I think I'm going to remove the dash myself and do what you're recommending. Thanks. I'll update when the repair is complete.
I just did this to my 94 LS400 today, worked like a charm! The capacitors cost 25 cents each at the local surplus store, it took about 20 minutes to remove from the car, 20 minutes to disassemble, 40 minutes to do the repair (being REALLY careful soldering), and 30 minutes to reassemble and reinstall.
Now, EVERYTHING works great, gauges, dimmer, fuel level, lights, everything. Total fix for less than a buck and 2 hours work.
DO NOT buy a replacement from Lexus, because it will come with the same junk capacitors that the original had, and you'll be back where you started in the not so distant future!
Hope yours goes as well as mine did.
