarity on the bulbs so I won't do this next time?

[TheRoadcarreview]

@xevilninja To tell you the truth, I really didn't think about the polarity when I replaced mine. I just figured there was only one way to put them in. From what you are saying it sounds like an LED is an entirely different animal. I wonder if any of the other viewers can enlighten us both?

[NeteruSC300]

Aweome DIY!

My instrument cluste neddles are burnt out. is there alight bulb for them too? if so, Can you make a DIY showing how to replace the needles lights...

[TheRoadcarreview]

@NeteruSC300 The needle lights are neon and it really is a gauge replacement. When my gauges went out, Fuel and Water I just replaced those. Review the video on how to replace the gauges. I do remember when I replaced mine there was someone that re-filled the neon. The cost was around $299. I'm not sure if that company is still in business. Try an internet search on Neon replacement.

[KahnBB6]

THANK YOU for this instructional video! Pictures are the best teaching tools.

I do not (yet) have issues with my dash cluster lights or needles but I am trying to find a way to repair the dash fuel gauge that is not reading accurately in my 1993 SC300 5-speed. It's needle will never fully reach the "full" mark and only goes down to the 1/4 mark. I have replaced the tank fuel sender but that did not solve the problem. Could you do a video on how to replace or repair the faulty dash gauge?

[TheRoadcarreview]

@KahnBB6 Let me work on that one in the next week or so. At least before the Holidays. It is really the same process, however you have to go just a little deeper in the cluster. My fuel gauge is slow once the tank is full but it finally gets there. If you subscribe to the channel when I put a new one up you will automatically be notified. Thanks for watching

[KahnBB6]

@TheRoadcarreview Thank you! I have read about early model 90-95 LS400's having this same issue and that it requires soldering in new capacitors to the circuit board. I am familiar with soldering if this is the case. My alternative is to send the cluster away for repair and I'd rather avoid that if I can fix it at home.

[TheRoadcarreview]

@KahnBB6 I've got some time to shoot tomorrow. I'll have it up soon

[KahnBB6]

@TheRoadcarreview Thank you very much! :)  I'm looking forward to the video.

[hotwheels1964]

my temp gauge and gas gauge wont light up is it a bulb or circuit board

[TheRoadcarreview]

@hotwheels1964 It depends. Is it the needles of the gauges or the light area behind the gauge? It is very common for the neon in the needles to go out. When I replaced mine they were under $200 each. I've had great success with a Lexus dealer in Arizona. bellexus.com When you call ask specifically for internet parts. I've purchased most all of my parts there and I live in Indiana.

If the lights behind the needles are no longer working, I'd think it was the bulbs.