97 Shifter Light Problem

[eman_be_lexin]

Has anyone had a problem with the light in the shifter on the console go out. If so, Can it be easilly replaced? My 97 light has gone out and I don't want to take it to the dealer to get fixed if it is just a bulb.

[lexusk8]

No problems here. It doesn't hurt to try this method: You could try lightly smacking the plastic area of the shifter console (where the P, R, N, D, 2, L are located) and see if that works. If you're lucky, the bulb (if there IS a bulb) will get moved to the correct position and make proper contact again.

Just a crazy suggestion, no guarantees, but again it doesn't hurt to try :)

[Fern]

You can check out this link for the "D" drive light on dash replacement.

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread...15&pagenumber=3

The link is for instructions on the RX300 but I can't see the es300 being much different.

Cheers,

Fern

[steviej]

the only difference would be the location of the shifter. I think the RX is easier to take the covering off the console.

sj

[eman_be_lexin]

Fern- Thanks for the link however I think the instructions are how to change individual bulbs on the console. The dealership told me that there is one central bulb under the console that lights the display. I need to figure out how to get the console off. There are no visible screws to take it off.

[lexusk8]

I need to figure out how to get the console off. There are no visible screws to take it off.

I believe you first have to pry out the wood trim that surrounds the shifter console. Use a flathead with some electrical tape around it so as not to crack any of the pried out parts. That would be the first thing I'd do. From there, all the wirings and little gadgets should be exposed, and hopefully you can figure out where the shifter console is lighted up.

[HubJunky1]

This is a pretty easy repair -

Like the last poster commented, pry off the wood surrounding the shifter, then you will see the whole shift area exposed. There are 4 points where the top of the shift trim clips on, just pry those up carefully and lift up the place (the part that has P R N D on it). Down inside there is a wedge type bulb that you can buy at radio shack or most auto parts stores, fairly common size bulb. There is a green sleeve over the bulb that is responsible for the color of the light, just pull that off and slip it on your new bulb, pop it in and you're all done!

Hope this helps

Sean

[eman_be_lexin]

Thanks you all are a very big help.